NYC Trip Rained Out - LaCombes opt for relaxation

Our plans to visit the Zoo and Carousel at Central Park were rained out this weekend. Given that we've been going non-stop since we started this move five months ago, the rainout was probably our guardian angel's way of helping us to relax. In classic fashion, KC kicked into high gear - providing lots of treats such as soup, sausage and peppers, and cookies. DML made blueberry pancakes.

William expressed his approval with a few chosen words..."Ummmm....Ma!"

William Noel helped Daddy decorate a sugar cookie.
Of course, Will had to conduct a series of taste tests.

Ahh..the breakfast artist at work!

Another satisfied customer!

Will makes cover of home improvement journal

WNL Birthday Photos

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Viewer discretion is advised.

Happy Birthday William!

Mommy and Daddy hope that you'll always remember how to "Blow it Out" on your big day.

We thank our family and friends for remembering us on this special day. We love you!

DML, KC, and Pookah

Happy Birthday - William!!

Dear Angel Baby

Grandmummy and Grandpoppy wish you a very happy Birthday on your FIRST BIRTHDAY. We both love you very much. We can't wait to see your beautiful little face.

Grandmummy and Grandpoppy


Happy Birthday William. We love you.

Aunt Cindy, Uncle Eric, and Christopher


Will -

I wonder what angel sent you to us one year ago. You arrived at 7:23 PM on a Saturday evening. Your mom and I will never forget the experience of seeing you for the first time.

As I cut your umbilical cord, I announced, "He's beautiful, Kathryn!" I couldn't help but to marvel at you as I counted each toe and finger. Your mom was reassured to hear that you had feet - we never could see your feet in any of the sonogram images. I was most surprised to see how much blond hair you had.

The nurse carefully carried you to the scale as we waited to hear your weight - "9 pounds, 10 ounces," she exclaimed! We cleaned and swaddled you then placed you in your mommy's arms - the two of you just melted into each other.

During your first year, you patiently taught me about being a dad. You overlook my imperfections and love me unconditionally. You probably know that I love you more than my own life.

Neither of us know what adventures await us. Rest assured that Mommy and Daddy will always be at your side.

Daddy
William, my darling little boy,

When you were still in my tummy, I often felt this little flutter, but I was never sure what you were doing in there. Then, one year ago, Daddy placed you in my arms, and I experienced that flutter again. As long as I live I will never forget your gentle touch as your little fingers stretched and each one touched my arm. That's what you were doing...

Now, I look into those beautiful hazel eyes and see such an amazing little boy. I am awed by you each and every day, and I am so proud to be your Mommy.

I am again awed by what you have learned to do since that day we brought you home from the hospital... by the way, you were so quiet on the way home, that Daddy and I joked that we must have left you behind!

You are the love of my life, and I never thought I could love someone as much as you.

I love you ...

Mommy


William,

We watched you grow inside of your mother,
a blessing from God like no other.

Now it's been a whole year you see,
our pookah bear you'll always be.

If your mom and dad ever get too nerdy,
just remember you can move out when you're 30.

Have a wonderful first birthday!

Aunt Darcee


Will,

Happy Birthday. It is the hope of the entire Todaro Family that you have a fantastic first birthday. Also please be sure to smear a little bit of cake and frosting on Dad so he doesn't feel left out.

John Todaro

Happy first birthday, Will! Amanda and I miss you very much. You are getting to be such a big boy. We can't wait until we see you again!

Now that you're getting your own set of teeth, you can truly join in at our Sunday breakfast time. More thick-cut bacon, please!

Love, Aunt Amanda and Uncle Jay

Happy birthday, William!

May the rest of your years be spent in the lap of comfort and luxury mooching off your parents.

Uncle Ross


Hi Will,

A very Happy 1st Birthday to you. Wish I could be there to celebrate with you in New York. Your birthday surprise is on the way from Louisiana. Have fun with your cake...make sure you smush it really good and get cake all over you. I can't wait to see pictures.

Love,
Granny Camille

Ah-hem......all together now ('Aunt' Amy, 'Uncle' Mike and Lil'Robbie!).....

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y to you...
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y to you...
H A A A P P Y B I R T H D AY to William...
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y to you!!!

May you blow out ALL your (1) candles and may all your birthday wishes come true. We wish we could be there with you on your big day. We will have party hats here in Florida in your honor!!!!! Watch the mail for a big box from FL!!!! It's on its way!!!!

Big birthday hugs to the big birthday boy! We Love You!

Aunt Amy, Uncle Mike and Lil' Robbie

P.S. - We can't wait to visit you in your new NY home. You can show us ALL your new toys and your new room and all your favorite things to do!

Chocolate Ice Cream!

Hello Family and Friends,

As I am mere days away from my first birthday, I am taking a bit of time to reflect on what this means... I have concluded after extensive contemplation that with age comes maturity... and with maturity comes privileges.

I discovered a privilege for one year olds that is so impressive... chocoloate ice cream! Can you imagine my delight when we had dinner with colleagues of Daddy last night, and my wise ol' man ordered something special for me... dessert. WHOA! The most amazing creation appeared -- a sundae dish of chocolate ice cream and whipped cream topping garnished with a fresh mint leaf (Mommy loved that added touch... you know how she is!). Daddy carefully lifted a big person spoon, dipped it into the dish, and slowly brought the spoon to my lips.

OH MY GOSH!

My hands flailed and my mouth opened... if I could talk I would have yelled "More... more... more." Instead, I squealed.

What a delight! So delightful, in fact, I tried to save a bit for later!!

Ahhhh... I love this growing up stuff!!

Love,

William Noel

PS. Grandmommy and Grandpoppy, I love the new big boy outfit!! Hugs and Kisses!!

Top Stories

Welcome back to LCN, the leading authority in journalism - exclusively covering the LaCombe Family. Our top stories this evening include:

• William Noel elected to secret fraternity.
• David quits job and takes up painting abstract images on walls.
• KC declares war on grocery store veggies - makes pact with organic gardener.

Let's lead off with a breaking news story out of surburban New York. Fraternity insiders speaking on the condition of anonymity report that long-time party boy, William Noel LaCombe, was secretly inducted into the nation's most secretive and exclusive fraternity.

LaCombe is believed to be the youngest member of the mysterious society, long believed to be responsible for attracting the nation's most successful entrepreneurs. William Noel Enterprises earned LaCombe the reputation as a bold, risk-taking CEO. The debut product, chocolate chip cookie mix, was an instant international sensation. Since first appearing on shelves in February 2006, demand has increased a staggering 723%. While William Noel could not be reached for comment, LCN reporters were able to obtain a clandestine photo of the bad-boy at a posh after-hour club.

In other news, David LaCombe has quit his job as a medical educator to pursue a career as an abstract painter. "I believe there's an understated demand for abstract murals of pets on residential walls. My portfolio of work is being well received at some of the area's most noted psychiatric facilities. I'm really optimistic that this is more than a fad."

LCN financial advisor, Moe Money speculates that the newest LaCombe venture has the potential to earn above average sales.

Finally, domestic sensation Kathryn LaCombe has declared war on grocery store veggies - "I'm tired of mushy greens...give me the good stuff." Kathryn's personal assistant told an LCN reporter that LaCombe is switching to all organic veggies. Partnering with a neighborhood gardener, LaCombe is reported to be updating her recipes - favoring the locally grown produce that is abundant in the region. William Noel favors the switch saying, "If it's from mom...it's got to be good."

LaCombes visit the CIA & Grassy Knoll

HYDE PARK, New York (LCN) -- The LaCombes continued their tour of the Hudson River Valley with stops at the CIA and a grassy knoll

Security was virtually non-existent at the CIA this Saturday. The typical shadow operators were gone...replaced by men and women dressed in checkered black pants and billowy hats.

The apparent change in the Agency's operating procedure shouldn't alarm you - Our country isn't getting soft on spying. David, Kathryn, and Will visited the other CIA - The Culinary Institute of America.

Located in Hyde Park, NY, the CIA is a private college that provides world-class culinary education . The Institute opened in 1946 as the New Haven Restaurant Institute, a storefront cooking school in downtown New Haven, CT, with an enrollment of 50 students and a faculty consisting of a chef, a baker, and a dietitian.

Today the college enrolls more than 2,400 students in its degree programs and employs more than 130 chef-instructors and other faculty members representing 16 countries.

Our tummies growled in anticipation of eating gastronomical delights as we toured the perfectly manicured grounds. Climbing the main stairs to Roth Hall, I could hear Kathryn's heart beating. Our mouths began to salivate. We were about to eat at the legenday CIA. We reverently approached the Apple Pie Bakery Cafe - known for its sumptuous baked goods and cafe cuisine.

The sign to the Cafe was coming into focus...this was it. What....CLOSED...how could the cafe be closed on a Saturday afternoon. We were crestfallen. Our dream shattered...oh...the betrayal.

With little fanfare we turned on our heels and headed for the Pathfinder. Hunger was now taking hold of our will-power. We quietly ate our McDonalds hamburgers as we drove by the CIA. Refraining from throwing our fast food debris onto the CIA grounds, we moved on to our next stop...the grassy knoll.


No, not that grassy knoll...we went to Prospect Hill, a family owned and operated orchard in Milton, NY. The orchard permits visitors to pick their own fruit. We hiked uphill to a knoll with the nicest white and yellow peaches.


William enjoyed picking peaches and posing for photographs. Daddy mainly thought about the dessert KC promised - peach and blueberry crisp with amaretti cookie topping....whew!



We concluded our day with a stop at Lowes - we're getting ready to paint the sunroom and needed supplies. Stay tuned for updates on the dessert and room painting.

Quick Philly Trip - Reading Terminal Market

The family with Filbert the Pig at Reading Terminal Market - Filbert collects donations for needy children in Philly.

KC and Will tagged along while Daddy did a little business just outside of Philly. After work was done, the family headed to the Reading Terminal Market in Center City Philadelphia. The market has an exciting collection of eclectic shops and restaurants.

We began our tour with breakfast at the Dutch Eating Place - famous for their blueberry pancakes. Amish workers dressed in their traditional attire make endless batches of pancakes for lines of hungry visitors. We found a little table in the center of the action and thoroughly enjoyed the meal. William and Daddy shared an order - Will downed his fair share...smacking his lips with every bite. He gets that from his dad...although Will looks much cuter.

After breakfast, we decided to stroll the market...truthfully, I think we were just trying to reestablish blood flow to our brains after the pancakes began expanding in our stomachs.

Will enjoyed seeing the fish displayed on fresh beds of ice. KC enjoyed the coffee stand and even picked up a bit of Jamaican Blue Mountain....argh...yum! David people watched and checked out the spice and cooking stores. We even found room for a delicious fresh pretzel.

From the Market, we drove to Rittenhouse Square - One of William Penn's original five. The park was originally known as the southwest square until 1825 when it was named for the astronomer-clockmaker, David Rittenhouse (1732-96).

More than any of the other squares, it also functions as a neighborhood park. Office workers stop by to eat their lunch on the benches; parents bring children to play; and many people stroll through to admire the sculptures.

After the park we headed home...we must have really been overly relaxed...we got lost more times than we care to admit. Oh well...we had fun and had no place to be and all day to get there.

Will poses with Mom and Dad. Vote for your favorite pic at American Idol.

Sssseewwww...One tired Pookah Bear!

Best Party Pic...Ever!

Self Portrait of the LaCombes at Mystic Seaport

Note the expert composition, color balance, and expression of the subjects. This image sets the gold standard for all party pics.

Good Loving - Part II

Good Loving!

Duty, Honor, Country

"A-Ten-Hut! Double time...March! Momma Momma don't you see...the baby's life is for me! Left...right...left," exclaimed David as he mimicked a drill instructor singing cadence for young cadet, William Noel LaCombe.

The U.S. Military Academy is a mere twenty-minute drive from our new house. So, last weekend we piled into our car and drove along the most scenic route to West Point. The view of mountains and the Hudson River was spectacular.

We took a one-hour tour of the Academy - visiting the Cadet Chapel, the million-dollar view, and monuments to great figures in our military history.

David was touched by one of the Academy's traditions - a candle remains lit in the Cadet Chapel for armed forces personel missing in action. The candle is stationed in a pew - the seat is always left vacant...waiting for the lost men and women to return home.

Will was great during the tour. He listened intently and seemed to respond to the pulse of the campus. It's hard not to experience a sense of reverence (even as an 11 month old) when at the place where so many important people have walked.

Who knows what school William will choose or what work he'll ultimately do. Regardless of his choice, we hope that he'll be positively impacted by growing up near the legendary U.S. Military Academy.

Dismissed!

Candle lit for missing service personnel at the Cadet Chapel.

The million-dollar-view of West Point over looking the Hudson.