Cushing Cousin Time

The California Cushing's came to town, and we painted the town red!  They were here for a full week, and in that time we had multiple game nights, lots of tasty dinners together, swim days, Planet Play and Bee's dates and just way to much fun.  Here is a mighty rare picture of the cousins together!  A good looking bunch!

Anniversary #7 - New York City

We LOVE to travel as a couple, but have not gotten the opportunity in a long while.  Don't get me wrong, we are always on the go, heading somewhere as a family.  So it was really nice when Brett proposed a trip to NYC for out 7th anniversary.  We spent a year planning, saving, and excitedly looking forward to all of the amazing things we would get to see and do there.  The list was pretty long and as our anniversary rolled around got longer and longer. I was a little hesitant that we wouldn't be able to see and do everything, but we managed to fill our days in the city from morning to night - and could have kept going (had I brought more appropriate footwear!). I have many fond memories of this trip, from the new and exciting Crumbs cupcakes (best in the world) that I was spoiled with almost nightly, to the chocolate waffles (yes, they were very tasty) that Brett picked up nightly.  There were the late night walks, the crazy people on the subway (great for people watching),sights that go on and on forever and my ever watchful eye for celebrities (which we saw!).  It was full of fun, and memories that I will cherish for the rest of our lives!

The first day/evening we were there, we spent time walking up to Central Park and all around that area.  It is amazing to see his HUGE park, right in the middle of all of these tall buildings.  We found a great place to eat and then spent the rest of the evening milling around near our hotel, which was right in Times Square.

 One of the days we spent at the MET and some of the other Museums. It's amazing how much history is available inside one very large building (and how long you can wander around getting lost and seeing the same thing and not even know it!).  Once I knew that they had and exhibition of the Cloisters Unicorn Tapestries, I knew I had to see them.  They are a favorite of mine, and unfortunately were on display at another museum on the other side of town.  But we headed over there (because Brett is such an amazing husband) and hiked up a huge hillside to another museum - only to learn that my FAVORITE tapestry was in a room - not on display due to an important viewing they were having the next week, but Brett did his best to sneak the camera over the barrier and get a picture for me!  Plus, now we have a fridge magnet of it!

 We spent a day on a boat cruise touring around Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty (which was much smaller than I imagined).  We were not able to get off of the boat and see the area at either site because of the damage that Hurricane Sandy did to the monuments and island. - Darn Sandy!

We also visited "Ground Zero" and the 9/11 Memorial.  How very sad, yet inspiring - so many people standing in line to visit and take it all in.  It was really a great place to remember how important our lives and freedoms are. I only teared up a few times - but held it together pretty well.  It was so peaceful and nice to see how respectful people were.

Of course there were baseball games to be seen and great baseball food to be had.  Seriously...I've not seen better ballpark options - and it was oh so very hard to choose what to have for dinner!  I do love a good baseball game - hanging out, good food, great company - it doesn't get much better!

When we were married and on our honeymoon, Brett tried to get me to go and see Wicked.  I was not interested - and boy did I miss out!  But, being the husband that he is, gave me another chance when we were in NYC!  It was WONDERFUL! I would have gone back a second night (if only the tickets were the least bit reasonable!). 

I had the greatest time, and thank goodness for two very capable grandmas, all of our children were loved and spoiled.  I have to say that family time is great - and we have alot of it, but something like this is oh so very rare and oh so much fun!  I am so grateful for the amazing husband I was able to find, and create these kind of memories with. He is truly one in a million and I am so very lucky!

McKaleigh's Dutch Oven Cookoff - 2nd Place

 Every year the 9th graders have the opportunity to participate in a dutch oven cookoff.  It's kind of a big deal.  This year McKaleigh and her friend Jorga decided to throw their hats in the ring.  It was much more complicated than anticipated, thats for sure!  They had to (I) fill out all kinds of waivers and permission slips, register their recipe with the school, get their food checked out by the health department, stand in front of a panel of judges (like on iron chef), before they could serve it to the public, have a parent there at all times to monitor the exchange of money...It was no small feat!  They cooked up homemade mac and cheese, pulled pork sliders and monkey bread. 

 The fun thing about this cookoff, is that it is kind of legendary. The whole neighborhood comes out, the high school kids drive over and there are lots of elementary school kids begging to get checked out  to taste the feast that these kids have prepared in dutch ovens.  They get to decided what to charge for their meals and keep the money that they make, ...McKaleigh and Jorga made about $80.00 each!

 AND took second place overall - out of about 40 teams!  Way to go girls, you are welcome to cook for our campout anytime!