Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Bronx Zoo

We went to the Bronx Zoo today with Miss Meredith and Brady and Parker. We've been hanging out a lot this week!

Now going to the zoo with young kids can either be a success or a complete disaster if you stay too long. So we get there when it opens and eat and early lunch and then head home. The Bronx Zoo is really an amazing zoo considering that it is in the middle of the Bronx. I'm no expert on zoo's like Marla, but we have really enjoyed being members.

Our first, and best, attraction of the morning was the Asian Monorail. It was amazing! The kids had a blast riding on a train and seeing elephants, rhinos, and all sorts of amazing Asian animals up close.





And I have to say, if Tyson and Parker ever get married, this will be the cover photo of their wedding program. Could they be any cuter??



PS. Mom and Audrey arrived yesterday and they spent the day in the city at American Girl, FAO Schwartz, and Tiffanys (just looking). We're all off to Playland tomorrow. Pictures sure to follow!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Another pool day...

Our good friend, "Miss Meredith" invited us back to the Rye Pool for a pool day. So welcomed, because it's hot!

The girls sunning themsleves and warming up....




Tyson's reaction when I told him we needed to leave in 5 minutes...


P.S. I just want to thank everyone for your comments, e-mails, and well wishes with this pregnancy! I'm happy to report that the majority of the morning sickness is gone! I still have moments of just feeling "off", but overall, things are looking up! Except for my stomach which is ALREADY beginning to expand...I guess my body is more anxious to grow than I am!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Beverly's Collectibles

So yesterday was one of those days that tests all your relational skills you THINK you have in your marriage. Driving directions, low on gas, whining kids, and not enough food. Sound familiar? Hmmmm.

Wade was gracious enough, and willing, to drive an hour into Connecticut to go to the Elephant's Trunk Flea Market in New Milford. I had read about it on a blog this last week, and it sounded fabulous! A big field with something like 300 vendors? Uh....Heaven!!!!

So the directions on the website sounded clear, but we punched in the actual address on the website into the GPS. So after about an hours drive, we drove in circles looking for this address. It ended up being a cemetery. What?????

So then we decided to back track (yet again) and try the directions that were on the website. Go 4 miles....more like 14. We were just about to give up and go completely mad when we pulled over at Beverly's Antiques and Collectibles. Surely she would know.

I walked into Beverly's, a small "house" on the side of Route 7, at about 350 square feet. Beverly was behind and the counter and greeted me with a warm smile. There was a framed picture of her and Martha Stewart on the counter and the place was packed floor to ceiling. I asked her if she knew where the Elephant Flea Market was, and of course she did! It was just a couple more miles up the road, but why was I there on a Saturday?

The flea market is on Sundays.

Hmmm. Can't wait to tell Wade that.

So I stalled in her shop for a few minutes and continued our nice conversation. I finally braved confession and broke the news to Wade. He honestly could have flipped out. It had just been THAT kind of morning. But instead, being his usual calm self, he just shrugged and suggested we eat lunch. Plus he said, "how did we...and my we I mean you...miss that little fact?" I deserved it.

So we picnicked in Beverly's parking lot and ate our PB&J's, grapes, chips and fruity snacks, then tried everything we could to keep the kids awake for the hour drive home.

It is going to be a LONG time before I ask Wade to go to a flea market with me again. :) God bless him!




Friday, August 21, 2009

I'm married to a roadie...

The kids could not have been any more excited to tell Wade about his big box that was waiting for him at home. I wrote Wade an e-mail saying something like, "if the kids and I aren't motivation enough for you to come home early, your bike has arrived and is waiting for you."

He got home early.

So after weeks of looking and shopping at bike stores, and after years of wanting a road bike, he pulled the trigger. He deserves it. I'm glad he got what he wanted, and am excited to see him use it. There are plenty of local bike groups that ride on the weekends, so hopefully he can ride in a group since I believe there is safety in numbers.

So before even going into the house, Wade and the kids got the box opened and all the parts out. Then they spent the evening on the front porch assembling it.

So it's official now...I'm married to a roadie!




Thursday, August 20, 2009

Shells and Enamelware

I love shells. I always have, and I guess I could thank my mother for that. For as long as I can remember, my Mom always brought home a handful of shells whenever we went to a beach.

I have since continued that tradition, and Ava has inherited it from me! Good thing our kids inherit the good things from us too.

So my fabulous neighbor Dana, and her husband, got back from a long weekend away at St. ..... I can't remember! One of those St. Islands in the Caribbean. She brought be back the greatest present...a glass jar with some shells.

They are now on my dining room table on one of my latest enamelware finds. A gorgeous tray that I found for $10 at an antique store in Cold Springs (on the Hudson).

The glass jars and other white dishes are from various other flea markets, and the white "dented" cup with the coral in it was made by my Uncle Mal.

Another love of mine: white dishes. Can't have enough!! White NEVER goes out of style.


After our trip to Cape Cod in May (you can read about that by clicking on Cape Cod from the subject selection on the left), I, of course, brought back a "small" collection of Cape Cod shells. Aren't they beautiful? I keep them on the back stoop in another of my favorite enamelware pots, so everytime I walk past them, I think of our wonderful Cape Cod vacation.


P.S. I brought back a lot of great flea market finds from our trip to Colorado, and I'll post some more finds soon.

Monday, August 17, 2009

It Ain't No Speedo....

It ain't no Speedo...but I love my off-brands anyway. The swimming cap was about $2, and the goggles are Wades.

I started swimming today. 6am. Wow.


Why swimming? I quit Curves and we joined the YMCA. And swimming? It's some of the best exercise you can do while pregnant, right?

Did I just say pregnant?

May as well let the whole world know now. I'm about 7 weeks pregnant and couldn't feel worse. Either I blocked out the sickness from the last two pregnancies, or this baby is seriously taking me for a ride. I have napped pretty much every day for the last 10 days, and am feeling just icky.

Today I spent about 1/2 hour on the bathroom floor, and another hour propped up in front of the air conditioner with my eyes closed. Luckily the kids were happy to play trains and watch some PBS while I was "in my own world". Oh my. Where's my mommy??!!!!!! We're never to old to want them, are we?

So we found out the big news shortly after getting back to NY from from our CO visit. We are thrilled, but let's just say this baby was a bit of a surprise. I'm due in early April, just a few days after Tyson's 3rd birthday.

OK, I'm feeling a bit green right now, so I'm off to bed. Settle down baby Gus!!! (nicknamed by my oldest niece)

Sunday, August 16, 2009

A Taste of Summer

We had a BBQ this afternoon with neighbors and friends. Although it was a bit hot, there were plenty of tasty treats including watermelon thanks to Mr. Berl! I'm pretty sure my kids ate at least 4 pieces each.

Happy August!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Dr. Tyson

We had Ava's four-year check up this week and she has been dreading if for weeks. "Mom, do I have to go to the doctor today?" "I don't like shots Mommy!!!" Then she runs to the corner and melts in tears...

The morning of the appointment came and Tyson told Ava he would be a good little brother and hold her hand. We decided to take our Fisher Price doctor kit as it really helps the kids keep their minds off the real thing.

Tyson was the life of the office, as usual, and wanted to practice his "doctor stuff" on everyone. While walking down the hall, people kept saying hello to "the doctor" and making comments on how young doctors are these days, and Tyson's response to everyone was "I'm not a doctor, I'm Tyson! Dr. Tyson!"

The appointment went well, and with a LOT of crying and three band-aids later, we were done.







Tyson got a hold of camera and took a bunch of shots of the exam room. I can see why a doctor's office would be intimidating to a little person...you can't see anything!!


We celebrated by going out for Mac-n-Cheese at the Mamaroneck Diner for lunch. Phew. Glad that appointment is over with!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Harvest

Despite the enormous amount of rain we've had this spring and summer, I actually have something to harvest! Harvesting is easy, but the hard part is keeping the kids from picking all of the tomatoes...ripe or not.

And the most exciting discovery today is we have a squash growing! I did a happy dance.


Monday, August 10, 2009

Some Guys Have All The Luck

In the immortal words of Rod Stewart: "Some Guys Have All The Luck"

You know it's time to cut your sons' hair when other kids call him a she. I'm not opposed to longer hair on guys, in fact I like it. So we gave him a trim, but left plenty of curl.

The long lashes, the milky skin, the curly hair, the naturally red lips....



These images are SOOC (straight out of the camera) by the way. He's gorgeous! Not being biased whatsoever....seriously.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

I'm a winner!

To say that I'm addicted to eBay might be a bit of a stretch, but I guess you could say my "enjoyment" of eBay of late could be considered a habit. I love getting that e-mail "YOU WON"!! And who doesn't like the hunt, the chase, the bidding, the victory?

I'll have to share some other of my recent eBay purchases, but for now, I'll share two.

Today was definitely an eBay day. Let me share...

I used to stare blanky at eBay uncertain of what to search for. I always read in magazines about cool things that people have found for their homes on eBay and I'm like, "how in the world did you think to search for that?" All I can say is practice makes perfect because you can buy ANYTHING on eBay.

I've been keeping my eye out for lockers just because I love them and they are so functional. I have a set I bought at the Paris Street Market in Denver a few years ago, and I use them in our little mud room for the kids to put their backpacks, shoes and other stuff.

So I was looking the other day, and I found some small cubby lockers (each locker is 12'x12') for an amazing price. And they were in NY! The state of NY sells excess "stuff" and I got these lockers for only $55. I have seen these at flea markets for well over $200. So Presta and I took a little road trip to the state offices in Albany and picked up my new treasure. They fit perfectly in the van, and after a little cleaning and a fresh coat of spray paint, they will make a great dresser for one of the kids.


After picking up the lockers, I came home to a package from another eBay purchase. I got a huge lot of vintage milk caps...110 to be exact. Aren't they cool? You can make them into fridge magnets, or display them in a cool container. The kids love flipping through stuff like this.


Happy bidding!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Boy at the Beach

We biked over to Rye Beach lastnight since I feel like summer is coming to an end and we've only been to our beach once. Wade is in Chicago this week, so I decided we should go during what I like to call the "critical mass" part of the day. The hours between 4pm and 7pm. I'm sure you Moms out there know exactly what I'm referring to. It is those magic hours between naps, dinner and bedtime where your child's alter-self seems to make an appearance.

Tyson was more excited than I've ever seen him and he wouldn't stop running! From the water to the towels, from the water to the sand toys, from the water to....you get the idea!

We had a great time, and got home just in time for a quick bath and a dinner of scrabled eggs and waffles. Yummy.






Sunday, August 2, 2009

Yellow flowers

...make me happy.

How many times have I parked in front of these flowers and not really noticed? Then the other day I really noticed them. Those are really pretty! I have no idea what kind they are, and I honestly thought they might be weeds at first. Who doesn't love a happy yellow flower to greet you when you pull into your driveway?


Saturday, August 1, 2009

Preview: Janeen and Avery

I just finished editing all of Avery's pictures from her one year session, and I can't resist sharing this series. I just LOVE it. The Colorado sunset was golden that night!!

Sibling love...

...makes me happy.

The kids have lately been really excited to just sit together and just "read" books to each other. Can I just say how much I LOVE THIS?? I'm pretty sure I have personally read each book we own at least 50 times, so they know them by heart. Now, they just sit with eachother and recite as much as their little minds remember.

I came upstairs the other night and found this scene...


P.S. This is Tyson's "big boy" bed from IKEA that we got for his second birthday back in April.