October Happenings

October was busy around our house...

 We decorated for Halloween

 We went to the National Zoo in D.C.

 We had a very, very early snow storm

 And I was the target of many snowballs!



 Adam trick or treated as a Ninja



and Nick was Captain America!

Now November is here and proving to be even busier!!  Have a great Turkey Month everyone!

Special Times

Sometimes, you just need to slow down and appreciate life...

...like fishin' with your Pap and Great-Grandpap

 ...or take a slow train ride around an old-time park with your brother

 Sometimes your giggle so hard when Pap pushes you on a tire swing you forget you're dizzy...

 and then you can't wait to eat the fabulous lunch prepared by your Mimi and Great-Nana!

 And then it's time to play, play, play...



And enjoy the day!!!!!!!

Labor Day Picnic ~ 2011.

10 Things to Smile About for July

1.  Celebrating the 4th of July holiday over a great 4 day vacation that included Indiana, Pittsburgh, an Amusement Park, and lots of swimming.  It was so special and tons of fun!!

2. Going camping in a tent for the first time ever for me and LOVING it!  We have a great camping area about 1/2 hour from our home and we have had 2 great long weekends there.

3.  My hubby turned 34 years old ~ I love you so much!!

4.  A PERFECT week at the beach in our condo we enjoy every year.  Words can't express the special times and amazing memories we make on this annual trip.

5.  Giving my boys each a hermit crab that they have wanted for a long time and watching the enjoyment they express for having them.

6.  The job of my dreams, that I have wanted for about 8 years finally became available...and I GOT IT!

7.  Returning to work after 3 glorious months home with my boys.  It made the list because it is so bittersweet  (see 6 above), but it is nice to rejoin the workforce for the rewarding experiences, satisfaction, and the "me time" away from home.

8.  A special week home with just Adam as Ray and Nick went on a special fishing trip to Erie, Pa.  We try to give our boys individual time on occasion.  We really see a special side of them and they seem to appreciate each other so much more once the few days of seperation are over and we get a very special experience of one on one time with each of our children.

9.  Beautiful warm weather!

10.  Being extremely happy and appreciating that SO MUCH!!!!

Link up with Emmy at http://www.emmymom2.com/

Visiting Philadelphia

My husband was honored to attend a conference for educators in Philadelphia. We were honored as a family to be able to tag along for a great family vacation and to teach our children some history. Whether it's about some fun log cabin "play houses", a "broken bell", some really cool steps to run and play on, or eating in a place with some really neat guitars, they learned a lot and we all had a very special and wonderful time as a family!!

Enjoy some of our photos.

Visiting Valley Forge.

Cabins the soldiers stayed in at Valley Forge during their rough winter.

Victory after running up the flight of steps.

The Museum of Art where Rocky ran up the steps for training in the movie. These are those killer steps.

Our family in front of the Rocky Balboa stature. We loved it!! It was so neat.

Hard Rock Cafe, Downtown Philly

Peaking through the front door of Independance Hall. The front doors do not opne. All visitor's enter from the back, but a peek won't hurt.

A plaque by the front door of Independance Hall

The Liberty Bell ~ AWESOME to see!!

Independance hall was being renovated, but had a shear curtain covering the construction to show us the structure of the building. It was amazing to be standing there amidst history!

goin' fishin'

Nothing says fishing like a Lightening McQueen fishing rod...

Standing side by side with your brother who has a SpongeBob fishing rod...

Catching a 4 inch long Sunfish...


and being so proud!

and of course we have to humor Mom for one fun pic!

It's a favorite hobby of our families. We have a great Sportsman's Club we have a membership to and the kids (and parents) have a super fun time pulling out whoppers!

Animals and Fun!!

We took a drive and visited the Washington D.C. Zoo this past Saturday. It is so nice living 1 hour and 20 minutes from D.C. There is always so much to do and it is always a wonderful way to spend a day with the family. Below are some of my favorite shots.

..and a GREAT time was had by all!!

Reviewing a Busy 2010