strawberry picking

Summer time nostalgia - picking strawberries
Dad said 'don't pick your nose, pick the berries'
Mom made jam, pie, smoothies and
boys don't mind eating the leftovers for dinner.
Grandma hope you can join us again next year.

 

fun with friends

Our neighbors, the Matzky's, came up to the cottage this past weekend.  The boys enjoyed bringing their friends to the beach, playground and for ice cream!

Clementine, Sawyer, Adelaide, Blaise and Ambrose

Monday it was almost 90 degrees.  We met up with friends at Ellison Park.  Quickly the boys took off their shirts as it was so hot, we had to remind them 'yes, you must keep on your shorts, no running around in your underwear at the park'.

Brad Foti and Ambrose

Tuesday, we met our friends the Atalla's and went to the canal in Pittsford.  A beautiful day to walk along the canal, feed the ducks and have a picnic.  It was pure bliss to walk along and watch the boys laugh and laugh.

Matthew, Mark, Blaise and Ambrose

day trip to stonybrook

Stony Brook State Park, an hour south of Rochester is where we spent our day Saturday.  We met up with three other families who were camping there.  The kids had a great time on the playground . . .

playing in the water . . . (did I mention the water temp was 53?)

going swimming . . .(not sure who the bigger kids are here)

taking in the beauty of nature . . .

posing for photos (ahem, Blaise) . . .

playing in the creek, catching tadpoles . . .

checking out our friends' truck . . .

and look at that engine . . .

2 boys and a rope, hours of fun . . .

catching up with old friends, what a fabulous way to spend the day!

last day

Last day of first grade.  Ambrose we are so proud of you and all the hard work you've done this year!  We are going to celebrate at Seton night at Seabreeze!  The boys are so anxious they were already planning which ride to ride first while waiting for the bus this morning.

 

end of the year gifts

19 photos, 19 careers all displayed in this fold-out card.  I made the card for Mrs. Selig (Ambrose's 1st grade teacher) and Miss Preston (her assistant).  Each child's personality is caught in the photos.  And I hope that in 2024 (when Ambrose graduates) I can take another photo with some of these friends pictured here:

 

 

 

 

lemon meringue pie

Blaise read me one of his favorite books, Amelia Bedelia the other day.  He is now fully understanding the humor of the book.  For instance the lady Amelia works for says to 'draw the curtains', so Amelia sits down with paper and pen and 'draws' the curtains.  Blaise said to me, ' Mommy that is silly you don't draw the curtains, she was supposed to close them'.

Upon reading the book Blaise decided that we should make a lemon meringue pie because that is what Amelia does.  Having never made one before . . . we will see how it tastes for dinner tonight.

 

 

revelry

My brother called and told me a new place in town called Revelry ordered 100 lbs. of his grits.  Guess who got to go check out the new place during their 'soft' opening?  Yep, me! (oh, and Damian too)

 

Derrick (the chef)

 

you can 'walk' on this basement wine cellar

Jenna and Josh (the owners)

 

 

Jim

Geechie Boy Corn Meal Fried Okra with Lemon Aioli - one word YUM!

southern cuisine = must have a pineapple

specialty cocktails . . .loved the Vega!

2nd floor down to 1st

 

 

yearbook

Ambrose came running towards me with a huge smile off the bus today.  He couldn't wait to open his backpack and look at this year's yearbook.  This represents work that I've done for a year as I was in charge of it.  I can hear the boys downstairs saying 'I know this person from the bus', 'I know so-and-so and that is their brother or sister'.  Music to my ears . . .this is all the thanks I need.

 

baseball

This weekend we went to our first of the season Red Wings game.  It was Catholic Schools Day and we marched in a parade around the field before settling into our seats for the baseball game.

This year there was a little bit more observation going on then in the past.  Damian would tell Ambrose what happened on the field for a particular play, some questions and a few comments.  In the past it has been all about the concessions (or rather snacks that we bring).  There was still much concern over what we would be eating but refreshingly there was more baseball watching.

 

first cub scout campout

I'm not sure who was more excited - Daddy or Ambrose?

They stayed at Camp Cutler at the 'High Seas' part which was two boats made out of wood.  I heard about cobbler made in a charcoal pit for dessert, sponge wars, making of a beaded necklace, archery, fishing and TONS of fun!  These two are ready for more Cub Scout camps.