More Tyler

These giant Blair Witch dolls were super creepy.

The guitar house!

The Andrew Wyeth looking house.

The Henry David Thoreau cabin.

Sis did NOT want to leave the frog sculptures and after repeated and failed attempts of "I'm going to leave without you" I had to finally drag her away.

This is a milkway dogwood! I had never seen one before!

We had a lovely time at the arboretum even if I spent most my time calling after Maeve or chasing Maeve or coaxing her into moving at a certain pace or in a certain direction. She has always pranced to her own beat but it was especially wild on this day! Sloane was totally chill on the drive to the arboretum and at the arboretum so that was a blessing.

Tyler Arboretum

Maeve in the cape May tree house!

I had to crop this photo to keep my nursing parts hidden. Maeve had my camera and just happened to snap this photo when Amberlyn and I were laughing hysterically in response to the loud and adult-like burb that shockingly came out of Sloane.

Another great photo by Maeve!

 

 

In celebration of my sister's visit and Sloane's existence and my precious maternity leave we decided to take a road trip to Pennsylvania! I love going to PA and visiting my favorite places and exploring new ones. This time we went to Terrain first where we both picked up a few treasures and then we drove to Tyler Arboretum, in lovely Media, PA. This is one of those must-see places in the gorgeous Brandywine valley and one that I had wanted see ever since my friend Sarah posted photos of her visit a while back.

Tyler Arboretum is known for its tree houses. There are several of them throughout the arboretum and finding them was really fun. Maeve had a mind of her own (shocking!) and half the time wanted to wander at her own pace and in her own direction so that was super fun.

Turning Seven

Asher and Soren were lucky to have Aunt Amberlyn in town for their 7th birthday! She was here to visit and meet sweet baby Sloane. We were so happy to have her here! She makes everything more festive. I know the boys wanted a party this year but I just couldn't get organized enough to make it happen. I blame the baby. I figured a family party and Aunt Amberlyn and going out to dinner were celebration enough. Not to mention that they got MINECRAFT for their birthday. Their dad's gift, NOT mine.

Asher requested a cereal cake because it is his one true food love. My sister suggested a tri-flavored and layered rice crispy cake. I would have just done one big rice crispy treat! I'm glad she's such a foodie idea person! Asher loved his cake and let's be honest, we all enjoyed the novelty of it. The fruity pebbles layer was everyone's favorite. I made my favorite chocolate cake with chocolate malt frosting for Soren. I'm serious--it's the cake to make for the ones you love most. The kids loved their cakes. I got them a few playmobil toys (I continue to force my love of playmobil on my children) and my sister gave them Legos. They had fun.

Seven year old boys are hyper, energetic, smart and when they are paying attention, a lot of fun. Asher and Soren both love minecraft, which for the record, is a video game that requires players to mine for materials and then build or 'craft' their world. It's great in the sense that they use their creativity to make WHATEVER they want but it's a disappointment in that it takes them away from other passions, such as Legos.

When Jamie revealed their big gift--Soren jumped off the couch and gave Jamie a fantastically generous and gracious hug. He was just so happy and grateful.

If there is anything I love about my boys and Minecraft, it is their discussions about the "New and Improved Minecraft," which is their invented version. Asher and Soren are extremely animated and creative and this is one of my favorite demonstrations of their imagination. I heard the other day, "In the new and improved minecraft you can spawn barbies and they are the girlfriends to endermen." Oh my funny, funny boys. My SEVEN year old boys!! What?

School 2014-2015

I couldn't let the new school year start without a banner and special dinner! We were especially happy that Jamie was home for the first day of school. It seems impossible that my preemie twins are in the first grade and just barreling through life. Maeve is on her second year of preschool and they are all thriving. Definitely much to celebrate!

Asher has Courtney Verbiest as his teacher. She was his kindergarten prep teacher back in the summer of 2013. I could have cried I was so happy they were teamed up. She is very enthusiastic and has a genuine interest in Asher--she adores him and said that some days she can't even stand his cuteness. She just gets him and appreciates his art and creative personality. She's also helping him gain confidence as a reader and student. Asher has always been generous with compliments and drawing his thankfulness and he has written Mrs. V several cute cards and made many drawings to show his love for her.

Soren was lucky to get Ms. Wolf for a second year! When we learned that she was moving to first grade we prayed and prayed that Soren would get her again. I think it makes a lot of sense to have the same teacher (IF SHE/HE is WONDERFUL) for two years because she can really push and encourage Soren based on her knowledge of his abilities. Ms. Wolf adores Soren and is so happy to have him in her class again.

Maeve is enrolled in Mrs. Jackie's preschool and we couldn't be happier. This summer was rough on Maeve--her brothers were home from school and in a way that only best friend twin brothers are capable--they either teased her relentlessly or ignored her endlessly. She's such a happy and creative kid so it was hard to see her get shut down so much! The arrival of Sloane was a heralded occasion for all but losing one's status as the family baby takes its toll and Maeve was not spared this struggle. She handled it with grace but it was heart breaking to not be able to just pick her up and squeeze her with affection. That c-section really crushed me! Anyway, all of this to say that Maeve needed Mrs. Jackie's class. It is a place where she feels loved and supported and protected. Jackie has so much love for Maeve and her affection is also a kind of healing balm. It's going to be a great year for Maeve.

Bethlehem Steel Stacks

Bethlehem Steel used to be one of the biggest steel companies in the country. Their steel helped build this country: buildings, roads and bridges were construction with Bethlehem steel. Jamie's dad was an engineer for them and during that time he picked up his master's in Engineering at Lehigh University. The steel industry started to wane and Bethlehem Steel was part of that shrinking industry. As a result, Jamie's dad was let go (hence the move to Bristol, VA) and the steel stacks were no longer operating. Eventually the stacks were revived with a casino, mall and concert venue. Visiting the stacks was fascinating--they are such a prominent feature on the skyline and it was impressive to see how that space had been reclaimed with such variety. There were gear sculptures all over the entrance, which was cool because ever since Asher was obsessed with gears as a toddler they have been special to me.

Exploring the area that was Jamie's first home as a baby was exciting. We didn't stay long--traveling with a baby babe is not easy--but we intend to go back and explore more. I want to discover more of the Delaware river valley and see Jamie's first house.