Apple Picking With Family

Sunday was a beutiful day out. I'm so glad we chose it to go apple picking with the family. Its our annual trip to the Dickenson Farm with my in-laws, my neice, FIL, Jeff and for his first time on this trip, Drew. It was the usual routine, hop on the tracter, go to the orchard, pick apples and wait for the tractor to return, but it was still fun. I don't think I could ever get tired watching everyone have a good time.



Drew loved running free, helping daddy and Ally pick apples. Everyone likes to sample the product before placing them in the bag, but Drew, not so much. I'm sure it'll grow on him! I know he just enjoyed being with everyone. At the end of the adventure, he got to sit on the tractor that pulled us to and from the orchard, he loved that!



I can't wait until we do our annual Vermont day trip and what adventures we come across then.

Road Trip

The family hoped in the car on Saturday and headed north for a family gathering for a graduation party. We packed the car, met up with the in-laws and my niece, went to breakfast and then hit the road.

It was a beautiful day for a trip. There was lots of sun, very few clouds and once we got to Vermont, a nice summer breeze graced us while visiting outside.

It was so much fun watching Drew explore the yard, visit with the neighbors horse, play with the toys from his older cousins and run around like he was a big kid. I loved watching him and Ally play together (that was until Sienna arrived and Ally had a blast running around with her, her younger cousin by one year). Ally is so protective of Drew, she won't let him do too much, but that's ok! That's what big cousins are for!!

Traveling was great, Drew napped on the way up and on the way back, he was wide awake playing with his toys until the last 5 minutes of the trip. It was an hour past his bed time and we were within minutes of getting home and Drew's eyes instantly got heavy and tried to close. All three of us, Jeff, my FIL and myself were doing all kinds of stuff to keep him awake. We didn't want him to get a 5 minute cat-nap in and be wide awake for hours after we got home. He was a good sport, flashed us a sleepy smile with eyes dropping until we got home.

It was so wonderful to see the family in Vermont. We haven't seen them since last summer and with the winters, its so hard to travel North. But, I hope to get to see them again this summer or at least in the fall.

A Day of Firsts

We had a great time last weekend. We never made it to Vermont to see family, but that was post-poned due to a graduation party we will attend in a couple of weeks with the same family. So, we decided to combine the visits together!!

On Sunday we went to the antique tractor show and after we traveled a little north to visit my in-laws parents camp. The camp is located in a quite little hill town where its just far enough away and a nice place to relax. There is also a lake within walking distance to the camp too, so we were told to bring Drew's swim gear and we did.

Sunday, Drew had a lot of "first" experience's and it was a blast to watch him go through each one. Let' s walk through each one together.

First time on a ride!

At the tractor show, there were horse back rides, a hay ride, and the ride that we went on. It was a tractor, pulling a long line of barrels cut out to look like cows. There was a tiny seat and just enough room for the both of us to fit inside. They even had a cow bell inside for us to ring. The tractor brought us by the big tractors and around the field area. It was great! Drew kept pointing at things while we rode by and had a smile plastered on his face when ever he saw something that interested him. As we approached the end of the ride, he even pointed out his Daddy and Grandpy to me. It was so much fun seeing him enjoy himself on the ride.

First time on a real tractor!

After the tractor/cow ride, we brought Drew over to the tractors where all the kids were climbing on. As we walked towards the machines, he was kicking his feet (Jeff was caring him) and pointed while making the vroom, vroom sound. He was in heaven sitting up on the big seat, pulling on the gears, moving the steering wheel and making his sound effects.

First Tattoo!

As we were leaving the fair, we were walking by the face paining/glitter tattoo booth. I knew a face painting experience would not go well, but agreed on a glitter tattoo (since my FIL so wanted Drew to get one). We picked out the paw print since Drew loves "Blue's Clues" and asked for blue glitter. Once the women started the tattoo, Drew flipped out. You would have thought we were back at the doctors office for an ear check-up. He was squirming and crying all while this wonderful lady was patiently holding his arm (with Jeff's assistance), placing the stencil, the sticky stuff and the glitter on his arm. The end result was great and Drew realized after all that he had a "clue" on his arm. He was excited.

First time in a lake!

We made it up to Goshen for our visit. We changed Drew into his swim gear and headed to the water. At first he watched Ally walk along the little dock and jump off and so he wanted to do the same thing immediately after her. We didn't allow him to do that of course, but we did let him walk into the water and splash. At one point he wanted to just walk out to where Ally was, fearlessly going into the water with no regards of the danger, but that never happened. Jeff at one point help glide him along the top of the water to have him "swim" and Drew never took his eyes off of Ally. The water was freezing, but he didn't care. He was loving it!

Speaking Of A Tractor

A few years ago, way before Drew was born, we gave my niece Ally a motorized John Deere Tractor for her birthday. Her dad loves the green machines, so we thought it was appropriate to give Ally her very own tractor. Well, the plan didn't go so well since she was afraid of the movement while sitting on the tractor while it was in motion. She didn't mind hitting the petal and walking along with the tractor, just don't put her in the drivers seat.

Fast forward 3 years later, and the tractor found a new home, with us! It was set up in Drews room, all set and batteries charged. He went straight for it and loved to touch it and wanted to climb on it right away. So, Jeff placed him in the seat and started to show Drew where the petal was to make it move. Drew's foot touched the petal, but barely covered it to give it enough umph to make it go anywhere. But, Jeff kept showing him that the tractor could move and each time his smile got bigger and bigger. They were having so much fun, the games had to be moved into the living room.

Once in the living room, there was plenty of room to move around. Jeff showed Drew all the buttons to make the flashers work, make the engine start and beep the horn. Drew was loving it. The best part was cruising along the living room floor. I lost count how many times Jeff would press the gas petal, drove Drew across the living room only to back it up and start over again. It was so much fun watching the boys play.

A couple of times Drew got the concept of pressing the gas petal and reaching it to make the tractor move. He would fly past us all and crash (lightly) into the couch or entrainment system. It was hilarious, I couldn't stop laughing out of excitement while watching Drew's face light up with wonder because he was on a moving tractor.

Now the tractor is outside in our shed. Every time the shed is open and that green and yellow are seen by Mr. Drew, he runs right over to it and touches it. He wants to have it out in the yard so he can play!

We Are Family

While Zack was here right before Christmas, my FIL requested that all of his grand kids have a photo session together. I thought it was a great idea!!

So, a date and time was suggested by my FIL to all and it all worked out great!

All the kids during the photo shoot were wonderful which made things run so smoothly. The kids from left to right, Drew, Zack, Ally and Jayden.

Maybe next time, we will get the entire family in for a photo shoot. We were thinking about doing it this time, but not all the parents were available. So, maybe in the summer we will have a group photo session. Yeah!

2010 Resolution

I am sitting in the kitchen, starring out the window with the sun coming through the windows thinking about what I could do different in the new year. I really don't make resolutions, but we can call them that if it makes things flow better.

I've had a wonderful year. Drew blessed us with his arrival. We got to experience several visits with Zack. My nephew, Jayden was born. My niece, Ally turned 5 (where does the time go?). And for the most part, my family was healthy. I know my mom had her minor mishap with her heart condition, but she is recovering nicely and bouncing back with advengance. So, with that, what more could I want for the next year?

Of course I want myself and everyone around me to be happy, healthy, wealthy in love (since money is so hard to come by) and to experience everything to the fullest.

But, for me, what do I want in the new year? I would like to sit and relax on the couch on a Sunday afternoon (any Sunday, I'm not picky) and drink my cup of tea to the end while its still warm and read the newspaper (including the flyer's) from front to back. If I get to do this several Sundays, I will be ecstatic, but I'm not going to push it. Lets just aim for one Sunday and see what happens.

I know I'm a day early, but I want to wish everyone out there a Happy New Years!! And celebrate safely!

5 Years Old

Its already been 5 years since the day you were born. I remember the first time I laid eyes on my beautiful niece Ally. She was so cute and perfect in every way. When Uncle Jeff, Grandpy and myself heard the news that she had finally arrived, we left work and went right to the hospital to meet Miss Ally. Ever since then, its been a great adventure with her in all of our lives.

I cannot believe that she is 5 years old already. She does have the spunk, attitude and fun imagination as a teenager (already), but she is still a shy, caring and a thoughtful little girl wrapped in a beautiful package.

The only thing is, this year for her birthday, she is home with the flu. She had bad luck last weekend and this weekend with her birthday parties (and trick-or-treating). The first party was with her classmates and the parents weren't too responsible with rsvping. So needless to say, there was a low turn out with Ally asking why didn't everyone come? Then we found out on Friday night that she has the flu and will not participating in anything this weekend.

I hope she gets better soon! We hope to recreate Halloween when she feels better and have a fun time giving birthday gifts to the birthday princess! Until then......

Happy 5th Birthday Ally!

In Search for the Great Pumpkin

This weekend, it was all about pumpkins.

Friday night we tried on Drew's Halloween costume (he's going to be a skeleton for day care though) and he was so cute. So, cute I was laughing so hard I cried. I couldn't take a steady photo either, so Jeff had to help out in the photo department. We didn't try on the pants, but the we tried the top two pieces. His pumpkin hat didn't phase him one bit and its a good thing since there is no strap to keep it on.

On Saturday, our family and Jeff's brothers family, sisters family and father all went for a day trip through Vermont. We drove North on the highway until our first denotation, breakfast. After we ate, we took the back roads South.

We try and do this trip yearly and hit the same spots while we drove South on the back roads. So, this past Saturday was nothing out of the ordinary for us. We had hot apple cider with cider donuts, went to Basketville, outlets, a yummy little chocolate shop , lunch, a side stand pumpkin patch and then Yankee Candle.

Drew checking out the area

During the entire trip, the main focus was pumpkins. I couldn't wait to get a pumpkin for my little pumpkin. I was so excited we stopped at our usual spot and the pumpkins were all spread out so we can capture some cute photo's.

Ally relaxing in the pumpkin patch

Jayden hiding out in the wagon filled with pumpkins

Drew's pumpkin

Jeff chose the perfect pumpkin for Drew's first Halloween.

Little Updates

My life is going a million miles each way, as does every ones life's.

With that in mind, this is what's going on in my household -

Little Drew is giving us a run for our money. He's been in weird funky mood lately where he can't get comfortable; is starving, but won't eat; is exhausted, but won't sleep, but nothing is officially wrong. He's been to the doctors twice in the last week to see what they think, but they can't come up with anything. They've checked him for an ear ache, teething, they listened for things in his belly and back, but all they can come up with is he is feeling blah.

We are packing and getting ready for our big vacation!! We leave Friday to head to VA to see Zack for a week. Then on the second week of vacation, we will be back in our area with Zack. We have tons of things planned along with lots of rest and relaxation. I can't wait!!

We get to babysit my niece tomorrow night along with celebrating my parents 37th wedding anniversary. Yeah, we get to have cake and have fun too!

My SIL Jenn is due in a week with her little boy. I was hoping that the little guy would come this week so we can meet him before our vacation, but its all up to that baby when he wants to meet the world.

My cell phone is now working!! I don't feel naked anymore without it. We let the battery and phone dry separately and when I got home last night, put them back together and presto! It works again. Some of the buttons are slow working, but I can deal with that rather then being without a phone or spending tons of money to replace it.

All partied out!

Drew attended his first party. Yeah, he was surrounded by ladies, but he didn't mind at all.....he's just like his daddy.

He went with mommy to his Auntie Jenn's baby shower. Drew looked so handsome. He had a cute button down shirt, blue shorts with blue sandals. He was so adorable, you could just eat him up.

This was the first time alot of the mutual family friends were able to see him since he was born, so he was being passed around, admired and complimented on how good he was during the party.

It helped having his big cousin, Ally around to entertain him. Oh, they were having a great time playing with each other. Ally is defiantly going to be the big sister type when he gets older. Ally would play with Drew, then run off to play with a cousin from Vermont and then come back to check on Drew. One time Drew was off with a friend and Ally kept saying, I want him back here with a pouty look on her face. It was too cute. I had to explain that he'll be back, no worries. Then she'd go off to play with Sianna.

Jenn(in purple) with Nate and his family

Jenn, my SIL, made out wonderfully for her little boy (they are thinking of Jayden Joseph for his name, but its not 100% yet). She had the diaper raffle like we did, so they are going to be set on those suckers for a good part of his first year. Jenn and Nate (her boyfriend) were very pleased with everything they received.

I enjoyed after the shower, once everything was home, helping them go through it all. Jeff and I volunteered to help them sort through things so they can make a list of things they will need to get after their move to an apartment next month.

After the shower, our family from Vermont came over to our house for a quick bite before they headed back north. It was wonderful to visit with everyone after the party. Drew had such a busy day, he was pooped by the time everyone left.

Ally Loves Drew

My cute little 4 year old niece, Ally, didn't quite understand all the talk about a baby before Drew was born. She would hear us talk about the baby, I tried to have her feel the little guy move around in my belly (but he of course would calm down as soon as she would put her hand on my belly) and try to tell her that baby Drew will arrive soon. She would just look at us like we were crazy, since she didn't see any baby.

Then the big day arrived. Ally and her dad (her mommy was sick, so she couldn't come) came to visit when Drew was a day old. I think Ally was a bit over whelmed being at the hospital and not really know what was going on. She acted really shy, even though it was just her family there with no strange people around. Ally didn't want to go over and see the baby, so she sat on her Uncle Jeff's lap and ate her chocolate "Its a boy" cigar and seemed to feel a little better.

Then, by the following weekend, all she could talk about was the baby. She couldn't wait to come over and see him. All she talked about was the baby. But, one strange thing occurred, she couldn't remember to call him baby Drew. She would call the little guy baby Jayden. Her parents had no idea where she came up with the name (no friends at "school", etc), but we all knew who she was talking about.

She was so excited about her new little cousin, she wanted her own pictures to bring to school. When she was holding him for the first time (with Auntie Amanda's assistance), she would just talk and talk about baby Jayden.

Ally loved to touch his little toes (after she saw Auntie do it, it was ok) and caressed his soft hair ever so gently. Every time he made a little sound, she would look at me with wonderment in her eyes. I could tell she really loves her new little cousin.

I can't wait for these two to be able to play together. There isn't anything better then two cousins who love to be with each other.

The strange thing about Ally's nickname for Drew is, when we told the story to my pregnant SIL, she said that Jayden is one of the names they were considering naming their little boy. Now that's strange! Maybe Ally already knew somehow and she was getting her babies mixed up?

Wordless Weds - Grandpy's Party

Grandpy's Apple Pie/Cake

Ally & Grandpy

Uncle Jeff & Ally

Ultimate Princess Weekend

Ahhhh, to be 4 years old again to have a Princess filled weekend. My niece Ally had Halloween and her 4th birthday all rolled into one weekend. It must have been bliss in her little world.

Ally as Snow White (how precious, huh?)

She stopped by Halloween night with her parents on her trek around town for visits. We were her last stop of the Snow White tour, but it was just as fun. She helped her Auntie Mana hand out candy to trick-or-treaters, wanted to try every candy in the dish (but only got away with a couple) and shared her adventures from visiting her other relatives that night.

Ally as everyone sang Happy Birthday to her

Then Sunday, little Ally turned 4 years old. I can't belive it. Her parents had a slide show going during the party and to look at her baby pictures and compare them to who she is today, its unreal. I told her mom that it seems like a year ago she was born, not 4 years ok. Also, Ally was so excited! She even ran out to the car to great us and tell us it was her birthday.


Her mommy and her sister made this gorgeous cake. It was so beautiful and tasty. It just put the icing on the cake (no pun intended) for the entire theme. Ally had balloons, paper plates, a banner and lots of presents wrapped in a Princess theme for her. Most of her gifts had a princess theme to it too!

Remember back in early October I went birthday shopping for Ally? Well, here is the dress up outfit that me and Uncle Jeff bought for her. It was so worth it to wait until everyone left to see her try on the outfit. She even turned Uncle Jeff into a frog with her magic wand!

She was too cute the entire weekend!

Trick-Or-Treat

Tonight, we will be visited by a lovely little Snow White Princess who has been counting down the days for her to put on her lovely dress. She also wants to come by for candy (chocolate to be exact). Hmmm, who can that be you ask. Well no other the Princess Ally. I will have some photos to share of the royal visit after this evening.


Zack will be a vampire this evening. I hope we will get some pictures of that to share, but we can never tell. I wish he was around here since he is getting to that age where this could be his last magical Halloween. You know the ones where HE wants to get dressed up and go trick-or-treating. Soon he'll be all grown up and not want to put on the silly costumes (as I sit here with a frown on my face). But, until then we will enjoy what we can being so far away.

For everyone else, I hope you have a fun, safe and haunting Halloween!

Shopping for a Princess

Yesterday, I was in the mood to do something, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to actually do. I'm sure you've had that kind of day and it can be a little tiresome trying to think of something to do. First,I figured I would go to the local grocery store and cash in all my change (in the Coin-Star machine).

I hit the jackpot! I haven't cashed in my change since before vacation time, 2 summers ago. So, I picked a few things up at the grocery store, but after I got home I still had the urge to do something. Jeff didn't want to do much and my FIL was out cruising the town on his bike.

So, after lunch I decided to go birthday shopping for Ally. I know her birthday isn't until 11/2, but I had little extra coin in my pocket and I was looking for something to do! So, I hopped in the van and headed to the closest Toys R Us to check things out.

I browsed the whole store. It ended up being between pink playschool golf set or anything Princess. I went down pepto pink isle of Princess Land and figured out she would like something in this genera. I know she would love anything from us, but its just makes it special when you see that look of amazement when she opens her presents, like it was the best thing in the world!

The potential golf set (except in pink) but Princess stuff won this year

I couldn't remember which Disney Princess what her favorite at the time, but also I knew that could change by the time her birthday rolled around. So, I decided to buy dress-up stuff. Ally is starting to get into that sort of thing right now so I thought it was perfect. So, our little Princess will get an Ultimate Princess Dress-Up Set

and a Princess Dance-Along Studio (it has a floor mat to show her dance moves, DVD & magic wand). She can use her new dress-up clothes to dress up like a Princess while she learns the moves!

Now, I can't wait for her birthday!

Last Weekend of Vacation

This past weekend was the end of our two week vacation (sniff, sniff). We will have little weekend get-aways here and there to go see Zack, or day trips, but it won't top having two straight weeks off from work. Oh, well....until next summer!

On Friday we had decided to hop in the car and take a drive to the original Yankee Candle. The store is only 45 minutes away and all three of us love to go, so it was a wonderful thing to do towards the end of our time off. Of course half the stuff Zack bought was for his mother, but whatever! We all still had a great time.

Friday night, we had plans to have my niece overnight since Zack really like the idea of her spending the night. He heard about her staying over a couple of weeks ago and wanted her to do it while he was there. So, after some arranging, it was done!

Zack & Ally

It was such a blast that night with both of them together in the house, laughing, giggling and having a great time together. Yeah at times it got load, but it was all in good fun! It was a time when the both of them could relax and spend some quality time together since they really don't get to see much of each other living 10 hours apart.

Zack and Ally feeding the animals

On Saturday, the rain seemed to be holding off, so we decided to go to a local petting zoo/ice cream shop (it was too early for ice cream, but if the kids weren't with us, I would have definitely snuck a scoop.....I had to be a grown-up though). It was so cute to watch Zack help Ally feed the animals, giving her courage to go up to them and watching their reactions towards the animals.

Zack & Jeff on the same team playing outside

After lunch, we went back to Ally's house to play outside. The boys played badminton (they were practicing for the Olympics, too bad it had already started for this years games) and the girls played in the yard.

Ally on her favorite bike

Then on Saturday evening, we played one last game of poker (with REAL poker chips this time). It ended up being a very long game. I kept trying to go all in with my chips, but I kept winning. Finally it was down to me and Zack. Zack was the dealer and he flopped the first 3 cards. I noticed I had 3 of a kind and I immediately said I was all in. After some thinking on Zacks part, he called and continued his dealer duties. Can you believe it? We had the same hand! We both won! So, we called it a tie and settled in for the night.

Zack was picked up yesterday morning around 8am. He was heading to Cape Cod for the week with his mother. We will get him next weekend (well, not even a full weekend, but whatever) and then that will be it until Thanksgiving. MAYBE we will have a quick weekend in October in Maryland to see Zack, but its all up to his mothers new work schedule, so we'll have to wait and see.

Its going to be a very long day at work today!

I want these too!

The other day, my niece came over and she has the neatest shoes on! Now, she's 3 and I am admiring her shoes already. I know they may be a little flashy for me, but I am entitled to look at me shoes once-in-awhile. Right?

When Ally stepped out of the car with these on, I gasped and told her how much I love 'em. They sparkled so much in the sun, I couldn't take my eyes off of them.

The best part of the shoes, they are by Disney Princess. I know my niece is a pretty princess and I am at heart, so why can't they make 'em in adult women 8 1/2?

Adventures with Ally

Last night, my niece Ally and her parents came over for supper and a visit. After supper, Ally and I went outside to play since she was getting bored playing in Zack's room.

I didn't think about bringing my camera out with us since I was caught up in the moment, so I forgot. Since I had a mind slip, I don't have any new pictures from our adventures in the back yard, but I wanted to share some of my favorites from over the years.

Here are some of our conversations-

Ally, the day she was born in 2005

In the garden:

Auntie-Do you want to see the tomatoes?
Ally-Shaking her head yes.

Auntie-You cannot pick the green ones since they are not ready (last year she helped pick the red ones)

Ally-Ok, but I can still touch 'em?

Auntie-Yeah, that's ok.

Ally-What are these?

Auntie-Those are the sticks to help the plants stand up so they don't fall over

Ally-Oh (then she checked that each plant had one).

Ally, about 6 months old

After the garden:
Ally-You wanna play?
Auntie-Sure, what do you want to do?
Ally-You chase me and then I chase you.
Auntie-Sure. How do we do that?
Ally-I count to phree and you chase me. One, two, phree.......

Ally, wresteling with Uncle Jeff

On Aunties Swing:
Ally-I want to go faster.
Auntie-We can't, this is a swing for relaxing.
Ally-Oh, like for nit-nite?
Auntie-Well, if you really want to you can.

Ally & Zack after apple picking last fall

On Grandpy's Hammock:

Auntie-This is grandpy's you know.
Ally-Why?
Auntie-This is where he sleeps when he's bad.
Ally-(pondering my answer) Noooooo (with a big smile)
Auntie-Yeah, I know
Uncle Jeff-We are going for ice cream soon (letting us know out of the window)
Auntie-What kind of ice cream do you want?
Ally-I fink chocolate
Auntie-That's a good choice

Ally loving a cupcake a few months ago