PHOTOS!

Time to play catch up....

Dave worked on July 4, so it was just me and the boys. We didn't do too much out of the normal, but we did manage to get some ice cream. What is July 4 without some?

PHOTOS: July 4, 2011

Dave's birthday weekend started on a sour note: Dave and I both were not feeling well. On Thursday (the 7th) we were suppose to go out for dinner - sans kids - but I cancelled. It was some stomach bug we had.

On Friday, we drove upstate to visit Christina, Barb and McKenzie, who shares a birthday with Dave. So, on Saturday, McKenzie had some girlfriends over in the afternoon to celebrate her 10th birthday. In the morning, Dave and I took the boys to the Science Center in Ithaca. What a blast! Sam loves that place.

The weather was beautiful and Sam played on Grandma Barb's swing set. And he had a good time playing with Jetta, the dog, and cousin McKenzie.

PHOTOS: Dave's Birthday Weekend

NO!!!!

We have a camera full of photos from July 4 and this past weekend's trip to visit the Paulsens upstate. And guess where the camera is?!?! I left it upstate!!!! ARGH!!!!! My apologies. Barb, Christina and McKenzie are going to mail it to me. As soon as I get it, there will be photos, lots of really good photos of Sam and Henry. I promise!

Henry clapping

Connecticut Weekend

On Saturday, we traveled north, first driving to the Berkshires to have lunch with Great Grandpa Monico. After a far too brief visit, we headed south to the Nutmeg state, where we met up with the Prindles.

To refresh your memories, I worked at the Courant with Michelle Prindle. Her son, Rhys, is about three months older than Sam.

We had a good time catching up over dinner. Sam and Rhys had fun playing.

We stayed at a hotel in Farmington on Saturday night. And on Sunday morning, we took advantage of the hotel's pool. Sam is such a little fish! He loved it! It was his first time in a big pool - he's only been in backyard kiddie pools. Henry also went in the pool briefly and seemed to enjoy it for the most part.

In the afternoon, we went to a surprise party for out friends Jim and Chris. I used to work with Jim at the Courant. Their son, Reid, is about three weeks younger than Sam. Jim and Chris celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on the 9th and their longtime friends, the Murphys, hosted a party in their honor. Sam enjoyed hanging out with his buddies, Reid and Rhys.

After another dip in the pool, room service pizza and a rough night's sleep, we headed back to Brooklyn this morning.

Photos: Connecticut Weekend

Pool Fun

Private outdoor space is cherished here, and we are very fortunate to have friends with a backyard.

Cristina, Seth and Jack live down the street from us. Jack is almost 18 months old. He and Sam have become best buddies.

Jack also has a pool in his backyard. Sam, Henry and Jack enjoyed the pool today. This was Henry's first time in the pool!

PHOTOS: Pool Fun

Back In Brooklyn

Well, we made it. Sam, Henry and I arrived in Bay Ridge sometime between 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. today. (I don't recall the time. I'm guessing it's because the gosh darn heat and humidity here has completely zapped my brain.)

Overall, the 500-some miles from Elyria, Ohio to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn were uneventful. (Grandpa John and Grandma Deb drove us to Elyria, Ohio on Tuesday. We took a rental car from there. Elyria is about 500-some miles from my parents' house.) We managed to stop only three times, and both boys did take naps. Sam watched Thomas the Train (he LOVES Thomas) on the portable dvd player at least six or seven times.

It was a wonderful trip, but I'm not sure I'm willing to do it again anytime soon. Driving a full day with the boys is exhausting. I'd be willing to try it, though, if Dave were with us.

Here are some more photos from Grandpa John. The Rangels, including cousin Michael, came to P-ville for Memorial Day. Good Times. Photos and video: Memorial Day