Turning 11

 

Every year we have our little traditions.  This year some have changed.  We still mark their heights in the doorway, and I take a picture of Dyleva "turning " the new age as midnight emerges.  

This year for Dylan's real birthday we did not go to Rainforest Cafe and Niagara Falls, (thank god!).

He opted instead for Fuji Grill, and much to our delight, some of his cousins joined us!

Turning 11.

The Never-Ending Birthday!

 Several months ago, I had the brilliant idea of Dylan celebrating his birthday at Darien Lake.

Brilliant.

I desperately tried to rent a pavillion in the park, with no success.  Jeff finally said, "We don't we just get a cabin."

Brilliant.

Five hundred dollars later, thanks to the 2 night minimum, we were confirmed.  

Invitations went out, that Eva designed.  We began preparations.  When in passing, I happened to notice that Darien Amusement Park was closed on the day of the party.  I figured, it must be an error.  Why would they be closed? On a Tuesday?  We purposely chose mid-week to avoid long waits for the rides.

Upon further investigation, it was no mistake.  Due to staffing shortages, Darien is operating under a limited schedule this year.

Brilliant.

I called the necessary people, and all was shortly smoothed over.  Fast-forward to the day of.  All week, we had been praying for no rain.  We got our wish; it was sunny and 90 degrees out.  It was sooo hot, the rubber from my shoes had separated from the fabric by the end of the day!

Day 1: We began at the water park.  It was super busy, but as the ninos eventually made their way to the rides, the amusement park was empty. (Because it was sooooo hot!!!)

They had an amazing time! The kids, all of them and some friends we picked up along the way, came back to the campsite where Jeff had a delicious dinner waiting for them.

Brilliant.

A quick return to the park.  A buddy slept over.  Dylan had a fantastic birthday party!  Also, we ran into friends in the campground.

Day 2: Eva had a friend come up, and Dylan's overnight buddy spent most of the day.  They made the most of their time in the park!  I don't even remember how many times Dylan rode the roller coasters!

It ended up being a success.  I think all parties involved enjoyed themselves, which is good, because next year we are going to the movies!

That hiking thing....

 We have been off to a slow start this hiking challenge.  Our last winter challenge was slow due to Dylan's hockey.  Every weekend was filled with games or practice.

We do not have that excuse this spring/summer.  The kids are losing interest.  I LOVE hiking.  I thought if I got/forced them into it, it would be much needed family time, they would develop an appreciation of nature and get some exercise at the same time.  Not so much.

I made some beautiful collages that now hang in our back hallway, celebrating all the hiking we have done the past three years.

After all these years, I pride myself on making sure Dyleva follows through with commitments, but not putting on pressure or forcing them to participate in activities they do not enjoy.

Hence, the end of hiking as a family.

Here are the hikes we have done before my epiphany: 

Reinstein, May 1

                                                           Griffiths Sculpture Park, May 8

Royalton Ravine, May 28

June 19, Bond Lake

Knox Farm, June 28

Wilson Tuscarora, July 6

Buckhorn, July 12

Genesee County, July 25

An afternoon with Titi

 Summer is busy!  Titi has always wanted us to come visit her site on Lake Ontario.  Today was our day!

We stopped briefly to do a hike that was along the way at Wilson Tuscarora Park.  

Dyleva whined a bit.  It was buggy.  But it was quick and we didn't get lost, so, Yay for us!!!

As we pulled up, Logan and Titi was waiting for us in a golf cart.

They showed us their place.  Uncle Eric was ready with the grill.  We explored a bit.  Titi took us down to the lake and showed us around the site.  

It was great to see my nephews!  All the cousins are getting so old!  We enjoyed our time.  Thanks Titi!

Logan is hiding.

The four-day Fourth of July Celebration

 Four long days!

When our Indy cousins come to town, it is usually a party.  This time, it was a four-day party!

Relatively speaking, this year it was low-key.  Normally their visits are filled with bicycle drinking tours, escape rooms, or wine tasting.  

This year, there were just house parties.  But fun house parties!

Here are some highlights!

Dylanisms

"Now how am I going to go pee without my big toe?"  Dylan remarked, staring at his injured foot.  He scraped many layers of skin getting it caught in a scooter.

                                        {  .....   }

"When I woke up, our house smelled like fresh air.  Cause all the windows are open."

                                       &&&&

We were all picking up Eva from a friend's birthday party.  We were waiting in the parking lot in Jeff's truck.  She comes out, and Dylan says, "You let her go to the party in that skirt?"

                                   ((((((((((((

Dylan and Eva were studying.  Dyl looks up, and asks, " What is WW eleven?"