Memorial Weekend...

Memorial weekend was picture perfect, we had a blank canvas and painted a beautiful portrait. The beginning of our glorious weekend started Friday afternoon with a visit to the playground at Seneca Lake State Park. The kids played while I enjoyed the sun...




We ended up dipping our feet in the water and having a little snack by the shore before it was time to head home.






Saturday we found ourselves back at the lake for opening day at the spray park. It was on this day I saw my two babies interact with each other in a way that warmed my heart and sent tingles through my body. I saw them become best friends. I watched them grab hands and run through the spraying water together, nothing could separate them. Right before my eyes Natalie evolved into the "big sister" I knew she could be. She was protective and proud to have have her brother as her forever friend. Ryland took Natalie's hand and didn't seem to be afraid that she might pull him to the ground. Instead she carefully guided him through the water, both laughing the entire way. Natalie and Ryland have started to show a genuine concern for one another...it makes me proud :)






Sunday morning the kids and I had breakfast by the lake, the morning was so quiet and peaceful...besides the little tug-of-war the kids had at Dunkin Donuts, all over who would carry the bag :)





Sunday afternoon we had an impromptu BBQ with the Pool Family. The kids played, the adults relaxed and most importantly the food was delicious!






Daddy took a couple of pictures of me and my babies before bed.




Memorial Day morning we took a bike ride around town.



That same day we gathered with family and friends at Taughannock State Park for a picnic and a birthday party for Kacey.





On Memorial Day we honored many heroes...my grandfather is one.

Happy 5th birthday Kacey!



On the way home...



Maybe a little too much fun?



All good things must come to an end...
Just a little taste of summertime fun, there's lots to look forward to!


(Getting back to our normal routine on a rainy Tuesday, the kids were ready to see Ms. Millie after a long weekend.)

A warm day in May...

Today was a very warm day for the month of May. Since it was too early in the season for Grandma's pool or the spray park, we broke out the old sprinkler and made our own fun right at home! Sometimes I forget how much excitement there is right outside our own front door. Today seemed like the perfect day to welcome in the warm weather with all of the outdoor activities that we love. The sprinkler, side walk chalk, and tricycles have been stored away for way too long! It seemed like we could finally say goodbye to the cold New York weather...at least for a couple of months anyway.








Natalie was crawling around on all fours and Ryland joined in on the fun! Natalie made sure to tell me that they were frogs, I thought they looked more like crabs.




Who knew that wet chalk could be so much fun!



What better way is there to end a day like this?



Welcome back summer, we missed you!

A special visit to Grandpa and Grandma's house

This past Saturday I decided to take the kids (Natalie, Ryland, Winston and Ada) to Ithaca to visit Grandpa and Grandma "Tookles", as Natalie and Ryland would say. Daddy was working over the weekend so we were struggling to find something fun to do. What I thought would be the average visit turned out to be one of the best times we've had in a long time!

As soon as we turned down Bostwick Rd. the dogs started jumping around, rocking the car back and forth because of their uncontainable excitement. When they finally got out after the long ride they did their usual routine. First they said hello to their friend Betty, then they sniffed around the property and finally Winston walked around and marked all of the trees. The fresh country air and the freedom to roam around with no worries of the road or a neighbor is something that can't be explained.


All of the excitement that day seemed to tire all of us out. The kids and I settled the dogs in for bed and got ready for bed ourselves. That evening Natalie and mom got to spend some much needed quality girl time together. Since we all sleep in the same room together I usually put Ryland to bed first, this gave the girls a little time to have fun! I braided Natalie's hair and painted her nails, she was in heaven!

The next morning we all woke up early, except for Grandpa. At 5:30am I made the desperate coffee run for Grandma and I. By 6:30am the kids were outside playing, still in their pajamas. We set up a lovely tea party on the deck and enjoyed the fresh morning air. Winston and Ada joined us for tea of course...they are English!






After our little "pajama" tea party the kids and I went for a "pajama" hike. We took all three dogs for a walk and swim in the stream. It was such a peaceful morning. Even though we all got a little muddy and had to take a bath afterwards, it was well worth it!




The day continued to be very eventful. We went to church and then Natalie and Ryland got to eat lunch with their cousins, Kacey and Kaleb. We gave everyone a nap at Grandma's and then packed the kids up in the car to go to the bounce playground at the Ithaca Mall.
(Natalie and Ryland dancing to the music at church)


(The boys after lunch)



After all of the back to back fun during our stay it was time to get on the road and head home...saying goodbye, even for a little while is never easy. Our usual goodbye means lots of hugs, kisses and saying "I love you" 101 times. As I drive down the long drive way we stick our hands out the window and wave goodbye. Grandma and Grandpa always stand out front (no matter what the weather) and wave until we're out of sight. Once they're no longer visible out my window I always feel a little emotional, I don't think that will ever change.

This was definitely one of the best weekends we've had in a long time, it will be hard to top! Thanks mom and dad for making our stay so magical!