The St. Lawrence Family

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-25T23:59:00.001-05:00

Photo Card

2011-12-08T12:42:00.001-05:00

Modern Christmas Christmas

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Popcorn Anyone!???

2011-09-24T22:58:00.002-04:00

Today was a super busy day in town! This morning was the 2nd Annual Plainville Community FUNd Day at Robertson Airport here in town. Our Cub Scout Pack sold Popcorn there last year and we decided to do it again! They didn't sell much, but they had a lot of fun!

Christopher & Anneli ready to sell.

Pepere and the kids riding a train around the airport. Gotta take a break from selling sometime!
Anneli wearing our 'corn head' hat at the booth.
Our sales crew...
Hanging out at the booth...
Anneli read to roam and sell... Kettle corn anyone??
The country band in the airport hanger. **notice the plane behind them? Pretty cool!
Memere and Pepere enjoying the band in the hanger.
Christopher selling popcorn! Unbelieveable Butter anyone?!?
Airplanes at the airport...

Later this evening, was the annual Town Block Party. We decided to sell popcorn there too! It was a long day, but everyone who participated had a great time! :)

A group Cub Scout picture. Can you tell Christopher had been selling popcorn ALL day!? He was exhausted!!!
We had to take this picture again....see Memere in the back... ;)

Shaun enjoying some of our super spicy Fireman Chili! I took a bite before I left the booth---it was HOT!
Anneli helping the Cub Scouts sell their popcorn!! Since she is an expert Scout! :)
Christopher mingling downtown...

Anneli mingling downtown with friends...

What a long, long day!

Quick Day Trip to New Hampshire

2011-09-10T23:21:00.002-04:00

This summer was absolutely crazy! We didn't have much time to do anything! So this morning we woke up and off we went for a trip to New Hampshire. We had a great time visiting with family and checking out the Seacoast Science Center!

Christopher and Anneli posing for a picture.
A sea star...
Christopher checking out the tidal pool.
Anneli checking out the tide pool.
Christopher with some Baleen.
Anneli with Raspberry the Turtle.
Christopher with Raspberry the turtle.
Checking out some sea life.
Anneli loves to swing.

Playing by the water.
Taking a stroll...
Looking for a Geocache??A

Cousins being silly!!

Dad & Christopher hanging out by the ocean.
We were able to catch up and cheer a pregnant Aunt Amanda run a road race! Way to go Aunt Amanda!!!

What a fun day! It was great to see everyone!! :)

First Day of School 2011!

2011-09-01T20:06:00.003-04:00

Schools all around us were canceling due to flooding and no power, but not our school system!! WOOHOO! We were happy to go back to school. It's always nice to have summer vacation, but it is always nice to get back into our routine again!

It's hard to believe that Christopher is going into FOURTH GRADE and Anneli is going to be all day in FIRST GRADE! Where does the time go?!?

I can't think of a better way to be welcomed back to school--two good friends getting a BIG welcome back hug from our good friend and school mascot Lindy the Dolphin! Lindy Cares!! :)
Christopher and Anneli both got great teachers, as always. I think it's impossible to get a bad teacher at Linden, they are all awesome!! :)

They are so grown up....

Here's our Principal, Mrs. Greenbacker. She retired in June but is still with us until a replacement is found.
Even though she already knew the teacher and is very comfortable in the school, she was horrified at the thought of being at school for almost 7 hours!! UGH!

Even with that face, they both had a great day at school! :)

Aunt Donna & Uncle Jim's Anniversary Party!

2011-08-21T22:29:00.002-04:00

Oh my goodness, time sure flies! Today we were able to travel to Massachusetts and celebrate Aunt Donna & Uncle Jim's 25th Wedding Anniversary. Uncle Jim's parents decided to surprise them early, since their anniversary is September 15th. They were very surprised and happy to see everyone there! It was great to see everyone---even some people I haven't seen probably since the wedding 25 years ago!! Super fun day!

Christopher, my little photographer, took a bunch of great pictures so here they are...

Geocaching & Taking Pictures in Vermont

2011-08-13T22:41:00.004-04:00

The kids were off with Mom & Dad for the week in Virginia. One day while they were gone, Shaun & I took a little day trip to Vermont so he could do some geocaching. He has geocaches from all over New England, but he hadn't gotten any in Vermont, so over the border we went. While we were there, I took some pictures too.

GE 6-Car, Solar-Powered Charging Station!

2011-06-21T10:51:00.003-04:00

Right here in our hometown, just down the street, GE unveiled a 6-Car, Solar-Powered Charging Station. We, along with others in town, have watched GE build it. This brought great curiosity to the third graders in Christopher's class. So we headed off on a HOT day in June to see what this Solar Powered Charging Station is all about!

Thanks to a GE Engineer from the project, we learned a lot about this charging station. The chargers are capable of fully charging 13 cars a day and five cars at a time. The solar carport produces enough energy to power about 20 homes for a year! Whatever energy isn't needed to charge cars goes back to the grid. When the station is overloaded, it will take back from the grid when needed.

The station is currently open to employees that work at GE, but there is a charging station there in the parking lot for locals who may have to charge their vehicle. GE hopes to build these stations across the country as the need arrises.

Christopher's Trip to Hartford!

2011-06-10T22:21:00.003-04:00

Today Christopher went on an awesome trip to Hartford to visit the old and new state Capital Buildings. I would have loved to go, but I wasn't able to this time! Bummer!! Since I was unable to go, I sent Christopher with his camera and he got some GREAT shots of his trip!

Thanks, Christopher for the awesome pictures!! :) I guess I'll have to hire you to take yearbook photos next year!! ;)

Kindergarten Trip to Dairy Queen!!

2011-06-10T22:16:00.000-04:00

YUMMMMM YUMMMMM YUMMMMMMY!

Today it was pretty HOT! Anneli's Kindergarten class was scheduled to go on a Spring Walk and a trip to one of our favorites---Dairy Queen!! :) It was too hot for the spring walk, so we just walked straight to Dairy Queen and enjoyed a super yummy dish of ice cream!!! Everyone had a super time---even if it was hot and sunny!

Field Day!

2011-06-06T16:26:00.004-04:00

Today was Field Day for grades 1-5 at our Elementary School. Since Kindergarten had field day on Friday and there was no blow up slide, they get to come out and slide on the slide provided by PTO and also participate in the Annual Class Tug of War Competition! It was a great day!

Anneli's Kindergarten Class playing Tug-o-War. For the first time in forever, Mrs. Hoopers class actually won! Way to go guys!!!

Christopher's class playing Tug-o-War...I was there too! I was caught helping kids off the slide, with my own camera!! :)

Anneli waiting patiently with her friends for their turn to slide down the big bouncy slide!

Some random field day activities...

Even Memere was there helping her Kindergarten friends!

Field Day always means summer vacation is just around the corner...

These Things don't Happen Here.....

2011-06-04T23:48:00.005-04:00

After our Girl Scout Camporee, we decided to take a ride to see the Tornado devastation in Central Massachusetts. Since I was born and raised in Brookfield, Massachusetts (just outside Sturbridge) the tornado hit too close to home for me. It was crazy to see the damage...These things just don't happen here. It's more of a midwest thing.....not anymore...

These things just don't happen here...

Girl Scout Camporee

2011-06-04T23:06:00.007-04:00

This weekend was the Girl Scout Camporee. We had heard about how fun it was so we signed up as a family, even though nobody else from my Daisy Troop was interested. They are a little young. Anyway, things were crazy this week and Anneli wasn't feeling well. Stupid Lyme Disease! We decided not to sleep out on Friday night, but we would get there Saturday morning and hang out for the day.

That is just what we did. We got there at about 8:30am and went on a hike with our 5th Grade Junior Friends. They happen to have a son that Christopher knows from Cub Scouts too! It was fun.

Next up was stations where the kids did a bunch of different arts and craft projects. They were fun too!

The best part of the day was when they opened the waterfront! It was SUPER hot! We all had a blast using the kayaks and paddle boats! Super fun!

The kids also fished with our neighbors. Thanks Rosa and Tal! :)

The kids, especially Anneli, was exhausted after that! So we piled in the car and took a quick ride to Massachusetts to check out the Tornado devastation in central Massachusetts. It was terrible! It has hard to believe that as you drove through the streets of Sturbridge, Brimfield, Monson and Springfield that you were in Massachusetts. These types of disasters happen in the midwest, not here in our backyard....

Kindergarten Three Piggy Opera!

2011-06-03T23:30:00.003-04:00

Today, Anneli's Kindergarten class performed the Three Piggy Opera at school. Meme was there and Aunt Valerie, Pepe, Daddy and even Christopher came to watch! I was lucky enough to be on stage with the kids playing the piano for them! Those "Three Piggy Opera" songs have been in my head for WEEKS!! :) Anneli and her friends did a super job!

Anneli's Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Hooper, is retiring this year, after 33 years of teaching. Anneli surprised her and sang her a song, "American Tears" after the 3 Piggy Opera performance. Anneli learned the song a bit in class with Mrs. Hooper. She did a GREAT job and we were so proud of her getting up in front of all the parents that were there.

Way to go Anneli!

The first picture below is of Anneli singing during the morning performance. She is in afternoon kindergarten, but when your mom plays the piano for both sessions of Kindergarten, you have to sing in both performances---whether you like it or not! :)

The rest of the pictures are of the afternoon Kindergarten performance...

This is Anneli getting ready to sing her solo, "American Tears"...See Memere in the back?? She's a K-PM Para! :)
Anneli getting a hug from her awesome Kindergarten teacher and dear friend, Mrs. Hooper!

Great Job, Anneli!

Jump'n Jammin' LSS Relay for Life Fundraiser FUN!

2011-06-02T22:08:00.001-04:00

This evening Christopher, Anneli and I went to Jump 'n Jammin in Bristol for some jumping fun! Our Elementary School has a Jump 'n Jammin each night where they raise money for our Relay for Life Team. It's always a super fun time! :)

Memorial Day Parade!

2011-05-30T21:15:00.002-04:00

As usual, we stuck around this weekend so we could march in our local Memorial Day Parade. Anneli was excited, because it was her first time marching with Girl Scouts! She didn't have to march with Cub Scouts! We woke up Monday morning to rain. A few hours later, just when the parade was supposed to begin, a thunder and lightning storm went through. Many towns around us canceled their parades, but not good old Plainville, they just postponed it for an hour.

When we stepped off an hour later, the weather was okay---a little rainy, but so much better than an hour before. By the time we came to the end of the parade, the sun was shining and it was sooooooo hot and humid!

Here are a few pictures of the parade...

Lake Compounce FUN!

2011-05-28T23:06:00.003-04:00

We know summer is here when Lake Compounce opens up for summer amusement park fun! Today we went and purchased our 2011 Summer Season Passes to Lake Compounce! It's always a fun day, knowing that summer is on it's way! YIPPEE!! We have gotten Season passes to Lake Compounce since we moved here to CT when I was a kid!

It is always a fun day--even if I'm not a big fan of most of the rides!!

Running Club 2011

2011-05-21T23:34:00.001-04:00

This year Christopher joined the running club at school. Every week he stayed after on Mondays and ran with his fellow running club members. He also ran during the week with Shaun and Anneli. At the end of the Running Club they ran a mile run called the "Kids Marathon". The kids had been running and running with their clubs and finished their last mile today of their own personal marathon with parents and friends cheering them on. Memere came with Shaun, Anneli and I to cheer Christopher on this morning in Chesire.

He did a great job! Way to go Christopher!!! :)

Daisy Girl Scout Spring Hike!

2011-05-10T23:28:00.003-04:00

Today was our Daisy Girl Scout Spring Hike a Tomasso Nature park...

Our Baby, Anneli, turns '6'!

2011-05-09T21:35:00.003-04:00

It's hard to believe that our baby, Anneli, turns 6 years old today. Time sure flies! It seems like yesterday she was born...

Anneli was very excited this morning and couldn't wait to go to school. She made some super pretty, and yummy flower sugar cookies to share with her classmates, teachers and friends at school. Everyone enjoyed them! :)

After school we had a little party with Memere, Pepere, Aunt Valerie, Daddy, Christopher and of course Anneli's best friend Wink! (She's probably hiding under the table....)

I made her a quick Daisy cake. It didn't come out that bad for a quick 5 minute decorate.

We were planning on going out to eat for Anneli's birthday, but then last minute she decided that she wanted to eat pizza at home with a daisy cake. So that is what we did!

Happy 6th Birthday our Dear, Sweet Anneli...

Zumba!!

2011-05-04T16:15:00.003-04:00

Our school rewards the kids with special activities once a month for good behavior so today they had someone come in and teach Zumba! What a great activity to get all the kids and teachers moving! Super fun! If you haven't tried Zumba before you have to get out and give it a try! :)

Christopher also did Zumba that morning, but I wasn't there and didn't get any pictures...bummer!

Quick Trip to Maine

2011-04-30T23:59:00.002-04:00

Today, we took a quick trip to Maine for our nephew Bryce's Birthday party. Our weekends have been super busy so it was great that we were able to squeeze in this super quick trip to visit with family. It's crazy how big all the kids are getting!!!

Where does the time go!?!?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-27T12:30:00.001-04:00

Christopher's Third Grade Choral Concert

2011-04-14T23:56:00.004-04:00

Today was Christopher's 3rd Grade Choral Concert. Anneli, my Mom, and I had the opportunity to hear it twice--once during the school performance and then again that night when my Dad and Shaun joined us! It is fun to go and listen to the kids sing!

Great job Christopher & friends!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T21:27:00.000-04:00

Reading & Swimming

2011-04-05T12:17:00.006-04:00

I uploaded a TON of pictures from the past few months and most of them were of the kids at their swim meets. Here is one that Christopher liked! It shows him swimming hard at one of the many swim meets he swam in.

Even though it's off season, Christopher has been thinking about swimming a lot lately. He has been reading an autobiography of Michael Phelps--No Limits: The Will to Succeed--that he bought at the Book Fair last week. He found a picture of Michael Phelps in the book that looks similar to the picture of him above. He was pretty excited to put this photo as our background on our new computer.

We may have to print it out poster size for his room to keep him interested in swimming...

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-30T19:57:00.004-04:00

Cub Scout Blue & Gold 2011

2011-03-25T21:21:00.003-04:00

This year's Cub Scout Blue & Gold was fairly simple. We decided to have a Chili Cook-Off! It went well and we had TONS of different kinds of chili! Awards were given out for the best and hottest chili. Unfortunately, mine wasn't either. Oh well, I'm not a fan of hot chili so mine wasn't hot! :)

Awards were given to the Dens--Christopher already achieved his rank back in December, so he just got some arrows. He really enjoyed the Order of the Arrow Native American Dancers that came and did some dancing. He was chosen to help them out, and he got an awesome Turkey Feather! He did a great job! Way to go, Christopher!!! He looked unhappy in the pictures, but he was trying to stay serious like the other Boy Scout dancers. Awesome, Christopher!

The Water is 12 feet (3.7 m) Deep and it is Safe to Pass...

2011-03-18T16:15:00.003-04:00

The title is a clue to where we went today? Any ideas???

Today was a day off of school so we decided to jump in the van and head into Hartford. Any guesses now? Christopher had a project on Samuel Clements AKA Mark Twain so we headed to the Mark Twain House on Farmington Avenue. The title of this post is what the term "Mark Twain" meant to Riverboatmen. Christopher found that very interesting.

It was a quiet day at the house. Our tour consisted of another couple and the kids and I. It was a great opportunity for Christopher to get all the information he needed about Mark Twain or should I say Samuel Clements...

Anneli was fascinated because Samuel Clements was a Cat lover. He had MANY cats. Their names were such like SOUR MASH, APPOLLINARIS, ZOROASTER, and BLATHERSKITE . They were not named in an unfriendly spirit, but were named such so that his children could practice large and difficult styles of pronunciation.

It was a great day to check out the beautiful house. If you are ever in Hartford and have a few minutes, be sure to check out the Mark Twain House!

Signs of Spring are ALL Around Us!

2011-03-01T12:21:00.005-05:00

Seriously, there are signs of Spring ALL around us!!!
How could that be, you ask?

I know when you look around it looks like this...
But, peeking out of the snow....

Are signs of hope, that spring is right around the corner!

Our Dafodils are also getting ready to bloom soon!

And so are these....

It's so exciting! I LOVE Spring!!!!!

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.

~Proverb

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.

~Hal Borland

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.

~Anne Bradstreet

Awake, thou wintry earth -

Fling off thy sadness!

Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth

Your ancient gladness!

~Thomas Blackburn

"An Easter Hymn"

UCONN Women's Senior Night at Gampel!

2011-02-28T23:24:00.004-05:00

Tonight Christopher, Shaun, and I had the opportunity to head to Storrs for the UCONN Women's Basketball Senior Night Game at Gampel against Syracuse. We had a ticket for Anneli, but she decided that Basketball games are boring and she would stay with Meme and Pepe. That was okay, I think she would have been happy for a few minutes and then she would have been bored.

We really enjoyed the game! Of course the Huskies won--which Christopher loved because he went to the UCONN Men's game on Thursday night at the XL Center and they lost to Marquette! We got to watch the UCONN Women's Basketball Senior Night Ceremony as they honored Lorin Dixon and of course Maya Moore. Christopher was impressed to watch Jonathan, the UCONN mascott, unveil Maya's jersey number in the rafters. Christopher counted 13 women players have banners on the wall!

A Day at Mystic Aquarium!

2011-02-26T21:33:00.004-05:00

We woke up this morning thinking of things to do. Christopher and Anneli wanted to go to the Mystic Aquarium. We picked up my parents and headed down to Mystic. The kids always love to go and they love to bring others like my parents so they can show off their vast knowledge of Sea Creatures. Christopher should really work here when he gets old enough! He wouldn't have to learn too much more! :)

Tripping with Pepe!

2011-02-21T20:32:00.000-05:00

Today we went to the Science Center with Pepe. Meme was in South Carolina and Pepe had the day off. We called him and asked him if he'd like to go to the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford with us. We have gone many times and even taken Meme, but Pepe has never been. I don't have many pictures, since my camera battery was dying, but we had a great time!

100th Day of School!

2011-02-16T15:42:00.000-05:00

SNOW DAY!

2011-01-28T21:56:00.003-05:00

We got a lot of snow today! The piles are getting higher and higher and higher.....pretty soon there will be no room for the snow......

Snow & Stones....

2011-01-28T15:50:00.003-05:00

This morning school was canceled again due to snow. It was canceled the night before so we knew we didn't have to get up and check. Anyways, I was awoken early with the worst side/back pain. I thought it was just the weather because that's what happens to me sometimes ever since I had back surgery, but this was in a different spot and it hurt REALLY BAD! I woke Shaun up and told him I had to go the the ER. He jumped in the shower and the kids got ready and off we jumped into the van. We were going to drop the kids off at my parents house, but it hurt too bad and the road conditions--because of the snow storm--wasn't good either. UGH! We made it to the hospital, where my mom came and picked up the kids. It was a Kidney Stone! It made me laugh--even though the pain was excruciating, because my dad had just passed one a week or so before and I was teasing him! UGH! I'll never tease anyone ever again! Passing a Kidney Stone was the worst pain EVER!!! UGH! Lucky me, I was told I have one more.......Yippeee...... :(

YIKES! I"m Allergic to Something....

2011-01-19T15:45:00.003-05:00

Since November I've been battling some skin outbreak. I had a biopsy of the rash and they said I"m just allergic to something. To what? I have no clue....we shall see...

Check Out This Ice!

2011-01-18T21:40:00.001-05:00

Celebration of Soup Mem's Life

2011-01-02T23:08:00.005-05:00

This weekend was 'Soup Mem's Celebration of Life. We piled in the van with my parents and we drove up to Richfield Springs, New York. It's a few minutes from Cooperstown---where the Baseball Hall of Fame is. It's quite a hike!

Anyway, we were able to visit with family and remember good times. It was a nice Celebration to remember our Memere. I put together a slide show with a bunch of pictures from her life. It was nice to watch as we sat together and chatted.

A Day to Remember...

2010-12-23T23:45:00.000-05:00

Today was my father, Don Letendre, and his sister, my Aunt, Donna's Birthday. They are not twins. My dad was born in 1955 and Aunt Donna was born in 1962. Then on that same date, December 23rd, in 1989, my father's other sister Diane had a little girl named Laurie. What an exciting day! Christopher came close to being born on the 23rd of December, but he waited and was born on Christmas Eve! :)

December 23rd has always been an important day in the Letendre history, we never thought there would be more to add...

Today, December 23, 2010, my Memere, Bernice Dora Bouchard Letendre Surprenant, passed away after a long, courageous battle with cancer. It was very sad, but at the same time a bit of a relief. She has been suffering for some time with cancer. She was one of the strongest women I know. She never complained, even at the end, when she had to have been in some extreme pain!
We love you "Soup Mem" and are grateful that you are no longer in pain or discomfort. We love you and will never forget you! Hopefully I can make some "Soup Mem Soup" someday that tastes just like yours! The kids think it'll be impossible, but I'm going to try!

Here are a few photos from a slide show I put together. I'm so grateful for the memories...

Happy Birthday, Pepe!

2010-12-23T23:35:00.000-05:00

Today was a crazy day for everyone in our family. Soup Mem passed away in the early afternoon. I stayed in town with the kids, but thankfully my parents and Val were with Soup Mem and the rest of the family in New York when she passed away. They came home that evening and we celebrated Pepe's Birthday, Christopher's Birthday and Christmas Eve. It was a little strange, but it was nice to be together. Then they were off to South Carolina to spend Christmas with Jessica and her family.

The best presents of the year were exchanged betweek Aunt Val and Anneli. Anneli gave Aunt Valerie a super cool silly bird pen. It made us all laugh!

Cub Scout Holiday Party!

2010-12-22T21:21:00.003-05:00

Today was our Annual Cub Scout Holiday Pack Party/Meeting. The kids always have a great time. Scouts are recognized for their achievements and we always have a special visitor--Santa Claus! He always brings the scouts their Official Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Kits! Fun, fun, fun!

Happy Birthday to YOU!

2010-12-15T21:12:00.000-05:00

The kids woke up early this morning to give Shaun his birthday present before he went to work. They were VERY excited, because they bought him a NERF Gun! He was pretty excited too! ;)

After school we went to Bolo and picked up a super yummy fruit covered Cheesecake for him. He LOVES cheesecake, so we thought he'd love it! He did, and so did we! :)

Happy Birthday!!! We love you!!! :)

Swimmers, Take Your Mark!

2010-12-11T16:52:00.001-05:00

It doesn't seem that we ever get a weekend where we can just rest! This weekend was no different. Since Christopher and Anneli have both joined swim team, our Saturdays are filled with Swim Meets! YIPPEE!!

It's nice to see the kids having fun cheering on their team mates...

Swimming fast.... getting a last minute pep talk before getting on the block...

posing for a picture before getting on the block!

chilling with friends, waiting for their next event...

as I volunteer as a timer for the team! :)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-08T18:14:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas to YOU!

2010-11-30T15:53:00.001-05:00

Snowflake Elegance Noir Christmas

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Kindergarten Trip to Gnazzo's

2010-11-05T20:55:00.004-04:00

I'm extremely fortunate to be able to be a stay at home mom! Today I got to go on another field trip! Today's field trip was to Gnazzo's. Gnazzo's is a small grocery store in town that I used to work at when we first moved here to CT in 1995. I worked there part time during my senior year, when I was going to College and one night a week when I first got married.

Anneli was so excited to tour the store and I was happy to see some familiar places and faces. Since the grocery store is just down the street from the school, we bundled up the kids and we walked to the store. It was a little chilly, but it was a short walk so it wasn't too bad. Upon arriving at the store, the kids took a vegetable quiz. Anneli knew quite a few of them! YIPPEE!! Next up was a tour of the loading dock where all the groceries get delivered. The kids then got to see the cooler where all the fruit is kept fresh and then we got to watch a pineapple be cored and cut and then we each got a few pieces to try! Some kids had never eaten fresh pineapple. Anneli wishes she had a pineapple corer at home so she could eat fresh cored pineapple ALL the time! I'm sure we could find one on e-bay for Christmas...

She really loved trying out the cash register! She ne

eds to grow a little more before she can be like me and work there too! :)

Indian Rock

2010-11-01T21:18:00.003-04:00

This morning Shaun worked from home and got Anneli on the bus at 11:50am so I could go on a field trip with Christopher and his third grade friends to Indian Rock. Indian Rock is a Nature Preserve where we learned about Native Americans!

First we took a hayride around the Preserve and learned the history and some great stories of the Tunxis Indians.

We also visited 'Indian Rock' and learned about it's legend. Next we learned about Stone Tools. We learned how you use materials to make tools. We then made out own tools and a necklace for the kids to bring back to class. It was fun---but a lot of work. The kids saw that it wasn't easy to be a Native American! After lunch, we had Wigwam Adventures. It was a COLD day, but inside the Wigwams it was VERY warm, almost too hot! While in the Wigwams we learned about how native Americans lived in harmony with the natural world.We also learned about what Native Americans ate.It was a great day learning about Native Americans with Christopher and his friends---even if it had to be on the COLDEST day of the year!! Seriously!!! :)

Halloween Weekend Roundup!

2010-10-31T22:41:00.005-04:00

Our Halloween Festivities started on Wednesday with the Cub Scouts Annual Halloween Pack Meeting. It was fun. Christopher was a Native American, and Anneli was Raggety Ann---not Wendy from Wendy's like the other Cub Scouters thought! She was super cute in my old costume! :)
On Friday, we rushed out of school and got into our Halloween costumes SUPER fast! Christopher was a Native American (yes, I made his costume!). Anneli was a black cat! Then we raced over to the Recreation Department for their Annual Halloween Party at Veteran's Park. It was freezing--but a lot of fun as usual! The kids both won prizes for their awesome costumes! :) Way to go guys!

After the Rec Center Party, Mom took the kids home so her and Valerie could take them to the Trunk-or-Treat at church. Shaun and I were heading to a friends wake in town and then we headed off to the church to pick the kids up.

The kids then got into their costumes again on Sunday evening and went Trick-or Treating around town with Shaun and Aunt Val, while I stayed home handing out candy to the kids in town. As usual I was dressed as the 'Wicked Witch'. It sure doesn't scare the neighborhood kids away. I had a little over 120 Trick-or-Treaters!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-27T19:59:00.002-04:00

Our Two Little Fish!

2010-10-22T21:50:00.007-04:00

Anneli is very brave this fall and has joined Swim Team with Christopher! YIPPEEE!! That means I don't have to entertain her during the many practices and LONG swim meets, like I did last year with my many bags of tricks and quiet toys! YIPPEE!!! I can watch the practices/meets, read a book, visit with friends, or play with my phone! :)

Today was a practice swim meet where the kids just practice like it's a swim meet. It was fun to watch all the new kids, like Anneli, jumping off the block and swimming their little hearts out.

We are very proud of our 'Two Little Fish'. They are doing a super great job! Way to go Christopher & Anneli!

Christopher getting ready for his heatstopping to pose before getting on the block,
Anneli at the Practice Swim Meet!!!
Sitting quietly waiting for her turn. She's sitting with her good friend Syd. Look how little she is--her little feet don't even touch the ground!!

She's a little nervous as she approaches the block---or the edge of the deep end of the pool!

No fear---there she 'dives' right in!!

She's swimming her little heart out as everyone cheers her on from the bleachers and side of the pool!!

Time for backstroke. She takes a minute to look at the crowd and then says loud enough for everone to hear 'Hi Nick--am I doing it right?" Nick is one of her coaches and also calls the heats. Everyone laughs and thinks she's so cute! The kids know Nick very well since he has taught their swimming lessons since they were 6 months old!! That's probably why she's not afraid to swim with all the big kids!

Way to go guys! Keep up the great work!!

Anneli's Fall Walk

2010-10-22T21:33:00.005-04:00

It was a super chilly day! Look at the sky!!A little cold for a walk, I thought, but Anneli's teacher and I took the kids on a 'Fall Walk'. We bundled everyone up with coats, hats & gloves and off we went to explore the signs of spring around the neighborhood. After observing/collecting 'signs of fall' and it feeling like winter, we took the kids to the High School track. There the kids had the opportunity to run around the track--for fun and to keep warm!
Look at Anneli stretching before she runs....her daddy would have been proud! :) I felt like running with them to keep warm---not necesarily to run, since I am NOT a runner!! :) The kids had a great time and we got everyone back to the warm school safe and sound just in time to board the buses to go home!

Kindergartens Minor's Farm Pumpkin Trip

2010-10-14T21:05:00.012-04:00

Today I went with Anneli and her class to Minor's Farm. Minor's Farm is the home to Daisy the Pig. Daisy is a famous pig that loves to read!! We've seen her quite a few times--she has even visited our Library with Farmer Minor! You can read more about her and Farmer Minor here. It was a little chilly with some dark looking clouds, but we stayed dry and had a great time
on a hay ride

riding in a cow pulled by a tracter

finding our way through a maze

pickin' a pumpkin

getting our picture taken

riding bikes

playing on blow up bouncy toys

enjoying a snack

and a ride home on the 'luxury bus'!

What a fun day!

Hole in ONE!

2010-09-08T20:46:00.002-04:00

Monday evening, after our long Labor Day Hike and weekend, we decided to go Mini-Golfing! We had a great time as a family 'putting around'! :)

Of course we had to end the night with an ice cream cone!!! :)

Annual Labor Day Hike!

2010-09-08T09:51:00.000-04:00

On Labor Day, we went on our Fourth Annual Labor Day St. Lawrence Heublein Tower Hike. Click here to see pictures from the last three years! Meme and Pepe were unable to join us because Pepe's was having problems with his back.

We gathered our camera, water and snacks and off we went! The weather was perfect and the kids did great--as usual! This year, for the first time, we found a few Geocaches, while we were on our adventure. It was a great day!

Hopefully next year, Meme, Pepe and Aunt Val will be able to join us again!!

Sunday Family Fun Days!

2010-09-05T21:33:00.000-04:00

After Church on Sunday afternoons, we rush to Meme and Pepe's house where we enjoy a super yummmy Sunday lunch. After our Sunday lunch, we then usually pile into our Van and head out to do some Geocaching! It's super fun! We love to Geocache together as a family. We have found some super awesome parks and places to explore as we follow our geocaching clues! If you are interested in geocaching, click HERE to learn more and join us in our fun!!!

These photos are from our Sunday hike up Rattlesnake Mountain in Plainville/New Britain, CT. It was a great trail, with some great views! I don't know if I was relieved or a little disappointed, but we didn't see any Rattlesnakes!

What a great day of geocaching and hiking with family!! :)

First Day of Kindergarten!

2010-09-03T20:23:00.001-04:00

Today is the first day of Kindergarten!! YIPEEEE!!! After Christopher's first day, and her own Kindergarten orientation yesterday, she was SOOOOOOOO ready to just get on that bus and go to Kindergarten. She has the same teacher that Christopher had, Mrs. Hooper. I actually helped her last year, even though I didn't have any kids in her class. So she had no fear of going at all! NONE! She was dressed and ready HOURS before the school bus came to take her to school!

Check out her hair...

Maybe she's a little nervous....She's off...

Her Best Friend watching, as she drives away...

Getting off the school bus at school.
Heading off with her classmates.
Posing for a picture with Christopher and Meme after a GREAT First Day of Kindergarten!!

Oh, how time flies....

First Day of 3rd GRADE!!

2010-09-01T11:46:00.002-04:00

Today was the first day of school. Our baby boy is in 3rd Grade!! How did that happen so fast!?! He is so grown up, yet he is still our little boy. It's sooooo much fun watching him grow! I know he will have a great year!

Anneli didn't start school today, but she went to the LSS First Day of School Celebration and was able to visit with Lindy, the School mascot!

Fly Away Flappy....

2010-08-30T14:52:00.002-04:00

Once there was a beautiful butterfly named Flappy. Flappy started out as a scrawny, little caterpillar, then she ate some juicy leaves and became a plump, big caterpillar. The caterpillar went into her chrysalis one warm August morning. We waited, and waited for Flappy to emerge from her safe little cocoon for what seemed like weeks. She finally made a grand entrance one day, when we were least expecting it. She flew around the house and made great friends with two children named Anneli and Christopher. Anneli became very attached to her and was sad when it was time to let her go. Maybe we'll see our dear friend Flappy again someday. Fly away to warmer air Flappy!!

Our Dear Friend 'Flappy'.

Hot Air Balloon Festival

2010-08-30T13:47:00.000-04:00

Every year our town has a big Hot Air Balloon Festival put on by our Fire Department. This year, like last year, the Cub Scouts had a booth and we sold Trail's End Popcorn. Poor Shaun, since he is the Popcorn Kernel, of the Pack was there ALL weekend. Christopher worked pretty much the whole weekend, but he did have an opportunity to walk around, eat yummy snacks, socialize with friends, and even ride a tethered Hot Air Balloon with some of his fellow scouts! (I've got to get the pictures from a friend.)

We saw some beautiful balloons glow on Friday Night....We watched an awesome fireworks display... Thanks PFD!!
Then we were exhausted!!!!The next day was more of the same...
We saw some beautiful balloons...

We met Linda McMahon, who is the Republican Candidate for Senate. She's running against Richard Blumenthal and it's been all over the National news... Should be an interesting election...

We also saw a scary tiger cat....
and more balloons.....

That night, Anneli had a chance to ride in a tethered Hot Air Balloon!

It was a super fun weekend! We can't wait to do it again next year!!! Thanks PFD!!!! :)

Cub Scout Summer Camp!

2010-08-20T08:30:00.000-04:00

This year Shaun was a little busy with work, so I had the opportunity to go to Cub Scout Summer Camp with Christopher. Anneli was SOOOOOO excited, because she came too, as a Pixie! Each morning we woke up early and trekked to Camp Workcoeman in New Hartford, CT. It is a lovely camp in the hills of Northwest Connecticut. We had a fabulous time....

Shooting BB Guns...
( I don't have a picture, but Anneli shot BB Guns too!!!)

Fishing....

Learning about Maps....

Learning about Native Americans...

Shooting Bows & Arrows...

Swimming...
(Both kids, Christopher & Anneli, passed the swim test so they could swim in the deep part of the lake!) Way to go guys!! Swim lessons have paid off! I may have two in swim team in the fall...

Making s'mores...

listening to crazy, I mean super silly, leaders....
(This guys is a High School Science teacher, EMT, and a GREAT entertainer! He taught a super fun Science time and held a super fun campfire for the campers and their families. He had us all singing, laughing and having a good time!)

and making new friends!We can't wait to go back next year!!!! :)

Jump!

2010-08-17T09:41:00.001-04:00

Family Fun in Maine / New Hampshire

2010-08-16T09:19:00.008-04:00

This weekend, before summer suddenly comes to an end, we piled in the van and headed up to York,Maine. We got a nice suite on Short Sands and had a great time together.

That night we met up with Aunt Amanda, Uncle Miles, Alex and Lizzy. {Unfortunately, I have no pictures. :( }The kids all played on the beach playground in the dark, while we followed them around! The kids had fun running around together! Then it was off to the Goldenrod for some taffy and candy!!! :) Definitely a MUST stop when anyone goes to York Beach!!!

This is the Atlantic House, where we stayed. Right in the middle of everything in York Beach, Maine!

This is the view from our suite...

YUMMMM! If you've never tried Goldenrod Kisses, you have to!!! It's the best Salt Water Taffy!!! If you can't get to York Beach, you can order the Taffy HERE!

At night, in our hotel, directly below our suite, was a patio where a live band played. This is the view of people watching the band. It was nice coming back to relax and listening to the music in the comfort of our own room!

The next morning, off to the beach we went. It was a bit chilly....
but it didn't seem to bother anyone!Here Anneli is trying a wonderful Salt Water/Sand Spa Treatment. She totally thought it was going to make her skin nice and soft!
She was having fun!!!

Christopher, our future Marine Biologist, had fun exploring the rocks for sealife...They also had fun playing together in the sand...

Next up was the Nubble Light. Which is another MUST see whenever we come to visit!

Of course we had to find a few Geocaches while we were in town....
He's searching for a cache....not smelling the roses! :)

Then we headed over to Grandpa's house and picked him up. We headed over to Fort McClary to hang out and find a geocache or two...

We actually picked a great weekend to visit Fort McClary. They were having some cool revolutionary war reenactment event. It was pretty cool seeing all the characters.
We enjoyed their costumes....

And enjoyed watching them shoot their cannons....

It was a fun day together!

Of course we found our Geocaches!! :)

After our Fort McClary adventure, we took Grandpa with us to visit Aunt Nicole, Bryce and Parker. Unfortunately, Uncle Jeff was working so we didn't see him. The kids had fun playing with their cousins for a bit.

Then we headed off and visited with Grande Memere, Aunt Lisa, and Uncle Rick. Then it was off to visit with Memere and Jim for a bit before we headed off for our long ride home.

It was a super fun family weekend!! :)

It's Fun Day!!!

2010-08-13T21:45:00.004-04:00

Today was 'Fun Day' at our local park. The kids look forward to Fun Day every year! 'Fun Day' is a day that is sponsored by our Recreation Department with super fun crafts, face painting, rub-on tatoos, cheap snacks, balloons, raffles, a magic show and pony rides! It's a simple little fair, but a lot of fun for the kids. They like the fact that the crafts are run by the camp counselors and lifeguards in town. Since Anneli went to day camp for two sessions and Christopher and Anneli both took swimming lessons through the recreation department, they pretty much know almost everyone there! This year Meme joined us for the FUN DAY! :)

Tie Dye Fun for Everyone!

2010-08-03T10:52:00.000-04:00

Anneli went to day camp at a local park in town this summer, but I didn't send her for the last session, I decided to keep them busy myself at home! We started out the FUN on Monday, August 2nd by Tie Dying T-shirts! It was a beautiful day so we set up our craft outside and went to work! It was fun and their t-shirts came out awesome!!

After scrubbing our hands---((actually mine, I made the kids wear gloves, but I didn't! They were color free, but my hands were a bit colorful!))--we had "Water Wars" in our front yard. I filled a bucket of water balloons and the kids headed outside in their bathing suits. They threw water balloons and danced under the sprinkler! It was a great way to keep busy and cool!! :)

What a fun day together! :)

STRIKE!

2010-08-03T10:45:00.000-04:00

While Anneli was at day camp this summer, Christopher and I had some fun hanging out together. We worked on some of his Cub Scout Bear requirements, read, went for ice cream, played games and just spent some time together. It's been awhile since it's just been he and I! One of the fun stuff we did was go bowling on Friday, July 30th. It was fun!!

I don't think he'll ever wanna play with me again...I bowl a pretty good game!

Adventures in Root

2010-08-01T15:02:00.012-04:00

On Tuesday, July 27th, along with Aunt Val, the kids and I piled into the van for a long road trip. Our first stop was Brookfield, Massachusetts--where I grew up--to pick up my cousin Laurie and her handsome baby boy Jeremy. Then it was off to Root (or Canajoharie, NY) to visit with Aunt Donna, Uncle Jim, Soup Mem & Ray for a few days!

Christopher, Anneli with my cousin Laurie's little boy Jeremy.

Aunt Donna & Uncle Jim's puppy, and Anneli's shadow, 'Rosie'.

We got there Tuesday evening and had fun with Aunt Donna & Uncle Jim. We ate dinner, swam, and of course Christopher played Wii--since we don't have one at home! Then it was time for bed! I think everyone slept good at the 'tree house'!

The next day, we woke up early, took a little ride around Canajoharie, NY. We were trying to find somewhere to pick Blueberries, but we had no luck! Oh well, we came back and waited for Soup Mem & Ray to arrive. It was a great day! We visited with everyone and had a ton of fun!

Soup Mem with Christopher, Anneli, Jeremy and Lola her puppy.

Anneli with Lola and Christopher with Rosie.

Anneli with her little friends.

What a cute puppy!!

Val & Anneli enjoying some watermelon! Yummmmmm

Jeremy hanging out under the deck. He wasn't a bit fan of the pool or the heat!

Soup Mem & I (Crystal) eating watermelon!

Anneli picked some pretty flowers.

We always love to visit Aunt Donna & Uncle Jim, but the kids were super excited because they had just had a pool installed the week before we came to visit! The kids, young and old, had great time keeping cool in the pool! We love your new pool!! :)

Hanging out at Aunt Donna & Uncle Jim's new pool! I love the new deck!!

Anneli & Val with silly swim hair!

Even Rosie the dog joined Anneli for a swim!! :)

Anneli and Val had fun walking around Aunt Donna & Uncle Jim's property searching for raspberries. They didn't bring any back to the cabin, but they found and ate some yummmmy raspberries! :) Anneli's shadow, Rosie, also went picking!

Christopher won a bow & arrow last year for selling Trail's End Popcorn. He's had it for awhile, but he never shot it. So he was pretty excited about bringing his bow & arrow with him to shoot at Aunt Donna & Uncle Jim's house. He and Uncle Jim made a great target and he spend a lot of time shooting and swimming, shooting and swimming! He did a great job and was real excited to tell Dad and Pepe! Way to go Christopher! He'll have to practice shooting at Meme & Pepe's house, since our yard is a little small...

While the kids were swimming I found this....

Have a you ever seen a 'horsefly' this BIG!? I'm glad he was dead!

I'm glad we had a chance to head up to NY and spend a whole day with everyone! We miss you guys!! Thanks for having us Aunt Donna & Uncle Jim! Sorry to invade you on your vacation!! :) We hope to see you all again soon!!!

A Fox Party in Massachusetts!

2010-07-30T14:40:00.002-04:00

After church on Sunday, July 25th, we piled into our mini-van with Aunty Val and drove to Worcester, Massachusetts for a Surprise Party for Uncle Howard (my mom's brother) and his daughter Naomi. Uncle Howey was turning 60 and Naomi was turning 30!

It was a fun party at a nice park in Worcester, where the kids could run around and go swimming too! It was great to see everyone and a great time was had by all! :) Silly cousins!! ;)

Tornado?

2010-07-29T14:34:00.001-04:00

The day before Christopher's Summer Swim Meet, Wednesday, July 21st, a terrible storm hit our town. The storm hit at about 4pm when my mom was supposed to be picking Anneli up at camp at a local park in town. Good thing she picked her up a little early and was shopping at AC Moore with Christopher when the storm hit. The street where the park is, was the street that got hit hard with the storm.

There was lots of damage, but officials say, it wasn't a tornado.
It sure was some storm!

Summer Swim Meet

2010-07-29T14:25:00.000-04:00

This summer, Christopher joined the Summer Swim Team. Each morning he woke up a little before 8am and was off and running to the High School pool for 8am for practice. He missed a few weeks because of our Pennsylvania vacation, but he pretty much went every morning other than that! Way to go, Christopher. It was great practice for the upcoming fall Team!

On Thursday, July 22nd Christopher had his Summer Swim Meet. He did a great job and was happy that his good friend joined swim team too!

We hope you join in the fall, 'Z'!! :)

What a little fish!

2010-07-26T21:49:00.003-04:00

Today was a BIG day for Anneli! She finally started going underwater!!! Today (July 26th) was the VERY first day she decided she could go underwater and swim! What a little fish!

We knew she could do it, but she just wouldn't. She had to build her confidence and I guess today was the day! YIPPEEE!! Way to go, Anneli!!! :)

Summer Catch up....

2010-07-23T11:24:00.010-04:00

I haven't posted lately, but as usual, we have been running here and there and EVERYWHERE!

Let's see, since we've been back from our two week vacation in Pennsylvania, the kids have been busy, busy, busy. Our days start out with Swim Team Practice bright and early. We come home have a little breakfast, since it's much too early to eat before Swim Team. Then it's off to swimming lessons! Next is lunch and then we drop Anneli off at Day Camp! The afternoon is spent with Christopher working on Cub Scout activities, reading, writing in his journal, swimming or something else. What a fun, but crazy three weeks it's been!

Last Wednesday evening, (July 14th) we went and saw a puppet show at our public Library. Nappy's Puppets presented 'Jack and the Beanstalk'. It was a great shadow puppet show. The kids enjoyed it, and it had Shaun and I laughing too!

One rainy day we went to Pottery Piazza with Memere. Pottery Piazza is a paint your own pottery place. We each picked out a piece to create and had a blast painting and chatting! Christopher painted a dolphin (of course) and a fish. Anneli painted a happy cat. Memere and I both painted Gnomes. Super fun!!! We were very excited when we were able to pick them up yesterday. They came out great!
On Thursday, July 15th, Anneli had a birthday party for a friend at Jump Zone so Memere came along and watched Christopher bounce. For those of you who don't know, Jump Zone is a super fun indoor play center with large inflatables to climb and jump in. The kids both had a great time! Thanks Memere for keeping an eye on Christopher!! :)

((I know I took pictures, but I can't seem to find them....I'll keep looking...))

Last Saturday, we had a busy day! We headed out early with Aunt Valerie to Kuras Berry Farm and went blueberry picking, since Shaun had just used our last bag of blueberries from last year! It was a hot day, but we picked a bunch of super yummy blueberries! YUMMMMY. We enjoyed some fresh blueberries and we froze a bunch. Shaun thinks I should pick more... :) Then we went shopping! Always a great way to end the day!!! :)

((I know I took pictures, but I can't seem to find them....I'll keep looking...))

Last Sunday, was the 3rd annual GE 5K Road Race benefiting the Petit Family Foundation. You can find more information HERE. The coolest thing about this road race is that it goes right by our house--it sure wasn't the temperature!! It was SUPER stinkin' HOT!!!! Shaun and Valerie have both participated in running the 5K for the past 3 years. This year Christopher ran with Shaun and Aunt Val. Anneli ran the kids fun-run and walked the 5K with Memere and Pepere. I had the tough job of running home to turn on the sprinklers for the runners and take pictures of them running by! I was proud of Christopher for finishing the race. It was super hot and he was still smiling when he got to our house---which is about 1 mile or so from the finish line! Way to go 'Topher!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-21T11:16:00.001-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-14T21:22:00.000-04:00

Post #3: Lake Wallenpaupack

2010-07-11T20:48:00.028-04:00

Monday, June 28th
We were home in CT this morning, so Christopher was up bright and early for swim team practice. We then enjoyed lunch together and then it was off to Christopher's orthodontist appointment for a braces check. All looks good--even his orange and blue bands!! After Christopher's orthodontist appointment, Monday afternoon, we grabbed our bags and headed back to Hawley again! We got there a little late, but we enjoyed a nice walk to the lake and headed off to bed!

Tuesday, June 29th
Today we took a ride to Callie's Candy Kitchen. Definately a yearly adventure when we here in the Pocono area! We got some yummy candy, but of course Anneli had to get a stuffed animal! Bet you can't guess what kind of animal she got? Yep, a CAT! Big surprise there!! :)

After our adventure, we made seashell picture frames down at the rec center at the resort. Can you guess who made which frame....?

Aren't they pretty! Christopher made the first one, I made the second one, and Anneli made the last one! I LOVE them all, but I thought Christopher's was very nice!

The kids also enjoyed coloring and doing puzzles at the rec center. Wednesday, June 30th
Today we did a little geocaching and exploring in the morning, then we had some fun at the resort. Anneli went with Meme and created Rock Pets at the Rec Center at the restort. They came out super cute! Great job Anneli!! Shaun surprised us late that evening and came up to spend an extra long weekend with us. We weren't really expecting him until Friday, so this was a great surprise!

While she painted, Christopher and I went paintball shooting! Christopher had a great time and was disappointed that the resort only offered paintball shooting on Wednesdays. He wanted to show Dad and Pepe how he shoots! I guess pictures will have to do!

Way to go Christopher!! :)

After our adventures, Christopher and I challenged Meme and Anneli to a game of Tennis. It was a fun game!! :)

Later that evening, we took a walk along the lake. Notice they all have sweatshirts on....it was chilly!!!Then we enjoyed some yummy ice cream as we watched the sun set...

Thursday, July 1st

We were so happy this morning to have Shaun with us! Mom (Meme) ended up heading home to get some things done and to pick up Pepe and Aunt Val! We decided to explore a location we see from 84 on the way to Lake Wallenpaupack every year. We weren't sure where it was or what it was, but we went on an adventure. The adventure lead us to a great State Park in New Jersey called High Point State Park in Sussex, NJ. It's a great park with lots of hiking trails, geocaches, biking trails, a great swimming area, a boating area, fishing, camping, hunting, a great monument and did I say geocaches!? We didn't get a chance to find any of the geocaches because they were some big hikes, and Anneli was pretty tired after climbing the big 220 foot High Point Monument. I didn't go, but Shaun, Christopher and Anneli climbed the 220 foot monument! Way to go guys!! From the top they were able to see the Pocono Mountains toward the west, the Catskill Mountains to the north and the Wallkill River Valley in the south.

It was a clear, but super windy day!

On our way home, we took the scenic route and grabbed a bunch of geocaches! Guess what!!?? We found our 100th Cache today!!! YIPPEEE!!! Geocaching has been super fun! We can't wait to find 100 more!!!Friday, July 2nd

Today we ventured out in hopes to see the area and geocache some more--since we were on a roll! Well, we grabbed another pretzel at Callies Pretzel Factory and saw a bunch of great places. For example, we went to find a geocache at an old rusty bridge and we saw a huge deer drinking from the river, but we couldn't find the geocache. Actually, we just didn't have any geocaching luck today. We tried to find about four or five of them, and we didn't find ANY! Can you believe that!? We found like 10 yesterday and NONE today! Oh well, we had a great day together!! :) We even got started on our School Shopping--like I usually do each year---at the Steamtown Mall in Scranton, PA--the home of "The Office"! :)

That night Meme came back and she brought with her Pepe and Aunt Val! The kids were excited because Aunt Val didn't think she could come, but she was able to last minute! YIPEE!!

Saturday, July 3rd

On Saturday, we drove around checking out the sights, looking for geocaches, and places of interest, and trying to find a Red Lobster for lunch/dinner. We found it an hour away in Scranton, PA! While in Scranton, we hoped to take a tour of Lackawanna Coal Mine. It had been years since I've been! Unfortunately, it was closed for the day when we got there. We enjoyed our day and lunch and then headed to the pool for some fun with Aunt Val!

Sunday, July 4th

We ventured back to Scranton, and toured the Lackawanna Coal Mine. The kids really enjoyed it! They learned how hard it was to work in the mines and they are super glad we aren't a Coal Mining Family!

After that we went to an interesting restaurant/attraction--"Quaker Steak and Lube". It was a cute place, not the best food, but we were glad we checked it out!

Next, we headed back to the resort and enjoyed the afternoon in the pool. Then we ventured over to the edge of Lake Wallenpaupack and watched the fireworks over the lake. The kids enjoyed watching hundreds of boats in the lake, as we waited for the fireworks to start.

It was a great two weeks in Hawley, Pennsylvania. We might be back the first week of August for yet another fun filled advenutre! :)

Strawberry Festival 2010!

2010-07-11T20:41:00.012-04:00

Saturday, June 26th
Bright and early, after a long week in Pennsylvania, we piled in the van and headed up north to Maine to a Strawberry Festival! As we were driving through the town, looking for a parking place, the kids were excited to see Uncle Jeff directing traffic. We parked and then met Shaun's sister Nicole and her little ones at the yummy and fun Strawberry Festival! Memere, Jim and and our nephew Alex showed up after and we had a great time! It was quite warm, but we sat in the shade and enjoyed yummy food like Strawberry Shortcake, water, cotton candy, snow cones, french fries, Strawberry Cheesecake and fried dough! It was a great little festival!

After sweating all day, we then went over to Aunt Amanda & Uncle Miles house. There the kids swam, we enjoyed some pizza, visited with family, played with cousins and swam some more!

The kids were in the pool until almost 9pm! They were exhausted--but had a great time!!! :)
Check out this future swim instructor....
He did a great job helping Bryce gain some confidence in the pool! Way to go Christopher & Bryce too!! :)

What a fun weekend! :)

Post #2 : Lake Wallenpaupack

2010-07-08T14:16:00.016-04:00

On Tuesday, June 22nd, we got back in the van and headed back over to Hawley, Pennsylvania for the rest of our week at Lake Wallenpaupack. We had lunch and then we headed over to Holley Ross Pottery in LaAnna, PA. It's a fun little pottery shop that I like to visit each year we are in Pennsylvania. I really fell in love with the hunter green Fiesta dinnerware round casserole dish that I bought last year and had to get another---actually two! I got another hunter green one and a black one! I love to use them for casseroles, but I actually used it to melt my candy when I made candy lolly pops for the Cub Scout Blue & Gold in March! I also bought Shaun another large round pizza stone and another rectangle pizza stone for cooking cookies. (I bought one last year, but I wanted another!!)

Even though it was raining a bit when we left, we ventured out to the Holley Ross Park. It is a beautiful spot! I don't have many pics from this time because as I mentioned, it was raining, but we had to go out there! Why you ask? There was a geocache there!!! :) So we quickly hiked the path to the coordinates, grabbed it, logged it and dashed to the car! :)

Wednesday, June 23rd

Today we went to a local zoo called Claws 'n' Paws. It's a small little zoo, but the kids always love visiting it when we come.

This year Anneli fell in love with a little Pygmy Goat. She's been talking about this little goat since we went to the zoo!!

Hmmm....I wonder if Christopher is allergic to goats..... j/k

Sorry Anneli--there is NO chance you will be getting a pygmy goat anytime soon!!!

We also did a little geocaching and visited the Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center. While there, we learned a lot about the lake and the many animals in the area. Not sure if the kids will want to geocache anymore since poisonous snakes are prevalent in this area...

~~~~~~~~~~

Every night we would spend some time by the lake visiting with the ducks, watching boats in the water, looking for fish, skipping rocks, putting our feet in the water etc. Here are a few pictures of us hanging out by the lake.

Anneli likes to take pictures of EVERYTHING around her--whether you want your picture taken or not......

More, "fun by the lake" pictures...

Thursday, June 24th

Today explored two game land fields as we found two geocaches. Then we took a little ride to Callies Pretzel Factory. I have no pictures, but the kids love this place because here you can see how pretzels are made and then you can buy all kinds of pretzels! We love the soft pretzels! Christopher & Anneli got soft pretzels that were shaped like a dollar sign ($). They were

Friday, June 25th

Today we headed back home to CT. Ready for a weekend of rest before we headed back to Hawley on Monday...

Do you think we rested???? Stay tuned...

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-07T23:59:00.002-04:00

Lake Wallenpaupack

2010-07-06T17:07:00.021-04:00

We've been going to Lake Wallenpaupack at the end of June, for probably five years or so. Lake Wallenpaupack is in Hawley, Pennsylvania, about 2.5 hours from our home in CT. It is a man made lake built for hydroelectric power. It is 13 miles long and has 52 miles of shoreline. It's a great place to vacation for a week....or two, as the case was this year...

FRIDAY, JUNE 18th
We still had one more day of school, but we decided to head to Hawley for the weekend and then come back home on Monday for Funday Monday--the last day of school. It worked out nicely because Christopher had an allergist appointment Monday too--which is another post all in itself! So we braved the Friday traffic on 84 and got there Friday evening just in time to watch the beautiful sunset over the lake. (Wordless Wednesday pic for July 7th)

We arrived at the condo Friday evening...

We walked to our quiet special little spot on the lake...

We sat and watched some men fishing....

We also threw in some rocks...
SATURDAY, JUNE 19th
Today we did some geocaching, of course! We love to Geocache!!! :) Here are pictures of the kids and some TB's or Travel Bugs that they found!We found some great places as we followed the coordinates!

Here is one example...

We followed a narrow little road, over a little bridge and found the most beautiful waterfalls--and a geocache of course!

We drove around a lot in the van searching out great spots to explore, hike and geocache. Here is a picture of Anneli in her carseat as she rode in the van...

Here are some pictures of Pepere (my dad), Anneli and Christopher being silly with her hat & mask as we rode.

What a great Pepere!!

As I said above, we hiked a lot as we followed the corrdinates on our GPS to Geocache locations. The parks and gameland areas in Pennsylvania are gorgeous! We saw some beautiful spots like this mother deer and her baby, and found some interesting finds... Sorry!! The kids thought it was pretty cool!

Anneli was tired out after all the adventures as we drove back to our condo that afternoon/evening.

Luckily, she was rested up for our next adventure at the pool by the lake.

SUNDAY, JUNE 20th (Father's Day!!)

Today we jumped in the van with Memere and Pepere and headed to Kitattinny Canoes for a super fun Father's Day adventure. We went rafting down the Delaware River! It was fun, adventurous and relaxing! The Delaware River is beautiful! We saw eagles soaring above us, and watched two fawns frolicing on the side of the river as their mother watched them as we floated down the river... What a great day! :)

YOU'LL HAVE TO WAIT FOR PICTURES OF OUR RAFTING. I USED A DISPOSABLE WATER CAMERA, AND I STILL NEED TO GET IT DEVELOPED. I LOVE DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY!!!!! :)

We returned home that evening so Christopher could attend his last day of school on Monday! :) But wait!! The fun continues...

School's Out for the SUMMER!!!

2010-07-06T16:46:00.005-04:00

I know school has been out for two weeks, and I haven't posted a single post, but we've been super busy around here! We took off for our annual Lake Wallenpaupack vacation--which we extended to two weeks instead of one! We finally got home yesterday!!

The last day of school was Monday, June 21st. It's hard to believe that I now have a 3rd grader and a Kindergartener! It's crazy how time just flies right by. How can I be that old!?! Oh well, it doesn't bother me, I love watching them grow up. Right now I'm listening to Christopher read to Anneli---I love that!! :)

They both had a great year--Christopher in 2nd grade, and Anneli in Preschool. They both will miss their teachers, but are excited to move on in the fall. However, we are not wishing the summer away! We are looking forward to reading, swimming, camps, the beach, reading, museums, reading, traveling, spending time together, and did I say reading!? :)

Stay tuned for pictures from our Annual Lake Wallenpaupack Vacation in posts to follow. It may take me awhile to post, please be patient, we were and still are super busy!! :)

Happy 125th Anniversary to Our Fire Company!!

2010-06-15T13:07:00.009-04:00

Saturday, June 12, was our local Fire Departments 125th Anniversary Parade. It was raining in the morning, but by the time the parade stepped off at 5:30pm, the rain had stopped! The sun peeked out a bit, and it ended up being a great day for a parade!

A memorial to our fallen Firefighters in town.

Happy 125th Anniversary to our Fire Department!

We can't wait to continue the celebration at the Balloon Festival in August!

Hopefully it doesn't rain....