Paths, Picnics and Parks

Kellen and I took the boys to a bike path in Simsbury and then to Salmon Brook Park in Granby yesterday. We packed a picnic lunch and enjoyed the beautiful weather.



They loved riding their bikes someplace besides our driveway.



Yeah, I know... I don't know why I took him down to the brook with his shoes on!





Thank goodness we went to the park and had our picnic before our trek down to the brook! Braeden ended up with soaked shorts and underwear. He rode home au natural.

Odds and Ends....

Wiley - at T Ball last night. I think he might be getting a little bored with it.



Braeden got a "big boy" bike and now loves riding it in the driveway.



This is Braeden's friend, Ashley. Isn't she adorable? For those of you that know Chris Thorner, she's his 2nd cousin.



Ryan - on his new bike (notice that the spandex is covered by traditional shorts.)

Memorial Day Parade in Suffield

We've been going to Suffield's Memorial Day Parade for almost 20 years. It is a typical "small town America" parade. It has remained pretty much the same ever since we started going to it. We had perfect weather and a wonderful time!




Robb and the boys wait for the parade to begin.




Suffield veterans walk behind the riderless horse to start the parade.



The Suffield High School Band. (I told you this was "small town America!" - It's a pretty small high school.)



The best part for the boys is when the Little Leaguers walk by and throw candy. There's a mad scramble for it!



Robb and the boys pose by the "riderless horse."



A ceremony takes place by the statue.



The "backwards" boot represents the fallen soldiers.

Robb's Birthday Surprise

For those of you who know Robb... this video is so typical.

Robbie had the idea to get Robb's guitar (the one that was originally his grandfather's,) restored and repaired for his birthday. They did an excellent job of restoring it to its original condition. It was a great gift - one that took him completely by surprise.

The Bronx Zoo

On Wednesday, Wiley, Braeden and I went to the Bronx Zoo with some friends. Besides all the beautiful animals, I enjoyed seeing the architecture of the buildings on the grounds. I didn't take nearly as many pictures as I usually do (even tho' I'm posting several!) because I was too busy being a watchful parent. It took quite a bit of concentration to watch both of them (I'm really talking about Braeden, here) in such a large and crowded place. But... we made it back home in one piece and made a lot of memories in the process.




At the flamingo pond.


The gorillas were amazing and entertaining.


We loved watching the tapir get his grooming!


This was in the rain forest area.


See what I mean? This kid will try anything!


One of the many beautiful buildings.


Watching the sea lions get their lunch.


The lions, tigers and bears... (Oh, My!)

A Quick Road Trip

We've been planning our first motorcycle trip with Bryan, Kate and Stephan and Babett. Our first stop will be at Curtis's BBQ in Putney, VT. So... this afternoon, Robb and I decided to check out the BBQ (and to see if I could ride 160 miles round trip.) First of all, the BBQ was authentic and I had no problem with the mileage - and that even included 30 miles in the rain. (The picture was taken with my phone - so I hope you can see it!)

That's Curtis grilling the ribs on an open fire and the bus is where you place your order!

The Big Kids?

I've taken a few pictures lately where the "big kids" are enjoying activities that the "little ones" typically like. (With the exception of Ryan, I guess... he doesn't usually partake in such things!)


Braeden's pretty surprised that Robbie can actually ride his bike!



Braeden wanted to give Ryan a kiss.



Kellen swinging with Braeden and then helping to climb a tree.

Trailor Trash

Ryan went to a birthday party last night where the theme was "white trash." The birthday girl loves costume parties and decided on this theme for her bash. I think Ryan looked the part, don't you? After trying to figure out who he reminded me of, I finally thought of Bo Bice - the Alabamian on American Idol a few years ago. Hmm...

A Saturday Morning in May

Saturday morning activities included T-Ball and cutting the grass.

Ok, so he might have swung a little high on this one!



Braeden entertains himself during Wiley's game.



After T Ball - it was time to cut the grass. The boys patiently (or not) wait for their turn on the "ZOOM."





Wiley's steering when they come out of the woods.

A Sunny Day/Happy Birthday, Christie!

Climbing a tree - Just a few minutes later, Wiley got stuck and needed a rescue.



You can see my black raspberry bushes in the background.



Celebrating Christie's Birthday. (She's not going to be too happy with me for posting this picture - she'd been working at a friend's house all day.) In addition to his gift, Braeden found a penny in the car and is giving it to her for her birthday!

A Couple More Pics from Tennessee...

I uploaded all my Tennessee pictures to Webshots and realized that there were a few that I wanted to post on this blog.

The boys loved their "slushies" from Sonic.



Of course, no trip to Winchester is complete without a trip to Hammers!



Believe it or not, Mom says the roses have more blooms on them than ever before. Hmm??

A Full House

Robbie came home Wednesday evening, just in time to go to T-Ball practice. Most of the time, he played with Braeden - keeping him entertained. Earlier in the afternoon, Kellen was talking to me online and asked me what we were having for dinner. When she found out, she convinced her roommate into borrowing a friend's car and they made the trek home to Suffield. So, Wednesday night turned into a fun time with 8 people around the table.



Robbie decided to throw Braeden up in the air and catch him. Small problem... he failed to realize just how much Braeden weighs. When he finally did catch him, Braeden said, "Wow, you caught me!)