The girls went on so many rides. Some of the rides they enjoyed were the rocking pirate ship and the pedal cars. It was such a nice day. The lines weren't long so we were able to do a lot. The longest we had to wait for a ride was about 10 minutes.

Mandi's 31st Birthday

We celebrated Mandi's 31st birthday at our weekly Friday night gathering. Our great friends, the Seling's got a b-day cake, and Lou gave her the lovely flowers in the background.

Missing Front Teeth

Kelly finally lost her two front teeth a few weeks ago. Her adult teeth have already cut through.

Our visit to Maine

During our visit to PA Tom and I drove up to Maine to see our 85 acres. It took about 12 hours to drive there. There was a lot of snow in Maine! We spent only a brief amount of time there, but were able to explore the land and see the surrounding towns. We were so happy that we finally got to see it.

Digging Out

Tom tried to dig a spot on the side of the road to park the truck, but there were layers of ice and snow. Plus, the shovel broke. Luckily our nice neighbors across the street introduced themselves and let us park the truck in their driveway.

This is the house and the barn. The house needs some remodeling, so we're not sure if we're going to keep it or tear it down and remodel. Anyhow, it was fun staying in it, even if the temperature was only 17 degrees!

This is our backyard. The neighbor told us that a family of moose live on our property.

Blazing the Trail

Tom blazed the trail almost the entire way. I took over toward the end. Whew, it was hard work cutting through all that snow!

Here I am standing at the eastern border of our land, which butts up to the Canadian border.

New York City

Friday was a fun-filled day. Kelly and I visited NYC with some of our family. We took the train from Newark, New Jersey all the way to the World Trade Center remains. Then we rode the ferry to Ellis Island. On our way over we say the Statue of Liberty. Once on the island we visited the Immigration Museum. Once we arrived back at the city we took the subway to 42nd Street and walked to Times Square. Times Square was quite an experience. There were huge crowds of people everywhere. We saw tons of stores, and of course we had to make a stop at the American Girl Place. To finish off our day we grabbed some dessert, hopped on the subway and took the train back to Newark. It was a great trip.

The World Trade Center

As we rode the train into the city we were able to see the remains of the World Trade Center. After we walked out of the station I took pictures through the fence. It was quite a sight.

American Girl Place

While we were in New York City we visited the American Girl Place. Kelly brought her American Girl doll, Felicity. Her cousin, Annelise brought Kit. The store was packed with little girls and their dolls.

Riding the Train

We rode the train from Newark, New Jersey to the World Trade Center station in New York City. Here's Kelly with her cousins, Emily and Annelise.

The Statue of Liberty

We took the ferry from Battery Park to Ellis Island. On the way we stopped at the Statue of Liberty to drop off passengers.

Ellis Island

We visited the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.

New York City

Mandi in Times Square

Tom's Christmas Present

Mandi couldn't wait any longer so she gave Tom his Christmas present on Christmas Eve. He guessed what it was before I brought it down, but he still loved it.

Kelly's Miniature Horse

Pop-Pop and Mom Mom gave Kelly a miniature horse for her birthday. The horse's name is Sierra, Si Si for short. Kelly was so surprised when she saw the horse. There are actually 2, but one is Kelly's very own. Every day we go out and feed them before letting them out to pasture. They are a lot of fun for everyone!

Kelly's Birthday Party

We celebrated Kelly's 7th birthday at the art studio. She and her friends chose a ceramic to paint. Of course, Kelly chose to paint a horse.

Singing "Happy Birthday"

After painting at the art studio, we went to McDonalds for Happy Meals and cupcakes. Kelly had fun opening her gifts.

Only 9 Days Left!

Kelly made a paper chain to count down the days until we leave for Pennsylvania. On Monday there were only 9 days left! We are so excited to come home.

Kelly received a certificate of achievement at her school during a special "Thinker Reception". It was special because only 2 children from each grade were nominated.

Kelly receives her certificate.

Kelly holds her certificate.

Kelly loves to ride the motorcycle with her daddy.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was low key this year. Mandi made the meal. We had turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and yams-yum!

Kelly loves her American Girl, Felicity

Kelly's Early Birthday

Meme, Jonathan, Uncle Mike, Aunt Kelly and Kelly's cousins sent her birthday present early. Kelly opened it yesterday and was sooooo excited. Now her American Girl doll, Felicity has some pretty dresses. Kelly says, "Thank You to everyone". She absolutely loves them!