New Orleans

I had a conference in New Orleans so we decided to make a family trip out of it. We enjoyed the Children's Museum, Aquarium, the street car, some city parks...and the food! We also enjoyed catching up with grad school friends. The girls were great on the planes and Evelyn found some creative uses for the plastic airline cups.

Lots to be thanksful for...

We have several posts to catch up on but here are some visuals from our Thanksgiving celebration. We started the day with the Turkey Trot 5K in New Paltz. Sydney did the 1/2 mile Mashed Potato Kids Fun Run. We had a nice Thanksgiving dinner, enjoyed some time on the rail trail, and welcomed my parents on the weekend.

Joshua's own edible arrangement

Snowstorm and Halloween...together at last!

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that we survived the October 29th snowstorm...and the subsequent 2-day power outage. Thankfully our power (and heat!) came back on in time for Halloween. These Halloween photos are from Sydney's party at the Children's Center. We did go trick-or-treating in our neighborhood and the girls had a great time in their costumes. Sydney made her blue bear costume at school and Evelyn is wearing the adorable giraffe costume on loan from the McGarrah Sharps (thanks!)

The Ocean State

We had a nice visit with Julie and Matt in Newport. Here are the photos to prove it! (Thanks, Jules for the photos!)

Living the Dream

One of the great epiphanies of parenthood is realizing how much work it was for your own parents to raise you (let alone you and your siblings!). One of the great joys of parenting is giving your children stuff you wished you had when you were a kid. Please note: I included the first sentence to ensure the second sentence doesn't sound like a complaint about the woes of our own childhoods (because it's not!). Joshua secured a free Barbie motorized jeep from our local transfer station and then took it to get a safety recall completed and get some fresh batteries. Below are some videos and photos of the jeep in action along with some photos of the girls after the Tillson Fire Department Fall Festival.

In the first video, Sydney is testing it out for the first time. In the second, she is getting some driving lessons. In the third video,  Evelyn goes along for the ride. In the final video, Sydney shows off the two gears (reverse and forward). Pretty fun stuff all the way around with no damage to the girls, the landscape edging, the neighbor's fence or any other yard fixtures or living creatures!

pulling up to the gas station

pumping some gas...near the headlight

Evelyn got a blue flower on her hand and Sydney opted for the pink and purple butterfly

checking herself out!