My new hobby!

For a year or so I have been thinking about how nice it would be to have a kayak. Just to grab my boat and go for a paddle! My first time in a kayak was a few years ago in Vermont and I loved it! Well, for my birthday this year my wonderful husband bought me my very own kayak! After Jamie saw mine she had to get to steppng on buying hers too and we brought them camping with us - FUN!Here is Jamie in her boat! You can see Tildy on the right keeping up like a trooper! After a few days of kayaking we could really feel it in our backs and arms - this is a great workout! My friends Steve and Shelly live on Marley Creek and I have been leaving my kayak at there house for the convenience of being able to take it to the water easily. Well, in doing this I discovered Matilda just can't leave my side, even if I'm in a boat. So I recently bought her a life jacket, yes, they make them for dogs! Her heart is bigger than her brain, and I was afraid she wouldn't recognize exhaustion, this gives me peace of mind, and gives her doggie paws a break - and a HUGE bonus is that other boats can see the bright yellow life jacket!
Izaak also loves to take the kayak out! He is strong enough at this age to keep up and keep control of it! I love that he likes to get out on the water and I have a feeling another kayak is in our families future! Of course the photographer can never be in the photograph, but I'll get one of me tooling around in my new toy soon! Stay tuned for more from Narleeville!

Camping Labor Day Weekend 2007

After all the stress of the summer and getting my Mom moved from NY, I thought the best thing to do was take the fam camping in Western Maryland. Jamie and I went up a day ahead to get camp set up at Deep Creek Lake. It is amazing there with a huge lake and ski mountains too. We had a great time doing all the things we love to do and the kids didn't want to leave, I LOVE to hear that!

Jamie set her hammock up between two trees, it was the spot of choice for the whole weekend! I even attempted to sleep in it for a night, too bad it got soooo cold in the mountains 49 degrees!!! This is the life!

The boys favorite part of camping is tending the fire and roasting the marshmellows! Here they are concentrating on just the right angle to place the said mellows! We brought Kaleb's bike and he was soooo happy to be riding around independantly, exploring the paths and scoping out all the natural sights to see! We gave him a walky-talky so we could keep him safe and he LOVED having that with him! He also loves his "Scabbenger" hunts and did another one this year, he found great pieces of fungi, bright orange...I should have taken a pic! Here is Deep Creek Lake...it is a HUGE lake! The views are amazing though, and the water was warm. Luke and the kids went swimming for an afternoon while I rested on the beach and took photos. This one shows Aliza and the pretty scenery around the lake. This view was at a scenic overlook on the way home. You can see the historical marker and then the ski chalets behind that, then the lake and off to the left is a ski mountian...I wish we could live this lifestyle all year round! One big family of happy campers!

Eema has arrived!

As most of you know, my Mom has moved in to share our home. Although we are still working on making the renovations necessary, we are enjoying each others company tremendously! On the first day of school Aliza was a little sad it wasn't time for her first day of Pre-K yet, so Eema thought they should make some cookies!Aliza poured in ingredients and cracked the eggs, and here she is working hard to mix it all together!Eema helped a little and showed her best way to get it all blended. Aliza is a great helper in the kitchen as she listens carefully and follows directions like a scientist!
Mmmmmm! Chocolate chip cookies with dried fruit in them! Thos didn't last long! Thanks Eema and Aliza!

The First Day of 2nd and 7th Grades....

Here are the boys on the first day of school! Kaleb is now in 2nd grade and Izaak has started the 7th! I can't even believe these boys are at these ages all ready!

This is Kaleb doing his "I'm so happy to go back to school dance!" Hilarious! Now, if only he felt this way every morning! Look at this handsome blue haired boy! Izaak started experimenting with his hair color during this summer, so I freshened it all up with a new hue before school! We think it looks pretty cool, and it shows everyone how unique he really is!

This year has started out nicely, both the boys are happy with teachers and have core groups of friends. I met Kaleb's teacher, Mrs. Kearny, at back to school night last night. She is a very friendly woman and enjoys Kaleb very much - who wouldn't?

The boys are also busy with soccer twice a week and games are starting this weekend - Yeah! They are both enjoying the sport very much and we have found a league, although a bit of a drive, that is friendly and encouraging. Kaleb even has said that he may like soccer better than baseball - I really hope not, but at least he's enjoying it!

Have a great year boys!!!

Home Improvements

I don't have the heart to post pictures for everyone yet. This has been a much harder process than anticipated and we are currently looking to hire our second contractor and electrician. If you really want details email me, I can't rehash it all this early in the morning! Regardless we are staying positive and should have someone hired this week and they'll be starting next week, approximately three weeks after that we'll be on our way back to normal as far as our physical home goes. I'll keep you posted!