Life with the Brahams

The End of Autumn

2015-11-30T21:40:00.000-05:00

A very full autumn, which has been a blogging fail for me, is now a quick recap for you.

We started off the school year with the back to school picnic. Kindergarteners had to wear yellow (because that is such an easy color to find a shirt for...), and all four of us go into the spirit. Not sure how we will handle it when they are both at the same school, but in different colors.

We went apple picking at the Connecticut Brahams' apple tree early on. That lead to bags and bags of apples and a couple of pies. Both boys really loved the help that they had reaching the higher branches (thanks Scott and Daddy!), and were so excited to just eat the apples.

We went pumpkin picking. Twice! We took our annual trip up to Great-Nanny's, and were once again joined by Nana, PopPop, Greg, Aggie and Vivi. The boys had a blast picking out as big of a pumpkin as we would let them, and had a little bit on an issue deciding who would get to pull the wagon. Peter then had a blast climbing, and jumping off of the big hay pile, and Charles enjoyed making Daddy jump. Our second trip was more local, and we met up with Luca and Alex, and ran into some friends from school and church. The boys had a blast with the wheelbarrow, and each got to pick out a little pumpkin.

We once again went to Boo at the Zoo, even though it was quite cold this year. Jackets were worn over our Star Wars shirts, but we were very glad to get to spend the day with friends.

Peter had a Halloween parade at school, had an absolute blast, and he was so thrilled with the bat costume that we made. Charles enjoyed getting to see Peter with his friends, and showing off his Christopher Robin costume (on the day that it was warm enough to wear the shorts and sandals).

Halloween was a bit chillier, but that didn't stop anyone from trick or treating! Once again, we headed over to Jill and Greg's neighborhood, and were lucky enough to run into one of Peter's school friends while we were out. Charles carried Pooh Bear in his bucket, and quickly caught on to how trick or treating works. Peter enjoyed picking out the houses that had lights and decorations for us to go to.

Someone got their first haircut...

And we finished off the season back at the zoo, on a day a lot warmer then Boo at the Zoo, even though it was over a month later.

There are loads more photos in our fall adventures album on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.) Check here to see all our albums from 2015, even some that may have happened in the autumn, but I haven't written a blog post yet (I'm looking at you, Thanksgiving).

On to Kindergarten

2015-09-01T20:12:00.000-04:00

Today was Peter's first day of kindergarten, and it was great! He has been anticipating it all summer long, and didn't lose that excitement at all. He had no problems with Charles and I leaving, and when we picked him up, he kept saying how awesome it was. He is so thrilled to go back.

There are more photos from the day in our fall adventures album on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

And Now Summer is Over

2015-08-31T21:04:00.000-04:00

Today was the last day before school starts, so we decided to make the most of it by headed out to Jones Beach. We had been out a few times this summer, and each time, the boys got braver with the ocean. For the first time, Peter voluntarily went into the water. He at first just got his feet wet, but with each trip went in deeper and deeper, eventually jumping waves. Charles also started off the summer unsure about the ocean, mostly I think because it was cold, but by today, he couldn't get in fast enough. Both boys loved to sit and let the waves come hit them, and while they still do like to play in the sand, the prefer to splash.

The beach isn't the only thing that we did this summer, we spent a fair amount of time at the children's museum, especially taking advantage of the member mornings. We had friends who we went with often, but there were times where it was just us. The boys love the water room, although the traveling building exhibit was also a huge hit with them.

We also spent lot of time at the zoo, taking full advantage of our membership. We continued our annual tradition of Members' Evening with Uncle David, and also made a trip with an old friend from high school, who I haven't seen in nearly twenty years (as well as a friend that I've seen much more recently). We also spent a fair amount of time in the new children's zoo, and I anticipate us doing that a lot more this coming fall. One major thing that we saw this summer, which we haven't seen in a few year was the feeding of the tigers, but boys enjoyed that, as well as Uncle David and myself.

We spent two evenings at the local summer block parties, and while Charles was hesitant at first to go into the bouncy castle, once he was there he didn't want to get out. There was also a family fun night at a local beach which we spent with some friends, and lots of time spent in the sprinklers. Overall, it was a great summer.

Here is a playlist of all the videos for those of you reading my email. There are also a ton more photos in our summer adventures album on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

A Day with the Fish

2015-08-29T21:56:00.000-04:00

As summer is quickly coming to an end, and school will soon be starting, we headed up to Norwalk to check out the Aquarium with the Brahams. Unfortunately, V got sick last minute, so they had to bow out, but the boys had such a blast with Nana and PopPop. In addition to getting to see all different kinds of animals, there were a lot of hands-on stations. Geoff pet a manta ray (and both boys *almost* pet one), Charles was a little hesitant about the jellyfish, but both boys were checking out the different crabs from the Long Island Sound, and Charles even touched the sea snail. A major highlight was the butterfly garden, as Peter has been waiting all summer for a butterfly to land on him, and his wish finally came true. Overall, it was a great day, and I'm so glad that we were finally able to make it.

There are more photos from the day in our summer adventures album on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

A Renaissance Weekend

2015-08-04T12:17:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, we headed up for the opening day of the Renaissance Faire. It was the first time that we had gone for opening day, and the weather really worked out well for us, sunny and warm, but not humid. Once again, we went up with the Woods, and it was great to see how excited the boys were to spend time together. One of the first things that they did was go on a swinging ride. Both Peter and Connor were thrilled, Charles and Alex not so much. It all went pretty well from there. We had some lunch, played some games, won some prizes, danced to some music. Charles was knighted by Queen Elizabeth (but I unfortunately didn't get any pictures). He was probably the youngest child to go up, and was beyond adorable when he knelt in front of her. Peter went on his first camel ride (Charles nearly went too, but decided last minute that he didn't want to). Charles was also very cute when Geoff told him that the bridge they were standing next to was the kissing bridge, so he went onto the bridge, got down on his stomach and kissed the bridge. I also do not have pictures of that. All in all, it was a great day, and I'm looking forward to going back next year to do a few things that we missed (like the pickles and the frozen oranges).

There are more photos from the day in our summer adventures album on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

Independence Day Celebrations

2015-07-06T11:09:00.000-04:00

Fireworks family selfie!

We started celebrating by watching the Fireman's Parade, which is quickly becoming a new tradition for us. The weather was perfect, and it was great meeting up with friends. Once again, the boys were excited for all the trucks and firemen. Charles loved waving to them, and when one truck didn't wave back, he turned to Geoff and said "No hi, Daddy". Peter was thrilled to wave his flags, and all the children were super excited when one of the trucks shot confetti.

For the fireworks, we heading back down to the harbor. Once again, they seemed to start late, but the boys had no problems entertaining themselves while we waited. Charles was a little more cautious this year than last, holding on to Geoff much tighter. Peter was thrilled with everything, including the random fireworks that people were setting off on our walk home.

On Sunday, we headed up to Dan and Sue's to get a little swimming in. Peter is getting much more independent in the water, and was swimming with a pool noodle. Charles was a little more cautious, not really wanting to leave the steps, but he did join both Geoff and myself for a little while. It was nice to see everyone, but especially nice to see Great-Nanny, who we don't see often enough.

Here is a quick recap of the weekend (video here if you are reading by email)

And finally, there are more photos in our Fourth of July album on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

Father's Day Weekend

2015-06-21T23:18:00.000-04:00

This year was a busy Father's Day, starting on Friday when Geoff had a Daddy night out at Mohegan Sun to watch a friend in a MMA fight. Unfortunately, he didn't win, but Daddy had fun spending time with Uncle David.

Saturday morning, I took the boys to have breakfast with Grandad while Daddy slept in after his long night out. The boys had earlier in the week been working hard on Father's Day gifts and couldn't wait to start giving them out. Grandad seemed surprised by his shirt, and the boys were thrilled to get to have breakfast with him. When we got home, I tried to let Daddy sleep a little longer, but they were too excited to wait to give him his gifts. So instead of breakfast in bed, he got presents in bed.

Later in the day, we headed up to the Woods' for a barbecue. The weather wasn't really cooperating, so it turned into an indoor party, but all the boys were so very thrilled to get to play together.

Today, Daddy got to put his new presents to use as we hosted the Braham side of the family for a barbecue. Once again, the boys were very excited to give PopPop his gift (and Nana her belated Mother's Day present). They were also happy that everyone had come to see them, as they are so used to going to other people's houses. We really lucked out with the weather, as it had been forecast to thunderstorm all day, but instead we had beautiful sunshine (even if it was a little hot). Minutes after we brought everything in, and everyone was getting ready to leave, there was a torrential downpour.

There are more photos from the weekend in our Father's Day album onSmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

Preschool Graduation

2015-06-21T23:03:00.000-04:00

This has been a busy week for us, but especially for Peter as he has been getting ready for his graduation this past Thursday! It was an exciting morning starting with a few photos on our front steps, as well as Gritz and Uncle David coming to watch with Charles and I (Daddy unfortunately couldn't make it because of work). After the little party they had for the graduates, we headed over to the diner for a celebratory brunch. Can't believe that school is really done for the summer, and next year he'll be in a new school.

There are more pictures from the day in our album on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

Memorial Day Weekend

2015-05-26T20:45:00.000-04:00

We started off the weekend by once again going to the parade. Peter got a little upset when there wasn't someone immediately handing out flags, but his fears were soon put to rest. It was also red nose day, so the boys spent some quality time with the "clown noses" the Gritz had gotten for them.

Sunday, we headed up to Stamford for a barbecue with at the Woods'. The boys were excited to get to play, and the weather was perfect. It was wonderful to get to spend time together.

On Monday, we went to Fishkill to see Nana and PopPop. Peter and Charles were thrilled to get to ride their scooters through the neighborhood, and then they flew airplanes in the back yard. The rest of the family was not there, but Joanne and Jay stopped by for a little while to say hello.

There are more pictures in our album on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

Baby Shower for Cristin

2015-05-17T20:33:00.000-04:00

This weekend, we headed out to New Jersey for Cristin's baby shower. It was a wonderful shower at Frank's parents' house and we all had such a great time. The boys had a blast running around in the back yard with all the other children, and Geoff and I had fun seeing family that we haven't seen since Lindsay's wedding. Baby G got lots of amazing things, and some absolutely adorable clothes. I am so looking forward to getting to meet her in person.

There are more pictures in our album on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

Mother's Day Weekend

2015-05-11T19:55:00.000-04:00

We started off the weekend by having the Wood side of the family over for a barbecue to celebrate both Mother's Day and Gritz's birthday. It was a lot of fun, and the boys were thrilled to have Connor and Alex come over to play. We definitely lucked out with the weather, as it was not too hot as we were eating, and we went inside for dessert. When it came time to sing happy birthday, Charles proved to be super excited and blew out the candles before we finished singing.

Sunday morning, we headed up to Fishkill to go to Mother's Day brunch with the Braham side of the family. After taking some pictures at the club, we all headed over to see Joanne and Jay's new house, (even though they hadn't finished moving in yet). It was a nice, relaxing day, and great to get to see everyone and Peter was thrilled to get to share his exciting news.

There are more pictures in our album on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

Happy Easter

2015-04-07T20:42:00.001-04:00

Easter was once again a crazy day for us, starting very early with the sunrise service. This year, I went alone, I was afraid what being up so early would do to the boys for the rest of the day. When I got home, I brought in the basket that the Easter Bunny "left outside", and the boys were thrilled with their bubble wands, crayons/pencils, coloring books and stickers. And of course the jelly beans, which was the one kind of candy that they asked for. Soon after we headed over to church, where we got to see Granddad. Peter really perked up when he heard his voice in the service. The main attraction at church was the Easter Egg hunt that took place right after. Peter was trying very hard to help Charles collect eggs, but Charles was too excited to finally be in the playground to be bothered with egg hunts.

In the afternoon, we headed up to Greg and Aggie's for Easter dinner, and Charles was extra excited to see "Vivi" and "Vivi fish!" It was great to get to see everyone, we hadn't seen Nana and PopPop since January. There were some traditional Polish Easter dishes that Charles was very excited to try (and loved), and dinner was delicious. All three cousins seemed to enjoy playing together, it is very cute watching Charles with Victoria, he is often trying to give her back her cups and other things. We got a late start going home, but it was pretty easy getting everyone to bed after the long day that we had.

There are more pictures in our Easter album on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

Winter is Over

2015-04-07T19:24:00.000-04:00

Although it seemed like winter would never end, spring is finally here. We had quite a few snow days, and the boys got some time to play outside as well as some visits to the children's museum and other indoor activities. We headed up to Greg and Aggie's to have a make-up Christmas (since they were too sick to make it to Christmas dinner). We celebrated the February birthdays at hibachi before we celebrated Charles's with his party. We also got to celebrate St Patrick's Day, Gritz cooked a big dinner, and we got to see Cristin (and the bump!), Jenn, Mary and Ed. While winter was fun, we are all looking forward to the warmer weather that is slowly starting.

There are more pictures in our winter adventures album on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

Happy Birthday to Charles!

2015-02-28T20:39:00.000-05:00

After having to postpone the party two weeks ago, Charles got to celebrate his second birthday as a two year old! And while there were some people missing, he got to celebrate with many of his friends. He was excited to see so many people there for him, and to show his friends his toys (new and old). He was also thrilled to get popcorn and so excited for his cake. He is also understanding what to do with presents, but didn't mind his friends helping him to open some. Everyone was very generous, he got a lot of great things.

It was wonderful to see everyone who was able to make it, and after having to postpone once, we were glad that there were no issues (health or weather). There are more pictures in our party album on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

Seven Years

2015-01-12T20:18:00.000-05:00

Photo by LJ Studios

Together for fourteen, married for seven.

Christmas Celebrations 2014

2014-12-30T19:40:00.000-05:00

This year was much quieter than years past. We got our tree later, visited Santa later, cookie baking was canceled and fondue was postponed. But Christmas was wonderful. Not much was different from years past, we started off opening presents at home before church, and the boys were thrilled with their gifts from Santa.

After church, we headed over to Gritz and Granddad's to spend some time with the Wood side of the family. Our time there was short, but all the boys had a great time playing together. We then headed up to Scott's to spend Christmas dinner with the Braham side of the family. Again, it was wonderful to see everyone (who was able to make it).

Boxing Day was as much fun as ever, and once again the boys were thrilled to get to spend time with their cousins. The boys left a little later than usual, and I got one of my rare nights out.

Now, as the year is coming to a close, we are looking forward to having a "London" (7pm local time) New Year's Eve with some friends.

There are more pictures in our Christmas, Boxing Day and Holiday Adventures albums on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

Thanksgiving at the Woods'

2014-11-29T21:56:00.000-05:00

This year, we spent all of Thanksgiving at my parents' house. Though we were one cousin short (as she is across the country), we had a few new faces and a very full table. They boys were both very excited to be at Gritz's house, and even more excited when Connor and Alex arrived. Peter was especially excited for Thanksgiving this year, as he helped with some of the cooking. He made cornbread and a pumpkin pie for the "feast", which he would correct anyone if they dared to call it dinner. It ended up being a very late night, with Charles falling asleep well before we left (and Peter staying up way too late).

I did not get as many pictures as I would have liked, but there are more pictures in our Thanksgiving album on SmugMug (and some baking pictures in our fall adventures album). You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

Trick or Treat!

2014-10-31T22:21:00.000-04:00

Tonight, we were blessed with great weather for a real trip trick or treating. It worked out much better than last year, with Peter and Charles happily knocking on doors and collecting their loot. We started early, and while Peter originally said that he just wanted to go to five house, we ended up at a lot more. Charles did a mix of walking and being carried, but I do think that his favorite part was jumping in the leaf pile outside of Jill and Greg's. Once again, both boys wore the same costumes that they wore to the parade, but Peter decided that he was no longer Captain Hook, and was now Captain Blunder (I am not sure where he came up with that name).

While next year I should be able to get more photos since Daddy will be joining us for the first time, there are some pictures in our fall adventures album on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

Boo at the Zoo

2014-10-30T12:18:00.000-04:00

We once again were able to make it down to Boo at the Zoo this year, and it was a big hit with the boys. We started the day visiting the Petting Zoo, where Charles took much pleasure in feeding the sheep. Peter has decided that he doesn't like the animals to tickle his hands, so he was very happy holding the food for Charles. We also visited the Jack O'Lantern exhibit (of which Charles was not a fan) and the hey maze, which both boys ran around for a little while. Overall it was a great day, with weather that was not too hot and not too cold.

There are more pictures from the day in our fall adventures album on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

Parading Hook and Pan

2014-10-21T12:36:00.000-04:00

This year for the Ragamuffin Parade, Peter Pan returned and was joined by Captain Hook. It was a gorgeous day, nice warm weather perfect for a stroll through town. And while we did have to cut the parade short to make it to a birthday party, both boys seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Charles wore himself out to the point of taking the rare afternoon nap in the stroller, while Peter enjoyed running into so many of his friends.

There are more pictures from the day in our fall adventures album on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere!

2014-10-20T12:02:00.000-04:00

I'm late in posting, but earlier this month we had our annual trip to the pumpkin farm. We lucked out with the weather, which was dry for a change. It allowed both boys to explore more than they had been able to in the past, and they loved picking out pumpkins. Peter in particular picked out about ten before we narrowed the options down to three. Charles also loved exploring, and trying to pick up pumpkins as big as he was.

Afterwards, we headed over to visit with Great-Nanny, and had lunch which is turning into a wonderful tradition for us.

The following day, the boys and I met up with (a sleeping) Reilly and Kristin and a local pumpkin patch, where they were able to each get a little pumpkin and we got some great photos.

There are more pictures from both trips in our fall adventures album on SmugMug. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

Remembering the Summer

2014-08-29T22:26:00.000-04:00

This has been a very busy summer, and not in the way that we expected. Moving at the end of June caused us to spend a lot more time packing, unpacking and settling than we thought. Which meant that there were far fewer weekend adventures, such as beach trips, than in years past.

But we were able to make it to the beach as a family once, the boys played in the sand, and Charles also tested out the ocean (again). (Video here)

June ended the school year with a party.

Camp ended with an art show.

We had a few trips to the zoo, including Central Park Zoo with Brady and Member's Night with Uncle David.

We had a lot of fun locally, at block parties and watching the World Cup (OK, maybe that wasn't as much fun...).

We played with friends at pools and the beach.

And went to lots of barbecues, both at our house and other's.

Overall, it was a great summer, and I'm sad to see it over so soon.

And it isn't just us that has moved, our pictures are moving as well. Not everything is finished being moved over yet, but our summer adventures album is up to date. You don't need to be logged in to view the pictures, but let me know if you need the password. (And if you want to sign up yourself, you can use this link to get a discount on your first year.)

An Exciting Fourth of July

2014-07-10T21:36:00.000-04:00

Last week was a crazy week. On top of moving, it was the Fourth of July! We spent the week very much like we did last year, starting with the Fireman's Parade in Mamaroneck. The difference being that this year, Charles was thrilled with the parade. He got so excited every time something new came down the street. It was also great to get to see Kristin, Austin and Reilly, who we met up with to watch the parade.

Friday, our original plans for watching the fireworks fell through, so we ended up just going down to Harbor Island Park (stopping for a frozen yogurt treat on the way). It worked out wonderfully. The fireworks started much later than we thought, but it seems like they moved the show from a barge to a field, so we were right under them. The boys were so excited. I was afraid that the late start would kill it for us, but they lasted until the end with lots of oohs and ahhs, and even unprompted clapping from Charles.

Saturday we headed up to Nana and PopPop's for a barbecue with the family. We got there a little early to get in some pool time. Charles is fearless, and just wanted to jump right in. Peter was more cautious, but even he started swimming around with us. There are not a lot of pictures of us at the pool, as we were obviously in the water, but the boys had a good time. It was also great getting to spend time with the entire family, and Peter really seemed to enjoy helping to take care of his baby cousin.

Here is a cute video of the weekend (got to love apps that do the work for you).

And finally, there are more pictures from the weekend in our album on Picasa (you have to be logged in to see).

Memorial Day Weekend

2014-05-30T21:31:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, we once again headed out to watch the local parade, and even though the weather was iffy, we were lucky that the rain held off. The boys were enjoying the parade, but were thrilled when someone passed out flags for them to wave.

Saturday, we headed up to Stamford for a barbecue. While both boys had a rough time with bumps and bruises, everyone had a great time. Charles did great with Xena and Brosius, which surprised me as he is often afraid of other (smaller) dogs. Even after Charles got hurt, Brosius sat by cautiously looking after him.

On Sunday, we headed up to Fishkill to see Nana and PopPop. While the rest of the family wasn't there, Greg and Aggie were staying with them while they were waiting for their house to be ready. Again, the boys were happy to see their little cousin.

There are more pictures from the day in our album on Picasa (which you need to be logged in to see).

Mother's Day Weekend

2014-05-16T23:53:00.000-04:00

Saturday we headed over to my parents' to celebrate Mother's Day and my mother's birthday. Once again, the boys were thrilled to get to play together, especially Peter and Connor, but even Charles and Alex are starting to get into it. The bigger boys were excited to get to help Gritz blow out her candles, and the younger two were excited about getting dessert.

On Sunday, we headed up to Valhalla for a barbecue with the Braham side of the family. Peter loved running around the backyard and playing baseball while Charles got a real kick out of climbing up and down the stairs to the deck.

There are more pictures in our album on Picasa (which you need to be logged in to see).