And Drive Until the Map Turns Blue

When I used to think of going to the beach...I never thought of going to New York for that. Especially not at the end of October! But here we are at a nice, sandy beach on Long Island. It was a beautiful beach. The sand was soft and warm and there are tons of volleyball courts for tournaments in the summer.

We had so much fun playing on the playground and running through the water. It was surprisingly warm for the last week in October. It was super windy though, as you can tell by my hair, but we got some great shots and the kids had a blast. It's still impossible to keep them all still, and looking at the camera, and smiling.

One Short Day In New York City

So for my birthday weekend Ryan, Lauren, Jane, Crew, and I went to the city. It was a dream come true! I loved every second of it!

We first walked up to the Manhattan Temple. I love how it lies perfectly with everything else on the block. It is so sweet and right there by Juilliard. Then we went and had lunch in Central Park and it took all my energy not to burst out into "How does she know that you love her?"

Then I made my way to a show. I always told myself that I want to see Wicked (like everyone else), but I will only see it first in New York. Well since I was out here then it was my chance. So about a month ago I bought a ticket for my birthday present to me. And it truly was amazing. I am embarrassed to admit this but I cried! I was so happy I got to see it, and it brought back a flood of memories singing and messing around at the pool joking about how one day I would be a broadway star, and plus it was during "For Good". Wow, I can't believe I just told you that but it's true.

After the show it was still a little light out side so we made our way to Grand Central Station. And it was grand, and central (Madagascar). I can only imagine going there everyday to use the Metro to get to work or something. The whole time I kept feeling like Glinda and Elphie going to the Emerald city and singing "I wanna be in this hoi polloi, so I'll be back for good someday to make my life and make my way, but for today we'll wander and enjoy."

I loved it so much that I really think I could live there someday but, for today we just wandered and enjoyed. So at Times Square I wasn't allowed to look back and see everything until I was on the red bleachers to see it all. And I was glad I did. It was worth the sight. Someday I WILL be living in a big ole city!!!

Happy Happy Birthday Sammy Dear

So all week I told the kids that Friday was my birthday! When Friday finally came I was like "whats today?" and every time they said something along the lines of "Sammy Happy Birthday". I about died it was so cute. Derek was gone when i caught this video but Jake and Brooke say Happy Birthday and I wanted to let you in on the cuteness :)

Fortune Favors the Brave

I can't believe that October is half way over! I guess time really does fly when you're having fun. And I'll tell you what, we are having a lot of fun. All that fun it is sure to make us tired...well at least one of us tired enough to sleep while the others eat lunch :)

We have had some pretty big break-throughs out here. I officially succeeded at getting all three kids to look at the camera and hold still. It was unreal. I thought I was going to faint. I don't think you know how hard it is and how many times everyone has tried. I guess I am either really loved or magic...or I may or may not have bribed the kids with chocolate...

The next biggie was the car. I made the biggest purchase of my life. Though buyers remorse is big, I know it will all be fine. And it's nice to have a little freedom (and not have to worry about wrecking the BMW X5 they have been so nice to let me borrow).

And all the way out here, I still bleed BLUE through and through.

Now We Sound The Drums Of War

We love to color!!! But there is nothing better than to color on your own face! Paper just wont cut it these days. I think the kids are trying to send a message...

So I have almost been out here for a month! I think the kids are starting to realize I will be around for a while. Little Jake said "hi sam" one morning right when I opened the door, before the light came on or anything. It was so cute. We have fun playing with cars, blocks, puzzles, and letters. These kids are geniuses. We go through word, letters, shapes, numbers, and color flashcards and they rip through them like none other. Little Jakey went to physical therapy and was playing with shapes and one of the workers was amazed with how well he knew them, BUT she about died when he could recognize and name the octagon like it was nothing!

We went pumpkin picking the other day and it was so fun. The kids had a blast looking at all the pumpkins but loved they tractor ride the best. They each had a little animal "backpack" that is a leash and about saved our lives! The best was when one of us had all 3 while the other looked for a pumpkin. We were a sight, a lovely one for that matter.

May I also just say that I love being with 3 of them! You may think I am crazy but it is so fun and there is never a dull moment. They always keep me busy and I am sure they love having others their age always around! Life is Good!

You play notes? I thought we could just play in the key of rock!

Saturday was the kids 2 year birthday party. The theme was rock 'n' roll. A group called Moonsoup that does kid parties came and played with the kids for about an hour. They sang songs with them and gave everyone plastic maracas and tambourines. Then they played with play-dough and colored guitars and crowns. It was real cute and all the kids enjoyed it. Then the band played for the adults up on the hill that was cleared of trees from the hurricane. I met a lot of nice people and many more than I will ever remember. There was like 80+ people here, including the children. I was just glad I only had to watch the three and not all 25 kids.

Harry Potter Meets Anne of Green Gables

I am on my first day on the job and the babies are napping...It is going to be one rough ride but I am sure in a few weeks I will be adjusted to everything. The house is completely child proof with gates around the stair cases and yes, even a lock to

downstairs where my room is (see picture). So yesterday I moved into my new room for the next while and the first thing I thought was "Harry Potter meets Anne of Green Gables". Hopefully from the pictures you will under stand. I went down the stairs and saw a cupboard and I was like "do I get to sleep in there?" Continuing down the hall I walked into a cute, purple, old fashioned style room and felt like Anne of Green Gables. Though twins seemed to be the her lot in life, I guess triplets are mine. I couldn't tell if I was imagining this or if it was real. Did I really just move 2,000 miles to live with a family I don't even know? But if Anne can do it then so can I. All I have to do is remember that "tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it."