Upstate

Today Daddy took the afternoon off work so we could go and say goodbye to his Grandmother (our children's great grandmother) who was visiting from FL). Before going to see "Granny", we stopped by my friend's house to wish her a happy birthday, played a bit, then continued on to a park where I spent countless summers as a child.

Man that tree brings back memories :-)

The bridge where I used to fish is gone.  The waterfall that I used to walk across was rebuilt by Daddy's brother who now works at the park. 

And then we went off to enjoy one last dinner with Nanny & Granny - and once again in the pouring rain 9:30 PM ventured home.

Thinking I have to get a summer house back "home" - so we don't have to travel back and forth so much - but loving where I live :-)  

Spongebob

With the warmer temps today you know we enjoyed our friend Marisa's pool :-)

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank God at having made the decision to hold Matteo for a year - next year at this time I don't know what I will do without him.

And really did we need such an obvious article??? 

spongebob

Apple picking

8:50 AM the phone rings and my camera has been found!  So happy and even more happy to see that there are still so many good and honest people - when you hear the opposite all too often.  Just a note to that  special person out there, I spent all morning praying for you to have good karma all day.   Quick funny note, those animal pictures I posted yesterday (I have more) - I told Matteo the animals must have had fun with our camera at night taking pictures - - and he believed it. :=)

So with camera in hand an apple picking we will go.

Chloe May was all to happy to be given an apple and eat it the whole time in the wagon, never once picking an apple.  I think I will have to tell my Dolly the story of the ants and grasshoppers :-) 

Who doesn't need a little lift at the end of apple picking?

And at the end of the day with our 1/2 bushel of apples, we are all set to make applesauce and apple crisp and pies galore!

Special thanks to Daddy who did run out to get me a new camera yesterday - a new sleeker, modern camera - - that now has to be returned to the store.

Nanny's pocketbook - still missing and at the end of the day we are safe to assume forever.  

Down on the Farm

On a day that is sad and remembered by so many thousands, today we celebrated life again - by attending our friend Lily's 4th birthday party down on the farm.

This farm contains a natural playground - which the kids just loved.

We were treated to our first pumpkin picking of the season - and let me tell you with a recipe for a pumpkin pie my friend's mother gave me, I am dying to try it out - those pumpkins are looking mighty delicious - but alas I regress :-)

We made new friends on the farm as well.

Of course Matteo is doubled over with laughter at the site of the goats headbutting each other.

At the end, we went for two rides on the local steam trains at which point Mommy realized I lost my camera.  And while we went back to the farm to search for same, we left empty handed and Mommy a bit sad - as my camera is very important to me.

We also came to learn that Nanny lost her pocketbook while here - perhaps she thinks someone took it from her car when she went to a local open house.  

Living life

At the encouragement of my neighbor, Matteo is back at soccer and on Her Team. I went to the first half hour of practice and when it came time for the game, Daddy met me and he stayed while I went home to greet company. Never will I make such a mistake as according to Daddy Matteo RULED the soccer field. Scoring two out of the three goals that were scored for our Team. He assisted in the the third goal. He helped children going the wrong way, he commanded the ball!!! What difference versus the last three seasons. Check back every Saturday for more updates!



Later in the day Nanny, Poppi & Granny came to visit and oh what a day we had. First we had lunch, then we went clamming, but only found muscles - though enough to fill a 5 gallon bucket and filled it to the top we did (free see food). And for my friend Sarah (a.k.a. - the DEP! (jk of course)) - our muscles were incredibly large - even my MIL commented on their size).

We then came home and spent no less than 3 hours cleaning same - but really a fun time was had by all - the chattering, the laughing and the occasional tear on Matteo's part who was probably overtired.

We finally sat down for dinner at 9 PM - though Granny advised it is not good to eat muscles so late, so we settled for plain pasta.

And with dinner so late, you know you are having a sleepover - and with three extra people, Matteo and Chloe snuggled in with Mommy and Daddy (not that I ever mind).

 

An enjoyable day was had by all - but never far from my mind was my Brother who passed away 21 years ago today.  Funny how certain events are etched in your mind for life - the sound of hearing the accident and knowing, the words from newspaper articles, my sister coming on the bus late - - a solemn reminder how fragile and precious life is and the best way to honor someone who is no more alive I believe is to live your life to the fullest and my Friends, that is what we did today.

again....

Today for Matteo's second day of school, first full day (2.5 hours) - Matteo cried slightly.  This time Matteo walked into the class and then turned around and walked back out.  I could tell he was a bit upset so I simply told him "you don't have to go" - and you know what, he doesn't!  He's FOUR!  He knows how to color, sing songs, write his name and all the other things that go along with pre-K.  Nonsense.  So he asked me to stay, to which I replied I could  not, but he didn't have to either and he said he wanted to, so that was it - in he went.  I kind of like that he made up his own mind, rather than me pulling a kicking screaming child.

and driving home I realized, "of course he misses me, I'm the coolest Mom I know" :-)  :-)

Lights out!

7:39 PM and it's dark out already - - - someone turn back up the lights!!!!