Niagara Falls

 Jay's cousin Missy spent a month in the United States.  She made a trip to Ithaca with her mom, Aunt Eleanor. Jay's mom then drove everyone to Buffalo.  We had a great two days together.  

 It was super hot so we took out the hose.  

 Aunt Eleanor and Missy had never been to Niagara Falls so we made the trip, four days before the big walk across across the falls.

 Almost the whole gang is in this picture.

 It was a beautiful day at the falls!

We decided to go on the Maid of  the Mist.

 The boys all seemed to enjoy it. They didn't even mind getting sprayed.

 Aunt Eleanor held Raphael the entire time.

 Here's a shot right before we left.  We were at Niagara Falls State park. After our morning trip to the falls we headed to Wegmans. Thank you Missy and Aunt Eleanor so much for visiting, we had a great time.

 The next day the boys decided to play in mud puddles.

 Digging, digging and more digging.

Pure bliss.

Three years old!

 This sweet, sensitive, articulate little boy turned THREE on the 9th of June..oh my!

 He still has those gorgeous baby blue eyes.

 He loves to snuggle close and give hugs and kisses still.

 On the morning on Raphael's birthday we placed balloons in his room (a birthday tradition). He was super surprised and excited when he woke up.

 He had been talking about his three year old birthday for months and months.

 We were planning an outdoor "tool party," but then it rained in the morning.  Raphael invited his three closest friends, Jeremy, Brandon and Nathan.

 I really enjoyed making this banner for the party.

 Raphael picked out shovels and Annie's cheddar crackers as thank you gifts for his friends.

 Theo got into the day by wearing his three shirt.

 The boys took out lots of trucks and tools to play with.

 Jay dressed as Bob the builder and talked about tools and there uses with the boys.

 Enjoying some chocolate cupcakes. I love the cute face of Jeremy!

 Raphael weighs 29 lbs and is 38 inches tall. He's in the 3% for weight. This isn't shocking. Since this little boy is constantly in motion. His metabolism is on hyper drive all day long. Raphael is quite articulate and very well spoken. He knows almost all of his letters and his learning to identify his numbers. His imaginative play is just starting to take off.  He is very strong willed and stubborn, but also sweet and sensitive.  He is such a joy and he makes us smile and laugh.

Happy birthday Raphael (March 2011)!!

Memorial Day weekend

We had a wonderful Memorial Day in Ithaca. The boys made flags. The one that Raphael is holding Poppy brought to Grandpa Tony's grave later in the week.

The boys enjoyed lots of time in the son.

Theo and Daddy.

Attempting a picture with the boys.

Theo and Grandma before church.

Aunt Kristen came over Sunday afternoon. Raphael enjoyed playing outside with Aunt Kristen.

On Sunday afternoon we had a picnic with Grandma and Poppa and Grandma and Poppy. It was a fun night.  We missed the rest of the family.

Here are some Memorial Day decorations.

I brought a bouquet of flowers from the Hyledge Drive garden.

Poppa and Poppy deep in conversation.

Oh boys!

We celebrated an early birthday for Raphael. I made a strawberry shortcake chiffon cake, as featured in this month's "Martha Stewart Living" magazine. I love how patriotic this picture looks.

Blowing out his three candles.

Grandma and the boys.

As you can see Raphael enjoyed the cake!

A walk in memory of Aunt Lisa

We drove to Rochester on Saturday for the scleroderma foundation's annual walk.  Uncle Dan raised over $2000 for the scleroderma foundation.  We were walking in memory of Aunt Lisa, who passed away almost three years ago.  Aunt Lisa was a thoughtful and caring person who never complained about her illness. We love and miss her!

As soon as we signed in for the walk the boys were given masks, stuffed animals and balloons. 

 The walk took place at the gorgeous Seneca Park.  Raphael enjoyed chasing the ducks and geese.

 Jacob and Raphael played soccer in the park with Matt and Lucas.

 Miss New York was at the walk.  The boys had to get a picture taken with her.

 We walked two loops around the park.  The rain held out and it ended up being a great morning.

 Jacob showing off his new t-shirt.

 Jay also took part in a push-up challenge over the weekend. He completed nearly 700 push-ups in 24 hours. He also did a couple of push-ups with the boys on his back.

Jacob helping to feed Theo! I love this picture.