labor day weekend

We had a busy long weekend planned.  We were going to visit with a few of our friends in New York.  First stop was our friend Steven's house for a pool party.  Bennett loves bath time so we were betting he was going to love the pool.  We were right.

He loved swimming around in the float with daddy and playing peek a boo.  It's when Nick would go under the water, disappear for a while and pop back up suddenly.  Bennett was enjoying this game on end.  It was super cute.  I love when these two snuggle.   

The pool at Steven's house has fountains!  He turned them on for a few minutes to get Bennett's attention.  He was very amused.

Bennett enjoyed the pool so much that after getting out to eat for dinner he was crying to go back in.  We took him out for bath and bed after a while.  I think he was done anyway.  Steven's sister was so sweet and let us sleep over at her house nearby.  We were all sleeping very soundly and comfortably until Steven knocked on our bedroom door and said: "There is a fire."  And, then he just left.  I started freaking out.  I jumped out of bed and ran over to the windows.  It turns out the neighbor's chicken coupe was on fire.  Thank god it wasn't the house!  

The fire department had the fire cleaned up in no time.  The neighbor tried to help by getting his sprinkler hose out.  It was amusing.  They also had the entire yard cleaned up in an hour after the fire.  We couldn't even tell there was a fire earlier that morning.  Good thing I took pictures.

Sunday we went to see our friends Stacey and Mark near Saratoga Springs, NY.  We haven't spent much time with them in a while so we were really looking forward to our visit.  We went to the horse track for a few hours because it's something we try to do every summer.  We placed a few bets, had lunch, drank a cold beer and headed out to Mark and Stacey's house for dinner and a movie.  In the morning Stacey made us a delicious breakfast.  We felt so pampered.  Thank you friends! We had a wonderful time and hope to see Mark and Stacey again soon.

tired

Tonight it showed that Bennett had a long day at day care.  He did not nap very much so he was sleepy when we brought him home.  He stayed awake though until we filled his belly.  I literally looked away for a minute while he was eating his puffs and turned around to see him pass out. This is the definition of falling asleep anywhere.

pulling up

Our little nugget figured out how to pull up in his crib!  That was fast!  He just started crawling.  I suppose once you are on the move you just figure out the rest faster.

countryfest

My friend, Alyssa, and I are going to Country fest.  I have always loved Kenny Chesney and this year I get to see him perform live.  I had a very busy weekend ahead.  Besides the concert I was also throwing a bridal shower for my friend, Thuy.  So I woke up early Friday morning to bake the cake for her shower.  I had 5 hours to complete a project that usually takes me ten plus hours.  I was really worried about getting it done but I managed it and I think it turned out really nice.

Alyssa picked me up as I was just finishing up cleaning the mess I made putting the cake together.  We headed straight to Foxboro to get to some tail gating before the concert.

Alyssa did a great job packing some tasty snacks and of course beer.  Thanks Alyssa!

We had an awesome time.  Alyssa got to see her favorite country singer, Eric Church.  I really enjoyed his performance as well.  Him and Kenny both put on great shows.  

In the meantime, daddy was hanging back home with Bennett.  Bennett and Max love to wrestle.  Well, I mean Bennett loves to tackle Max.  Max tolerates it really well though and we are thankful we have such a nice cat.

Lately Bennett's favorite snack are puffs.  We tried them last weekend at The Seymours and he loved them so we bought some for him to snack on at home.  They are these small round Cheerio - like bits that melt away when wet so the baby doesn't choke.  He tries really hard to grab them and put them in his mouth.  He is actually doing really well.  

Although I had fun at Country fest, I really missed my little nugget at home.  I was happy to see him the next morning. 

peek a boo

Bennett was peaking at daddy today through the crib bars while Nick was getting his bath ready.  He hasn't figured out how to pull up yet so this is his only option.  I could't help but laugh because he looked like he was peaking out of a jail cell at us.  He was all giggles too and that made it that much better.

officially crawling

Bennett has been trying hard for the last couple of weeks to crawl.  He was getting really good at Auntie Audrey's but could't go on all fours for any kind of distance.  Well, that's all in the past now because Bennett is now officially on the move.  He loves to crawl around the living room and follow me into the kitchen where he tries to pull up on anything he can get his little hands on.  Stay tuned because I think this kid will be walking soon.

my birthday party

It's here.  My thirty second birthday.  My amazing BFF Audrey spent all morning busy making me an amazing birthday brunch.  She made a delicious quiche, yummy hash brown casserole and mimosas.  I even got to blow out candles on the casserole with Ryry and James' "help" of course.  It was the best birthday brunch ever.  I am sure it wasn't easy for Audrey especially after just having thrown a huge party the day before.  Thank you!  I love you.

Sadly, today was also our trip back home.  We did get a few more hours of quality time before we had to leave.  Alice and Bennett got a few kisses in and Ryan a few hugs. 

Thank you guys for the best weekend ever.  We miss you all already.

  

alice's first birthday party

Today is the big party.  The morning was low key.  We spent it hanging with the birthday girl.  She got to open one of her presents.  The tiara was a big hit with Bennett but Alice did not like to wear it. The baby and her carriage were a big hit with Ryan and James.

Bennett was having so much fun he forgot to "hide" his teeth (whenever I try to take a picture he turns or closes his mouth or etc.).  Auntie Audrey managed to snap a good shot of them so we could finally show proof that Bennett has bottom teeth.  

There was a lot of activity once the party got started.  Kids were busy running around and playing with all the toys in the driveway and yard.  Some of them dressed up in superhero costumes and were busy "saving" the world running to and from the house.  We got to catch up with many of the neighbors that we usually see when we visit The Seymours at their townhouse back at Island View Circle.  Alice was busy entertaining herself for a while shuffling around the driveway.  It's too cute how careful she is when it comes to walking around in her new shoes.  

There was a lot of eating and drinking and cake.  Alice seemed a little scared when we all gathered around her to sing "Happy Birthday."  

When it came time to enjoy the cake, Alice wanted to have nothing to do with it.  I made the cake the day before but I did cheat this year.  I bought the candy flowers to put on the cake from Michael's.  It saved a ton of time and it was nice to spend that time hanging out with my faves rather than tending to the cake.  I think it turned out pretty great anyway.

Liron and I were hoping she would take the cake and tare into it but she was very upset when we put a tiny slice in front of her to enjoy.  I couldn't believe she did not like cake!

Good thing there were some superheros around to rescue the day.

After the party Alice opened her presents.  Ryan and James were so helpful.  They did all the hard work of unwrapping for Alice.  Bennett tried to help as much as he could.    

After the presents were unwrapped we headed outside.  Audrey had a really good idea for taking pictures of the birthday girl with some of the balloons.  Bennett joined in on the fun.  I really like how they turned out.

Bennett had a few breakdowns during the photo shoot.  We are not sure why because they would come and go.  It's as if he couldn't make up his mind about whether he liked the photo shoot or not.  I love how concerned Alice would get every time he cried.  

Alice was impressing us with how well she posed for the photo shoot.  Then we realized she was scared to walk on grass in her new shoes since she has never done it before.  With Nanny's help we slowly got her off the grass.

Audrey and I wanted to take some pictures of our own with the balloons.  Who doesn't like balloons?

The remainder of the day we spent relaxing on the deck.  We saw some deer that were sleeping in the neighbors yard.  That apparently happens often in their neighborhood.  

Thank you for a great party to a gorgeous family.  We love you guys!

Cheers to an amazing weekend!  Ryan totally photo bombed this photo btw.  It was hilarious.