Fall Family Field Trip

Yesterday some of us played "hookie" and went on what we called a "Family Field Trip". Unfortunately Oliver had several tests at school and had to work also, so we missed him.

"Springwood", home of Franklin D. Roosevelt

We drove (about 2 hours) up to Hyde Park near Poughkeepsie, NY (say that 3 times fast!) and first stopped at the Home, Library and Museum of Franklin D. Roosevelt. This was our educational part of the trip. It was very interesting. I think everyone (except Natty) enjoyed it. Natalia had a bee in her bonnet all day and was suffering from a cold or allergies. She was not too cooperative. But, we managed to learn a lot about our past president who did so much to improve our country and government.

From there we traveled over the Hudson River to Hyland, NY and went apple pickin'. It was the first time I had ever been and also a first for Audrey, Celeste, and Sophia. Luckily we had Becky with us who was a pro. Dad opted to stay in the car with sleeping Natty, and got a little nap too. We were just glad she finally napped! So, now we're are all ready for our annual apple peeling/preparing day with our bushel of McIntosh apples. We couldn't leave Wilklow Orchards without some homemade doughnuts, apple cider, and fudge.

Ahh, Asleep finally!!!

Then it was Dad's turn to find his favorite Italian market in New Paltz, just a short drive from the orchard. There we got several italian goodies to take home (, fresh garlic mozarella balls, Soppressata (italian sausage), handmade ravioli, provolone and romano cheeses...We dined like kings last night. Dad was not too interested in having his picture taken today. Can you tell? Which picture would you choose?

"C" is for Celeste (Quote of the Day)

I think I"ll start a "Quote of the Day", recording some of the interesting and humorous sayings that we hear in our family. So, I'll let Celeste (age 7) start it off. Tonight at the dinner table she asked us,

"If the Holy Ghost always sits beside me, what happens when someone else is sitting in the chair next to me?"

Nothing much gets past our Celeste...she's always thinkin'!

I'm so glad when Daddy comes home!

Dad came home from working in Seattle and took us to the fair again! We got to go 2 times. How fun!

School starts in 2 days, so we are getting all the fun in we can before we say goodbye to summer.

Poor little butterfly

I couldn't resist getting some of these shots right outside our front door. Audrey, Oliver, and I wondered why this monarch was posing so still for us, until we realized it was injured. If you look closely you'll see a hole in it's wing. Thank you little butterfly for letting us enjoy you up close.

Take me to the fair!

Every year we go the local G.D.S. fair in our little town of Newfoundland. It is conveniently right down the road from our house and is our "last hurrah" of summer. Who could pass up free banana spits, french fries with vinegar (Dad's favorite), animals to pet, blue ribbon vegies, and as many rides as your stomach can handle? Who knows, maybe we'll go back again this week when Dad comes home from working in Seattle.
"Hi" Mr. Ed!

"Can I take one home?"

Where else can you find dancing pierogies?

Happy 10th birthday Audrey! We celebrated by heading over to Pittsburgh for a little camping and a Pirates baseball game. We also got so see the band Smash Mouth and fireworks which followed the game. We're not sure if we go for the baseball, the food, or the dancing pierogies. I think Tim and I were there for the baseball, Becky was definitely there for the food, Audrey was there for the cool Pirates clothes she got as a birthday present, Celeste and Sophia were there for the dancing pierogies (see picture below), and Natty was there for the parrot mascot. Fun was had by all! Dancing Pierogies! I had never heard of a pierogi until I moved to the East Coast. They are semi-circular dumplings of dough stuffed with mashed potatoes, onion and pepper. Very tasty!The Birthday Girl!

"N" is for Natty

Natalia took her first steps last week. She took her time, now 16 months old. But, she did it on her time. That seems to be her motto, "whatever Natty wants, Natty gets". Typical baby of the family! Spoiled rotten!
Who won, Natalia or dinner? Audrey said, "no need for a costume this year, Natalia is ready for Halloween" Straight to the bath for you little girl!