Recovery

...has been slow since having three of us down with bronchitis last week AND Shawn & Jessica's wedding this past weekend.
But we're slowly returning to normalcy (as over-rated as it may be).

Rochester

Well...since it's 12:19 AM, I figured I would (very belatedly) blog about last weekend in Rochester. So please excuse me if this post is less than coherent...it's late!

When she was super-duper grumpy and not getting her way this week, Caroline asked to go live with Nina and Pops. I told her that could definitely be arranged but she would have to go in a box by Fed Ex. She wasn't impressed. But I think that means the kids had fun!
The trip out was looooong, but we made it to Schuyler before stopping and the only traffic we hit was in Syracuse at 11:30 at night. Figures. I HATE driving through Montezuma.
After sleeping most of the way out, the kids were totally stoked when we got there at quarter to one. Luckily Nina and Pops were only too happy to play and let us get some rest. =-)

The kids are still talking about Rhys's guitar. I'm wondering if Jena wants to bring him up for the Wiggles concert in November?!?!

We were able to go to the last Red Wings game. We were sad to see our favorite Red Wing's last at bat and wish him well in all his future endeavors. When Caroline was six months old, she and Matt and I were sitting watching batting practice. Tommy came over and started chatting it up. He then picked up CJ and walked with her around the field, introducing her to the team. I don't think too many kids get to do that! Tommy Watkins is a class act and will be missed, not only by the Red Wings, but by the whole Rochester community.


It was so nice to see a whole bunch (there are so many - that's probably the best way to describe it) of Leahys, too! Caroline is still trying to grasp the family relationships ("Mama - I have TWO Auntie Chrissys?"), but had fun with her cousins. We want to thank CJ's fairy (or "very", if you ask her) Godmother for Gigi - she LOVES it. =-)

We were also able to get to the carousel in Charlotte. AND to Abbott's for custard. YUM.

Caroline Quote of the Day

Again - my child flabbergasts me with what comes out of her mouth.
So often she says these crazy things in the bathroom, too.
Today I was called urgently to the bathroom by Caroline (who had been in there for a while - so I figured she might need some help).
Instead of asking me to help her with her clothes, she excitedly showed me what was in the toilet and said, "Mama, pooping is so beautiful to me."
At a loss for words, the best I could squeak out was an "Uh-huh."
I'm going to have my hands full.

On an exciting note, Caroline is reading more and more - AND helping Sam with his letters and sounds. It is so cool to see a new world opening up for them both. CJ is able to sound out some of words and read very basic (very short) books (with help). It's too cute to see Sam try to mimic her and sit with books and try to "read", too. She and I just finished reading "Little House in the Big Woods" and started "Little House on the Prairie" tonight. She's a sponge - asking questions and figuring things out. She loves all the details about making maple syrup and butter and cheese. Laura has her mesmerized - I may even be able to talk her into being Laura Ingalls for Halloween (instead of a princess - keep your fingers crossed!!!). Thankfully, it's a series with a lot of books - we've read some of the Rose books and have one in the Caroline series - but I think we'll be on this track for a while. It's so nice to read books where the words don't rhyme!

A New Toy (Courtesy of Uncle Patrick)

Yes.
These are my children.
And yes.
They ARE chasing a laser pointer.
At least they're easily entertained.
Sigh.

First Day of School! First Day of School!

Mommy had a much harder time dropping Caroline off than Caroline had leaving.
She was so psyched!
We'll see how she is when I pick her up later...

She was less than thrilled to have her picture taken with Sam this morning...
But was very excited to take her princess bag and get going.
She got a little nervous - "I need Auntie Chrissy to hold my hand!"
But then TOTALLY got over it. "I'm going to school to see my kids!"
Walking to school with Dada and Auntie Dr Chrissy...

Yet Again...

We are the CHAMPIONS!!!
Fairlawn 8 Astra Zeneca 5

*Thank goodness I have until next season to rest*

Too Funny NOT To Post

THIS is what Caroline came out of her room looking like this morning.
She was ready for school.
I'm thinking it's going to be a tough transition to wearing a uniform...