Raindrops

Drip

Drip

drip....

Yes on this record fall rain day for some parts of our State, our brand new **less than 2 months old** kitchen light has a leak - of course the light that is thisclose to the cabinet. Tried and tried as he did (landing on the roof well over 12 times during downpours), Daddy could not stop the leak, so it dripped and dripped and dripped - on and off all day. Very little upsets Daddy, the drip did.

And while the "official" sun did not shine at all today, our day was still sunny,

GRANDMA IS IN TOWN!

Wedding Bells

Waking up with a "mommy hangover" from yesterday, I didn't have long to stay that way as we had to get ourselves in gear and get all dressed up for cousin Frank & Christina's wedding!! Remember we were unable to go to the reception, but that doesn't mean we can't celebrate and watch the ceremony at Church - and that is exactly what we got ready to do on this beauitful Saturday morning.

After Christina and her father walked down the isle, my heart was all atwitter as I watched Christina get a little weepy, and I turn and what do I see.....

time flying too fast! How poingnant 

The handsome couple - dated 10+ years.

Of course by now you know Aunt Lois & Uncle Frank - I always say how Blessed Matteo & Chloe May are to have Aunt Lois in their lives. 

Doesn't Aunt Lois look so pretty?

Four generations - yes this is a picture I am surely going to print and hang up.  Gorgeous.

Backstage

Things you didn't see:

My granny panties holding it all in place;

the PB&J sandwiches that kept the kids quiet all of 5 minutes;

Chloe May throwing a fit because while I placed the fish crackers in Matteo's hand, for Chloe I put them in the pew - of which she threw a fit until I picked them up and put them in HER hands; and

the dozen plus times Matteo flipped over the pew (but he did it so quietly I really didn't mind - why rock the boat).

 

Clearly a great time was had by all!  Congrats to the Happy Couple - Frank & Christina. 

Lady Liberty

We awoke early today to get started on our adventure. We started off on an early morning train,

continued on a subway,

had an hour layover - in which we used the restrooms and fed pigeons (yes typical Daddy, he caught a few),

and finally took a ferry.

After all this travel where did we end up???  THE STATUTE OF LIBERTY OF COURSE!

That's right we took the day to visit Lady Liberty, picnic on Liberty Island in the shade with *mostly* homemade lunches and great friends.  We enjoyed about 4 hours visiting the Island, enjoying the skyline

being in awe at the beauty and symbolism of the Statute of Liberty and just feeling so inspired at what this all represented: hope, freedom, LIBERTY, sacrifice - just a day full of renewed appreciation.


Well no surprise on the ferry ride back Matteo could not move, a bit winey and even said he had to be carried off the ship :-)  haha, that was until literally stepped foot off the boat, saw a sprinkler park and Matteo received his second wind and off he went into the sprinklers clothes, shoes and all! 

and it was only a matter of time before everyone was in on the action

and while I had a change of clothes for Chloe May, I only brought extra underwear for Matteo - so, since Chloe May didn't need the clothes, I stripped Matteo put him in a jacket, clean underwear and Chloe May's shorts - and this made for beyond countless laughts and catcalls at his booty shorts :-)

Yes, it was indeed a great day and I do believe we are going to go back to the Big Apple another time before (yikes!) school starts.  There is so much to see and do - and the fact that we live thisclose to the one of the greatest cities on earth is such inspiration.  After 11 1/2 hours we again boarded the train and headed back home - to which I thought it would be quiet, but on the contrary, even the 2 year olds received their THIRD wind - and so it was a lively train ride home.

A day full of appreciation, memories, laughs and just good old fun.   

God Bless us and the Beautiful United States of America. 

C E L E B R A T I O N

What a gorgeous day to celebrate being 6!

Daniel's daddy had a rarity - the week off - so in my opinion a double treat for this birthday boy.

Another rarity - our Daddy took about 3 hours off (the joys of being your own boss) - to pick up Uncle Stan from the train station and then take Chloe May for a swim in the pool.

When not swimming Chloe May enjoyed the seasaw with Julian & Elissa - pretty much you have my whole family here: follow::: our family consists of Jules, Ellissa (myself), Matteo & Chloe May. On the seasaw below you have (left to right: Julian Matteo, Elissa & Chloe May). Haha. Julian & Elissa are cousins (their moms are twins). Funny story we always get a kick out of.

And what party would be complete without a serenade of Happy Birthday - still by far my most favorite part of the party :-)

(in case you are wondering the cake: homemade ice cream cake - talk about $avings).

Below a video of Matteo doing TWO backflips in the water - (I come in during the first backflip).  Just watching him do this I get water in MY nose and I'm not even in the pool ;-)  The lifeguard at the party complimented me on how well Matteo swims and goes off the diving board for only learning this year.  
I always say Matteo is my gross motor boy.

Tomorrow we are all set for an adventure - way of out my comfort zone - but it's time - check back and see where our journey takes us.

Happy Birthday Daniel

Today we invited ourselves over our friend Daniel's house to help him celebrate his 6th birthday.  We arrived early - 10ish with donuts, english muffins and a balloon - as well as a small present (as his party is tomorrow).  The children enjoyed sprinkler time, kiddie pool time and just each other.  A fun time for all - though of course not without bickering - but what do you expect with 6 kids under 9 years old :-)  Jennifer, the mother, was so appreciative - saying how we always bring the fun with us...can't disagree, though I am a bit more cautious especially after Monday's irresponsible act of mine.  A fun time had by all and tomorrow we get to celebrate yet again.

Tagged

If Daddy's web business doesn't work out, I think we are going to turn to a life in crime. With my cousin's wedding this weekend, I was searching my closet for something to wear (that fits) - and came across a number I purchased for about 80% off 7 years ago - well never one to pass up a bargain I purchased it and never had a chance to wear it...until this coming weekend. Only problem - sensor tag was left on. Well no problem, Daddy took about 40 minutes of his time to remove same ....and the result::



Daddy has a new profession...we just need 40 minutes in the fitting room ;-)

that's right, check back this weekend to see pics of the Bride and Groom - as well as Daddy & I all dressed up.  We opted only to go to the Church due to Matteo & Chloe May - and my reluctance to leave them with anyone (I think they are still too young) for any length of time.