Daily Life (watch first)

This is what happens almost daily in our house. When we bought the couch we didn't think to tell the salespeople we needed a couch that could double as a stage.

Daily Life (watch second)

This is what happens much more rarely- ooops!

Gotcha Day 3

Simon tells us all about Gotcha Day (more or less correctly) until he gets tired of Mama asking questions and putting a camera in his face.

Gotcha Day 2

Then it was off to our favorite playground in Central Park for swinging...

































And splashing!























We ended a great day with a fun meal at Schnipper's.

Gotcha Day 1

We're on our way to celebrate Gotcha Day! It has been four years since Simon, Will and Julia became a family so we decided to celebrate with a special family day full of things we would all enjoy. Starting with a subway ride.






























At the Natural History museum we enjoyed the Dinosaurs...
















And the planetarium! Simon absolutely loved the show and even seemed to lear na few things from it- so did Mama and Daddy.

Ice Cream Brings Out the Worst in Me

I am possesive of my ice cream.
















No way Daddy!
















It's just because it is so yummy.
















I have to get every last drop.

Camping!

Simon and Daddy went camping last weekend! They joined Sion's friend Thijs for two great nights in the woods.


















Simon and Thijs enjoying the campfire with Kees, Thijs' Dad.



















And the campfire.

Old Video- Last Day of School

We should have posted this ages ago- but enjoy Somewhere Over Rainbow 3 and 4 year old style.

Reading the New Yorker at Breakfast

Pool Fun

Simon really enjoyed the pool in Roshester and thanks to Grandma and Grandpa sending some pictures, we can show it.
Simon played with all kinds of poeple in the pool- pictured below are Janet and Mama.
































Simon also helped clean the pool. Grandpa was pleased becasue he had to practically force his children to do this chore when they were growing up- but Simon was excited to do it! Though not so effective.

Yup, I'm 4.

Alone Time

And Will and Julia had a major first! We (thanks to Grandma Sue, Grandpa Steve, and Uncle Alan) went away for a our first child-free 24 hours--it was actually about 31 hours--wahoo!
















As you can tell, we went to Niagara Falls and had a great time being tourists. The Cave of the Winds was especially great- getting soaked actually standing *in* Niagara Falls--amazing!























This was the view from our luxurious room.

Wahoo!

Going to Rochester also means going to Seabreeze. And did we ever have fun this year. Perfect weather. No lines. Happiness. This is the kids' roller coaster--Simon liked it, but it was a little tame for him. He has totally graduated to big rides and is willing to ride anything at all. Anything. If he's tall enough--he's on there.























This picture shows you how high this ride goes--and Will says he didn't even get it at its full height- and yes, that's Simon and Mama way at the end. Where we rode repeatedly.


















Here's a close up of us riding on the end a different time. We were brave enough to wave at Daddy too!

Visiting Rochester

We had a great week long visit to Rochester. We were there during a dance festival. There were many nice performances and one was right on the canal.
















We watched the finals of the World Cup. You can see the interest it generated.
















A silly family portrait--but the best we got.



















Simon and I ran out into a few rainstorms and I figured it would be fun to add this to the 'Simon gazes at flowers' series of pictures we seem to have.

4th of July Fireworks

Waiting for the fireworks to begin. Simon is next to Lexie, Aunt Lisi and Uncle Robert's God-Daughter.
















Playing with the glow necklaces while we wait.
















And watching the fireworks!























Thanks to Daddy who turned away from the magic in the sky to take these magic pictures.

4th of July Fishing

At a lovely party in Mountain Lakes Cam (son of good friends of Aunt Lisi and Uncle Robert) taught Simon how to fish in the lake.























And it was succesful!























Close up of Simon's surprise and joy.























Close up of the fish. Who was returned to the lake.