New England Natives

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Weekend fun!

On Friday night we went to the annual dinner dance for the parents of children going to Violet's school. The theme was Marti Gras and I decided to be on the committee this year. I was so impressed with how much hard work this committee does in working out all the details of this event. We had fun planning it and even more fun at the party. It was held at a local beach club and there was a great band. Why is it that the woman on the dance floor always outnumber the men by at least 3:1 There were some wonderful gift baskets but I sadly did not win a thing this time. There is always next year and a few more after that since Gavin won't graduate from 4th grade until 2017. I took a few blackmail pictures but I will withhold their names to protect the guilty!!! The old saying "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" does not apply to this function. Haha

On Saturday we got up early and went back to the beach club for a 9:30am walk to raise money for a local community dinning room. I was surprised to see several of the other "dancers" there too. They gave us food and coffee, had a live band with steel drums (felt like I was in the FL Keys except for the cold wind) and had a magician making balloon animals for the kids. The balloon thing was great until they popped and then Violet had huge meltdown because the magician had already left. The walk was very scenic and a good portion of it was right along the waterfront. I found several dream houses along the way. We put Gavin and Marina side by side in the double jogger but as soon as Gavin finished his bagel, he started teasing Marina by putting his foot on her leg. This started to drive her crazy so he spend the rest of the time on my back in a buckle Mei Tai carrier, which put him to sleep right away. Tomorrow Zoe is having a book club meeting and I am going to be setting up an old piece of furniture from my grandfathers dentist office.

I have several friends and my brother and SIL that are about to have babies any day now so I am anxiously awaiting some news! Suzy also is pregnant again and due with her third child in Oct. Congratulations Suzy and you are going to be one busy girl but don't worry, it's all good... okay, maybe not ALL good but mostly good :-)

Marina, Gavin and Mommy listening to the band.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Vacation week

The kids had this past week off of school and we couldn't have asked for a nicer week weather wise. We went to a playground of one sort or another almost every day. We got some serious spring clothes shopping done and I gave in and let the kids buy Crocs. I still don't like them but they are on their feet not mine and they are fast and easy for the kids to put on.
We tried two different ice cream parlors this week as a special treat. Marina's new favorite flavor is Chunky Monkey. She didn't remember ever going to get ice cream except for the ice cream truck at the beach last year. I noticed that they are already out in full force at the parks/beach. I have to prepare the kids ahead of time if we will not be visiting the truck. We met some friends for a late breakfast in the park and then they played on the playground for a couple hours. I forgot to put the sunscreen on the kids and their faces were red by the time we got home. BAD MOMMY! It was windy and did not feel hot, so it just slipped my mind till right before we left. I had even purchased some the day before and had it in my car. We enjoyed lunch with Grandma twice and took a trip down to a local park that has a waterfall and the girls dipped their feet in the chilly water. Gavin dipped his head in. Unfortunately I forgot my camera that day but it was really beautiful and the weather felt summer like. We even ate our first meal of the season on the deck the other night.
The girls and I went to my friend Sandy for a haircut. We decided that Gavin needed a little trimming too because he was starting to look like Einstein with his hair curling over his ears. He sat very patiently and I think was thoroughly enjoying all the attention. His hair came out cute, or at least what little he has of it and of course we saved the clippings!
Daddy spent a good part of Saturday putting together the teeter totter airplane. The pieces did not line up well so it is still in the process of construction. Good thing DJ has a lot more patients then me. We did figure out how to put the baby bike seat on the back of my bike. I took it for a spin and was surprised that I didn't feel unbalanced with Gavin on the back (out of shape yes but not unbalanced). Now we can all go riding because DJ can put Marina in the toddler seat on the back of his bike and Zoe and Violet are good bikers. I found another added benefit of the child seat is that it hides your butt!!! I might have to leave it on even when he is not in it.
Sunday after the girls sang at church we headed up to Irene and Stanley's to celebrate Dziadzia's birthday and then to Bob and Heather's for Harrison's pirate party to celebrate his 6th birthday.
I am looking forward to getting back into my routine this week, now that the kids are back in school.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Zoe's Play

Zoe played Molly in the play Annie. They did not allow video or flash photography during the actual shows but I took some footage one night during rehearsals. They were still working on lighting etc... so it is not perfect but they all did a great job and it was fun to watch. Below is short movie with some clips of Molly. She is the one in the blue dress and is the first one you will hear speak when the play starts. If you are wondering what that black thing stuck on her forhead is... it's a microphone. I think it is supposed to be up at the hairline but I guess they were having trouble with it picking up the rustling of hair. The one made for blonds, seemed to blend in better with the skin. She had a great time in the play and can't wait for the next one!

Friday, March 28, 2008

Happy Easter!

This year we decided to stay home instead of going to DJ's family for breakfast and my family for dinner. The girls are now more involved in the church and were singing in the choir Easter morning. We invited both sides of the family to join us for Easter dinner. It was fun having everyone together (three generations and lots of babies!). We needed three tables, so we had to bring the craft table up from the playroom and set it up in the living room. Everyone brought something, so we had a an over abundance of food but it was nice to sample everything. We had two glazed hams. I made a honey apricot ham and Kim made a maple/brown sugar one. I made DJ take a picture of those adorable Easter basket cupcakes and teased Joanne that I was going to put them on the blog and take credit for them. I don't know how she had time to make them and an anti-pasta with a newborn and a 1 1/2 year old. Kudos to you!!! We had a mixture of Polish, Italian and American fare. There was so much dessert that I forgot to put out the last of my blueberry pies, made from the fruit we got in Maine and a huge apple pie that DJ brought home. We are still working on these! I had a list of menu items written out so I would not forget anything (which is quite common) but right after serving dinner I put it aside and didn't refer to again. Found the pies on the serving table later that night. I have no idea how I missed them.

This Paczski was almost as big as his head!

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Happy Birthday Marina and Gavin!

We had a joint celebration this year due to the fact that Gavin and Marina's Birthdays are only 4 days apart. They had a cute Pooh and Friends birthday cake. Gavin had a grand ol' time eating his piece. This was the first year that Marina has really been excited about her birthday and other holidays. She loves a good party and it is even better if she is the guest of honor. When we went to playgroup she had to tell each person that it was her birthday and that she was now 3, then show them on her fingers. It took some practice for her to get her thumb and pinky down at the same time but now she is a pro. I was afraid that she would not want to share the limelight with Gavin but she had no issues with it. I know it won't be that way forever though!
There is a Polish tradition of setting a book, rosary beads and money in front of the child on their first Birthday, with the thought that what they pick will forcast their future. I am unsure of what to make of his reaction though because he immediately picked up the rosary beads. He then just as fast proceeded to throw them off the highchair, onto the floor and then went on to play with the dollar bill. hmmm...
I made a one year mini-movie to celebrate Gavin's first year. DJ commented that now I have to go back and make ones for the other kids so they won't feel left out. I wish I had a digital video and still camera with the first two. I guess it all evens out though because they have more baby albums and handwritten journal entries for them then Marina and Gavin. I can't believe my little man is already a year old. It is bittersweet because he has been such a good baby but I am really looking forward to seeing more and more of his personality develop.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Moving day!

Today is the day that Violet and Gavin trade rooms. We are going to remake the underwater theme for Violet into a mermaid room. Her old room is fairies with a purple ragged wall. On Monday my friend Karen (THANKS KAREN) and I will be painting it a manly "sail blue" color over the purple in order to ready it for Master Gavin. I was okay putting him in the purple fairy room for a short time but Karen shamed me into action. His room will have a pirate theme. Both bed sets and accesories are from Olive kids. He has already made friends with the Pirate pillow that Will and Kim gave him. I have my work cut out for me the next couple days. Let's hope the Gavin doesn't mind sleeping in his pack and play tonight!

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Dance Video

The girls highjacked the video camera and set it up on the back of the couch in the playroom to make some music videos. They had a great time until I came down and told the to turn down the music and messed up one of their "shows" I must be getting old because I can still remember when the louder the music the better. I couldn't stop laughing at some of them so after threatening Zoe to put one on the blog and her earning that fate. Here it is!

Monday, March 3, 2008

My Dads Memorial Ceremony.

We had my father's memorial ceremony on Sunday. We held it at the Lakeview Lodge in his hometown. It was nice to see so many people turn out to show support and respect. He had touched so many lives in a positive way. My two oldest daughters sang a song in memory of their grandfather. The song is "I Mis You" The video is dark because the backdrop was a beautiful, sunny day with a snow covered ground.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Saying goodbye...

This is a hard and emotional post to make but we had to say a final goodbye to my father and my children's Grandfather on the 12th of February. He passed away after fighting a long and hard battle with cancer. He was a great man who touched many lives and dedicated his life to his family and community. He has always been a great source of pride to me and I will write more on his life and legacy in the near future. I have set up a page for family and friends to visit and contribute at http://robertbrinton.legacy.com
I want to thank all my friends and family for all your support and prayers!

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Welcoming Samuel John

Congratulations Joanne and Eric and big brother Owen on the birth of your new son and little brother Samuel John. He was born on the morning of Feb. 10th and weighed 7lbs 6oz. We are so happy that he is here and healthy. Gavin and Lukas will be looking forward to their new playmate (cousin) as he grows. I will be posting a picture of him in the near future.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Zoe Singing

I have added short clips of two songs that Zoe sang the other day (oops! just noticed that I put 2007 instead of 2008). She also did two piano numbers, that I will try to add to the blog soon. She has had a lot of singing practice recently because she got the role of Molly in the play Annie at her school. We have been hearing a lot of "It's a hard knock life" and "Your never fully dressed without a smile"

Saturday, January 12, 2008

He can't walk yet but he can dance!

Violet and Zoe sang this song in the choir at church for Christmas. Both the adult and childrens choir performed this song together and they even got a standing ovation at one of the masses (although I just realized the kids parts are not in this clip). It is a beautiful song and everyone did a great job. They had been practicing it often and even Gavin had gotten into it after hearing it so much. Here he is trying to show his moves while he can't stop laughing.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Christmas and New Years

The holidays were such a blur and although we enjoyed the season, I breathed a sigh of relief when the holiday decorations went back to the attic and the tree went out back, to the forest of Christmas trees past. We went to church Christmas Eve and then headed to Ciocia Irene and Wojek Stasiu's house, were there was an appearance made by Santa Claus himself. We had fun visiting with everyone and the kids had fun playing with their cousins(nephews). The kids slept in on Christmas morning and not a creature was stirring (except maybe the cats)until almost 8am. We spend some time finding out what Santa brought before heading out to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Kim and Will announced the gender of their baby that is due in May. It looks like there will be another granddaughter. Gavin and Harrison watch out! After visiting with family we went to a friends home to finish the Christmas festivities. It was an enjoyable holiday but a little too much rushing around and trying to get everyone ready and supplies packed, so next year we may have a Christmas open house here and just stay home on the 25th.
New Years Eve was pretty laid back. We had friends over and their kids, which are of similar in age to ours so everyone had someone to play with. We made it to midnight but unfortunately I missed the ball drop because I had just stepped out of the room to open the champagne. After watching the celebration in New York, I was glad to be home and in a warm house with a bathroom. I guess I must getting old! I will know for sure when I stop listening to new music and just start listening to oldies from the 80's and 90's.

Friday, December 21, 2007

True Christmas Spirit

I know for all you fellow kids out there that we all love to get Christmas presents. Santa comes and we all go to bed early! But don't forget what Christmas is really about. It's about sharing joy with your family and being able to give gifts to others and see how their faces light up with joy. Sometimes I even get caught up in the holiday greediness. But never forget what true Chritsmas spirit is! Becuase that is what Christmas is really all about! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New 2008 Year everyone! Have a safe and joyful last few weeks of 2007!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Seasons Greetings!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Our family wants to wish you and your family a healthy, happy and fun filled holiday season and 2008!

Snow Day

First snow day of the year. No School Yeah!

Party Time!

Violet had her family birthday party and then the holiday parties started in full force. It seems like people are having holiday parties earlier and earlier each year. We went to several family parties but were able to get out to an adult party too, thanks to Ciocia Irene watching the kids. Thank you Irene! It is not an easy task watching all four of them but was thourouly appreciated! The kids are really enjoying the holiday season and are counting down the days until Christmas. I just have a few presents left to wrap and then I can relax and enjoy the weekend. DJ is taking off a few day, so I am looking forward to spending some time together with the family. ... maybe even working on some projects but don't tell DJ!

Monday, December 3, 2007

Tis the Season

It was a season packed weekend for us. Saturday morning started with a local village Choir rehearsal for Violet and Zoe and then Violet's birthday party. I under estimated the time it would take to blow up 21 beach balls with our electric pump. Luckily for us, a couple of my close friends showed up first and helped out. Violet had a pool party at a local hotel. The kids had a great time but we forgot to get any pictures of the swim time. Later in the afternoon the two older girls went to a church choir rehearsal and then performed before the church had a play the 3 stories of Christmas. Sunday morning was busy too, we had to split up to get everything done. DJ, Violet and Marina went to church and Heather, Zoe and Gavin headed to the mall (long story). We met back mid day to pick out the Christmas tree. We usually pick a blue spruce but it was slim pickings this year so we settled on a less then perfect tree. It still looks beautiful though and is ready for Santa to come decorate it with his presents. We then went down to the village for the annual Christmas carols. Violet and Zoe were both in the village choir this year. Everyone had a great time and got to meet Santa before we all made the march with the local fife and drum down to the tree lighting. By this time it had stopped snowing and started sleeting. The kids felt really bad for Santa because they saw him walking home on foot with a bag full of "something" in the freezing sleet. I tried to assure them that he was well equipped for this weather working in the North Pole and all. Everything was covered in ice! We made it home safely and put the finishing touches on our holiday decorations.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Time is flying by...

There has been too much to do and too little time to do it. I have not been able to stay on top of the blog and post as much as I would like. At least my Christmas shopping is just about done and now I can concentrate on other projects. The kids have started to get busy with after school activities so we are always running somewhere. Gavin had his 9 month appointment today and he sure has grown in the last 3 months. He went from being in the 25% for both height and weight to 50% for height and 15% for weight. I had noticed that he has lost the croissant thighs. He is up and cruising around all over the place now and doesn't like to sit still for long including meals. We had a great thanksgiving. We had a thanksgiving breakfast with my side of the family and dinner with DJ's side.
Gavin met Santa for the first time at his godmothers church Christmas fair.

I got DJ a new toy... a leaf blower. The kids helped with the rakes and Zoe cracked the whip. Unfortunately the leaves have continued to fall and we have to do it all over again.

DJ brought Zoe and Marina to see the turkeys while they were on their top secret mission to find mom a Christmas present. Don't worry DJ, even though I saw a suspicious bag in your truck, I did not peek. I Promise!