Flashback: First Day of School, September 8, 2016

The night before the big day we had our annual Back to School Feast, complete with stained glass stars inscribed withe the boys name, grade, and year.

We toasted the new year with shirley temples.

Both boys were excited the next morning.  No problems getting up and ready.  Freddie had a full day, so he got his daily napkin note packed in his lunchbox.  Just a half day for Hans, so he'd get lunch out with Mama and Dad.

I love walking the boys to school.  This will be hard to give up one day.

Proud 2nd grader

Then we got to bring this guy to Kindergarten.

He knew his teacher, and said he was ready, but seemed a bit nervous.  Told me to go, I think so he could get himself settled and into the groove.  There were a lot of moms lingering so the teacher gently shooed us all away.

He was all smiles when I picked him up at the end of the day.  We headed into the city with a packed lunch of "pinwheels" to eat with Dad at his work as requested by our Kindergartener.

Kindergarten and 2nd Grade!!!

The Recital

They started piano 4 months ago and already a recital. There will be another in the spring. 

 Freddie has really taken to piano. He is progressing and is quite pleased with himself. Can you tell by how long he stood there after his bow smiling?!?! 

 Unfortunately I spaced out and missed recording Hans' first song. 

 So proud of these guys!

Flashback: Mathilda

These NYC kids get to experience so much.  We took advantage of half priee theater tickets during Broadway Week and got to see Mathilda before it left Broadway.

So amazing, and just right for the boys.  They loved seeing so many KIDS on stage.

Climb!

Winter means getting creative to make sure the boys get some physical activity.  Unfortunately the neighborhood pool has been closed since the fall for resurfacing so the boys haven't been swimming. Thankfully we found this gym pretty close to home.  Both boys enjoy the two hour weekend session.

 It's been good for Freddie's confidence and fear of heights.

Flashback: Cats

Mary came to visit and treated us to a show.  

The boys didn't quite follow the story, but did enjoy the music, costumes, and set. There is so much to look at that it kept them engaged for the performance.  

We even got to go on stage at intermission.

So many awesome experiences for these NYC kids!

Flashback: The Hair!

That's Hans as the summer came to an end.  He went all summer without a haircut.  Loe the curls, but it did make him a bit more high maintenance.

He loves the attention he got from the fro, but I think he's just as happy not having to fight with me over knots and conditioner.

Happy New Year!

We spent the last day of 2016 at home, together, eating appetizers, watching movies, and toasting in the new year with shirley temples in wine glasses.  The first day of 2017 was spent ice skating in Bryant Park.  Good times ahead!

Maine in October

The boys have had quite a few long weekends since starting school in September.  We're trying to take advantage off their time off and explore.

Acadia National Park is about a 7 hour drive but well worth it.  

The leaves were changing, and I thought it's be quiet since we were there at the end of the season, right before Columbus Day.

The park and town of Bar Harbor were bustling with retired folk, as two cruise ships parked off the coast in our 5 days there.

Freddie watched the lobster for a long, long time before we ate one!

Whoopie pie!

Had to warm up!!

We ate lots and lots of lobster and chowder, and of course the boys loved the shirley temples and waffles at the hotel breakfast.

And nothing beat the ocean views...

The boys never tired of climbing and exploring.

We explored Bar Harbor some, and Mount Desert Island.

And we HAD to play a round of mini golf.  A big hit with both boys.

Maine in the summertime is now on my list.  Never get tired of the ocean and the mountains, and we need more lobster and blueberry beer!