Thursday, October 6, 2011
Summer Utah Trip
Better late than never! The kids and I spent a wonderful 2 weeks in Utah this summer. We spent lots of time with friends and family. We went to the rodeo, the parade float display, spent a week at Aspen Grove, went hiking, swimming etc. Of course, the kids loved the flying part of the trip too. It didn't hurt that we were upgraded to first class - free of charge! Economy will never be the same! We missed Jim, who couldn't come due to work. But, we had a fantastic trip!
Friday, September 23, 2011
First Run
A couple of weeks ago I participated in my first official road race. A neighboring town was having their annual 5k and I decided to give it a try. I can proudly say that I ran (slowly) the whole way and survived!
Emi took this pic after I got home. I don't think it's such a great idea to post a pic of yourself at 8:00 on a Saturday morning, wearing no makeup, and having just finished exercising! :) But, seeing as this was such a momentous occasion I guess I'll post!
Emi took this pic after I got home. I don't think it's such a great idea to post a pic of yourself at 8:00 on a Saturday morning, wearing no makeup, and having just finished exercising! :) But, seeing as this was such a momentous occasion I guess I'll post!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
The Beach
Yesterday, we took the fam to the beach. It was a gorgeous New England summer day.... couldn't have been any better. Narraganset R.I. is our New England beach of choice. Jim and the Kids had a great time playing in the surf and I enjoyed reading a book on the beach! :)
Building sand castles! Jim isn't too happy about me posting a pic of his 'white chest'.....but hey, he can't help it - thankfully he's been in a cold air conditioned office all summer!
James playing in the sand. James was awesome in the surf this year. He and Jim went clear out and caught some big waves. James also loved chasing sea gulls on the beach. It was hilarious to watch!
Emi striking a silly pose. She is always our little mermaid at the beach....constantly in the water!
Clara and James coming in from looking for shells and smooth rocks. Ah, the simple pleasures of a day at the beach!
Building sand castles! Jim isn't too happy about me posting a pic of his 'white chest'.....but hey, he can't help it - thankfully he's been in a cold air conditioned office all summer!
James playing in the sand. James was awesome in the surf this year. He and Jim went clear out and caught some big waves. James also loved chasing sea gulls on the beach. It was hilarious to watch!
Emi striking a silly pose. She is always our little mermaid at the beach....constantly in the water!
Clara and James coming in from looking for shells and smooth rocks. Ah, the simple pleasures of a day at the beach!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Happy Birthday James!
James turned FIVE on July 14th. I can't believe my "baby" is five! He has been looking forward to his birthday for months. We had made a paper chain when there were only about eight days left...and each day he would cut a link off. The morning of the 14th I rolled over and opened my eyes to see James standing at my side of the bed, grinning and holding the last ring from his birthday chain. Another cute thing he's done for the past few months is ask about the size of his clothes. "Is this shirt a size 4T? I can wear it for just a little bit longer then." OR "This shirt is a 5T.....I can't wear it until my birthday." His favorite shirts were those that read "4T/5T because I can wear those now AND later." So funny! :) Here are a few pics of the birthday boy.
For James' party we had a bounce house, pirate games and water guns. Super fun!
James and his baseball birthday cupcake!
The Fam on James' big day.
James chose cheesy scrambled eggs & homemade cinnamon rolls for his birthday dinner.
Getting ready to open presents.
Legos! A new favorite!
For James' party we had a bounce house, pirate games and water guns. Super fun!
James and his baseball birthday cupcake!
The Fam on James' big day.
James chose cheesy scrambled eggs & homemade cinnamon rolls for his birthday dinner.
Getting ready to open presents.
Legos! A new favorite!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Ohio
Last week we enjoyed a family vacation to Ohio. Jim's parents are serving a mission in Kirtland, and we figured it was a great time for a visit. It's a 10 hour drive from CT and the kids were great....we've reached the magical age of easy traveling, hooray! We enjoyed all day Thursday touring the sites of Kirtland. It was a very educational experience. By the end of the day, James said "PLEASE no more tours!"
Visiting the Kirtland Temple.
Grandma & Grandpa giving us a tour at the Newel K. Whitney store.
At the Johnson Farm. (One of our favorite spots)
On Friday we went to Cedar Point (an amazing amusement park). It was only about an hours drive west of Kirtland. We were there from 10 am to 10 pm. The kids (and Jim/Me) had an GREAT time. If you like wild, scary roller coasters then this is the place to go! It's known as the roller coaster capital of the country and it truly lives up to its name. The girls went on everything and James wishes he could have gone on all the coasters - but he did enjoy LOTS of kiddie rides! :)
Emi and James on the kid swings.
This ride was a heart stopper. Jim and I both loved this ride (the girls decided not to ride this one....I nearly chickened out, but I'm glad I went....amazing!)
Top Thrill Dragster is a behemoth, standing 420 feet above the Cedar Point midways. It opened as the tallest and fastest coaster in the world back in 2003. A hydraulic cable launch system - launches riders from 0-120 mph in less than four seconds.
This coaster is definitely a winner. Emi and Clara both rode on this one! Millennium Force is the park's star attraction, standing 310 feet above the Earth. It broke 10 world records when it opened in 2000 and continues to deliver ultimate thrills to those who challenge it. Dive to the ground at an 85-degree angle and reach speeds of 93 mph during your two-minute journey. (I can't figure out why I can't get this pic to display in a larger size...oh well)
Pint size roller coaster for James!
Mom and Clara in the front!
At the end of a great day!
The next day, we headed to Niagra Falls. It was a beautiful day and kids were amazed by the huge falls!
Visiting the Kirtland Temple.
Grandma & Grandpa giving us a tour at the Newel K. Whitney store.
At the Johnson Farm. (One of our favorite spots)
On Friday we went to Cedar Point (an amazing amusement park). It was only about an hours drive west of Kirtland. We were there from 10 am to 10 pm. The kids (and Jim/Me) had an GREAT time. If you like wild, scary roller coasters then this is the place to go! It's known as the roller coaster capital of the country and it truly lives up to its name. The girls went on everything and James wishes he could have gone on all the coasters - but he did enjoy LOTS of kiddie rides! :)
Emi and James on the kid swings.
This ride was a heart stopper. Jim and I both loved this ride (the girls decided not to ride this one....I nearly chickened out, but I'm glad I went....amazing!)
Top Thrill Dragster is a behemoth, standing 420 feet above the Cedar Point midways. It opened as the tallest and fastest coaster in the world back in 2003. A hydraulic cable launch system - launches riders from 0-120 mph in less than four seconds.
This coaster is definitely a winner. Emi and Clara both rode on this one! Millennium Force is the park's star attraction, standing 310 feet above the Earth. It broke 10 world records when it opened in 2000 and continues to deliver ultimate thrills to those who challenge it. Dive to the ground at an 85-degree angle and reach speeds of 93 mph during your two-minute journey. (I can't figure out why I can't get this pic to display in a larger size...oh well)
Pint size roller coaster for James!
Mom and Clara in the front!
At the end of a great day!
The next day, we headed to Niagra Falls. It was a beautiful day and kids were amazed by the huge falls!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Time Flies
I love the beginning of June for many reasons, one of which is the fact that the kids get their Paul Cryan black and white pictures taken. They turned out great - I realize that my opinion is extremely partial :) My Mom has patiently been waiting for me to post these!
This is Emi's 2004 picture - she was three! Oh, how time flies!
And here is Emi now - 2011! Fun to see these side by side!
Emi likes this one because she she thinks she "looks like a teenager"!
I love this one of Clara - the little movie star.
Clara loved posing for the camera! The photographer is absolutely hilarious and is amazing working with the kids. Clara was just eating up the whole experience!
My little boy is getting much too big!
This is Emi's 2004 picture - she was three! Oh, how time flies!
And here is Emi now - 2011! Fun to see these side by side!
Emi likes this one because she she thinks she "looks like a teenager"!
I love this one of Clara - the little movie star.
Clara loved posing for the camera! The photographer is absolutely hilarious and is amazing working with the kids. Clara was just eating up the whole experience!
My little boy is getting much too big!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Sewing
I've sewn crafty things before...but never anything to actually wear! I had three opportunities this past week - Clara needed a green skirt to wear for her first grade play....Emi needed a white Egyptian outfit for Egypt day and then the girls 'needed' some cute church skirts!
Clara was a carrot in her first grade play :)
Emi the Egyptian - her skirt is made out of an old dress shirt of Jim's!
I saw this cute skirt pattern and had to give it a try. My good friend is a 'seamstress extrordinare' and she guided me through the process.
Front shot.
Back shot.
Clara was a carrot in her first grade play :)
Emi the Egyptian - her skirt is made out of an old dress shirt of Jim's!
I saw this cute skirt pattern and had to give it a try. My good friend is a 'seamstress extrordinare' and she guided me through the process.
Front shot.
Back shot.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
New York City
When Mark, Kimmie and baby Spencer were visiting, we decided to have an 'adventure' and take everyone to New York City. Jim and I have gone to NYC many times.....alone, and have loved it. We figured the kids were all old enough now, plus we had one adult to every child. Safety first! We packed some snacks, piled into the car and viola! Two hours later our party of seven was exploring New York City.
The day was a great success. The weather was perfect, the kids behaved beautifully and we enjoyed lots of touristy things - Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, China Town, Time Square and Central Park.
"Excitement" during the day: Sarah 'misreading' the map and we ended up traveling through the Bronx. Seeing Jack Sparrow walk down 5th Avenue. Jim having his pocket knife confiscated at the Statue of Liberty (security check!). Jim loosing my nice McClaren stroller. (He likes to say someone stole it from him at gunpoint, but he actually left it leaning against a bench in the subway). James being quite traumatized by the number of people he saw with piercings and "stamps" on their bodies. Emi and Clara periodically plugging their noses and saying "What is that gross smell?" Seeing a bald man walking down the street with a cat sitting on his head.
We all had a fantastic time in New York City!
Waiting at the Subway Station
In line for the ferry to Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty. A nearly two hour wait!
On the ferry boat. The kids loved the boat ride!
There were some serious 'gale winds' on the ferry ride! Just kidding, this is actually Jim showing off his upper body strength....much to the pleasure of those on board the boat!
The kids loved the statue of liberty. They all came home with souvenir Statue of Liberty key chains!
Lady Liberty
Not a great candid shot of me and Mark....but this is us on Ellis Island. A fascinating place. Very interesting!
The fam at Time Square. Jim does not have a happy face in this pic. Probably because he had just lost my stroller....and I was not too pleased with him! :)
Last stop of the day was Central Park. The kids loved running and climbing on the huge rock formations in the park. I have no idea where their energy came from at the end of such a long and adventurous day!
The day was a great success. The weather was perfect, the kids behaved beautifully and we enjoyed lots of touristy things - Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, China Town, Time Square and Central Park.
"Excitement" during the day: Sarah 'misreading' the map and we ended up traveling through the Bronx. Seeing Jack Sparrow walk down 5th Avenue. Jim having his pocket knife confiscated at the Statue of Liberty (security check!). Jim loosing my nice McClaren stroller. (He likes to say someone stole it from him at gunpoint, but he actually left it leaning against a bench in the subway). James being quite traumatized by the number of people he saw with piercings and "stamps" on their bodies. Emi and Clara periodically plugging their noses and saying "What is that gross smell?" Seeing a bald man walking down the street with a cat sitting on his head.
We all had a fantastic time in New York City!
Waiting at the Subway Station
In line for the ferry to Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty. A nearly two hour wait!
On the ferry boat. The kids loved the boat ride!
There were some serious 'gale winds' on the ferry ride! Just kidding, this is actually Jim showing off his upper body strength....much to the pleasure of those on board the boat!
The kids loved the statue of liberty. They all came home with souvenir Statue of Liberty key chains!
Lady Liberty
Not a great candid shot of me and Mark....but this is us on Ellis Island. A fascinating place. Very interesting!
The fam at Time Square. Jim does not have a happy face in this pic. Probably because he had just lost my stroller....and I was not too pleased with him! :)
Last stop of the day was Central Park. The kids loved running and climbing on the huge rock formations in the park. I have no idea where their energy came from at the end of such a long and adventurous day!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Life Cycle
Today I was driving James and his "best buddy" to school. This is the conversation that I overheard from the backseat.
Andrew - "I have a loose tooth"
James - "Ohhh - Wow! After you loose all of your teeth, you get to be a pirate!"
Andrew - "Yah, and after that, when you die, you get to be a skeleton!
James - "Awesome!"
So there you have it! The life cycle according to 5-year-old boys!
BOY------PIRATE------SKELETON
Andrew - "I have a loose tooth"
James - "Ohhh - Wow! After you loose all of your teeth, you get to be a pirate!"
Andrew - "Yah, and after that, when you die, you get to be a skeleton!
James - "Awesome!"
So there you have it! The life cycle according to 5-year-old boys!
BOY------PIRATE------SKELETON
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Birthdays
Emi and Clara had their birthdays months ago, but they were very patient in waiting for their 'friend' parties! We had both parties on one Saturday. Clara's from 10 to 12 and Emi's from 1 to 3. They were a great success! Here are a few pics of the fun day. Clara's pics are first.
For Emi's party we played BINGO. Instead of bringing birthday gifts, each girl brought five small bingo prizes. Every time we had a winner, that girl would choose a prize from the prize table - and put the prize in their 'goodie bag'. Each girl left with eight fun prizes. It worked wonderfully!
I also celebrated my birthday this month. I was in Utah for General Conference on my actual birthday (a fabulous trip!), and I returned home to house full of decorations and cards. Jim bought an adorable little cake and insisted that it be lit with all 34 candles. The kids thought the cake was hilarious and looked like a fire! I also have wonderful neighbors and friends who surprised me with lots of yummy goodies.
For Emi's party we played BINGO. Instead of bringing birthday gifts, each girl brought five small bingo prizes. Every time we had a winner, that girl would choose a prize from the prize table - and put the prize in their 'goodie bag'. Each girl left with eight fun prizes. It worked wonderfully!
I also celebrated my birthday this month. I was in Utah for General Conference on my actual birthday (a fabulous trip!), and I returned home to house full of decorations and cards. Jim bought an adorable little cake and insisted that it be lit with all 34 candles. The kids thought the cake was hilarious and looked like a fire! I also have wonderful neighbors and friends who surprised me with lots of yummy goodies.
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