Jacqueline #5

It was HOT! But Jacqueline played in 4 games at the Jamboree. They were rewarded with ice-pops afterward - what more could you ask for?

Memorial Day

Aidan and Tina came up to CT for a visit and we went on to Sturbridge for a day at the Lake. Kids had a blast on this perfect sunny day - it'd be hard not to enjoy a day like that. More photos are uploaded to Picasa. The series of Aidan and his super soaker preceded me getting super soaked right in the face! Yup. Note to self; don't temp a 5 year old with a loaded super soaker.

It's been a Year

I have these monthly pictures of Bailey on the same chair to "chart his growth". He is by the way OFF the charts in height at 32.5" long. If you didn't get the email link about the picasa web album, here's the link.

I love CUPCAKES

yummy!

Bailey's Turning One

On Sunday we had a quick 1st birthday celebration with the Cawleys and Motschenbachers. Bailey caught on to being the center of attention pretty quickly. He had help from big sister Jacqueline & Mommy when it came time to blow out the candle. He was less impressed with the cupcake than we all expected - maybe he was too tired to eat? Hmm... that doesn't sound right in this house.

a simsbury landmark

Flamigs Farm was a perfect way to spend our afternoon Wednesday. The sun was out and we had a picnic lunch with Aunt Kama and Claire. We fed the animals in the petting zoo including goats and donkeys and fresh ponies. Afterward we went to another Simsbury landmark, Tullmeadow Dairy for some local ice cream! DELISH.

Jacqueline Takes Aim

There she is in her new face mask taking aim at the goal. Jacqueline was so excited about lacrosse today. She did great.

She and her Dad are going shopping for a REAL STICK this weekend.

He's cute

A preview of his Easter outfit. He's too much.

M O M M Y needs C O F F E E

On one of the CDs we have committed to memory there's a song of this title. My favorite verse:

I want a latte
A cappucino
And tonight I think I'll have a cup of VINO

Ah.. Ralph's World gets the credit for those words of wisdom.

10 months old

Dinos in New Haven!

We drove to New Haven to go to the Peabody Museum of Natural History. We knew there was a dinosaur exhibit and Jacq is into dinosaurs. We didn't know that they had a special exhibit on the Solar System - her other favorite thing. Then there was a Polar Bear, an Alaskan Brown Bear, Bison, Ducks, Birds and a discovery room where she could check out xray films.
She wanted to know if we could go there again for another report card treat. Sure.

I have to brag a little.

I had a teacher conference today with Mrs. Hoerle, Jacqueline's Kindergarten teacher. The opening line was "Thanks for sending me such a peach". Jacqueline is doing very well and hitting all the appropriate goals for a kindergartner. She's really improving on her reading and writing. Her report card was great. We're planning to take her to the Peabody Museum at Yale where they have a super cool dinosaur exhibit as a reward. I'll let you know how it is.

St. Patricks Snow Day

You can't read it, but Bailey's shirt says "I'd rather be Lucky than Good".

Sounds about right.

Again with the Snow

Seriously.

There's the mustang covered in another 4 inches of snow. And it's still falling. The kids are used to being in the family room... Jacq is watching a Dinosaur movie from the library while Bailey looks for trouble wherever he might find it. Maybe when Spring hits next week, this will be over.

ha ha ha

I miss you Uncle Mani.

To me he was Uncle Mani or Papa Klima, but he was my parents best friend, my best friends father and force in many lives. I think of him often. To Heide and Mama Klima I'm sending hugs and wishing we were all sharing some tea and brownies on the red couch. Better yet, a glass of wine out in the gardens on a warm evening. (This summer FOR SURE)

I remember driving to German School in the little MG. I remember all that time at the beach, walking to Kismet, re-lighting the lighthouse, racing to beat the toll. Too many memories to list, and I am just one little part. All those people at the celebration last year, and the memorial/dedication have their stories and memories.

You know, I'm a Cancer and we're sappy and sentimental and I couldn't let this day go without a remembrance.

Not a Box

Moving has provided Jacqueline with even more "toys". She made this box into her own Pony Car. Notice the grill detail.

If I run an errand in the "Pony Car", then she'll come with me. In the Taurus... she'd rather stay home and watch Animal Planet.

Percussion section wannabee

oh boy... he liked this a lot. Too Much....

I guess I'll be calling on Dawn & Jim for pointers on boys and drum kits.

New Doctor

Bailey had a well-visit today for his 9-month check up. We went to Claire's Doctor; Dr. Pericat. She's very nice but I always say Dr. Pussycat in my mind. Anyway, Bailey weighed in
at 21# 5oz (70%) and was longer than ever at 30.75" (98%).

So he's healthy and growing and everything's normal. Not sleeping? Normal. Eating at every waking moment? Normal. Constantly on the move? Normal.

I guess I'll be exhausted indefinitely.

All Things Goldenrod

No, really, each appliance is @ 40 yrs old and all in that quintessentially late 60's hue we call "Goldenrod". Gives me hives just typing it. The stove top gets top billing here as my FAVE appliance since it's not only such a great color, it also has push button controls for the burners. Seriously.

I left a brand new ceramic stove top in Marietta. Boo hoo.

Even the dryer is goldenrod; the hall bath tub, toilet & sink, of course as well as the half bath fixtures are goldenrod. And to add insult to injury, there are goldenrod DRAPES in the half bath and the family room. Can you see the striped wallpaper?

I guess knowing that it's temporary makes it sort of like a wacky adventure in kitchens & baths.

Turtleman Update

Turtle Man started a new chapter in his reptile life right before we left for Connecticut. After a dozen years with Kevin and I, he was taken in by the Patron Saints of Pets in Need, my cousins Suzanne and David Norman.

He's gone to his retirement villa in Riverdale, Georgia where he's got a larger tank and may even have a "lake house" this summer in Suzanne's beautiful water gardens. I'm sure he thinks we died and went to heaven.

Thank you Suzanne and David for opening your hearts to yet another pet. And thank you for taking special care of TM.