Hold ON !

The Joses' came down for a much overdue visit. We ate, laughed and watched the Pats. Oh yeah - and no visit is complete without 4wheeling down the streets of Middleboro !!! Imani, Kayla, Anna, PJ and Nick all held on for dear life !! We had a wonderful time together, and Anna is very excited for a weekend sleepover at their house.

Anna's 8th Birthday

Anna turned 8 on Sept. 18 ! Jay and I surprised her after school at the bus stop with a brand new bike. At first she didn't even notice it - Then was shocked to learn it was hers !! It is a bright pink schwinn with gears (so she can keep up with Jo and Papa on their long bike trips). For her birthday dinner she picked the Red Robin. They (the kids) absolutely love it there. She had the Red Robin himself sing to her and received the famous birthday sundae. I can't believe my baby girl is 8 !!!! Wow-- Time really flies.

Second Grader !!!!!!!!

Anna officially started second grade today. She absolutely loves her teacher and was pleased to find 3 familiar faces in her class. She had gym her first day so she, according to her, " Had to wear gym clothes, not my first choice for an outfit." Check out what her shirt says :)

Labor Day

We spent Labor Day with our friends (7 families) at Ellis Haven in Plymouth MA. There were 13 kids and 6 dogs so our circle of sites were quite active. The kids were non-stop all weekend and were obsessed with those (annoying !) wakie talkies. The adults had their much overdue crazy night, which included way too many shots :). And even Missy found a friend, Chloe. Needless to say, our ENTIRE family was exhausted Monday when we returned !. We had a great time and are looking forward to Columbus Day weekend with our "Gang".

Girls' Weekend

Anna and I hit the road to Pennsylvania for Auntie Susan and Uncle Jerry's 40th anniversary party. We spend at night at Jessica and Anthony's house and then headed to the Butler Lakehouse. It was so great to see ALL the cousins ! Anna had a blast and I really enjoyed spending time with my cousins now that we are all "grown-up". I just wish my boys had come to meet everyone. Looking forward to another family reunion sooner than later.

Moosehillock Campground

Our end of July annual weeklong camping trip to Moosehillock in Warren, NH was a success again ! The kids never get sick of swimming in the "lagoon" and going on the pirate ship slide. We visited the NH fish hatchery and spend a day at Clark's Trading Post. Nick loves talking about the bears eating ice cream. We made the ride home less painful by stopping at the Budweiser farm to see the Clydesdales. OH! AND THE BEST PART OF THE WEEK - PJ LEARNED HOW TO RIDE WITHOUT TRAINING WHEELS :)

Missy

Our black pug, Chyna, passed away this April. She was 9 yrs old and a huge part of our family. We initially thought of replacing her and then decided that 3 children kept us busy enough. Literally 48 hours later - we had Missy. Our friend found her at the pound, Jay couldn't refuse. We decided not to change her name - "She came with it". She turned 1 on June 15th, "Same birthday as Auntie Jenna", if you ask Anna.