Saturday on the Farm

This morning we headed back up to Hopewell Junction to join Gina and Kids Unplugged for a morning at Fishkill Farms. The theme of the morning was "A Walk Along Wicopee Creek". Armed with a net, screens, droppers and water containers we ambled down to the creek, passing by the pear, apricot and plum trees in the farms orchards as well as the chickens.

The spot by the creek where we set up camp was cool and shady. The children were instructed to approach quietly and take a few moments to listen and observe. However they were very excited at the prospect of searching in the water for wildlife that the time spent observing was MINIMAL! Almost immediately shoes and socks were abandoned and the children gleefully entered the water. They were thrilled when they examined their screens and discovered bugs galore.

Gina had bought along some books to help identify our finds as well as great laminated reference sheets which proved very useful.

After some time spent exploring, splashing, examining and generally having fun we headed back up to the farm to sing a water bug song and listen to stories read by Gina.

We finished off the adventures with some blueberry picking and then headed home with two tired children.

Fun on the farm.

Last Swim Meet of the Season at Tarrycrest

After a rainy afternoon on Tuesday and the postponement of the swim meet, we were fortunate that the sun was shining on Wednesday and so the meet went ahead without a hitch. Tarrycrest competed against Pocantico Hills.

Cameron took part in backstroke, freestyle and relay. It was incredible to see how much effort he put in during the freestyle. I have never seen him exert himself as much as that before. A proud moment and Cameron truly enjoyed himself.

Looking forward to the Championship meet on 1 Aug.

Promotion Test to Blue Belt for Cameron!

Wow, this really has been Cameron's week. Two swim meets, filming for Sesame Street and then today was his promotion test at Tae Kwon Do.

I was nervous for him, as I know with each test the expectations are higher and the curriculum more in depth. He did really well and passed without any problems at all.

Swim Meet Number Four!

Wow what a day for Cameron. Following the filming at Stone Barns he then took part in a swim meet at Bedford Hills pool this afternoon/evening! He did really well and enjoyed competing for Tarrycrest. Tonight he took part in the breaststroke, backstroke, freestyle and relay.

I think we will take it easy tomorrow!!!

Sesame Street Shoot at Stone Barns

Following Cameron's week at Stone Barns Farm Camp last week he was invited back this week as one of the children to participate in the filming of a segment for Sesame Street on food and where it comes from.

The subject was EGGS and so the children initially met with Farmer Craig and went out to the Egg Mobiles to collect eggs. Following that they took the eggs into the barn and washed them and helped to pack them into egg cartons.

The last part of the filming was shot in the kitchen of Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Chef Adam helped the children prepare scrambled eggs, which they got to sample at the end.

I have never seen Cameron eat so much scrambled egg before, in fact I did not even think he liked it! He devoured five helpings!!!

He had been very nervous prior to the day of the filming and had not wanted to go at all. However I went with my motherly instincts and persuaded him that he would have a great time and I am pleased to say that he enjoyed himself even more that I thought he would.

I cannot wait until the segment airs...... next year. I will publish the date nearer the time.

Jack's Birthday Celebrations

Jack and his buddies celebrated in good old fashion birthday party style at Kingland Point Park on Monday. The children had fun with water balloons, water pistols and a pinata. As well as chasing each other around on the dental themed playground.

I love this park and never tire of the gorgeous river views.

William's Baptism

This afternoon I had the pleasure of capturing some wonderful images of baby William's baptism. It was a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon in Pocantico Hills and the Fuller family were joined by their immediate family for this special occasion.

So Lucky!

We had quite a close call last night when Campbell fell flat on his back from the monkey bars in our back garden. Cameron and Craig saw it all happen.

Long story short, it was a very happy ending......

The emergency service personnel and our neighbours were amazing throughout. I went with Campbell to the local children's hospital where we received excellent care and attention. After many xrays and examinations he was released and was relieved to have the neck brace taken off, which he is keeping as a souvenir.

Campbell was an absolute superstar throughout the whole thing. He was so brave and did a great job of answering all the questions doctors, nurses and ambulance personnel were asking him and more importantly at staying still for several hours, starring at the ceiling! He was thrilled at the fact that he got to stay up later than Cameron!

I have never been so happy to see him walking into our bedroom as I was this morning.

He had a typically active day at the pool today, although I would not let him on the monkey bars!

WE ARE SO LUCKY.

Summer at Stone Barns

I just LOVE this place and so when Cameron had the chance to enroll in one week of Summer Farm Camp there I was thrilled for him. What a fabulous opportunity.

Each morning when Campbell and I dropped him off this week we went for a walk to see the piglets, lambs and chickens.

On Thursday morning we stayed and watched the campers during their morning session. One of their farm chores that day was "Chicken Roundup" and egg collecting. Some of the children in Cameron's group had the knack of picking up the "stray" chickens and returning them to their pen. Not something I was willing to try! I blamed it on the fact that I had my camera around my neck!!

It was fascinating to watch how skilled some of the children had become around the hens. After they had rounded them up the children collected the hens eggs from the mobile chicken barns which would be used in the restaurant and sold at the farmers market.

Each morning I enjoyed walking through the doorway garden. My favourite shot of the week is this one of a sunflower.

I will post more photographs from my adventures this week in a day or two.

Super Diver!

Yesterday was the first day of dive lessons for Campbell. He had such a fabulous time and so today I took my camera to capture some of the action. He did so well and loved every minute of it. More tomorrow. He is already planning his back dives!

Cameron's First Swim Meet

Cameron had a BIG day today. It was his first day at Stone Barns Farm Camp and then this evening he took part in his first ever swim meet. He was not looking forward to it (to say the least).

However he took part in the 8 and under freestyle and came in second! He was so happy and actually thanked me for taking him. I am so proud of him.

I think he will enjoy next Mondays meet even more, now that he knows what to expect.

4th July Celebrations

We spent our 4th (plus one) celebrating with friends in Tarrytown. Gina, Jon and the girls were such gracious hosts. We were made to feel so very welcome (to the point that we did not leave until 10pm!!!)
Superb food, great company, fantastic setting and happy kids = success.

Trekking Up Turkey Mountain

Yesterday morning after swim team practice the boys and I headed up to Yorktown. We met Amy and her gang and Julia and hers. Our goal was to climb Turkey Mountain. Along the way I had hoped to introduce the group to letterboxing. I had printed off several sets of clues before hand and was very excited to do our first letterboxing of the season. Unfortunately, due to either my lack of clue reading skills or the fact that people are out to spoil our fun, we could not locate any of the boxes. This did not damped the spirits of the children though and despite the heat they made it to the top in record breaking time.

We were all rewarded with fantastic views of Croton Dam and the surrounding area. We had a very enjoyable picnic under the shade of a tree on top of the mountain, which helped us all to rejuvenate in preparation for our decent.

Cannot wait to visit in the fall, as I am sure the colors are spectacular.