Polar Express

We were so excited to ride the Polar Express last year!  Due to Patrick's nap and early bedtime, there was only one departure time that worked for our schedule; luckily there were seats available!

so very close to getting a sweet picture of all three...

 Lily tried to follow along in the book.  I won't mention that she almost lost it when she couldn't hear the story-teller due to all the bells ringing. 

 Patrick loved all the singing and dancing.

I was pretty impressed by this picture, we all appear to be looking in the general direction of the camera and everyone but Patrick looks happy.  Quasi-success!

 

Thanksgiving 2011

consisted of: napping....

 

cuddling....

posing for pictures (almost had all three looking at me)...

and a pre-dinner soak in the hot tub.  

Halloween 2011

While I am all for my kids talking about Halloween at any time of the year, I have decreed a rule in our home: we will not consider purchasing costumes until October 1.  The catalogs start arriving in August and I consider them lucky children that I let them peruse them for weeks until we're ready to buy.  

  
Lily and Jamison decided that they would have matching themed costumes.  After very little debate "Superheroes" was chosen.

Pumpkins - 2011

I love fall in NY.  

 

 A field full of pumpkins and he finds a rock.

1st Day of School 2011

Lily started 1st grade in the same elementary school that I went to.  In fact, when I was  a senior in high school I actually taught french with her 1st grade teacher. 

These are two of eight poses that Lily wanted to do for the picture.  I thought I'd spare you the other six.

I have no idea if he was channeling Elvis or just attempting another "cool guy" pose. It was his senior year of pre-school so that might have influenced him, also.

You can catch a glimpse of his red cast on his left arm.  That was a result of jumping out of a baby swing that he shouldn't have been on in the first place.  If anyone is counting, this is broken arm #2.  

Sacandaga Lake 2011

If you've looked through the history of this blog at all you'll quickly realize our family does the same things and goes to the same places each year.  In fact, most of the places and activities are things that I've done since I was a kid.  We can't break traditions around here!

I am an advocate of family traditions, especially when the kids are little.  It helps them to understand our priorities (church every Sunday and Wednesday, for example), it develops lasting memories, and it helps the kids understand the passage of time.

So here we are at the lake, again. 

Same ducks, every year.

 

 Jamison losing his swimming trunks, every year.

 Trying to get the kids to look at the camera, every year.

Baby on the inside, 2010. (I went into labor the next day)

Baby on the outside, 2011.

Patrick's 1st Birthday (He's now 2...)

Of course we had to celebrate Patrick's birthday at the place where I went into labor, at the lake!  Lily had been passionate about cupcakes so she was in charge.  I only had to pre-heat the oven and put them in; I love having a (somewhat) independent child!

 We gave him a little riding toy...

....that he promptly attempted to drive into the lake.