Birthday Boy

We celebrated Campbell's 5th birthday this past weekend. Hard to believe that he is 5 already. Where does the time go?

His classroom party took place yesterday. I had fun getting to know his new school friends. They are so entertaining and such wonderful listeners. They sat so still and quiet whilst I read one of Campbell's favorite stories to them.

I am looking forward to more opportunities to read to them throughout the school year.

Baby Jana

What a thrill to finally have a chance to capture these precious moments with Baby Jana. At one month today she was very alert and seems to be posing for me at times! After mommy fed her for a second time she fell into a beautiful deep sleep (for a few minutes) giving me the opportunity to get such peaceful images.

I am already looking forward to a family session with her big brother and sister soon.

I love these tiny fingers!

Wacky Wednesday East Irvington Nature Preserve

The weather has continued to stay unseasonably warm since the weekend and so yesterday's hike in East Irvington Nature Preserve was a very enjoyable way to wrap up the school day.

The boys had a great time foraging for sticks to throw into the pond, which was so densely covered with algae that it resembled a lawn!

It was a rather leisurely hike this time as the trail was less than 1 mile long. Still it was good to stretch the legs and get some fresh air having been in the house all day (trying to figure out me new iMac!!)

I just had to include this shot - I love the peeling bark!

Camping at North South Lake

Finally the weather cooperated and we had our first camping trip of the year!! Third time lucky!

We had heard so many wonderful things about North South Lake and were not disappointed. It is in a fabulous location, with many superb hiking trails close by.

North Lake

On Saturday after setting up our site we headed for Kaaterskill Falls. I was not too sure if we would make it all the way to the end of the (vertical) trail with the boys, but they ended up doing much better than me!! Fearless the whole way.

The views along the way were AMAZING.








We had a great meal cooked on the campfire on Saturday night. The temperature dropped to around 30 degrees on Saturday night, but we were bundled up well. The only thing that disturbed us in the night was a beaver chewing on a tree in the next site to ours. Here is the damage it did.




After breakfast on Sunday morning we headed for Mary's Glen. The trailhead is within the camp grounds so it was easy to get to.



After the Kaaterskill Falls the day before this seemed rather tame, but still a very enjoyable hike.





Sadly all good things come to an end. We packed up and headed home, already planning next years visit.

Pocantico River Trail Hike

On Saturday, following the Eco Fair in Tarrytown Kids Unplugged met for a short hike along the Pocantico River Trail. We got a little wet but it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the children as they hurried along to the special hollow tree that they are all so fond of. How many under 8's can fit in that tree????

Photo of the Day

I was just going through some old (spring) images and came across this one. I wanted to look at it some more and thought you might too! Happy Wednesday.

AYSO Soccer Season Started in Tarrytown.

This past weekend saw the start of soccer season for both the boys.

Campbell was thrilled to finally get a chance to play, rather than sitting on the "bench" watching big brother every weekend.

He loved it, did really well and is looking forward to moving across next week to join the U6 team, the Wolverines. Cameron's old team.

Cameron's team, Crocodiles had a good start to the season. Several goals were scored for each team and fun was had by all.

Back to School in Tarrytown!

Wow, back to school! The summer flew by and so here we are in September and slowly adjusting to the routine of school again.

Campbell seems to have settled into Kindergarten already. He was so excited to find his cubby, hang his backpack and sweatshirt and find something to play with that he forgot to say goodbye! We are thrilled to be back in Mrs Pearlman and Miss Feliciano's classroom once again and are looking forward to a fun-filled year for Campbell.

Cameron was also very excited and was looking forward to meeting Mrs Sharkey. Despite not enjoying the LONG bus ride home from school (with the "not so friendly" bus monitor)he had a good first day.

We celebrated with Back to School cake, which has become our tradition. Got to have a Stew Leonards cake every so often!