Two Peas in a Pod

These two have become quite the little friends over the past year. I love watching them play together. Cora is very gentle and loving with Maury and loves to say "No, no buddy" if he gets into something he shouldn't be. It warms my heart.

Kicking off Christmas Season

With the stores putting out Christmas decor as early as late October, it's been a conscious effort of mine to keep the kids unaware of it as long as possible. But, with the Thanksgiving parade ushering in the season with Santa, it becomes time to give in and get excited for the big guy in Red. There are three traditions that we have kept us the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend: letters to Santa, ( which Keeley wrote herself for the first time this year), the Bethel Tree Lighting, and the appearance of "Barney," our Elf on the Shelf.

I was touched by Keeley's letter for both it's timeless 5 year old handwriting and backward letters, and also by the simplicity of her requests. I try to tell the kids that Santa only allows children each 2 wishes so that he can help the whole world.

Winter Festival in Bethel with the Ferrier girls, Lily and Emmie, in Putnam Plaza. As usual, we didn't make it until the lighting at 7 because we turn into pumpkins at 6:30, but we enjoyed the annual Boy Scout soup and time with old friends. Now Newtown residents, Bethel will always remain my first hometown and hold a place in my heart, as it was there I found myself as a new Mom.

Barney started "answering" questions from our inquisitive Keeley this year, bringing lots of excitement. We found out that his "skill" is carpentry ;)

Thanksgiving 2017

We had a lazy morning at home watching the parade this year, and Emmet and I cracked up watching the girls dance along with all the performances during the Macy's Day Parade. Then we headed up for MA, with a stopover in Longmeadow and lots of laughs with the Mengel crowd, followed by a delicious and fun filled dinner with the Ferriter's at Ama and Papa Ferriter's house. Lucky kids to have so much family. Thankful for so many things this year, as we are every year, but most of all, the countless relatives that help us show these little ones what love and family are all about.

Emmet turns 34!

4th Annual Simsbury friends get together for Emmet's birthday :) This year we had lots more room in our new house, and were grateful for that with all the monkeys running around. Good friends, good memories!

Columbus Day at the Lake

We decided to try Columbus Day Weekend at Lake George this year, which is something I've always wanted to see. The foliage was beautiful and the Halloween parade for the kids was just too cute. Loved seeing Hulett's at a different time of year.

Two peas in a pod

And now that Keeley is gone all day, it's just Cora, Maury and Mom. I love to see their relationship develop as we play out on the lawn or sit together in the playroom, and I love the way Cora is such a gentle and non dominating big sister. They are both so happy go lucky in nature, and they genuinely adore each other. I get such a kick out of them.

Keeley's First Day of Kindergarten

As timeless as the first day of kindergarten is for all parents, it is hard to believe 5 years has gone by when it happens to you. Keeley has been ready and excited for kindergarten for so long, that I felt truly joyful just seeing her finally realize her dream of getting up on that bus and going off to school like one of the big kids. After picking out her blue dress, and putting on her new backpack, she was ready in plenty of time. Emmet went in late so that he could be there to send her off with me. I definitely felt teary eyed and amazed as I led her up the steps of bus #17 when it stopped in front of our home, thinking back on how far she's come since the day she was born in Miami, and the little girl she's become. I know Keels will thrive in whatever she does, and bring lots of smiles to everyone at Head O' Meadow Elementary. She has always loved people, and I know she will enjoy every teacher and friend she makes this year.