Cruise 2010

Stephen and I left for our annual Fall vacation together last Monday. We had such a wonderful time but missed the kids terribly by Thursday when we spent the day "out at sea". The cruise ship was much smaller than the ones we typically go on. I actually cruised on this same boat with Dylan four years ago. Not much has changed and apparently we were informed that the week we vacationed was the last week the boat would be sailing this year because it was going to be dry docked for refurbishing. Key West was a ton of fun and Mexico was beautiful. We went to an old Spanish church, toured a tequila factory (and of course sampled some authentic Mexican tequila), visited a Mayan relic, the City of Cozumel and relaxed at a nice beach front resort before heading back on the ship. What beautiful views and sunsets Cozumel has to offer- Cannot wait to start planning our next family cruise vacation! I'm sure the kids would have loved this trip but sometimes Mommy and Daddy need a little break-- It was much needed and I cannot wait for our trip next October! It was hard leaving the 80 degree + weather and heading back to 40 degree New York temperatures I can tell you that~!

The final camping trip of the season

Purchasing a camper at the beginning of the Summer had to be one of the best things I think we have ever done. We camped 6 out of 8 weekends during the summer and went camping Labor Day and this past Columbus weekend. It was a little chilly but when you camp with the wonderful group of people like we do, there are NO complaints! My kids carved a pumpkin, played from the minute they woke up with the beautiful fallen leaves and relaxed by the fire before bedtime. I LOVE camping in the Fall. We cleaned our little summer home out when we got home Monday night and I cannot wait for Spring to arrive for our Memorial Day weekend at Gilbert Lake

Michelle's Wedding

My sister Michelle was married last Saturday, October 9th. My kids are thrilled to have a new uncle. Here are some pictures of the beautiful day....

Apple and Pumpkin Picking

I am embarrassed to admit this but I have NEVER gone apple picking--NEVER. It is something that I have always wanted to do, and have attempted to do, but never got to the orchard. Since Dylan's soccer game was cancelled yesterday afternoon, my favorite family, the Siegels, invited us to pumpkin and apple picking with them in New Paltz. The sun was shining and I had plans of cleaning the house all day but I literally ditched the broom and vacuum, hopped in to the shower and dressed my clan...we were finally going to get to the orchard!

I had so much fun and I don't think I put my camera down much. Emily was hysterical eating all the apples she could pull off of the tree. Dylan and Will were giggling running around the orchard chasing each other and Brynn and Jessica, the princesses of our group just enjoyed checking out the beauty of the orchard. It really was beautiful.

After trekking through a very muddy corn maze, picking 60 pounds of pumpkins and paying, we tailgated for a bit and went to the Gilded Otter for a late lunch/early dinner. My kids were EXHAUSTED but thanked us at least 20x on the way home. It was a lot of fun and now definitely part of our Fall plans every year.

Pumpkin Party 2010

The day of the Pumpkin Party finally arrived! Oh how excited my children have been to put their costumes on--I attempt every year to buy costumes for the kids that are warm since you can never anticipate Halloween weather in Sullivan County. Against my better judgment I gave in to Brynnie's request to be a mermaid and attempted at the last minute to dress her up as a Pumpkin (of course did NOT fly).

Dylan has been obessed with the medeival era for the last year so he was a knight again this year. Brynn wanted to dress up like Ariel (the little mermaid) so she was a beautiful (but yet cold) mermaid. I wanted to dress Emme up as a peacock in the worst way this year but unfortunately the costume has been backordered and I was not able to purchase it in time for the party this past Saturday. I found a butterfly costume at Children's Place and I have to say she was a very cute little 'bug'.

The day was goregous and you could not have asked for a better Fall weekend...