trampoline park

There is a certain amount of energy that each of my boys exhibit daily.  BUT when you go to a trampoline park the energy goes up exponentially!  The formula of good friends, climbing walls, jousting and trampolines equal two very tired and very satisfied boys.  What a fun treat at the start of Christmas break!

festival of trees

A second grade tradition, the Festival of Trees.  I remember Ambrose receiving his wooden tree (that a guy from school cuts out for each second grader) and decorating it.  Blaise thought and thought about what he wanted to do and decided he wanted a car theme. 

He spray painted the tree black, used duck tape to make the roads, hammered in some finishing nails to help hang each matchbox car.  What a wonderful school tradition, too bad it is our last one.

swimming class

His head was barely above the water and his body always looked like it would sink; to Blaise knowing how to do various strokes.  He is still working on 'diving' and not belly flopping but overall Blaise has made tremendous strides.  He says 'now I'm ready to go to sailing camp'.

first penance

During classes for First Penance Blaise labeled a rock with words that described various sins.  While going to first Penance with Father Matthew he held the rock and used it as a guide if necessary.  Then at the conclusion of his first penance he 'threw' away his sins into a bucket.  It was obviously symbolic but each kid throwing a rock into a bucket made for some interesting noise during the ceremony.  Blaise's candle was lit and our entire family was blessed by Father, which made for a beautiful day.

after school

Upon taking a full time job I thought how will the boys handle me not being in school?  Not coming to our house off the bus after school?  Well . . . . . I think they are having more fun after school because they have 'built-in' play dates each day.  On Thursdays they stay with a friend of mine at school in the science lab sometimes where she teaches or to their house.  This past Thursday, they went to her house and went on a hike through Washington Grove and enjoyed the beautiful weather!  I believe this is working out pretty well.

campfire program

Collect sticks on a hike in the woods, whittle sticks, roast marshmallows and enjoy eating SMORES!  Write your own skit, perform around the campfire for your pack and enjoy the applause at the end.  What a fantastic way to spend a Saturday - Cub Scout campfire program!

thanksgiving in mt kisco

Relaxing, cooking, wrestling, playing, running, eating and catching up with our family in Mt. Kisco over Thanksgiving.  What a wonderful way to spend the long weekend . . .just one problem it wasn't long enough!

gourmet dinner with friends

Four appetizers, French onion soup, salad, jambalaya, four types of vegetables and four different desserts.  A Thanksgiving feast with good friends pre-Thanksgiving.  The kids played their instruments and earned tips (quarters) while the adults caught up and cooked a fabulous gourmet meal.  So blessed to have such incredible friends!

Jaxon, Ale, Teigen, Bella, Gio, Jacob, Julian, Ambrose and Blaise

mini maker faire

At the Rochester Convention Center we attended the second annual mini maker faire.  It was a day full of wonder . . . circuits, 3D printers, taking apart bikes, computer technology, robotics and so much more!  We can't wait for next year!

syracuse

My oldest niece, a freshman in college at Syracuse University . . . where does the time go?  I remember meeting her my first Thanksgiving in Rochester, almost 18 years ago.  At the time I wasn't technically part of the family but certainly was welcomed.  4 siblings, 8 aunts and uncles and 11 cousins later; how grateful I am for family!  Some of the family took in the Syracuse vs. Clemson football game.  We could have rooted for either side since we have a Clemson connection.  But we backed the underdog in the hopes they would pull through with a win; Clemson won but not without a pretty good fight from Syracuse.  Go Family!

frogs

Frogs, frogs and more frogs at RMSC!  What an incredible exhibit where you are up close to a number of frogs from all over the world.  Some were so camouflaged it took quite awhile to find them, others popped with color and you couldn't miss them.  The boys had a great time on Veterans Day taking in this new exhibit at RMSC.  And there was plenty of time for the 'favorites' in the museum.  I always joke that I could walk away and come back several hours later and they would still be playing in the sand/water area.  They can't wait to go again!

10

Double digits!  Where did the time go???  After much contemplation Ambrose decided to invite a couple of friends and go see the Peanuts movie.  You should have seen how comfortable these guys looked:  front row, recliners, bags of goodies . . .staring at the screen.  Damian and I sat back and enjoyed the movie but probably enjoyed watching the guys fascinated by Snoopy and Charlie Brown more.  Then we were off to a new pizza joint in Pittsford, Pizzeria Favo.  Wood fired pizza where you build your own which can be dangerous for this crowd.  The combinations were interesting to say the least .. .peas, pineapple, tomatoes, meatball?   hmmmm.  And a Charlie Brown cake to finish off the fun evening, made for one happy 10 year old.

4th grade mass

The 4th grade class hosted mass today.  The theme was Saints and Ambrose helped with the mass intentions.  What a beautiful mass!

happy birthday ambrose

Double digits this year, WOW, time sure does fly by!  You are so thoughtful and caring; always asking how you can help and helping your brother.  You are inquisitive and detailed in telling stories (and on and on . . .hee hee).  You love science, legos, building and you want to be an architect. Tonight for your birthday dinner you requested shrimp and pumpkin pie.  Excellent choices!  For your birthday celebration you are inviting 2 friends to go see the Peanuts movie and out to dinner . . .should be good!

halloween

The tradition on Harvard Street is to gather at our house, take a group photo and then head out for trick-or-treating.  Accompanying us every year is the 'beer wagon'.  This wagon is necessary as it helps diffuse the mind as you may have running ahead children, the possible running in the street children and those children that go to houses with no porch lights on.  I'm sure you parents know what I'm talking about here.  So, the wagon was full of hard root beer, wine, various beers, water for the young and peanuts (a great addition this year).  And as an extra bonus Halloween fell on a Saturday and we had great weather; this meant extra time trick-or-treating.

My two mad scientists categorized and inventoried their candy; the total rounded out at 300+!

pumpkins in the park

Ambrose and Damian ran in the Pumpkins in the Park 5K this morning.  Ambrose beat Captain America by a couple of seconds with a time of 31:45!  Awesome job Ambrose!

Blaise ran in the Kids Fun Run 1K.  He set a good pace and did a great job; he should be nice and tired later today.