{a perfect weekend in the adirondacks}

It was a hard summer.  We didn't think it was going to be, in fact, with our house being built, we expected it to be a really exciting summer.  However, that all changed when we had to stop building the house, and it took a toll on all of us.

Rick and I decided that we needed a little getaway, one where we could escape the every day craziness and routine, and just focus on our family.  Since the moment we moved here, visiting the Adirondacks was high on our list of things we wanted to do, and it was a natural choice for our trip. I found the cutest resort with adorable cottages on a lake, deep in the Adirondacks, almost to the Vermont border.  It was perfect. We decided on Columbus Day weekend, so we could have an extra day or two, and hopefully enjoy the stunning upstate NY fall a little more.

It took us almost six hours to get there, but it was literally the most beautiful, breathtaking drive I have ever taken. Ever.  We hit the peak of the leaves changing exactly right, and the whole entire way was smothered with the most vibrant colors I could have imagined.  We were heading up into the mountains, and it was just valley after valley of trees and lakes.  About 30 minutes before we got there, we came across a bear that had been run over, and was lying in the middle of the road.  There were cars there, directing traffic away from it, but it really worried the kids, especially Henry.  He asked if we could please turn around and go home, and when we asked him why, he just said "bears". We calmed him down, and assured him that we would be totally safe inside our cottage.

We arrived a little later in the evening, and quickly got all of our things inside the cottage. It was perfection.  Rustic, adorable, and cozy---we couldn't have asked for anything more. The whole back of the main floor was covered in windows from floor to ceiling, two stories high.  Our cottage was right on the lake, so when you looked at the windows, you saw the most beautiful water, surrounded by those same gorgeous trees. I can't even explain it--it was like we were in a movie.  I couldn't believe it, and I was looking right at it! The four littles got to sleep up in a loft, and they were so excited they could hardly stand it.

We went right to sleep, because we were all so tired, but the next morning everyone was up bright and early.  After a breakfast of hot chocolate and pumpkin bread, we were out on the lake, kayaking and canoeing. That's pretty much where you could find us for the next three days. Kate turned out to be the kayaking queen, and went out by herself every single time. There was a stretch when she was out there for three hours! She LOVED it.  I would usually have Caroline and either Jack or Emma with me in my kayak, and Rick took Ryan, Henry, and either Jack or Emma in the canoe.  We traveled all over that lake, and took several excursions to do some exploring on them.  We named them all after the kids, and they loved having their "own" island.

I don't know how we lucked out, but the weather totally and completely cooperated with us. The first day was a little chilly, but the sun was out. The next couple of days were perfection--high 50's and low 60's, with bright sun and blue, blue skies.  The kids shed their hoodies after a little while, and we were basking in the sunshine and glorious surroundings.  In addition to being on the lake, we played games, read books, went exploring, put together puzzles, and went for some adventures.  We had no internet, very little cell service, and no tv or movies.  There were no distractions other than our surroundings and each other, and we haven't had a trip like that in a very long time.  I think that was the best part--just being able to actually enjoy being together with nothing else getting in the way.  I actually read two whole books!  I can't even remember the last time I was able to do that in such a short time period, with everything that we always have going on. It was our little piece of heaven on earth.

All in all, it was the best weekend we've had in a very long time, and we are all looking forward to coming back for a whole week next summer.

{apple picking}

We've picked a lot of different kinds of berries, and we've visited apple orchards, but we've never actually picked apples before.  This was the year to change that, and we wanted to start a new tradition in our new area.  We heard about a really amazing apple farm, and decided we just had to try it. It's really popular here in upstate New York, and now I know why!

We had SUCH a great time.  It was a gorgeous day--a little windy, but the sky was blue, and the sun was out.  I loved the farm as soon as I saw it, and couldn't wait to get my hands on all those apples! The kids were super excited about it, and were thrilled to pick apples to eat and to make things with.

The orchard rows were neatly labeled with all the different types of apples to choose from, and there were almost 30 kinds of apples! It was hard to choose, but finally we narrowed it down. We had to reign them in a little bit, because they could have picked apples all day long. You can pick 20 pounds of apples pretty quickly!

After we finished picking apples, the kids played for awhile, and then we had hot apple cider.

It was so much fun, and we can't wait for next year...and every year after that! We love our new fall tradition!

{soccer!!}

I didn't get a lot of pictures from the soccer season, but I did get these from the last game!

 Kate, Henry, and Jack had a really great time playing, and it was really fun to watch them play.  It was a lot--they each and a practice or two, plus the games on Saturday, so our life was pretty much all about soccer for two months.  Which is okay--the loved it, and the weather was perfect most of the time.

They each did a great job, learning new techniques and skills, and improving their game. Way to go!!

{another school year here!}

This summer was a blur.  I knew it was going to go fast, but it really went too fast. I just wasn't ready to say goodbye yet, but the kids were excited to see their friends, and I think we were all ready to get back into a routine.

The biggest news?  Jack & Henry started kindergarten!! I really did cry over this--I'm always sad when it's time for my kids to leave for school and be gone during the day. I miss them like crazy, and these boys have made my life very interesting and exciting. It's just not going to be the same, but I'm happy for all of their new adventures.

I took them to school the first day, so they could carry all of their school supplies and teacher gifts.  Rick was even able to tag along, which made it even more fun!  The boys were super nervous, and I knew that they were scared that first morning. I hugged them tight, told them it would be okay, and then walked out the door. I turned around and saw Henry's face, and I barely held it together while I waved and smiled. Oh man, that was hard.  I cried all day.

Caroline missed them too. She missed all the adventures and entertainment that the boys have always provided her, and I'm just not the same!  I think she is enjoying her alone time with me, but she definitely wants to know where the boys are. It's going to be an adjustment, for sure.

The bus couldn't come fast enough that afternoon, and it was so fun to see four kiddos getting off!  I was bombarded by papers and stories and lots of school news, and it was a super busy afternoon.  Kate had a really hard time at school--she was the only one from her previous class and didn't know anyone else, and it's been a difficult adjustment, but it's getting better now.

That day was also our anniversary, so we weren't home long before we headed out the door to meet friends for dinner. It was a whirlwind day!!

Just the two of us!! I haven't been alone with just one child in many years, and it's SO quiet!

{august tidbits}

August literally flew by. Here I am, the middle of September, and it still doesn't seem real!  We had a really interesting August--full of disappointment and heartache, but also adventures and fun. Here are a few more tidbits of the month!

We had quite the scare this month. Emma and I were at her violin lesson when she suddenly fainted and fell straight backward while she was playing.  She wasn't responsive when she woke up, so we called 911, and an ambulance took her to children's hospital in Buffalo.  After a long afternoon in the ER, she was feeling much better and they sent her home.  Hopefully it was just an isolated incident, and it won't happen again. It was SO scary! Her sweet teacher came to the hospital, stayed there the whole time, then drove us back home.  She is amazing.

The boys' well check!  Happy and healthy!!

Backyard campout!!

We spent the day with friends...creating! The kids all made bracelets, and then played while Carolyn and I had our turn. It was a perfect rainy day!

One of our favorite discoveries this summer was a place where you can go and watch airplanes land and take off. It's not very far from the landing strip, and you can literally smell the jet fuel and feel the ground shake.  The kids LOVED it. It's definitely a place we will be back to often!

She was so proud the chalk outline she made in nursery!

My Henry.  Good thing Wendy's has a value menu, because this boy can down four cheeseburgers and a ton of fries in to time flat!

The "bunkhouse".  These kid safe really going to miss being in the same room once our house is finished! 

The girls also had their well check. Kate is 90th percentile in height much to her delight, and Emma is 70th. They are both 100th percentile for personality!