cousin time

The boys had a week with Isabella and Sebastian this summer. Bike rides to the playground, hike at Beechwood, hike at Chimney Bluffs, dinner at El Rincon, beach time and just hang out and visit.

 An annual tradition . . . a cousin photo . . . only 5 together this year. Maybe next summer?

chimney bluffs

Breathtaking. Unbelievable nature. Although an annual visit it never tires. A geological feat. Experiencing with family is even better. Chimney Bluffs.

skaneateles

A visit to Skaneateles to Uncle Matt's parents place. Down a skinny road led to the cottage. If you descend several steps you are right on Skaneateles Lake with an amazing view! We spent the afternoon lounging on the dock while the kids played and played. Once the rain looked like it was rolling in, a quick change of plans meant picking up pizzas and dining in a YMCA's pavilion. The evening ended when the cops came and asked why the kids were up on top of the dugout's roof - oops.

all aboard!

The Potters asked if they could have a grandparent moment with the boys and take them on their new boat. I ended up being invited as well. Their new boat is very well appointed! Press a button and part of the floor raises to reveal the mechanics, press another button and tables move, etc. The boys enjoyed checking out all parts of the boat (nothing left unturned - even figuring out that they can fit in the bathroom no problem). Ambrose even discovered a new way to open up a window that they didn't know about. 

Mr. and Mrs. Potter turned over the wheel to each of us and with some direction we each captained the boat well. We can't wait for our next boat ride!

graduation

Graduation was a bit unique this year as it was during Covid-19. After 12 years at Seton we gathered in the parking lot and via radio transmission each student was announced, came forward with their family with masks on and presented their certificate. Blaise and his classmates took their sixth grade picture on the lawn while appropriately social distancing.

Siena held a zoom graduation as there were too many students to do it in person. Ambrose was recognized with an award from the math department for Advanced Math. He won a Science award and the St. Catherine of Siena Award (which was voted on by his peers).

irises

We toured the Parkers 100+ variety of irises this past weekend. Fragrant, beautiful and what a treat to walk along a beautiful path along Mud Creek in their backyard. The best part catching up with friends while still maintaining proper social distance.

time together

Covid 19 some might say has stuck people together but for our family it has brought us even closer. We've slowed down as activities aren't on-going which has allowed the boys to explore other activities whether it is simply coloring a design, printing something on his 3D printer or working on a project together. We have spent a lot of time as a family working on various house projects - yard projects, working on the basement, I've started stripping the hoosier cabinet, etc.

It has also brought time together at the cottage earlier in the year then normal. Here the boys spend 'quality' time trying to wake up dad (not sure he appreciates this as much as they do).

egg drop

In 6th grade at Seton there are a number of traditions to end the year (May Crowning, egg drop, Niagara Falls field trip, Godspeed, etc.) The ending for our family after being at Seton for 12 years will definitely be different during Covid-19.

Last night, Blaise let his egg drop go from a second floor window in our house and we videotaped it. The videos will all be shared with the entire school.

Did his egg break? Well before I get to that I have to comment on the determination. Both of my guys (and I wonder where they get this from?) get an idea in there head and they want to see it through. Blaise didn't want to do like every other student and make his egg drop out of a box. He watched a video where the guy used straws in a triangular shape and insisted that was what he was going to do. Numerous straws, lots of tape (regular and duct) later . . . the egg broke. 

There was disappointment BUT there was so much learning. He commented afterwards that Mrs. K won't take off any points because the egg broke it is more about what you put into your design. And they do a follow-up lab report and I love that he recognized the design in triangular shape would have worked better if it was larger. We should test it out . . .

drive to penn yan

It was a lovely break from Covid 19 to get in the car and drive down to Penn Yan. The purpose of the drive was to pick up 1/2 a pig that we bought. We've never done this before and I really had no idea what to expect. We ended up with a HUGE ham, hot Italian sausage, ground pork, bacon, ribs, pork roasts, 1/2 heart and tongue. No, I have no idea what to do with the heart and tongue but I felt we shouldn't waste them. 

I drove through Amish country to a house where the mom (Ruth Ann) had just finished washing her 5 kids hair in the kitchen sink. They were such adorable little kids that followed their mother around and helped carry everything to my car. This city slicker was off to the Windmill next. A series of shops in buildings including everything from clothing to fresh vegetables. I left with one thing, fresh rhubarb! And then onto the Oakmill store where I stocked up on spices. 

The most beautiful part though was just driving along the country roads watching the rolling hills and spying Keuka Lake. Gorgeous!

lilacs are out

The boys and I enjoyed a walk at Highland Park this morning before getting started on schoolwork. Going in the morning beats the crowds which is important as we are still social distancing. The lilacs were in full bloom and the consensus on our favorite was the two-toned purple lilac called 'sensation'. Turns out we have one close to home . . .in our neighbors backyard!

Lilacs make this area so beautiful. We have three lilacs in our backyard and they smell so sweet. As I was doing yard work yesterday I enjoyed their fragrance.

may crowning seton

May Crowning was a bit different this year during Covid-19. We arrived at the parking lot of Seton at 9:30am and wore our masks up to the entrance of Seton. They had moved Mary and placed her near the flag pole. Each family was called up one by one and each student placed flowers by Mary. Ms. Snyder played/sang some music. Other teachers watched as they sat by their tables with students belongings for them to pick up.

Blaise got dressed up complete with a tie (love watching him use you tube to tie his own tie). We gathered lilacs, iris and other flowers from our yard to make a beautiful purple and white arrangement complete with ribbon bow. Although not the standard Seton tradition it was lovely to have the ceremony outside.

opening

Memorial Day weekend brought the official open of our cottage. Moving boats and picnic table outside, de-spidering the cottage and cleaning. Just as we made the inside look clean again changes have come to the outside around the cottage. There is now a taller rock wall across the street from the cottage.

view from across the street from cottage 

 looking down towards 1st Street

We helped plant dune grass along the beach to help with erosion. The fences will help mark the plantings until they are fully grown.

 I saw a ladybug on the beach, hello grandma!

 I don't believe we normally catch a lot of our tree being red . . .

The boys hid a geocache in the new Macyville Woods Nature Preserve (a trail that they helped build) for their geocaching merit badge.