We're back!

It really bothers me that I have not posted anything to our blog in a year!  Last year was a crazy year between work and home and I let it all take over for a while.  I even intended to be better over the summer, but wasn't.  Now that there is one day left of summer break I am trying to accomplish things I intended to but didn't.  We had a wonderful summer.  The kids did a bunch of camps and rec programs, played with friends and swam in the pool, and I loved every second of being home with them!  We went camping in Cranberry Lake and took a outstanding vacation to Disney World.  I am mad at myself for letting this fall to the side for a while so I am committing that this fall I will be better.  Look for more news soon!

Summer Vacay - Week #10

This summer I think we definitely saved the best for last. 

Before I tell you about our week though I had to put in this picture from last week.  For whatever reason it didn't upload from my phone and it is just too cute not to post.  This was taken while we were waiting for the Bridget Mendler concert at the Fair.  This week we headed to New Jersey and New York City for a mini-vacation.

 When we arrived we checked into the hotel, walked to the train station (almost ran) and rode the train into New York City.  We headed to the memorial at the World Trade Center.  Patrick really seemed to understand the scope of the tragedy, especially when he realized that every name he saw around the two pools was someone who died,  and had lots of questions about the naughty guys who flew the planes. 

 Liz didn't get it as much but liked the coolness of the water on such a hot day.

 It was awesome to see such a huge sky scraper being built!

 Dude and mini-dude checking out the Freedom Tower.

 We rested in the shade for a while.  It was nice to sit and relax.

 Girly!

 Perhaps some of the most exciting parts of the trip were riding the subway and riding in a taxi!

 We weren't in the city for too long.  Brian and Patrick had to get back to New Jersey to work................they were on staff with the Patriots equipment guys getting the visitor's locker room at MetLife Stadium ready for the game they were going to on Wednesday night.  While they were hauling equipment and cases of Gatorade (Patrick's favorite task) Liz swam in the pool and hung out with Mom at the hotel.

 One of the perks of their job was getting an inside peak at the Giants locker room and to go out on the empty field!  Patrick, and Brian, were beyond excited.

 Patrick played Giant and did a 100 yard dash on a professional field!  Too cool for words!

The highlight of the night - Eli Manning's locker.  After the boys returned we headed out for a late dinner to talk about all the excitement.

 Wednesday we headed back into the city before Pat and Brian had to go to the Giants game.  Today we did more uptown stuff.  First stop was Times Square, mainly for Toys-r-us.  While waiting for it to open the kids posed with Singapore Mickey.  Brian was appalled that he asked for a donation after the picture.  After that any more Singapore characters, like Hello Kitty or Buzz Lightyear, were off limits.

 The kids were in heaven in Toys-r-us.  Liz was over the moon that see could be in a life size Barbie house.  She picked out a great purse to buy that doubled as a NYC souvenir.

 Pat practically ran for the Legos.  He didn't have enough money to buy his first choice but found a pretty cool Ninjago car that was on sale.  Bonus.  There was every Lego set known to man there - and some really cool Lego statues. 

 Brian is asking Santa for this one!

 Of course we had to ride the Ferris Wheel.  Liz was praying for the Barbie car but we end up in something neutral that every one was satisfied with.  Thank God!

 After Times Square we took a cab uptown to Central Park.  I wanted to see the Alice in Wonderland statue.  I loved it and wish that we had it all to ourselves because I would have played inside.

 Pat checking on his Lego set - still there. 

 Our plan was to walk through the park to the zoo.  It was a great walk in the much needed shade.  We stopped at a playground and had a hot dog picnic lunch.

 The zoo was too crowded for our taste so we pressed on to FAO Schwartz. 

 I'll always get a smile for a lion.

 Liz danced her heart out on the Big piano.

 Next it was onto Niketown.

 And then Trump Tower for some lunch.  Liz is getting practicing for her red carpet days!  After our lunch we parted ways.  The boys headed back to New Jersey for the game and Liz and I went to St. Patrick's Cathedral.......and then the American Girl Store!

 I promised Liz a doll.  She picked McKenna.  She loved to movie and loves that she likes gymnastics just like Liz.

 She's in love.

 We got McKenna's hair done.  Yes, I said that out loud.  I admit to paying money to having someone braid a doll's hair.  I am one of them.  Anything to make my girly smile!

 We ate dinner at American Girl too.  McKenna got a highchair for the table and a drink too.

 It was some great bonding time for me and Lizzie Lou :)

 Patrick and Brian loved going to the game.  Patrick could not stop talking about it when he got home!

 Friday was a really hot day so we raided Grandpa's pool.  Sarah Jane and Will were there and Megan joined later on too.  The kids loved their cousin time.

 And then there was Uncle Mark - the shark octopus who chased all the kids and made them all scream.

Saturday morning we had Liz cheering for a flag game in the morning and Pat playing in a game in Cicero in the afternoon.  And so it begins......

 Both kids had a great day.  Liz started off a little tentative but was screaming up a storm by the end of the game......the very loooong game.

 Daddy was so proud of his sweets!

 The Hello Cheer.

 Liz closes her eyes when she says her name.  That's what she does when she is embarrassed.

 After Liz's game we had to head to Cicero to watch Pat.  I have a feeling their games will be opposite each other all season.

 Pat played really well.  He had a bunch of tackles, caught two passes, and blocked a guy causing his teammate to score a touchdown!  It is great seeing him having fun playing, playing with enthusiasm, and cheering on his team.  He is really good at congratulating his teammates, the football way - slamming on their pads.  It is too cute to watch.........who knew there could be cute in football.

 I am a proud Mama so there are lots of game pictures.

 Will spent the night with us so he came along to cheer Pat on.

I told Pat to make a mean face.  Lol.