A snowy day to carve a pumpkin

Snow, people! Today we had the first snowfall of the year, and it's one of, if not the, earliest snowfalls on record in New York City. Now, as a former Wisconsinite, an Oct. 29 snowfall is not uncommon. I remember it snowing one year around the first of October. But this is a BIG deal here. Of course, it's always a big deal if it happens in New York...

Besides Sammy's swim lesson this morning, we staying inside. I made pumpkin bread and we carved our pumpkin. This is Henry's first Halloween! Costume pictures will come Monday, after Sammy's first Halloween party and a Halloween park event to which I will be taking Henry.

 Enjoy: Pumpkin Carving

A Visit from Joy

This was the view from the top of Rockefeller Center on Monday. Joy was out visiting, and she, Henry and I went to the Top of the Rock! Sam was in daycare, so we strolled Midtown for a bit. It was great weekend, which included a late night in Greenwich Village and a movie in the Lower East Side. We also dined on Nathan's hotdogs in Coney Island. Yum! Joy took some family photos, too, while she was here. We will be sharing them with all of you during the Christmas season.

Housewarming

We finally had a housewarming party yesterday, and I think it's safe to say that it was a success. We had between 15 and 20 people stop by, and the majority of them were from our church. Most of my mom friends were at a birthday party, so they couldn't make it, but we still had an incredible turnout.

Father Jeff blessed our new home in a beautiful ceremony that included the use of a candle from our wedding four years ago. The day was a reminder of how truly blessed we are by so many new friends.

Papa & Debbie

OK, people. I know it has been nearly a month since we've posted anything, and frankly, we have no excuse. Yes, we've been busy. September got away from us just as quickly as August, and now it's nearly the middle October!

The big update to share with you all is that we had a visit from Papa and Debbie - those are Sam's names for Grandpa John and Grandma Deb. They came out on the 29th and stayed to the 3rd. While they were here, they went to the Food Network Food and Wine Festival, an early Christmas present to them from the Paulsens and the Cervantums, aka Nathan and Kyle. Here is a link to photos and video my dad took during their visit: Papa and Debbie

I will try to write more later, but I shouldn't make any promises. I am in the midst of executing a stewardship campaign at our church and trying to do some freelance writing for the Episcopal New Service. Plus, we are throwing a housewarming party on Sunday. Oh, and did I mention we've been sick -- everyone but Dave, anyway. Oy!

Also, if any one is interested, here is a link to some more photos from my parents' house remodel: My Crazy Parents Are Remodeling Their House

A day in the city

We traveled into Manhattan on Friday to explore the Children's Museum of Manhattan, which is located on the Upper West Side. Dave had the day off because he had worked Labor Day. The boys and I don't get into the city much. Subway travel with the boys isn't easy unless Dave is their to help.

The museum has a special Curious George exhibit going on through the end of the month. Dave's friend, Keith, had given the boys a Curious George book as a gift, and Sam has been obsessed with it. There are eight stories in the book, and I think I have them all memorized by now.

Needless to say, Sam enjoyed the exhibit. He also enjoyed the water splash exhibit. That explains itself. After the museum, which did have some good stuff for Henry to explore, we ate at a diner and strolled through Central Park. I'm still amazed that I live in this city, with landmarks such as the park so near. It was a good outing.

Photos: Children's Museum

Peekaboo Henry