First Snow

I couldn't believe it came this early. These photos were early into the snowfall, there was a bit more as the day went on, but now it's mostly gone. The kids LOVED it.




Goodbye Zinnias!

A Van Moment

A Beck Moment

*yes...that's poop

Embracing Fall

I've been pleased to learn that I'm not the only person who doesn't just looooove fall. I don't hate it. I don't love it either. There are things I love about it, but it's my third favorite season. Living here has helped me come to a place of greater appreciation for it. It brings relief from humid summer days. The days get shorter, which is normally a minus, but that means Dennis gets home from work sooner and that is a plus. Holidays. nuff said. However the biggest downfall of autumn is that is reminds me that the drab days of winter are knocking at our door and pretty soon I will have to let them in. Winter is the guest that wears out its welcome and doesn't leave until it's darn good and ready. So when I saw these pumpkins on Pinterest I knew they'd be the perfect way to welcome fall and still keep some summer color in our home.
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*E helped by stuffing the pumpkins and she sewed the tiny green one pictured in her hands.

Today

Yes....same day blogging. Can you believe it? Today I took the kids to Kitchen Kettle Village and the outlets. For you locals, you might be thinking that I must be certifiable to be taking four kids to such popular tourist destinations on a Saturday. I might be. But we got going on the early side and it wasn't crowded at all!

We first stopped to see the animals.

This guy cracks me up.




Then we went to our main destination; to decorate cookies at the Jam's and Jellies store. I had 2 coupons for a free cookie so only $1 for the 3rd decorator. LOVE it. My older two went for the "how crazy can I make this?" look and V let me help him a bit.





Snacking on the sample chips.

At the outlets (5below) the kids spent their money that Grandma Linda left them to shop with. I'll try to get pics another time of their purchases grandma!

Catching up...again....

Blame computer woes, blame motherhood, blame laziness, blame me, but there's been an obvious lack of blogging. Talking to several friends who also have little ones comforts me that I'm not alone in this busy pace that we call life.

Here are a few things that October has brought us so far:


Breakfast date with my daughter at Katie's Kitchen; an amish run restaurant with CHEAP food.



Local fair


Visit from Grandma Linda


This is not Grandma Linda; this is a llama.



Ducks


Pretzel factory tour



lots of love from the little ones

3rd Annual Labor Day Campout

First Day of School 2011

J - 5th grade; E- 2nd grade

V was waving goodbye, he wanted to go too super bad!

NYC

(6 years ago at our 10yr reunion)

There are some friends that you can just pick up with after 6 years like it's yesterday. This is one of those friends. She was an exchange student from Norway my senior year and although I remember meeting her I really don't remember what connected us specifically. But we were nearly joined at the hip that year. Since then we've gone on to lead very different lives but the friendship has remained. So when she asked me to meet her in New York for a few days how could I resist?

I was so excited at traveling sans kids I thought I'd try to capture every moment (this did not last) like waiting for the train.

I got there a few hours before her which gave me some alone time in the hotel room. Is it sad that I was giddy to be alone in a hotel room with the remote control all to myself? As you can see we had a nifty view to the left...

and to the right.

The first night we hopped on the subway and headed to Little Italy for dinner.

Yum. Really there are no other words. I am so glad that she loves food as much as me!

Strolled through Time Square on our way back. It was late Tuesday night and there were still a million people out. Crazy.

The next day we walked to and through Central Park. It was so beautiful and the weather was perfect. (For those of you who don't know, she is nearly 6 ft tall which means she is awesome at taking pictures at arms length.)

There were musicians everywhere.

We walked through the park with the intent of arriving at the MET. We picked a few things to see and I was not disappointed.

This is a favorite and I nearly cried. I heart Degas. I also hear Van Gogh.

The rooftop gallery with the park behind.

She had her fancy iPhone for some fun shots.

Because we were exhausted we took a cab back to Time Square at ate at this delicious Asian restaurant. Why didn't I take pictures of the food? I really should have. I don't think we were once disappointed w/ what we ate.

That night we went to see Wicked thanks to little miss generous(she also took care of the hotel). I also heart the theater. Always a treat and the show did not disappoint.

The evening was closed with a drink at the Top of the Strand, including a view of the Empire State Building.

We stayed in the Garment District and I was drooling over these little stores that were overflowing with fabric. I feel like this was quite an educational trip as I kept thinking, "Now that I know this...I can be prepared for next time."

Such a great time and it was just the right amount for this mama of four. Enough to get away and breath by myself, and still want to go home to my precious ones, and my main man. Thank you again Nana for taking a chance and asking me to come! Love you friend!