The Last Week

The last week of summer, and the week after seeing my sister - not a great combination!  I thought perhaps I wanted to have something planned with friends every day of this week, to keep me from being blue, but as it turned out, I didn't really feel like doing much of anything Monday or Tuesday, so we didn't do much.  Monday was an around the house day, and Tuesday was a park and library day.  (Kate is working on her 100 book reading challenge still.)  I didn't take any pictures the first few days, but Alice took a few with my phone... this was the best one she took!

Wednesday I had a doctor appointment.  I hadn't had a physical since before Kate was born, so it was time.  And I had to get my medical form signed so I can be a duty mom at preschool.  I dropped the girls off at Grandma and Grandpa's, went to my appointment and then came back for a visit.

Thursday was Ciaran and Zorana day!  We agreed to meet at High Park, go to the zoo, picnic and play at the park.  And that is just what we did, with some ice cream thrown in for good measure!  I always love visiting with Zorana and even though it is disjointed with the many interruptions from our children, we still have lots of fun.  The zoo was smaller than I thought, but still enjoyable.  I think I enjoyed the picnic the most.  Zorana brought bubbles and the kids all ran around and played.  The park was scary.  There were so many kids and so many places for our kids to "hide".  The park is awesome, all of these castles, but when you can't see your child, it is unsettling! 

The best part was the exchange between Kate and Ciaran when we were leaving. 
Zorana: Kisses and hugs, it's time to say goodbye.
Kate: No kisses, kisses are gross.
(Kate and Ciaran hug.)
Kate: I think I'm going to marry you.
Ciaran: Kisses are part of marriage.

Friday was Tottenham friend fun.  We had lunch and played at Caroline's house.  Elijah, Annabella, Marisol, Amelie, Kate, and Alice all had lots of fun playing together.  Fiona tried to figure out where she fit in, but had a good time anyway.  The kids went swimming, Caroline, Michelle and I lunched.  It was beautiful and a very pleasant way to spend the day.

And just like that it's labour day weekend and the summer is over.  I'm so not ready to send Kate to school, or Alice for that matter!  I have had such an amazing summer with my family!  I am truly blessed.

Home: The Epic Drive

We decided we would take the slightly longer, more picturesque route up through the Thousand Islands.  Wait, back up... this morning we got up, finished packing, loaded the van and then left.  We left around 10.  We took the good-bye pictures that I love taking.

We started driving.  I think I drove first.  I wasn't sad until we crossed over into Massachusetts and then it was real and the trip was over and the goodbye would last until next time and I was sad.  I didn't cry when we said goodbye, because there will be a hello again, but I definitely don't like goodbyes!

Ken and I read UnWholly on the ride - a book we started, well, I don't even remember when.  It might have been at Christmas on the ride to Connecticut.  Either way, I was determined that we would finish the book this trip.  I love reading books out loud with Ken.  We don't make time for it very often but it's a fun road trip thing.

The trip today was pretty good.  The girls were really quite good.  Fiona did get tired of her seat, but generally it was a good trip.  We stopped three times - lunch then gas and ice cream and then dinner.  The last stop was quite extended - a little too extended really, but we had a fun walk by the water in Belleville. 

Unfortunately the traffic on the 401 was terrible and we didn't get home until midnight.  It was a long day, but we had safe travels.  Thank goodness we could just have a quiet day today. 

When I looked through the pics from the trip I found that I had a few that I never published, that I wanted to.  Anna lost another tooth - it was a difficult loss which went on for a few days.  The dollar then was really hard earned!  Next, Harvard Baby and Harvard Man.  And last Isaac and Fiona.  Isaac was gone so much I feel like we hardly saw him, but the visits I did have with him were awesome.  He is a good, good boy - young man really!  I love my sister's kids!  (Oh and I suppose Matthew is pretty okay too!! Insert winky face!)

Goodbye Bates!  We love you and we miss you already!  Thanks for a great trip!

Shopping and Beach

It just so happened to be tax free week in Connecticut this week - tax free on shoes and clothes, to help with back to school shopping I think.  We have been shopping here and there all week it seems... shoes for the girls one night, clothes for the boys last night, and this morning, clothes for the girls.  Shopping is exhausting.  Shopping with children in tow... It all worked out and even though it took longer than was reasonable we got the job done!

Then to go home, get organized (which was mostly done by the men - go men!) and leave.  We drove to Hammonasset Beach State Park.  It took about an hour to get there.  We got there a little later than we should have really.  It was a little chilly, but we did have fun.  Being near the water is so wonderful.  No big ocean waves, but the water...

After the beach we drove another 45 minutes to Noank, Connecticut to pay a visit to Abbot's.  Ken, Suzanne and Matthew all had lobster rolls.  I asked Suzanne afterward why we needed to drive 45 minutes to get lobster rolls when there were seafood restaurants all around us at the beach in Hammonasset, she told me that these lobster rolls we a little bit of heaven in your mouth.  I tried a bit of Ken's clam chowder and didn't like it.  I didn't want to try the lobster so I didn't.  My excitement was the dessert!  Ken and I shared a Butter Brickle Bacon Sundae, and a Pumpkin Pie Sundae, they were both very yummy!

I can't believe that we're leaving tomorrow.  Part of me is ready, but part of me isn't.  I am so thankful that we came to visit.  I'm so thankful for my sister and her family!  I love you Suzanne!