September Happenings

Callie started Pre-school and is loving every minute of it.  She goes Monday through Friday from 1pm - 3:30pm.  She is already teaching me all the songs they sing about days of the week and is making new friends.  She has noticed girls in her class have earrings and is already talking about it.  I told her not until she was older.

Callie has also started a Gymnastics class with her good buddy Kinsey.  They go once a week and Callie absolutely loves it!

Leif has been into climbing lately.  Now I have to hide these chairs since I caught him next to the gas stove top and the burner was on.  Thankfully he didn't get hurt then, but I don't want any other chances!

We took a trip to Gillette Castle in Hamden, CT.  This was built in the early 1900's by the original stage actor of Sherlock Holmes.  He is the actor that coined the phrase, "Elementary, my dear Watson."  The outside doesn't look like much but it was very classy inside.  Albert Einstein was known to vacation at this home.

Cal and her buddy playing outside the castle.

This is in the atrium just off the main room inside.

The kids playing with the flowers in the court yard.

This is the view from the court yard to the Connecticut River.

Treats after the Gillette Castle Tour!  Yum!

We made a visit to the Forest Park zoo in Springfield, MA.

I don't remember what this animal was but Callie thought it was a reindeer.

Leif feeding some large rodent thingy.

Callie has been telling me she wants to be a Rock Star for Halloween.  Here is my attempt...I think I re-created Hannah Montana.  I'm thinking the wig is too much.  We'll see what else I can come up with.

Leif liked the wig!

The other morning I was trying to get out the door to take Andrew to school.  The kids were still in their jammies and I said, "Callie go get some shoes on!"  This is how she came back.  Boots, hat and sticker!  A true fashionista!

Summer Break!

We went to a lake near Portland, CT for playgroup.

We made a weekend visit to Andrews sisters house in New York before she moved her family to Minnesota.

We spent a day at the Connecticut coast.  Warmer water, no waves and kinda dirty.

Looks like Cal has a crab in her hand but really its her mermaid friend she brought with her.

My parents came for a visit.  We toured Palmyra, New York and this is the printing press of the first Book of Mormon.

Joseph Smith's childhood home.

On the road toward the Sacred Grove.

Family photo in the Sacred Grove.

My happy little guy!

Leif blowing raspberries.

My parents looking and admiring the foliage in the Sacred Grove.

We stopped at a museum and home town of Norman Rockwell.  My mom is a huge fan of his art!

My parents went in the museum while we kept Leif busy outside.

We went to Newport, Rhode Island and took a tour boat ride.  My dad was in HEAVEN!  If he could he would own a boat a travel the world.

The kids really liked it.

There were sailboat and  HUGE yachts!  There was a lot of money in that harbor.

We took the train to Boston.

This is our first stop on the 'Freedom Trail'.  This is a walking tour of the historical spots in the city.

Paul Reveres home.

Boston Library.  While in Boston we rode the train, subway and took a bus.  

We visited Plymouth, Massachusetts.  Home of the Pilgrims.

This is Plymouth Rock behind Andrew.  Its much smaller than I thought...more like a pebble.  After this trip my parents had to leave.  We sure did enjoy them coming out and spending time with us.  We miss them already!

We took another trip to Rhode Island.  Cal got to go on the original 'flying carousel'. 

Cal had to walk along the edge of the water.

Throwing rocks in! 

Cute boys!

My handsome hubby!

The bridge in the background is how you get to Newport, Rhode Island.  They charge $4 one way.

Andrew was getting hungry.

Throwing more rocks into the Atlantic Ocean.