Showing posts with label Connecticut. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Connecticut. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Arabella's 3 Year Photographs
I received the DVD with Arabella's 3 year photographs on it yesterday and I am so excited to share the results with you. I couldn't be happier with how they came out and I truly feel that the capture her in every way. They came out absolutely beautiful and I can't thank Melanie Siena-Thomas of Siena Photography for doing such a wonderful job! I had not seen Melanie since high school or maybe once or twice we bumped into each other when we were both at The University of Connecticut and it was great to spend the morning with her. We decided to have Elizabeth Park in Hartford as the backdrop for the photos and it was perfect. Instead of trying to find words to describe the photographs, I think it is better to share them and let them speak for themselves. Thank you Melanie for capturing Arabella's true spirit! I look forward to working with you again!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
On The Road Again...
I feel so far behind on blogging...I am starting to get flack about it so I decided that I would spend part of this beautiful afternoon out on the patio catching everyone up to speed on our busy, busy Summer!!
At the end of June, Arabella and I hit the road to spend time in Connecticut and Boston to visit family and friends. We hit Connecticut first and had a great time. The drive was pretty uneventful...just a lot of sunshine, blue skies and Lady Gaga! I like Gaga and right now Arabella is in love with her music, and I do have to say, it is much better than listening to Elmo or the Wiggles over and ever again. However, I am not sure that it is good that she is starting to know the songs word for word and is singing them out loud as we drive. I was able to enjoy some of the music on my iPod while she watched a Curious George DVD and when she fell asleep. I was thankful for Gaga break and enjoyed Britney, Adele, some old Dave Matthews and some other great tunes!
Perfect driving weather!
This trip, we stayed at Auntie Lori's house for a change. It was nice to be able to help her out with a few things and Arabella loved being able to play the piano, have breakfast made by Uncle Wayne and she even enjoyed some sparklers...at first she liked them, then she didn't, and then she did!
The day that I had Arabella's photos done, Grampy met us at Elizabeth Park and then took us to lunch at Counter Burger in Blue Back Square. It was super yummy and we had a great time. After lunch, Arabella wanted to go to Grampy's house to see the animals and feed Patches, the turtle. It was a great day and Arabella had a lot of fun with Grampy. She even made sure to get in lots of hugs!
It is amazing how quickly time passes when we are visiting family and friends. We spent a fun evening at Aunt Margo and Uncle Bill's house and also visited with the Aunts and Cliff. Arabella had fun and really enjoyed playing the piano at Aunt Moona's! She also had a fun time doing her puzzles with Aunt Rose. One night on the way back to Auntie Lori's we stopped at the Barkhamsted Reservoir - Arabella was in awe of the rushing water and I was able to snap a few great pics. Before we knew it, it was time to load up the car and head to Boston to see Grammie, Uncle Mike, Uncle Jeff, Macy & Rocco!
At the Reservoir.
Spending time with Arabella's great, great Aunts!
I remember a time about 8 or so years ago, when I couldn't stand being in Connecticut anymore. I wanted to leave New England and Connecticut far behind. At that point, I was going through a lot of changes - I was growing up, not liking my job and looking for a new one (which I found and it was my dream job), I just ended a relationship and was questioning some of the decisions that I had made and there was just a feeling of restlessness. Anyway, as soon as I go back "home", I realize how much I miss it there. There is a comfort in know where things are and how to get from Point A to Point B with out navigation. I also have my oldest friends and family there. I spent 30 years of my life there and as much as I love living in Canada and the experience in living in different locations on this planet, deep down, I think that I will end up back in New England at some point in my life. I guess you can take the girl out of New England, but you can't take New England out of the girl!
Goodbye Connecticut, I/we will see you soon!
At the end of June, Arabella and I hit the road to spend time in Connecticut and Boston to visit family and friends. We hit Connecticut first and had a great time. The drive was pretty uneventful...just a lot of sunshine, blue skies and Lady Gaga! I like Gaga and right now Arabella is in love with her music, and I do have to say, it is much better than listening to Elmo or the Wiggles over and ever again. However, I am not sure that it is good that she is starting to know the songs word for word and is singing them out loud as we drive. I was able to enjoy some of the music on my iPod while she watched a Curious George DVD and when she fell asleep. I was thankful for Gaga break and enjoyed Britney, Adele, some old Dave Matthews and some other great tunes!
Perfect driving weather!
This trip, we stayed at Auntie Lori's house for a change. It was nice to be able to help her out with a few things and Arabella loved being able to play the piano, have breakfast made by Uncle Wayne and she even enjoyed some sparklers...at first she liked them, then she didn't, and then she did!
The day that I had Arabella's photos done, Grampy met us at Elizabeth Park and then took us to lunch at Counter Burger in Blue Back Square. It was super yummy and we had a great time. After lunch, Arabella wanted to go to Grampy's house to see the animals and feed Patches, the turtle. It was a great day and Arabella had a lot of fun with Grampy. She even made sure to get in lots of hugs!
It is amazing how quickly time passes when we are visiting family and friends. We spent a fun evening at Aunt Margo and Uncle Bill's house and also visited with the Aunts and Cliff. Arabella had fun and really enjoyed playing the piano at Aunt Moona's! She also had a fun time doing her puzzles with Aunt Rose. One night on the way back to Auntie Lori's we stopped at the Barkhamsted Reservoir - Arabella was in awe of the rushing water and I was able to snap a few great pics. Before we knew it, it was time to load up the car and head to Boston to see Grammie, Uncle Mike, Uncle Jeff, Macy & Rocco!
At the Reservoir.
Spending time with Arabella's great, great Aunts!
I remember a time about 8 or so years ago, when I couldn't stand being in Connecticut anymore. I wanted to leave New England and Connecticut far behind. At that point, I was going through a lot of changes - I was growing up, not liking my job and looking for a new one (which I found and it was my dream job), I just ended a relationship and was questioning some of the decisions that I had made and there was just a feeling of restlessness. Anyway, as soon as I go back "home", I realize how much I miss it there. There is a comfort in know where things are and how to get from Point A to Point B with out navigation. I also have my oldest friends and family there. I spent 30 years of my life there and as much as I love living in Canada and the experience in living in different locations on this planet, deep down, I think that I will end up back in New England at some point in my life. I guess you can take the girl out of New England, but you can't take New England out of the girl!
Goodbye Connecticut, I/we will see you soon!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Sneak Peek
When we were in Connecticut, I had Arabella's 3 year photos taken by an old friend from high school. I will share more details later, but here is a sneak peek of the photos...
I should have the DVD with the other images we picked out by the weekend, if not then they should be here the beginning of next week. I can't wait to share the rest of them!
I should have the DVD with the other images we picked out by the weekend, if not then they should be here the beginning of next week. I can't wait to share the rest of them!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
On The Road Again
Last week, Arabella and I made a quick road trip to Connecticut to visit family and so we could bring Auntie Lori back to Canada with us for a visit. We made it over Pont Champlain and the frozen St. Lawrence River.
It was the perfect day for a drive and what should have been an uneventful trip back to the States turned into a nightmare of a drive. We made it through customs and while Arabella was taking a snooze in the back, I decided to have a snack. But as I was eating an apple, I was hit with a severe case of gastro. I will spare you the details, but needless to say, it wasn't pretty and I had flashbacks to the night of my bachelorette party. After I was done getting sick on the side of the highway in Vermont, a State Trooper stopped to ask if everything was OK, which was comforting, and I felt better so I thought I could make the rest of the drive. However, it wasn't going as good as I thought it would. I had to stop again and when I made it to Massachusetts, my dad had to come and pick us up and drive the rest of the way. Thank goodness he was able to come and rescue us. Thank you Dad! I was totally wiped out and Arabella was being so good. We went to bed early and laid low the next day. Arabella did have a fun time playing with the cats at Grampy's and she even got to feed Patches, the turtle. She and Grampy had fun playing with Playdoh and she even helped load the dishwasher.
On Thursday, we had dinner with Aunt Margo and Uncle Bill. It was nice to be able to spend a little time with them before we went to Auntie Lori's for the night. We had fun having a sleep over at Auntie's house before leaving the next morning to make the drive back home. We made a few last minute stops and then we stopped at the Yankee Candle store in Deerfield, Massachusetts and it was perfect timing since they were having their annual warehouse sale. I was able to stock up on some candles which is always a good thing. From there, we hit the road and made it back home.
We had a great trip back, it was nice to have Auntie Lori with us and Arabella rocked in the car...she made the whole road trip (6 hours each way) with no accidents...I really think we have the potty training down. You are awesome Arabella!
It was the perfect day for a drive and what should have been an uneventful trip back to the States turned into a nightmare of a drive. We made it through customs and while Arabella was taking a snooze in the back, I decided to have a snack. But as I was eating an apple, I was hit with a severe case of gastro. I will spare you the details, but needless to say, it wasn't pretty and I had flashbacks to the night of my bachelorette party. After I was done getting sick on the side of the highway in Vermont, a State Trooper stopped to ask if everything was OK, which was comforting, and I felt better so I thought I could make the rest of the drive. However, it wasn't going as good as I thought it would. I had to stop again and when I made it to Massachusetts, my dad had to come and pick us up and drive the rest of the way. Thank goodness he was able to come and rescue us. Thank you Dad! I was totally wiped out and Arabella was being so good. We went to bed early and laid low the next day. Arabella did have a fun time playing with the cats at Grampy's and she even got to feed Patches, the turtle. She and Grampy had fun playing with Playdoh and she even helped load the dishwasher.
On Thursday, we had dinner with Aunt Margo and Uncle Bill. It was nice to be able to spend a little time with them before we went to Auntie Lori's for the night. We had fun having a sleep over at Auntie's house before leaving the next morning to make the drive back home. We made a few last minute stops and then we stopped at the Yankee Candle store in Deerfield, Massachusetts and it was perfect timing since they were having their annual warehouse sale. I was able to stock up on some candles which is always a good thing. From there, we hit the road and made it back home.
We had a great trip back, it was nice to have Auntie Lori with us and Arabella rocked in the car...she made the whole road trip (6 hours each way) with no accidents...I really think we have the potty training down. You are awesome Arabella!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Happy Birthday Auntie Lori
While we were in Connecticut, we were lucky enough to be invited to Auntie Lori's "Surprise" Birthday party. Wayne made great pizza and we had yummy chocolate cake. We were very happy to be able to celebrate with Auntie Lori. Arabella even got to help blow out the candles on her Birthday cake! Happy Birthday Auntie Lori, we hope you have a year filled with fun, love and excitement!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Fun With Gabe & Emily
While in Connecticut, we spent an evening with Andi, Jose, Gabe and Emily. Arabella stayed up way past her bed time since the kids were having so much fun playing and since they don't get to see each other too often. Besides, Andi and I were having just as much fun talking and catching up. I knew I missed Andi, but I did not realize how much until I saw her. I am so thankful to have her as my friend and enjoyed the time we spent together. Arabella is still talking about all the fun she had with Gabe and Emily. We look forward to spending more time with them the next time we visit Connecticut.
Thanksgiving in Connecticut
Last week, Arabella and I made the road trip back to Connecticut to celebrate Thanksgiving with family. Jay stayed in Montreal since he doesn't get the US holidays off and to be able to catch up on work before he left to travel again. Arabella did great on the ride down and was even able to take a great snooze in the car! 
Even before a turkey induced coma, Arabella took a great nap.
We enjoyed a great day and Thanksgiving dinner at Aunt Margo & Uncle Bill's house. Dad, Aunt Rose, Aunt Moona and Cliff also spent the afternoon with us and enjoyed all the yummy food!
We even had my grandmother's yummy cheese ball, that I haven't had in at least 15 years!
Arabella helped to make whipped cream for dessert and she loved it!
Even before a turkey induced coma, Arabella took a great nap.
We enjoyed a great day and Thanksgiving dinner at Aunt Margo & Uncle Bill's house. Dad, Aunt Rose, Aunt Moona and Cliff also spent the afternoon with us and enjoyed all the yummy food!
We even had my grandmother's yummy cheese ball, that I haven't had in at least 15 years!
Arabella helped to make whipped cream for dessert and she loved it!
We had a lot of fun and enjoyed spending the day with family, and for that we are very thankful!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Catching Up
Arabella and I had so much fun when we visited Connecticut for Labor Day weekend, actually it was 8 days, but who is counting?? Although, I think that I needed a vacation from the vacation when we got back since I was driving all over the state trying to fit in visits with as many family members and friends as possible. I also had to fit in some shopping and a doctor visit for me. Yes, everything is fine, it was just a routine doctor visit for me, since the wonderful Canadian/Quebec medical system is so overloaded I decided to make an appointment with my old OB/Gyn in Connecticut. Much easier, less stress and Arabella got to spend the day at the pool with Auntie Lori!
On Friday morning, I met a childhood friend in West Hartford Center for a late breakfast or early lunch. I was super excited to see Alana since it had been 10 years and I wanted her to meet Arabella. As soon as we saw each other, it was like we had just seen each other last week - it amazes me that it was like that since so much time has passed. We have grown up, gotten married, I had Arabella - but still it was as if we were back at the beach just hanging out. I guess that is a true mark of real friendship - that you can go years, decades without speaking and when you do reconnect, it is like that time didn't pass. We talked and laughed and got caught up. It was so much fun to see her and spend time with her. Arabella also had fun and I promise that when we are back in Connecticut, we will see each other again. Thanks for having a fun morning with us Alana, can't wait to see you again soon, only next time, maybe we can do some shopping like we used to!
Arabella and I were also invited to Laureen, Mark and Brandon's BBQ on Sunday. It was the first time that I have seen Laureen since her baby shower and I was looking forward to meeting her new bundle of joy, Brandon! He is such a little cutie and such a good baby. And who can resist those big blue eyes?? Arabella was so gentle with him, it was adorable to watch her with him. It was such a fun time and we were able to relax, spend time outside and catch up on everything that has gone on over the past few months. Thanks for inviting us, the food was excellent (Teddy even enjoyed some of the corn on the cob) and we had a blast!
We also were able to spend a ton of time with Dad, Aunt Margo and Uncle Bill! Arabella had fun playing with bubbles with Uncle Bill. She also had fun at Grampy's/Dad's playing with all the animals. She and Aston has so much fun lounging around together and watching TV. I was amazed at how good he is with her, he would let her climb all over him and she would give him big hugs! Arabella also had fun chasing the cats around Grampy's house too. I bet the cats were happy to see us leave so they could get some peace and quiet again.
Arabella even had her first cannoli - she is a little Italian girl through and through. She opted for chocolate, not my favorite, but maybe as she grows, she will become partial to the ricotta one like me...one can hope right?
Arabella had fun with Grampy and was able to sweet talk him into giving her money for her piggy bank - each and every dollar or cent that was given to her has been deposited into them! You can see the money in her hand in the pictures below. Thanks Grampy!
Time went by too quickly like it always does. It was so hard to fit in visits with everyone and we are sad that we couldn't see you, but rest assured, on the next go around, we will see you.
On Friday morning, I met a childhood friend in West Hartford Center for a late breakfast or early lunch. I was super excited to see Alana since it had been 10 years and I wanted her to meet Arabella. As soon as we saw each other, it was like we had just seen each other last week - it amazes me that it was like that since so much time has passed. We have grown up, gotten married, I had Arabella - but still it was as if we were back at the beach just hanging out. I guess that is a true mark of real friendship - that you can go years, decades without speaking and when you do reconnect, it is like that time didn't pass. We talked and laughed and got caught up. It was so much fun to see her and spend time with her. Arabella also had fun and I promise that when we are back in Connecticut, we will see each other again. Thanks for having a fun morning with us Alana, can't wait to see you again soon, only next time, maybe we can do some shopping like we used to!
I know this is a cheesy group pic, but we forgot to ask someone to take our picture outside and so we had to settle with the one the clerk took in Plimptons!
Arabella and Alana having fun!
Arabella and I were also invited to Laureen, Mark and Brandon's BBQ on Sunday. It was the first time that I have seen Laureen since her baby shower and I was looking forward to meeting her new bundle of joy, Brandon! He is such a little cutie and such a good baby. And who can resist those big blue eyes?? Arabella was so gentle with him, it was adorable to watch her with him. It was such a fun time and we were able to relax, spend time outside and catch up on everything that has gone on over the past few months. Thanks for inviting us, the food was excellent (Teddy even enjoyed some of the corn on the cob) and we had a blast!
We also were able to spend a ton of time with Dad, Aunt Margo and Uncle Bill! Arabella had fun playing with bubbles with Uncle Bill. She also had fun at Grampy's/Dad's playing with all the animals. She and Aston has so much fun lounging around together and watching TV. I was amazed at how good he is with her, he would let her climb all over him and she would give him big hugs! Arabella also had fun chasing the cats around Grampy's house too. I bet the cats were happy to see us leave so they could get some peace and quiet again.
Arabella even had her first cannoli - she is a little Italian girl through and through. She opted for chocolate, not my favorite, but maybe as she grows, she will become partial to the ricotta one like me...one can hope right?
Arabella had fun with Grampy and was able to sweet talk him into giving her money for her piggy bank - each and every dollar or cent that was given to her has been deposited into them! You can see the money in her hand in the pictures below. Thanks Grampy!
Time went by too quickly like it always does. It was so hard to fit in visits with everyone and we are sad that we couldn't see you, but rest assured, on the next go around, we will see you.
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