A Nice Hike at Long Point

The weather was threatening rain, but we took a chance and headed out to Long Point State Park in Bemus Point last weekend. I am glad we did, because the rain never came and we had a very nice hike along the lake. I love this state park, because the hiking trail is short enough for our small boys.

We parked by the bath house and headed for the marina and "long point" that juts out into Chautauqua Lake. There is a nice, paved path for this portion of the hike. Several families had brought bikes to use on the bike lanes. We really need to get Dennis's bike in for maintenance so that we can take a family bike ride.

Nolan by the bath house

Sticks: a vital part of every hike

The real trail passes a large, grassy meadow. Which proved irrestable to a certain three year old boy!

Several side paths lead through the woods and down to the lake. There was even a (very) tiny beach with some shells and stones, which the boys loved throwing into the lake.


We continued on our hike through the woods, which was absolutely filled with poison ivy. Thankfully, no one developed a rash after this portion of the hike! Next time we'll wear pants.

Leaves of three...didn't get me!

We made it to the end of the point and took a little break to watch boaters and water skiers zoom across the lake. When the weather warms up, we're definitely coming back for a swim!

L.O.V.E. this boy

Driving

We have had a lot of rain this year, which means our grass is growing at a rate rarely seen outside of Ireland. While this means more work for Daddy, it also means more tractor rides for little boys!

Nolan and Matt get so excited they literally dance at the window, waiting for the mowing job to be completed (we never allow them on the lawn tractor while it is cutting the grass, for obvious safety reasons). Then Daddy takes them on a little ride around the house, sometimes allowing them to steer.

If only raking and weeding were as much fun as mowing!

Matt is going to be bummed that he napped through mowing time!

Grandma's Visit

We are really rather fortunate, because even though our family resides 3,000 miles away, we are able to see them several times per year. Grandma Lefler flew out to spend time with us in early July, and we had a great time! Despite having a rather wet summer, nature granted us a break and we had a (nearly) rain-free week. We managed to visit the Erie Zoo, the Audubon Center, and the children's museum in Erie. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera while hiking and at the museum, but I did get a few shots at the zoo!

Hanging out with Grandma by the tiger exhibit

The best thing about Grandmas and zoos is that we go on all the rides. The boys were ecstatic to ride the carousel and the train, things we don't do on our typical visits to the zoo.

Nolan: a fan of the merry-go-round

Matt: absolute glee

On the train with Grandma

The train at the Erie Zoo

Pumping water in the kid's zoo

Matt pretending to squirt Grandma in the Adventure Center

Nolan tending a giraffe in the "vet" center.

We were all a little sad when Grandma's visit came to an end. You can only imagine our excitement when we found out Grandma and Grandpa will be returning in time for Nolan's second birthday at the end of August!

Reading The Very Lonely Firefly

Our July 4 Weekend

I am ridiculously late in updating this blog, mostly because of the fun summer activities that have kept us delightfully busy. Independence Day weekend was a blast, as we were invited to Dennis's cousin's house in State College, PA. I made two pies to take down to the event- the apple pie survived the journey fairly well, but the fresh strawberry pie didn't fare as well- turns out "fresh" pies should really be eaten right away!

Penn State has a great 4th of July celebration, replete with a carnival and a huge fireworks display at night. We went to the carnival first, enjoying the rides and activities.

Matthew was in seventh heaven with the kettle corn. The best thing about this day was the three older cousins who were able to keep Matt from wandering off. Riley would hold out the bag of kettle corn, and Matt would trot along, trying to reach his hand inside the bag.

We looked at an assortment of military vehicles and Nolan really enjoyed hanging out in the Hummer. There must be a "truck gene" somewhere on the Y chromosome.


There were several activities set up for the kids, and Matt tried his hand at being a football player, made a necklace (a manly one, of course), and raced a remote-controlled car.



After all the daytime festivities, we settled in to watch an amazing fireworks display. Matt crashed at about 7:30pm, and we were afraid he might miss the fun. Fortunately, he woke up in time to roll down the enormous grassy hill by the stadium and to watch the fireworks.

We stayed the night and left the next day. We were so sad to say goodbye to fun cousins and the delicious Berkey Creamery. If I lived in State College, I believe I would weigh at least 800 pounds from the ice cream dispensed there! Matthew asks to go back to "Cousin Austin's" house at least once per week- he sure misses his big cousins!

Superhero

Matthew received a Spiderman costume from his cousin Austin. While Matt has absolutely no idea of who Spiderman is, he is more than willing to improvise. The poor costume has gotten so much wear that it is starting to fall apart. The child eats, sleeps, and plays in the costume. Any attempt to remove it is met with a strongly worded, "NO! I'm 'Piderman!"

I wish there was a way to bottle up three-year-old-boy and keep it forever.