Kind and Gentle, Slow to Anger

Kind and gentle, slow to anger. Kind and gentle, slow to anger. This was the mantra that Matt and I used on the way home from vacation. And it worked!!!! It was a successful vacation but all four of us were glad to get home to our own beds!

 We were wrapping up our trip in NJ but Brenner was still as goofy as ever. I can't believe that school starts in 2 1/2 weeks (and that I have to buy 20 glue sticks for him!!!!!).

 Nola getting a little extra time with Doodle and Uncle Chuck before we left. I  believe they were watching Winnie the Pooh.

 Snack time before Aunta-ta Theresa grilled some HUGE burgers.

 Our sweet girl enjoying life.

 A gigantic thank you to Aunt-ta Theresa and Uncle Chuck to opening up their home to our rowdy crew. We love you and miss you already!

 On one of our last walks, Brenner fell while he was running...notice the blood on his knee. I asked if he wanted to go back to the house but he was adamant that I needed to meet Marcus (a dog down the street) before we left Wayne. Too funny!

 One last Mr. Grump story before we left.

 We took a different route home due to construction on the turnpike and I-70. We stopped for lunch at Ft. Frederick State Park in Maryland. Great play area for the kids and a few trails. Here Nola is Lewis or perhaps Clark :)

 Matt snapped this picture and I am pretty sure it wasn't staged. Yes - they are actually holding hands.

 We toured Ft Frederick after lunch - the kids enjoyed running around the barracks.

 We also got to climb up to the top of the wall to look over.

 The gift shop had this package of "pills" that turned into and Instant Civil War. Matt and I were both intrigued so for $2.65 we decided to make the purchase to see what they were.

 On Monday we left Wayne at 9 am and arrived at our hotel in Charleston WV at 7:30 pm (included the two hour stop at Ft. Frederick). We were all tired but wanted to see what the "Instant Civil War" entailed. We placed the capsules in hot water and watched the plastic coating dissolve.....

 Leaving foam soldiers, cannons, etc. Pretty neat but boy did it open up a large number of questions about the Civil War from Brenner!

 On Tuesday, we left Charleston and arrived home at 3:45 pm. We were sooooo glad to be home. On Wednesday morning I made zucchini blueberry bread which the family was very happy about!

 The garden grew at ton! Brenner was pleased to see how tall the sunflowers were.

 On Thursday night, I had a girls night out to celebrate a friends birthday. We went to Canvas On Broadway where we painted a beach scene from the Dominican Republic. I am no artist but thought mine turned out ok. The place was cool - instructor takes you step by step on creating the painting, you drink wine, listen to music, and talk with friends. I want to go again with my mom and sister!

Matt had his 20 year high school class reunion on Friday night. I don't know many of these people but everyone was very pleasant as Matt left me to fend for myself (he owed me because I used to do that to him all of the time). Here is Matt with his best friends Jason and Matt (yes - there are always other Matts to confuse things). I heard lots of colorful stories! It was neat that everyone figured he would end up doing something outdoors, many were shocked to hear about his stint as a teacher!

A day at the Turtle Back Zoo, Essex County

We went to the zoo on Saturday when the weather broke a bit and allowed a cool breeze to blow. The Turtle Back Zoo was the perfect size for the kids - no long hikes between exhibits were great for little feet! We were so glad Aunt-ta Theresa suggested it and joined us despite the heat. Uncle Chuck was a bit under the weather so he got to enjoy a nice quiet day at the house without Brenner and Nola!



 The kids ready to go!

Brenner and Nola LOVED the reptile house. The first animal you saw when entering was a reticulated python. Brenner was in heaven.

Next we were off to touch the sting rays. Brenner would not do this last year at the St. Louis Zoo but decided he would try this time. Nola was content watching.

 Look at those smiles when seeing the aquarium!

 Nola and Aunt-ta Theresa giving great smiles as mommy heads into the prairie dog town!

 Lots of space to let the kids run and yell!

 Or get caught in a web!

Brenner and Nola checking out the penguins!

 Nola loved the butterfly house! That smile is priceless. Oh - I should mention that Nola dressed herself this day - love the patterns and colors!

 Brenner riding the fire-breathing dragon.

Nola decided that a bench was perfect until......

 She saw a real pony to ride!

Brenner was amazed by getting to hold/feed a bird with a feed stick in the aviary.

 Time to sit and take a little break with the jaguar.

 Cho-chooooo on the train!

The Parkers loved the zoo....Nola really did too as you already saw on the previous pictures, but the girl was getting tired!

And she slept all the way to Curly's Ice Cream! And who knew that they made pink snakes? She had to have it while Brenner picked a rubber blue viper - scary!

Vacationing in near record heat

We have been busy despite the really, really hot weather! We are making the most of our time in New York City because if Aunt-ta Theresa and Uncle Chuck ever move, I don't think I would want to venture out without our "personal" NYC tour guides! On Thursday we saw some touristy sites. We parked at 37th and 5th knowing we had lunch reservations at 57th and 6th. Yep - that is a lot of blocks with two small kids and heat index over 100 degrees. We must have an odd definition of "vacation"!

One of our first stops was Bryant Park and the NY Public Library at 40th and 5th. Notice that Nola was already hungry and Brenner required a seat :)

Matt and I took turns carrying Nola - Brenner is too heavy for me anymore. Matt actually carried them both for a while - I don't know how he did it! Other than he is super dad!

 Next was Rockefeller Center at 49th and 5th. Here Brenner and Nola are with Aunt-ta Theresa and Uncle Chuck. Their poor little legs!

 Next we crossed 5th Avenue to go into the St. Patrick Cathedral. It was under renovation but still very beautiful. Here Papa is telling Brenner about lighting candles for various saints to watch over your loved ones.

 Next we were off to meet my cousin Jill for lunch at Rue 57. It was so wonderful to see Jill and catch up - she just got engaged (in Paris no less) so there was plenty to chat about.

After lunch we took the subway (whew) to the Empire State building. Brenner had been talking about it all week and was pretty patient waiting to go to the Observation Deck on the 86th floor. It was crowded despite the heat.

View of lower Manhatten from the Empire State Building. The tallest building is the Freedom Tower, where the twin towers used to be. To the right over the Hudson River is Jersey City. This is where Chuck and Theresa used to live and where we stayed during previous visits.

On Friday, we gave Aunt-ta Theresa and Uncle Chuck a break and went to see the Statue of Liberty on our own. Here the kids pose along the waters edge with Ellis Island in the background.

The kids liked the ferry ride from Liberty State Park to Liberty Island.

We couldn't go up to the crown - the kids were just too short but we made it to the top of her pedestal - it was crowded. It was also hot - I was glad we went early in the day.

Brenner, Papa, and Nola at the base of the Statue of Liberty. Nola kept asking for the shade and Brenner, was well, grumpy most of the morning to be perfectly honest. Vacationing is hard when you are 5 and out of your routine - and he is certainly a routine kid!

We were able to find some shade - and some laughs!

We had a few minutes before the return ferry - so a snack and drink was just the ticket.

A little relaxing in the hot sun.

Our little American dream - complete with a chewing gum!

It was a fun morning! But exhausting so we spent the afternoon relaxing at the house in Wayne!