Peterskill in Minnewaska

Both Sydney and Sadie have blossomed as hikers this summer and fall. Here is a hike we all did in a different part of Minnewaska State Park.

Evelyn loves to spot the trail markers

Sydney making her way down the trail

I asked Joshua if I should help Sadie navigate one part and he reminded me that she is by far the most agile member of our family. She navigated it herself without any difficulty and likes to be a part of the pack during our hiking adventures.

Snack break by the stream.

Joshua and the girls.

Taking a minute to test the water with our feet!

Footballer in the house

Sydney has started playing Bambini Soccer in New Paltz. The videos below show the moving goal (complete with requisite "goal" shouted after each goal), bumping me to get a head start to the ball, and the swoosh move to change directions. It is really fun to see the ways they are building toward the skills you actually need to play soccer.

Scoring goals with a moving goal

Gearing up for "London Bridge" which is also known as the art of nutmegging!

Working on toe touches at home in her I heart soccer headband

First Day of School and First Hudson River Cruise

We survived the first day of school in all its glory. That night, we went on a cruise on the Hudson with the girls and their grandma and grandpa.

Ready for school!

Rondout Lighthouse

Kingston-Rhinebeck bridge

Ada Gwynne giving Evelyn a hug

Sydney and her friend Ada Gwynne

Esopus Lighthouse with the Catskills in the distance

Year in Pictures 2011

Click here to view this photo book larger

Visit Shutterfly.com to create your own personalized photobook.

Dutchess County Fair

We went to the Dutchess County Fair after being told from multiple sources (e.g., our neighbors and our vet) that it is "the fair" in our area. We had a good time with our friends Stephanie and Ken and their kiddos Ronan and Evelyn. We saw a lot of farm animals, had some delicious milkshakes, watched a dog agility show, ate some lunch while watching a talent search, went to the petting zoo, watched some racing pigs, and then capped off the day with some rides!

Sydney trying her hand at milking the fake cow. Everything was fine until the cow "moo-ed" and Sydney said "I thought it was fake" as she backed away from it. I'm pretty sure I would back away from a fake cow that mooed, too.

Some prize-winning pumpkins!

The oat tables were a big hit!

Evelyn petting a kid.

Sydney at the petting zoo.

This was not the fastest race we've ever seen but it reminded us a bit of Roach Hill Downs during Bug Bowl at Purdue!

Ronan and Sydney were ecstatic to be tall enough to ride this purple monster truck!

Jalopy Junction (our Evelyn opted out of the rides)

The final ride was a helicopter ride and Sydney said it was her favorite because it went up in the air!

Minnewaska

Although we go to Minnewaska State Park quite frequently, we enjoyed a new side trail on our most recent visit.

We spotted this snakeskin wound around a bush

Gorgeous picture of my favorite people...and the Catskills!

Good Morning Campers

Joshua treated Sydney to a backyard camping expedition. It went well and they managed to sleep some (not a lot but some...which is better than none). Sydney was very excited about her first camping experience and liked reading by flashlight and looking at the stars.