edisto island, south carolina

Some of my favorite photos from our one week on Edisto Island, SC with family . . .

Damian, Betsy, Mrs. McKoy, Mr. McKoy, Jamie, Doug, Annette

Dixie, Michael, Evelyn (Ambrose on lap), Greg (Blaise on lap), Copper

at a great beach house (not pictured, this is one of many plantations) . . .

We enjoyed walks on the beach . . .

Splashing in the waves . . .

Playing in the sand . . .

Playing in the water . . .
Seeing Uncle Greg and Aunt Betsy's farm market . . .

Grading tomatoes (well some of us) . . .

Eating (at The Old Firehouse restaurant, produce supplied by Greg & Betsy) . . .


And just hanging out (hmmm, what are these two up to?) . . .

two of us

3 days a week for 2 1/2 hours it is Blaise and Mommy time (while Ambrose is in preschool). The first day Blaise cried when we left and I thought it was only because he couldn't stay and play with the toys. The second day he was crying and a bit cranky; he was missing his brother.

Now I think he understands that this is important time without big brother. As he held my hand and we walked from the parking lot into the library for story time today he seemed to be exhibiting an air of confidence. He strolled right in and made himself at home by climbing the bridge at the entrance of the kids section, playing with toys and had so much fun laughing at mom trying to sing songs for the first time.

Before I know it I will be dropping Blaise off for preschool and he won't turn around to say goodbye. For now I treasure the wide open mouth kisses, scrunched up nose while laughing out loud and the tiny guy that walks with purpose to give hugs.

Blaise - Webster library story time

so excited

barely sit,

so much talking about what will be,

eating second to planning the year,

sheer anticipation

Here is the only picture I took that Ambrose's eyes are open and his mouth is closed (he may have stopped talking for a second). Obviously a great first day at preschool!

Ambrose, 4 yr. old preschool class - 1st day

best friend

We met in Girls Scouts several years ago. We have stories about each other, I'm part of her family and whenever we see each other it is if we were together the day before.

I had the distinct pleasure of spending the weekend with my best friend, Kelly. I also saw one of her brothers, her sister, her mom and her two wonderful children.

Our kids couldn't wait to see each other and Ambrose is still talking about Jack and Katelyn and when we will see them again. Outings to the Cleveland Zoo and an outlet mall complete with a train ride were second to spending time with our friends. Late night gab sessions that would have gone on all night had it not been for heavy eyes and on the drive home I realized there were so many things we didn't even get to talk about. We can't wait for our next visit!

Katelyn (3), Blaise (19 mo), Ambrose (3 1/2) and Jack (6)

wednesday playgroup

Our group met about 3 1/2 years ago (when Ambrose was 4 months old) at a story time at the Brighton Library. We used to meet at the library every Wednesday until we outgrew the story time (i.e. the kids starting walking). Then our play dates moved to our houses; which is definitely interesting since our group of 5 has grown to 14!

(1st row) Ambrose, Thomas, Anthea, Isabel, Gavin -being held (2nd row) Lee, Peter - in stroller (3rd row) Claire - being held, Blaise - being held by camera lady

Today, 9 of the kids met up at the cottage in Sodus Point. While at the beach we made sandcastles, splashed in the water and listened to the laughter ringing across the bay. A picnic lunch gathered under the shade of a tree at the cottage . . .

. . . after rinsing off and 'air drying'. Wait until they are older and dating . . .

garden to table

The boys have really enjoyed going to the greenhouse this summer; each time new discoveries, the smells of fresh vegetables and small hands begging to pick.

This morning as we walked in between tomatoes plants crawling onto the cement and carrot tops that had to be felt as we passed; Ambrose announced "look at the red tomatoes Mommy, but I only like cooked red tomatoes and green uncooked ones".

After picking all the ripe red plum tomatoes we could find we set on a course to make - Pomodori al Forno. After almost 3 hours roasting in the oven you can see them 'resting' above - they look delicious, the house smells great and we can't wait to taste!

The other day we harvested all of our basil and made numerous batches of pesto. Tonight for dinner along with our roasted tomatoes - tortellini w/pesto, toasted pine nuts and fresh parmesan cheese, baguette, fresh greens and peaches from Burnaps (Ambrose's favorite place to visit when we go to Sodus, the farm market). Well, it is not even 4 and I'm ready for dinner - shall we say an hour or so (let's hope I can wait that long)?

sodus point

This past weekend we celebrated Aunt Cathy's 40th birthday at the Weidmann cottage in Sodus Point. (We also found out about the arrival of the newest cousin; now 4 girls and 7 boys!)

How we love our cousins . . .

and our toys (thanks Uncle Ed for a great time with the new barf ball!) . . .