Spring 2009.

Back to the arborteum for hikes and Daffodil Day.

Time for some Spring cleaning, starting with the car.

And we're taking up tennis (and baseball, and lacrosse, and soccer).

Winter 2008-9 centered around Christmas, of course. We got what we asked for (Andre - pirate ship, Luke - fire truck). That's actually Grandpa, not Santa...we were confused, too.



Our Christmas card photo.

Long hot baths with good friends (Rhys).

A wintry week in the Catksills, where we sledded and even successfully skied.

And lots of indoor projects.

And, since we got what we wanted for Christmas, we finally broke down and gave Mommy and Daddy what they had been asking for since last Christmas.

Fall 2008. Time to play catch up.

Yes, we went pumpkin picking, but that's Kirby, not a pumpkin in the back of our John Deere. We also hiked 6 miles up to the top of Mt. Tremper and climbed the fire tower with Kate, Mom, and Dad.

3rd Birthday, 2008. We got cheap plastic instruments from Daddy (he rightly assumed we would smash them), and a beautiful handcrafted wooden marimba from Jill and Ryan (which is harder to break). Another perfect picnic in the park.

We might not exist if Mom and Dad hadn't gotten married, so we celebrated their anniversary with a trip to the Mohonk Mt. House. Highlights included a hike with great views, as well as eating blueberries right off the bushes along the trail.



On a hot July day, we cooled off at Kirby's CC.


We had more poolside fun with Marc, Jen, Jill & Ryan at Sag Harbor, and got to sleep in a really big bed.

It's always good to see Gabe (pictured) and Dante (not). And their little sister, Tess, below, looks like she might become interesting someday.

We had a perfect week in the Catskills.

Rocking on the porch.

Playing in the stream.

And then...oh my

Are you seeing what I'm seeing? Is Dad riding...

A tractor?

Luke drove for awhile. Andre was overwhelmed, but said, "Next time."

We had more fun out at Miller Place, including two trips to McNulty's for ice cream.

Then, our first (and last) hot dog at Shea.

Luke didn't want to wear his Met's shirt at first (possibly because Grandma has been brainwashing him with Yankees propaganda), but he suited up for a few kernels of Cracker Jack.

The future of the franchise?

After a winter of hibernating:

in our new "big boy beds"

or not

catching up on reading

doing some projects around the house

basically horsing around

There was a ski trip to the A-frame in the Catskills, with Kirby, and new friend, Parker

Hanging in another new friend, Kayla's, crib

Welcome Charlotte (not pictured) into the blessed circle with Shannon, Jessica, and Henry

Wishing Henry a happy 2nd

When we were sure winter was finally over, we did a Spring Cleaning of our new little house




Went to the zoo (and out to dinner with Kirby after)

Made cupcakes with Dad for Mom's big Day.

Watched birds, frogs, and turtles at the Great Swamp




Borrowed a great pair of sunglasses from Grandma Jane

And had a whole week out at Miller Place. Here squeezing 4 in a tub with Rhys and little Sylvie

helping Dad launch his kayak at Mt. Sinai harbor

Rediscovering the beach with Aunt Adria from Hawaii

Helping Dad work on the deck (still)



And relaxing poolside


Here we are (country) clubbing with Kirby