Punxsutawney

On our road trip back to Lake Pymatuning...we made a pit stop at Punxsutawney to see the famous PHIL!  I was so excited!  I teach my students all about Phil, his groundhog traditions and show the video of Phil coming out of his burrow to predict the weather.  I prepped Allie ahead of time...we checked out books from the library and talked about Phil.  She remember some from school too from back in February.

 

We first stopped by Phil's burrow and watched Phil and his wife, Phyllis, sleep so peacefully.



 

All around town there are statues of Phil...30+ in all.  We came across a few, but didn't stay long enough to find them all. 

 

 

Our last excursion was to the famous Gobbler's Knob to see where Phil makes his annual weather predictions.  The kiddos looked inside Phil's burrow and went up on stage too.

 



The souvenir shop was super cute and we purchased a girl scout patch for Allie too!  She only has a couple more things to do to earn it when we get back home.  Her vest is going to have some super cool patches from out east!

Another bucket list destination checked off our list.

Fun in Philly

Between our days at Sesame...we thought we'd explore a little in Philly.  PLUS...Allie could earn a another Girl Scout patch from the Philadelphia Girl Scouts.  We checked out a ton of books about the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross and Independence Hall before we left.  Allie was well educated about our country's history. 


Unfortunately...this was the morning I woke up not feeling so well.  I was struggling to put on a good face and prance around the city.  I managed.

 

Betsy's sewing room.

Pretending to be Betsy...cooking in her colonial kitchen.

In Franklin Square we had lunch (except me) and played a super cute round of putt-putt.  All the holes were Philly themed from places in the city. 

 

 

Before we headed out, Allie was sworn in as a Junior Ranger.  She completed the appropriate activities and received a special ranger pin.  How cool!

 

 

Father's Day Away

Todd is one lucky dad! This isn't the first time he's spent his Father's Day on a trip somewhere away from home.  Two years ago, we were on a cruise in the Caribbean.  This Father's Day, our family spent the day boating, playing in the sand and swimming in Lake Pymatuning with Uncle Joe and Antie Ellen. 

 

 

We Loved Lynnie's Place

5 years ago, Todd and I left our 9-month old Allie girl with the ladies at Lynnie's Place.  I remember the morning well...I was too busy and nervous about starting the school year to cry about it.  I was leaving my precious little baby in the hands of Lynnie, Debbie, and Ilene...three lovely ladies I had been told where the best daycare out there, over and over again by my teaching colleagues.  Back then, Todd and I had no idea how these ladies would become family to our two littles. 

Allie on her first birthday with Lynnie

 

Ayden's with his ladies during his first year at daycare

 

 

Allie and Ayden are the kind, caring and happy kids they are because of these ladies who contributed to their upbringing.  We cannot begin to express our gratitude for all of the hugs, snuggles, and love you have given our babes when we couldn't.  You were patient, nurturing, overly excited and just happy with them.  

There were a lot of mornings I would come rushing in like a tornado and basically throw my baby at a perfectly calm and HAPPY substitute mommy for my Allie.  I remember dropping off Ayden as he clung to me, crying (Allie too).  Debbie would peel him off and I would run away (usually late for school)...but he was always so happy when I arrived to pick him up.  I was assured that my loves were happy and okay as I gave all my energy to other little kiddos whose mommy's probably felt the same way I did about mine each and every day.  I sure did appreciate all the texts and photos (thanks, Debbie) displaying the wonderful time they were having.  I just wanted them to be hugged and nurtured...and they were, always! 

Today was Ayden's very last official day at Lynnie's Place...but it won't be our last.  We could never leave today and not come back to visit this loving and wonderful place.  My heart will forever smile when I drive by Hauser Way...thinking of all the good times and happy memories my kiddos had.  Allie made two friends for life at Lynnie's, Julia and Robby.  Ayden just loved his Chase-y. 

I'll cherish all of their homemade mugs and handprint art for mother's and father's day and the ghost feet print pictures from Halloween.  They will be a constant reminder of you gals.  Thank you, thank you...from the bottom of our hearts for taking care of our kiddos when we couldn't.  They were in good hands and were yummed up from day one until now.  These 5 years have been incredible and we truly appreciate all you have done to help our Allie and Ayden grow into their future selves.  We love you ladies...thank you.

Ayden's last day at Lynnie's Place

Last Day of School

Pre-K...that's a wrap!

 

 

Thank you, Mrs. Bairski, for an amazing year!  Allie fell in love with you from the moment she stepped foot into your classroom.  I couldn't have asked for a better 2YK experience for her.  You were nurturing, understanding and yet stern when she needed it.  We will forever be grateful for all the love you gave our Allie girl.  She has grown and learned more than we expected this year.  I'm so please with all the wonderful friendship Allies has made and we are looking forward to watching them grow in the future.  Thank you again for all that you have done for us.  We love you!

 

Tea Party Castle

All those cookie sales...those 300 boxes worth...were rewarded with a field trip to the Tea Party Castle.  Allie and her troop were dressed, pampered, dined and had a royal good time with non other than a real princess herself.

Allie picked out the perfect purple dress and tiara for the tea party.  She hair was done by the princes herself and she was even dusted with magical princess dust. The princesses dined on cupcakes, sweets and treats!  A fashion show was performed followed by some princess dancing.

These scout princesses earned every bit of their royal reward today.  Way to go girls!  I'm so glad you loved your day!

Allie's Girl Scout Troop


Can You Tell Me How To Get To Sesame Street?

It's one week and counting!!!  Today, the littles found out about our little secret!  We are heading to Sesame Place the day after school is out!  Todd and I figured this was the perfect summer to take the drive out east to see all our favorite friends at Sesame Street.  Ayden is just old enough and Allie is still young enough to get into the fun of the characters. 

The Sesame Street Gang stopped by today and left a little invitation and some other goodies too!  How cool!?!

 

Each got a goody bucket filled with their own plushy, personalized shirt to wear at Sesame Place, and an autograph book to get all their favorite characters signatures!  Todd and I even got a shirt too!  We can't wait to go!

It took a few minutes for Allie to figure out what in the world Sesame Place was.  I showed her some videos and commercials on line and she all of sudden got super excited.  She said she can't wait to ride the roller coaster!  Oh my!  I hope so!!!  Thank goodness it's only ONE WEEK away!  We better get packing! Hello, Summer Vacation!!!