NEW YORK CITY

We had a great trip to New York last weekend for Derek's cousin Anne-Marie's wedding. We drove the 6 hour trip to the city on Thursday in about 8 hours with stops for food, stretches, diaper changes and potty breaks. We really lucked out with traffic, only having to slow down 2 times, over the Delaware bridge and the Holland Tunnel. Derek drove us right up 8th Ave to our hotel - weaving in and out and tailgating just like a native, or a taxi driver. I was glad he was driving! We met all of Derek's family, aunts, uncles, cousins, many of whom he hadn't seen for 20 years, for the rehearsal dinner on Thursday night.

On Friday morning, Grandpa treated all of us to a bus tour of the city. Tate loved riding on top of the bus and we saw most of Manhattan including the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park, Ground Zero, the Empire State Building, boats at the piers, bridges, and Central Park. It was a great touristy view of the city. Tate's highlight was the Statue of Liberty; Daddy's highlight was seeing Edyta from Dancing with the Stars, although we didn't get a picture. Derek went to the wedding on Saturday night and was in awe of the beautful Catholic church, although his photography didn't do the church any justice. I stayed with the kids until Derek returned from the party, at which time Ms. Avarie decided she would relish her stay in "the city that doesn't sleep" by staying up all night. Needless to say, I made friends with the bellman and concierge in the hotel lobby from 2am until 7am. We were also lucky enough to see Uncle Davin and the cousins come in at around 5am. Good thing we love 'em!

Saturday morning we left the big city to head out to Middletown, NY for a family barbecue at Derek's Uncle Jim and Aunt Linda's house. We had lots of good food and good laughs about the weekend adventures as we enjoyed a beautiful, chilly fall day.

We drove home Sunday through the Pocono Mountains and down through Baltimore. Now we have a new place we want to visit - the Poconos were beautiful. The kids were FANTASTIC on the 8 hour drive home and Derek got to listen to the Bronco game and watch the 2nd half at home. Not too bad for a 4 day weekend!

Click here to see more pictures!

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Preschool

Tate had his first day of 3 year old preschool on Monday, September 10 and was happy, sweaty and tired when I picked him up - he said it was GREAT! After the struggle over what to wear (it wasn't appropriate to wear his new pants and long sleeves since it was 93) he was happy to carry his new backpack that Mary gave him and see his buddies. He said they sang songs, played outside and ate a snack. He and Tate C. are thrilled that there are now two Madeline's in his class, but no more Tate's.

(Good thing I took a picture at home - you can see he was in no mood for it at school.)

Pool's Closed - now what?

Well, this requires some confidence in our friends and family that they will not judge our housekeeping abilities (or disabilities). There was a week in between the closing of the pool and the start of preschool and, even with errands and outings everyday, the playroom took a beating. Check out what can happen when a 3 year old is anxiously awaiting the start of preschool yet it's still too hot to play outside. We affectionately call Tate a "whirling dervish" when a mess like this appears. Avarie contributed in her own way by unloading her 1 basket of baby toys and drooling all over them.

Here's a few pictures of the playroom and of our last day at the pool.