Last Day of Summer

We have been doing Sunday bike rides this month, and are squeezing what is left of the good weather. So today, after biking at Moraine State park on their new bike trail, we though we'd stop on the way home at a playground in Butler. These are some of the shots I took while the kids were enjoying the fun.

Gillian reaches the "Decade" mark!

Gillian being the oldest of 3 has to wait her turn, but it finally came. She got all sorts of nice presents and cards from everyone. Lots of costume jewelry, books, and of course a new web-kin from her brother. She made Orange-dreamsicle cake out of a magazine, which was quite good. Then we feasted on her favorite dinner meal, Mac & Cheese. (birthday kids get to call the menu on their special day)


The real treat came this past Saturday, when she got to invite 10 friends over to our house and we hosted the "American Girl" mystery party. Everyone dressed up looking their parts and played their roles in the mystery (Clue) like game. The Yauger family came up to spend the day with us, and we all had Pizza after the party was over. Gillian said she really enjoyed her birthday partys.

The night before bed, when I kissed her good night I said, "Well Bean, this is the last time you'll ever get to be an age where you aren't in double digits." ... There was a pause, and then she replied, "Well Dad, not if I plan on living to 100."

Here's to 9 more decades then!!

Tristy's Birthday!!! Look who's 5

September is "Birthday Season" for our family, and Tristan has waited patiently these past few days. Per our family tradition, Tristy helped decorate his cake with cars, and red/white icing. Some of the gifts he got comprised of Transformers, Pokemon figures, dinosaur tracks/shoes, cards & cash, and of course his favorite... A webkin. Now he can go online with his siblings and take care of his virtual pet. Nevermind the fact he still has Little Ranger, who just showed up from the cottage the other day.

Thanks to all who sent cards, gifts, money, etc. It was very thoughtful, and Tristan is enjoying these gifts. Here are a few pictures from Tristan's special day.

Midway Amusement Park

On the trip back home, we swung south and hit Midway Park. For those who have never been there, Midway is one of the oldest amusement parks in Western New York. It dates back to 1898, and is one of the most family oriented venues in America. Our kids haven't been to Midway much and we decided on the last day of our summer to hit a few rides, and drink in a few more memories before it's closed up again.

It was a family owned park until as recent as 2006, when the State of NY took it over. Since then, there's been a few changes we don't approve of, but the magic is still there if you look hard enough. I'll post a few shots of the kids making the rides. Pretty soon the kids will grow out of this "kiddie park" but not for now.

Winding down the summer

Liam got more presents from the family while up the lake. Here he poses with his "Sea Scope" given to him by Uncle Phil & Aunt Vee. Gram McEntee gave Liam a Toys-R-Us gift card. Liam can't wait to visit the toy store. Liam also got "singing cards" with cash in the mail from the Farrell homestead. Thanks to all the family for making Liam's birthday very special this year.

After dinner, the anual tradition at Tara cottage on our last night at the lake is to measure the children. Gillian grew 2 inches over the past year, while Liam and Tristy seem to have grown only 1&1/2 respectively.

After measuring, we then get the anual picture on the swing with the kids. Of course, I can take 30 pictures and usually none of them seem to turn out right, but this one is as good as it gets. Can't believe the summer is almost over, whew, that went fast.