Last Chance

Fall is in full swing here in Jersey and we love the clean, crisp air and bright colors of the leaves. The only down side is that the weather becomes too cold to do many of our favorite outdoor activities. But we were lucky enough to have a beautiful Saturday today and get one last family hike in. We went to Clayton Park in Monmouth County, which is a great place to "hike" with kids. Both of our kids did really well and Dash had a good time too.


Now bring on the snow so we can go skiing and snow boarding!

Pay Back!

So for Cody's last birthday my sister volunteered to make his birthday cake. It was a soccer ball and I think she did a fantastic job. Plus I was extremely excited not to have to make it myself. Now today we are celebrating her daughter's birthday. Somehow I found myself volunteering to make her birthday cake. You know what they say about pay backs. Anyway, she is having a barbie party and so a barbie cake it was. The first attempt at just physically baking the cake was a miserable failure, but I got it right the second time.

Cody's Cake

Lucy's Cake

So who do you think had the harder cake to make?

First Day of School!!!

Today was Cody's first day of Kindergarten. I am proud to say that our family made it through it without shedding a single tear. He has been looking forward to this all summer and was super excited this morning.

Getting the supplies together

All set to go

He is a walker.

Checking out what everyone brought

In he goes!!

To Infinity and Beyond!!!

Well, not really. We just went to Newport Beach, California and Disneyland! We couldn't have asked for better weather. It was int he high 60's all week and sunny. The only thing was the water was pretty cold, but as you can see from the pics below that really didn't stop my boys. It was wonderfully relaxing sitting on the sand and listening to the crashing waves. Scott's sister and her husband were able to join us. Cody and Jade couldn't get enough of Uncle Tyler and Aunt Summer. Scott's parents couldn't resist having us so close, well closer than usual, and not seeing us so we also got to see them and his little brother and sister on the weekend. All in all it was a great trip.

Such a cute family.

Our first few days were just spent lazily on the beach.

DISNEYLAND!!!!

First ride of the day.

Cody's favorite, the Buzz Lightyear ride!

Jade's favorite, the Carousel!

Classic Mickey!

Maybe next time

Had a fun night planned for her and I but....

She didn't even make it past a 1/2 hour after the boys left for the father and son's campout tonight. Oh well, I guess I will have to eat the treats by myself.

A picture speaks a thousand words!

WARNING: Exposed dog!

This is how a normal dog should be found sleeping...

...however, 90% of the time this is how we find Dash sleeping.

Party and more......

This past weekend Cody had his first official kid birthday party at a place called jerZjump. It basically has all sorts of large scale blow up things to jump, slide and climb on. There were 12 kids plus Cody and from what I could tell they had a great time.

Here is Cody with his friend boxing with the oversized gloves.

The birthday boy gets the big chair!

Here is the best video I got of some of the kids having fun.




The day after the party we decided to take Dash on his first family hike. We went to a place called Sourland Park in Hillsborough. We had been there before and liked it, plus we knew it was dog friendly. Unfortunately we didn't account for muddy path from all the snow melting and had to cut the hike a bit short. But even so, I think it was a success and it was nice to be outside for some fresh air.

A couple pics of the family.

Dash pretty much followed Cody anywhere he went.

Gotta love snack time!

5 already!

Today Cody turns 5! I can't believe how fast time has gone.

Ready to go home from the hospital.

Here he is this morning.

Happy Birthday Cody!

Dash

Meet Dash. He's 3/4 yellow lab and 1/4 golden retriever. We got him about a week ago and love this new addition to our family.