More pumpkin patch fun

There is a nearby pumpkin patch that Chloe loves to visit because it has a petting zoo. She spent 35 minutes- by herself (cause we were cheap and didn't want to spend the $4 to each go in with her) in the little caged off area chasing rabbits, petting pigs and talking to goats. She LOVES all animals.

Brans 31st Birthday

This year, i organized Bran's birthday party, but made it a 'Guys Only' event. The boys went to Hooters (they swear up and down that they like going there for the wings) and then to Lucky Strike bowling lanes. They ended up getting hooked up by a friend of KC's who was celebrating his 16th birthday (this kid is a pretty successful actor) and got free bowling and goody bags!!! Apparently it was a great night for everyone.

Ezra's rad outfit

So this is the outfit that I got for free at Sandbox Rebel - thanks to Chloe's modeling day. Isn't it rad??????

Lisa's Birthday Party

Happy Birthday Lisa- AKA the worlds most beautiful and radiant, kind and generous person in the world!!! This was such a great night. We all huddled on my back patio and had great food and great conversation. We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends:)

Bath Time!!!

Watching Chloe and Ezra in the bath is the cutest thing. It is one of those times where I feel that I am my parents...you know??? I vaguely remember taking a bath with my brother and it is crazy to think that I am now the mother. Anyway, bath time is so much more fun now that they play together.

Dad

Yesterday, October 21st, marked the 9 year anniversary since my Dad passed away. Everyone who knows me well, understands that it is my dad who shaped my life. Actually, it was the year he was sick, and ultimately his death that REALLY has made me who I am today. Before my dad got sick, I was a pretty selfish, ungrateful, wimpy, flighty, and overall silly person. The day he was diagnosed with cancer, I actually FELT my life change completely. From that day on, I was totally different and the experiences of the year ahead turned me into someone who i am proud to be today. I am SO far from perfect, but I actually like myself and am proud of who I have become. I have always dreamed of doing something grand in memory and in honor of my dad, but I never feel that anything I think of is remotely good enough. But lately i have been realizing that nothing will make my dad prouder than living a really worthwhile and truly great life. My dad was never one for over the top things anyway. He was ultra practical and genuinely thrilled with the simple things in life- even though he was always offered the extravagant. Nothing made my dad happier and more proud than, 1st- his wife (my awesome mum), and 2nd- his kids. His idea of heaven was sitting on the deck of our cottage, staring out on the lake while his family was either in the cottage or out on the lake. In fact, that is what he told me he hoped heaven was going to be like for him, during the last few months of his life. My dad was, without a doubt, the most honest, most noble, most intelligent most balanced and truly happy person I have ever known (although Phil might be a good equivalent- and that would make my dad super proud). I wasted most of the earthly time I had with him by being my former, not-so-great self, but I tried to squeeze in as much redemption time as possible (and i think i succeeded) in the final year. The good news, and the peace of mind I have, is that I KNOW with all my heart that my dad is proud of who I am today and that I can be with him again and it will be forever.
-"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven:and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."-Matthew 16:19

Chazy Lake- My favorite place on earth

I've been going to Chazy lake since i was 4 years old. There's no other place in the world where I feel more peaceful, happy and 100% myself. It is also the place where I can remember my Dad most clearly because it was his favorite place as well. This past summer we spent the 4th of July week at Chazy and had the best family vacation. We sold our cottage a few years ago, so we stayed with Grandma and Grandpa Jessey- the people who introduced my Dad to Chazy Lake when he was in college! Chloe had so much fun running free and going to the frog pond. Ezra loved being outdoors all day and really learned to crawl while being there. I had so much fun barefooting and wakeboarding, and Bran really practiced slaloming. We still didn't get Mom in the boat, but we've pretty much giving up the hope of it ever happening! I can't wait to go back next year when Phil gets off his mission and when Steph has her (3rd) wedding!!!

(Ezra is 8 months and Chloe is 2 1/2)

Bob and Ezra chillin' in the boat 

Bob, Keith and Mum on the dock

Chloe fell in LOVE with Griffin and he was very sweet to her

This moth was beautiful! Pink and yellow with a great hair-do!

Chloe wouldn't go in the ski boat, but loved going in the kayak with Daddy

Chloe playing with the toys I played with when I was a kid!!!

Grandma JoAnn and Grandpa Bob

This is one of my favorite pics!

Ez learning to crawl- and doing a great job!

I love that I played on this beach throughout my whole childhood, and now my kids get to!!!

Our family with Kyle and Tammy Young's family-(I have known Kyle my whole life)

Bob and JoAnn don't have a bath, so the kids bathed in the pool and loved it!!!

Chloe on the 4th of July enjoying a festive treat.