Mimi and Me

While Connor and I were off exploring Niagara Falls and it's attractions at the end of May [see post below], MaKenna had a very special day herself. It is an annual tradition that MaKenna's teachers do every year towards the end of the school year. They host a Grandparent's Tea! Mimi made the trip out to our house and met Rick to travel to the school. MaKenna had an extra special treat because her teachers indulged her by making sure that MaKenna was able to have a guest reader; the event that was missed when she was sick during her Star Student week. The timing was perfect and when Mimi arrived in MaKenna's classroom, she became the Guest Reader!
Then it was off to the Tea. This is a picture that MaKenna's teacher took of them! I love this pic, just love the pride that shows on MaKenna's face. It was a nice day for MaKenna because she didn't have to share her Mimi with her, brother, Mom or Dad! I think that it is awesome that MaKenna's teachers recognize just how important Grandparents and extended family is to our children.

1 of the 7 Wonders of the World

At the end of May, I had the pleasure of joining Connor and his 4th grade classmates on a field trip to Niagara Falls. It was a great day, a nice chance to enjoy an experience with Connor and create some memories together. The day started with a visit to Fort Niagara. I had never been there and it was a neat place to tour. I think it's a safe bet to say that the boys loved the "war /battle" element of this portion of the trip. The gift shop had a large selection of muskets, rifles, etc.

Next, we were onto the Aquarium... and I use that term loosely! I have been to a few aquariums in my life so far, so maybe I am spoiled?! We walked into the building and were instantly overcome by the pungent fish smell. You know the kind of smell that feels as though you will have to scrub it off your body, hair and teeth! SERIOUSLY - gross! And you can imagine the comments from the parents! The animals looked as though they were in "rescue" stage of their lives than the "display" stage. Penguins had the mange, some of the fish were missing eyes and had large growths protruding from their bodies. The highlight was the sea lion show and the kids loved it.

Another 4th grade teacher took 2 of Connor's buddies, their Mom's, Connor and I on a "secret" mission. We left the aquarium and took a hike along the trail by the river. There was a small path that branched off the trail and took us right to the edge of the bank of the river. The water was very calm, and beautiful shades and blue and green. I was a nervous wreck because I didn't think that Connor realized just how much of a drop off it was and that there was no railing, fence, etc. I did not get a picture, which I regret because it was so peaceful and beautiful. The boys felt very special to have this opportunity.

We boarded the buses again and headed to the Falls! We did the Maid of the Mist tour. I think that I was as excited as the kids... this is something I have always wanted to do. We donned our blue ponchos and took wagers on just how wet we thought that we would get. Carefully observing all those who were disembarking the boats prior to us. I'm not sure if this next senario would have played out the same way if I was with MaKenna and her girlfriends. You can probably guess where the boys all wanted to be on the boat!? Yep, right up front on the lower level. They had surveyed as many of the Mist's employees to see where the best spot was to stand. The information that they gathered was "spot on"! As you can see, we got wet! The boys thought that it was "cool" that their Mom's ventured to the front with them [little did they know that we wouldn't have had it any other way... unsupervised, at the front of a boat that goes into the Falls????]It was so much fun and absolutely amazing!
What a great day! I will cherish this time spent together for a long time!

If only...

we lived south of the Mason Dixon line?! My little southern bell would fit right in. This Spring head piece that I made reminds me of the big, flowery, fancy hats that the southern ladies wear. Maybe this is a geographic, stereotypical image that I have somewhere in my memory but that's what this headpiece reminds me of. MaKenna's class was celebrating Spring and asked the parents to create a hat for the celebration. I originally tried to put the flowers onto a hat, but it would have caused some serious damage to Makenna's scalp. Alas, a headband and I was ready to create. It is quite the dramatic piece fro my "little princess". MaKenna LOVES it and thought that I was the "Greatest Mom, ever"! I love a win win scenario! Happy Spring!

How Much can You Cram into a Weekend?

Perhaps this is a dangerous question?
It's Sunday night and things are semi slowing down here. I am waiting for Connor to finish reading and updating his log/ planner so that I can sign off on it. Waiting for the load of laundry in the dryer to be finished so that I can fold it and honestly waiting to wave the white flag and surrender for the night! I am whipped!

Friday, my first week of work completed at my new job. I am no longer the new girl, had my first "ice-breaker" moment when I realized that I had a huge hole in the seam of my pants. My turquoise undies were there for the viewing. I immediately explained to my office mates that although I was the "new" girl I hoped that they would tell me if they saw my undergarments hanging out! We all had a great laugh and I proceeded to see how "crafty" I could be with a stapler and packaging tape. No wonder I loved McGiver when I was younger! After work I raced home to pick Rick and MaKenna up so that we could make it to Connor's indoor lacrosse game, north of Rochester. After that I cleaned my Office Building, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed home.

Saturday, we picked up Connor's buddies and headed down to Swain for his Birthday Skiing Party. It was the best skiing conditions that we have had and they had a great time. Connor wanted pizza from Maude's ['famous" pizza in Swain country] and a cake. We headed home, some more tired than others, some with rosier cheeks than others. Dinner was made, kids were showered and tucked, laundry was going [notice I did not say done, because WHEN? I ask, when? is it ever done?] and the birthday set up began. Balloons and decorations were hung and the gifts were put out. The kids love waking up in the morning and seeing the decorations and gifts that are waiting for them.


Rise and Shine Sunday morning to a very excited Birthday Boy! Connor turned 10 years old today! Hard to believe that I have been a Mom for 10 years! Connor was thrilled to get a Wii for his birthday [birthday pics and footage to follow]! We played and played some more. Got in a workout, more laundry and ironing then off to shop with the gift cards that Connor was eager to put to use. Birthday dinner and dessert, more Wii playing! Sunday night prep for the week ahead!

Well, I crammed in enough... I think?! Not much more room to cram in more - truth be told!
The buzzer for the dryer just went off, so on that note I'll close!

Connor... Go Blow Your Horn!

Connor's very first band concert was last week and he was excited to put all of his hard work to the test. Connor has been slow to warm up to the trumpet. Partly because he likes to be "good" at things and he was struggling at first. {mom's take on the whole thing is that he was comparing himself to the other trumpet players and felt he wasn't up to par???}
We decided that Connor would stick it out at least until the first band concert was under his belt.

I think it's safe to say that Connor will continue to play the trumpet for now. The kids played 3 songs and they did a great job. The only drawback was that because Connor plays trumpet he is seated several rows back and it was hard to see him. We saw him as the band came onto the stage and took their seats and when they stood at the end of the performance to take their bow.
Above is a brief video of the concert. It was my first time taking video footage on my camera... it didn't turn out too bad. Hope you don't get dizzy from the shaking :o)
Enjoy!