Choo, Choo!

When we heard that Thomas the Train would be visiting upstate, we could not wait to get tickets and surprise William. He loves Thomas! So, we packed up and headed north for a day of fun!

William was dressed in his Junior Engineer outfit and ready for his "Day out with Thomas"!

Our own photo of Thomas as we waited in line for the "official" photo! As we waited, William stared at Thomas and said repeatedly, "Choo Choo!"

Our little engineer surveying the station.

The boys are really enjoying the ride along the Upper Hudson!

Enjoying the ride!

William is explaining his "Junior Engineer Certificate" to his Dad.

After the train ride, we headed to the food tent for a bite to eat. William enjoyed a hot dog, lemonade and fried dough (a Northern thing!). Live music was played a solo guitarist. William's favorite song, The Wheels on the Bus, was the first one we heard. Then, young William wanted to join in, so he approached the bandstand and played the maraca while the guitarist played!

Fried dough... much like a funnel cake! Yummy!

After receiving a bit of "nourishment," we played a bit in the fun jump and then headed to Imagination Station where train tables were set up! William loved it.

Although it was a bit warm on this Friday afternoon, William had an absolutely wonderful experience!

Splish Splash...

William was opposed to the idea of napping. He was too excited after visiting with Thomas. (Actually, he took a brief cat nap, but don't tell him we told you!) So, we needed to help this energetic little boy burn some energy.

This was his first experience in a swimming pool. He was a little hesitant at first, but once he acclimated he loved splashing Daddy!

Notice the moderate hand splash... the war was about to begin!

Each time Daddy splashed Pookah our little man laughed and laughed. Then, he regained his composure and retaliated. After the brief but intense naval battle, Mommy and William waded over to the steps. William grasped the railing and said "up" each time he climbed a step. The war was over.

We spent a few post-swimming moments soaking in the sun and warm temperatures.

I scream, You scream... Pookah loves ice cream!

After spending the day with Thomas the Train and the afternoon and evening in Lake George, we decided to drive around the lake. We stopped at Ben and Jerry's in Bolton Landing for an after dinner treat!

David declared this the best family party pic!
Note the "Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz" and "Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough" ice cream in those extra "foofy" waffle cones...what a treat!

Better share that cookie dough ice cream, ol' man... (doesn't that look like what he's thinking?)

Ah, finally, a bite... yummy!

Morning Hike

Hello again!

On Wednesday, I took the parents on a little hike near the Hudson River. I chose this place for obvious reasons... "romantic"... parents like that sort of stuff!

I saw so many sights on this hike: rocks (of course), pine cones, airplanes overhead, bluebirds (and they were bright blue), Amtrak train, chipmunks, dump trucks putting gravel in the parking area (this was probably my favorite!). Many other hikers brought their dogs... "Woof woof", I said, each time we encountered one.

At one point when we were far into our hike, we stopped and stood very, very still. All the birds were chirping! It was beautiful. Mommy and Daddy called it a symphony of sound!

This is where we hiked!

Beginning our journey...

This was the first spot where we could view the Hudson and the bridge we drove over to get here!

A family moment before we continued on...

Time for a break...

Quite a steep path... I better navigate for Dad.

C'mon Mommy... keep up!

Toward the end of the journey...

Picnic in the back of the Pathfinder after the hike

A little girl, her mom, and her dog stopped to say hello to William
they were getting into their car, the little girl asked "to eat in the car too!"

Ducks, Geese, Swans... Oh My

Hello Everyone!

Daddy is on vacation this week, so we are doing all sorts of fun things. I promise to keep you posted, but I am so busy. My social calendar is packed, but here's the latest...

I go to music class on Tuesdays. Guess what, Daddy attended this week. What fun! I was very well behaved for him. He loved watching me interact with my classmates and loved seeing how much I enjoy the class. Move over Mozart!

After class, Daddy surprised me... we went to one of the local parks and fed the ducks, geese and swans. Actually, the swans just looked pretty. As I approached them, one snorted and another got into the lake and swam away.

We fed them some of our whole grain bread leftovers. (My mommy is still on her "eat healthy" kick.)

William Noel here... and I am ready to play!

Whoa... this is fun, Daddy!

Try not to step in poop, Mommy said... I did it anyway! I couldn't help it!

Somebody is having fun!

Quite the standoff...

Antisocial swan

Mommy, I think I need to use this stick for something... possibly chasing the geese!

Tuesday at the Park, I think it was the 22nd of May

(Sung to Chicago's Saturday in the Park... I hope they forgive us!)

Mother's Day Weekend 2007

Happy Mother's Day!

What an amazing weekend we had! Our weekend started with a little Saturday morning date for Mommy and William to Gymboree (It's usually a Daddy and Pookah event, but since it's Mother's Day and all, Mommy got to participate!!!)

On Saturday afternoon, the most beautiful arrangement of tulips arrived... from my boys! These beautiful flowers arrived just as we were leaving for a little adventure to Bear Mountain State Park. We drove south to visit the carousel and Hessian Lake... a beautiful afternoon!!!

Aren't these gorgeous!

Riding the carousel at Bear Mountain!

Not too sure about this!

Walking around Hessian Lake.

Watching the boats and the fishermen!

A pensive Pookah moment!

On Sunday morning, we woke up, packed some snacks, and headed north to Minnewaska State Park and Lake Minnewaska. We hiked the red trail around the lake. We hiked over a mile uphill and downhill and uphill again. Then, settled on the green for a little picnic. William played with two children he met, Nate and Ella. He was so excited! We finished lunch and headed home.

Rock throwing instruction from Daddy at Lake Minnewaska beach

Hiking the trails...

Pookah Family moment!

What an amazing view of the lake!

The youngest hiker in the pack got a little tired (don't tell him I told you!) He would stall by stopping to show Daddy some beautiful new rocks!

A bridge above the trail -- William said, "whoa....!"

On the beautiful drive home, we noticed that a car accident occurred. Daddy, being the wonderful paramedic he is, stopped to assist the family who was injured. We were so proud of him!!

After this brief but important delay, we went straight to the closest Starbucks for a cup of joe for the ride home. This is when Pookah Bear passed out!!

Being a mom is such an unbelievable blessing and spending this Mother's Day weekend with my boys was amazing!

Love, Kathryn

Late Afternoon Delight

Yesterday afternoon, the Pookah family was playing in the yard when Daddy suddenly announced that a little road trip was in order. We put away our toys -- ball, shovel, truck, and lawnmower -- and piled into the Pathfinder... and away we drove.

We headed directly to an old-fashioned ice cream stand with outdoor picnic tables on the lawn. We ordered a mini cone for William, mint chocolate chip for Mommy and cookie dough for Daddy. We sat with other families eating ice cream and watching our little ones run around and play. William got so excited... he squealed and screeched in between bites of ice cream.

William's mini cone... it was more than enough!

Mmmm...mmmm.... he said!

Did you know celebrities wear sunglasses so that they don't have to look directly at the paparazzi? Same goes for me!!

Wonder if anyone will notice my shenanigans?? (He did this himself and waited for us to notice! What a ham!)

Let's Go, Yankees!

It was a picture perfect Saturday to be in the "House that Ruth built." We wanted to attend a game at the historic stadium before it is replaced in 2009. So, we dressed Pookah in his Derek Jeter jersey and official Yankee baseball cap and headed to the Bronx.

Of special note: The Yankees have been struggling this season, but isn't it interesting that they won on Saturday... could it have something to do with a very special fan attending the game... William Noel!! Probably.

Arriving at the stadium before the game!

Look at that blue sky!! Yankee Stadium!

We rode multiple escalators to get to our seats. We just walked out and saw the field!

Party pic during Yankee batting practice

Most Adorable Yankee Fan! (Good luck charm too!)

View from our seats during batting practice. Yankees are practicing in their blue practice jerseys. William loved watching the balls fly through the air!

Pookah family in the stands. Every fan received a NY Yankees cap upon entering the stadium.
William is watching the Yankees warm-up!

Umpires gather at home plate as the game begins!

William had a lot of firsts at this game -- first baseball game, first French fry, first bite of cotton candy!
All were big hits (pun intended)!

"Saturday in the Park" by Chicago was playing over the PA system! The boys were clapping and dancing!

Practice is over, so the grounds crew is preparing the field for play.

Mr. Serious Baseball Fan, paging Mr. Serious Baseball Fan... please report...

Yankees loaded the bases in the third inning!!
Jeter is on first!

Leaving the game with Dad!
We left at the end of the fifth inning. Interestingly, the outside of the stadium was filled with parents and youngsters leaving!!

Tired baseball fan walking in the parking garage to the car!

He's done!