field trip to zoo

Blaise's preschool class took a field trip to the zoo.  They checked out the newest exhibit - African Safari - complete with double decker bus, lions, baboons and elephants.  They were tasked with drawing their favorite animal, Blaise choose the elephant.  We also had a presentation that focused on opposites.  We met a lizard (dry), frogs (wet), millipede (hard) and African gray parrot (soft) who could imitate quite a few sounds.  Blaise's favorite part of the whole field trip was listening to the parrot imitate the dropping of a bomb. 

 

 

 

 

bandaloop

In Rochester this weekend was the first annual Fringe Festival.  A festival with over 100 shows of music, dance, comedy, etc.  We took in one of the headliners downtown in Manhattan Square Park called Bandaloop.  They are an aerial movement group that has performed on the Seattle Space Needle, NY Stock Exchange, El Captain in Yosemite and fjords of Stavanger, Norway.  They performed on HSBC Plaza in downtown Rochester.  Amazing performance!

 

 

 

 

 

1000 islands

This weekend we went to visit friends in the 1000 Islands.  The boys marveled over the huge container ships.  They used bincoluars and a book of ships to determine where each ship was from.

A drive to the Thousand Islands Park, a private community with gingerbread houses and a great playground (not sure who enjoyed it more).

 

A boat ride with a quick glimpse of a heron, yes it is that blur below.

By boat we saw the infamous Boldt Castle.

 

 

I question though who is driving the boat . . .

 

What wonderful time with family and catching up with our friends.

We took in incredible vistas (postcard worthy) - Rock Island

and sunset from our friends deck.

Til next time - thanks Toby and Jane!

first time

It may not be the straightest lines across the yard but it was done for me.  Ambrose mowed our yard and the front of two of our neighbors yards tonight.

He asked another neighbor but they politely passed (his wife is VERY picky and mows her own lawn).  Maybe a little more practice?  Although another neighbor asked if we are hiring him out yet.  Hmmmm . . .

 

 

 

 

hike at huckleberry swamp

As part of the last weekend before school started; we took a hike in Huckleberry Swamp (N. Rose, NY).  The colors of the trees are already starting to come out with leaves crunching beneath our feet.  We saw two hummingbirds dancing around, fish trying to find water (the swamp was almost dry), tons of frogs and one snake slithered by.  It was a beautiful end to the summer - sunny, picturesque scenery all around and the boys pointing out what they saw on the hike.  Summer just a memory . . . now onto school time (see above for first day of school photo).

 

 

 

 

 

guitar concert

Last week at the Mercy Mother house Ambrose took part in a guitar concert.  He has been taking lessons for one year and will increase to 30 minute lessons (from 15) this year in first grade.  He serenaded us with Mary Had a Little Lamb, Buffalo Gals and Yellow Submarine.  The folks staying in the home really enjoyed having the kids come and play for them.