A Visit to NJ

We just returned from a trip to New Jersey to visit with family and celebrate Suzy and Paolo's engagement. We packed the kids up in the car (with comfy new pillows and all) and drove through the night. While it was a long drive, it was relatively uneventful and we arrived at MJ and Bern's house at 4:30 in the morning!

Nana and Pop Pop had special tables and chairs ready for them

along with all kids of treats and toys, of course!

Finnegan was ready to celebrate while Patrick cuddled with PopPop.

On Friday, we made a special trip to the Turtle Back Zoo with Grandma Peg and Grandpa Neil.

This little zoo has been around forever and I even had my 6th Birthday Party there.

It was so much fun to go back with the boys.

The highlight of the zoo was definitely the train.

This little train runs once an hour and takes a 10 minute ride around the reservoir.

Even when I was a small girl, I loved this train.

Of course, the boys could not wait, we were first in line at Turtle Back Junction!

The boys were NOT happy when the ride was over

and were able to convince the engineer to take them for another ride!

One of the things I always remember about the Turtle Back Zoo are the peacocks that roam freely. I was happy to see one, but the boys were not. They did NOT want to see the "Blue Rooster".

It was a wonderful zoo adventure!

Back at the house, Patrick and Finnegan explored

Pop Pop's fun-filled basement, and played golf...

while Sully enjoyed Nana's pots and pans!

On the afternoon of the party, Pop Pop took the boys outside to "tee it up".

They golfed for hours, taking breaks only to sip from their Golf Ball Cups

and get more tees to put in the ground.

All dressed up and ready for the party,

Patrick and Finnegan entertain Nana with some tunes on the piano!

Before leaving New Jersey, we were able to have a great breakfast at a NJ Diner with our friends.

The boys ate tons and tons of pancakes...

and loved seeing all our friends; Makena, Melissa & Marc and Julia, Raven & Uncle Ralph.

All the kids outside the diner

Patrick and Godpapa Ralph

It was a great trip to NJ!

Flashback Friday

This past weekend, we converted Patrick and Finnegan's Room to a Big Boy Room. It seems like only yesterday we were brining the cribs into the nursery and imagining what it would be like to have 2 little babies sleeping in them.

Here's a look back at the transition from the nursery to Big Boy Room:

May 2007 - Ready for Patrick and Finnegan to arrive!

August 2009 - Toddler Beds Arrive

Present Day - Twin Beds and Space Theme!

Wordless Wednesday

Home Depot with Daddy

On Saturday, Gill took Patrick and Finnegan to Home Depot for the Kids' Workshop.

They were so excited to go on the adventure with Daddy.

The Boys received custom aprons with their names on them.

They made beautiful spice racks with Gill and then got an achievement button to put on their apron.

The 3 guys had a great time and can't wait for the next workshop.

I love my handy-men!

Flashback Friday

Yesterday, Sullivan had his first taste of macaroni!

Here's a look back at Finnegan & Patrick's first taste of pasta!

Car Wash

Patrick and Finnegan love painting with their cars. I put out large pieces of paper, paint and all the matchbox cars they could want. Then, we run the cars through the paint and create all kinds of masterpieces. Lately, it seems, that they enjoy the "car wash cleanup" more than the painting itself!

Quick Change

I almost forgot how messy babies can be when they start to eat table food.

It's amazing how many times a day Sully is getting a new ensemble!

9:30 am

2:30 pm

The outfits may change but the cuteness factor remains!

(and so does the large pile of laundry it generates)

Masterpiece Monday

Halloween Artwork