Abigail Rose

I don't even know if I can find the words to express how much I love this picture!  When I showed it to Coley this evening, he said, "It looks like she is looking at angels."

I love this sweet child of God so much and am so grateful to be her mother.

Thank you, Chet Scerra, for capturing such a beautiful moment that we will cherish!

Catching up…. Halloween 2013

I didn't realize how long it had been since I had actually posted pictures here.  Now that it's almost Christmas, here are some of our Halloween pictures.  Abby was Dorothy, Michael was a green dinosaur, and Emma was a ladybug.  We attended the Halloween party at church and did Trick-or-Treating in the Village of Webster in addition to trick-or-treating on Halloween night.  The kids had a blast!  They are already talking about what they want to be next year… :)

Here are Abby and Emma while getting ready for their costumes…. Abby was all white and Emma was all black.  Halloween in upstate NY requires layers of clothing.

Ride and Seek

Every fall, one of the doctors at the hospital hosts quite the event at his house called, "Ride and Seek."  There are many activities.... a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses, pirate ship, tractor ride, pumpkins, food, games, face painting.... among many others.   

Michael wasn't scared at all to pet the chicken. 

Abby and Michael check out the goat. 

Michael and Abby with Dora and Minnie 

Michael was so excited for his pony ride. 

Michael wanted to hold the girl's hand during his pony ride when the ride got a little bumpy.  Once he got used to the motion and was perfectly fine, he STILL wouldn't let go of her hand.  I love the mischievous smile. 

Emma even took a little turn on the pony. 

Abby was a natural on the horse. 

Abby tells the horse goodbye. 

There really was fun for all ages.  Emma loved playing in the swing while Abby and Michael played on the pirate ship.

On the way back to the car, each child was able to pick a big pumpkin to keep.

It was a great afternoon.  The toughest part was convincing the children that it really was time to go home!

Season Confusion

At the beginning of October, we had several perfect fall days.  While the weather was perfect, Michael was too excited about his new winter boots to leave them inside.  He was also pretty attached to his new, long-sleeved robot shirt.  The shorts and the sunglasses paint the true picture of the weather on this early October day.

Emma is One! (Sept. 27, 2013)

Happy birthday to our sweet, little Emma!

One year old!

Just look at all that hair! 

Emma's birthday cake: A 3-D Duck 

We had dinner and cake at the Petrucci's house.  Emma looks a little startled, but there was lots of family visiting from Italy and it was just a little loud. 

Emma was not sure about her cake. 

Emma had a great time opening her presents! 

We love you "little flower!"

Shoes!

Little Emma already loves shoes..... ANY shoes (not just her own)!  

I think we might be in trouble if she already loves shoes this much!  If you turn your head and wonder where Emma has gone, just check the rug with the shoes by the garage door.  She's probably there trying on Michael or Abby's shoes!

Say Cheeeeese!

The day Abby took her 6 year-old pictures, we asked the photographer to take a few of all three children together.  I think she deserves a medal for her perseverance in trying to get all three to look at the camera and smile simultaneously.  They had fun in front of the camera, as usual!

Here is our beautiful handful of smiles and giggles!

Abigail's 6 year-old pictures!

Abigail was all smiles for her 6 year old pictures!  She is growing up so fast!

Our last summer hurrah!

On Friday of Labor Day weekend, we spent the day at Sea Breeze.  Abby, Michael, and Emma had a GREAT time at the picnic, on the carousel, and in the water.  It was a fun way to officially end our summer vacation!

Michael and Emma just chillin'. 

Abby shows her toothless grin on the carousel. 

Michael holds on tight.  The purple lips are from his grape popsicle at lunch.  Michael is always excited when he is able to eat the same treats as everyone else!  He didn't want his face washed! :) 

Michael and Abby are just about ready to brave the water!  They had a blast!

Our vacation- Thousand Islands

During our last full week of summer, we drove to the Thousand Islands for a few days.  What a beautiful place!  It is on the St. Lawrence River on the border of NY and Canada.  There are over 1800 islands... some big and some VERY small!  In the early 1900's it was the "summer playground" for the wealthy.  We had heard a lot about it and were determined to see it.

After our long day of packing and driving, Abby and Michael were ready to sleep! 

The next day we took a boat tour of the river.  At the end of the tour, we were able to visit Boldt Castle. 

Abby had a great time on the boat!

Abby and Michael hang out inside the boat for awhile.

The whole crew at Boldt Castle.

Just hanging out at the castle....

Michael and Emma are just chillin' in the stroller.  (Emma even fell asleep in that position!)

Abby got to drive the boat on the way back to Boldt Castle from the Yacht House.

I guess it was good practice for driving the boat on the playground at the hotel.

This was the view from our window! :)

Michael (and Emma... see below) were wiped out after our adventures of the day!

Here's another view of the castle from our room.  It was really incredible at night!

And there is Abby, not quite ready to say good bye to the water!  We had a great time!

Dinosaur Fun!

In mid-August, a dinosaur exhibit came to our convention center.  There were life size replicas of dinosaurs and several animatronic dinosaurs.  There were also lots of activities for the children such as digging for dinosaur bones, bounce houses, and "riding" dinosaurs.  Michael and Abby had a GREAT time!

I had a little trouble scanning this first picture (we were given permission to do so), but I wanted to include it because I love everyone's expression.  What a fun night!                              

                            

Abby and Michael check out the exhibit.

Michael got right on the dinosaur with absolutely no fear and had a great time riding the dino.

Abby was a little more cautious, but once Michael rode the dinosaur and survived, she was ready to give it a try.

Abby and Michael dig for dinosaur bones.

Abby and Michael found some tamer dinosaurs to climb.

It was a busy, fun-filled night.  It was no surprise to Mom and Dad that they both fell asleep as soon as their heads hit their pillows that night!