School Days

Joseph and I are trying to think up ways to get Matthew and Anna into Princeton University...

Okay, not really. But we went on a day trip there with some friends last weekend and fell in love with the beautiful campus. The buildings were incredible and the campus grounds were full of studying students, outdoor dance classes, and lots of squirrels.

We really enjoyed strolling around with our friends and soaking up the beautiful fall weather. And it made me miss our favorite USU campus and living in a small college town.

Anna looks like she'd fit right in, don't you think? Maybe in 17 years.

No Time To Rest

Joseph's sister Sarah and her husband Justin came to town last week. I hate to say it, but I think that they did more here in a week than we have done in over two years. They did a bus tour, went to the top of the Rockefeller Building, visited the Met and the Natural History Museums, and lots more. Luckily we got to tag along with them for a few days on the weekend.

We saw Wicked on Broadway and it was absolutely fantastic. We loved every minute of it and have been humming the songs ever since. We visited Katz's Deli and had amazing pastrami sandwiches, and weaved our way through Canal Street to find treasures to take home to their kids.

We waited in line for over an hour at Grimaldi's, but it was worth it to be able to eat that delicious pizza while overlooking the water and the city skyline.

We went to the beach and to the park and lots of other places in between. We loved having them here and are so glad they liked NYC!

First Day of Fall

The last few weeks have been pretty great as we have been getting back into the swing of things here at home. The weather has been absolutely perfect for going on walks, having picnics at the park, and hanging out at the beach. Joseph hasn't been too busy with school yet (oh, and he passed the boards!! yea!), I've been sewing during every free minute I can find, and the kids are soaking up every second of outside play time.

Happy first day of Fall!

Just Like That

...our month-long trip to Utah has come to an end and we are back home in NYC. We filled our days with sprinklers, sidewalk chalk, parks, animals, softball, walks, and family. It was the perfect amount of time to see and do everything we wanted and get refreshed and ready for the new school year.

Anna came back a different girl than when we left: she's now walking, talking, and letting us know her opinion about things. Matthew was a good sport to be carted around to new places and new beds all the time. Joseph took his dental boards test and got a few days to relax and not think about school.

We had a fabulous time and are now looking forward to a beautiful fall in New York, and a handful of visitors coming in the next few weeks.

On The Farm

Soon after we arrived at my parent's house Matthew asked if it was a farm. I guess to a city boy a white fence wrapped around the porch, a wooden gate to the backyard, lots of grass, and a big garden equals a farm. We have been doing lots of digging, riding ponies, playing in tents, and watering the garden, so I can see why he might be confused. :)

It has been great to get together with family and friends and be able to relax just a little bit. Anna has been taking a few steps on her own and will be walking all over the place pretty soon.

We can't wait for Joseph to join us out here next week. He's been studying hard and we've been missing him!

Golden Birthday

Anna turned 1 on August 1. This last year has been wonderful with her as a part of our family. Ever since his birthday, Matthew thinks that everyone turns three and gets a duck cake on their birthday. So we indulged him and Anna ended up with a pink duck cake, which she loved.

Anna is such a happy little girl and we just love her to pieces. She and Matthew are best friends, and she is my little sidekick and shadow.

We think it is about time that all of her uncles, aunts, cousins, and great-grandparents in Utah finally meet her, so that is what we are heading out to do this month. I think they'll all love her just as much as we do. Happiest birthday to our best girl!