New York Weekend

Mike and I happily embarked on our first road trip together to visit his family in New York. We had a great time and are still on speaking terms after 16 hours in a car together. Sounds like a successful vacation to me!

Time with Mike's family always means great food, wine and lots of teasing and banter. Needless to say, I felt right at home.

We were very fortunate to spend a lot of quality time with all three kids and celebrated Hannah's 6th birthday a little early. Thank you for a great weekend!

The birthday girl picks some flowers for her Dad. All together now: aaawwwww!

Kaiden helps Hannah line up her presents while "Sister Julia" takes a break from texting.

Dad and his Mini-Me Kaiden hanging out and rocking their Marine Corps t-shirts.


Sisters snuggling. Sister Julia is excellent at entertaining and pacifying the little ones!


Dad takes the little ones on a paddleboat ride in the pond in Grandma and Papa's backyard.

And the girls take a spin. The conversation went something like this:

Hannah: "Can I steer?"

Julia: "No"

Hannah: "Please, can I steer?"

Julia: "NO!"

Me: "Do you think Grandma has some wine open?"

Didn't you have your own outdoor bistro when you were little? Kaiden and Hannah fuel up on hot dogs. Completely necessary if you are going to wear down five adults and your big sister.


Pretty in Pink! Grandma knows how to shop for the princess.

You'd think they'd run off just a little bit of energy in the yard. Nope.

Even Old Lady DeFazio gets in on the game of chase. She forgot to take her Flinstone vitamin and tried to convince everyone to take a nap. Care to guess the answer to that one?

Make a wish!

Wise girl saved room during dinner for dessert. I'm very proud.

Shortly after this photo was taken Julia contacted Amnesty International. Something about being tortured and having to be seen taking a family photo in the front yard. The horror!