Today 3 other families from our Homeschooling Group and us went to Berkshire Bird Paradise in NY. It is a unique place with an eclectic style, but it was fun, even in the drizzle!

There was more birds then I have ever seen in one place before..it was great ( and loud at times..lol)

Noah and Lulu.. who is VERY friendly..and funny.. we had a lot of fun with this bird for sure!

More Lulu

Declan also really loved this place and said we have to go back “Really soon”. Taejan did remarkably well.. it was loud, very loud at times and he never once covered his ears.. a first for him! Miss Ziah and Mr Noah are such animal lovers they were both very happy! Thanks Robin for setting this trip up!

Well yesterday when impending local weather interrupted our plans with friends I decided I did NOT want to be stuck inside at home.. so we loaded up the van, the kids and headed south..destination unknown!

We ended up on the CT coast  a gorgeous Sherwood Island State Park! None of my kids have ever been to the Ocean so this was great for all!We also discovered that Declan belongs at the Ocean.. man he was in his glory..bashing waves, riding waves, swimming..it was a joy to see “Mr Grumpy” so happy!

They still didn’t realize we had taken them to the Ocean here:

First sight of it:

it really is gorgeous..I am not a beach person at all and even I enjoyed myself…although we do need some beach chairs..LOL

the little’s were a little unsure about all this:

not Declan though.. he loves when the wakes from passing boats stir up “big waves” at the lake here.. he was amazed when he saw the waves in the ocean..he was soo ready to go in!

Taejan and Noah stayed on the blankets for awhile playing:

Declan was in heaven:

Noah finally made it in:

Taejan too:

Ziah liked it but still clung to Daddy most of the time:

Taejan was soon all into the whole ocean thing!

Declan and Taejan riding waves:

Riding the waves in was by far Declan’s favorite:

Ziah and Taejan mostly dug in the sand, picked up shells and rocks, occasionally venturing into the water:

Noah came and went.. he does the teen angst thing pretty well..then he can’t handle it anymore and has to have fun for a few…then back to teen angst

Eric and Ziah:

Declan:

Chasing some Sea Gulls:

walking along the beach:

Taejan walking up this HUGE mound of sea shells:

we had such a good time we are already planning to go again, and leave sooner so we get more time there!!

Well today was a HOT one.. after a morning at the park for Declan and Taejan and a day with her awesome Godmother for Miss Ziah..we decided to have some waterslide fun!

There me with Taejan and Declan.. You can almost tell I got like 8 inches cut off my hair last week..lol

Miss Jadziah’s new pink and black cleats came today.. I can not believe how dang cute they are. So here she is sporting all her gear ( minus the team shirt we won’t get for awhile) and her NEW shorter hair.. courtesy of Little girl meets round brush meets scissors..sigh..so while this MUCH shorter hairdo was NOT planned..she looks freakin adorable if ya ask me!

showing off her Soccer Moves!

watch out soccer world..cus Ziah is about to rock it..LOL

We took the kids to Florida today.. well Florida Mass that is.

Savoy Mountain State Forest, North Pond to be more precise. We’ve never been and wanted something different to do.. well this was perfect!

We arrived, paid our $5 parking fee ( well worth it to help with the upkeep IMO) drove around the campsites..decided we are going to camp there next weekend if Eric’s overtime schedule allows it, then headed to the Pond.

What a gorgeous place.. I again feel so blessed to live in such gorgeous surroundings!

there is a nice little beach and roped off swim area.. it has a pretty quick drop though..so the kids had to stay fairly close to shore..

I found Ziahs extra pair of floaties.so she was happy..and we had their noodles…

Declan is getting so good at swimming.. I mean leaps and bounds..once he gets his confidence there will be no stopping him:

Ziah was Coollllddddd

Ziah got out her stuff from their adventure bags and was looking at the water thru the magnifying glass..it was cute!

We had a great few hours and can’t wait to go back..better prepared..LOL

we went home a different way and at the Hair Pin turn on the Mohawk Trail and I just HAD to get pictures..

Last night was Live on the Lake.. we didn’t go at all last year because Taejan was just too antsy..well I felt brave last night and took all 4 kids myself! Noah soon took off with his friends..but myself and the 3 littles had a great time!

The view on the walk over..Ziah loved how the water “sparkled”

we got there about 15 minutes before the music started, the place was packed but we still got  great place for our blanket. Pizza is only $1 a slice so we got that, cotton candy and the drinks I brought from home and settled in!

The boys danced and had a blast..even made some new friends:

Ziah, being the Diva she is.. well she sun bathed..lol

They managed to listen to the music for a good hour..I was impressed.. then we moved on.

We headed for ice cream then the beach! After the ice cream  the kids went swimming.. it was about then my batteries died in the camera..lol