First Day of 5th Grade and Pre-K

The kids finally went back to school last week! Brad started on Wednesday, and Jacob started on Thursday. Bradley is beginning his last year at elementary school, and Jacob is starting his first! He was so excited to go to school finally.

We got to meet their teachers and see their classrooms the week before. Bradley has Mr. Martin, and will be on the second floor.

Jacob has Mrs. Moore for Pre-K, and is going in the afternoons. He rides a small bus to school, then rides the big bus with Brad to come home. It's so nice that they pick him up and drop open them off right in front of the house!

Hiking NY: Zoar Valley and Griffis Sculpture Park

Last Friday me and my close friend (and hiking buddy!) Jessica met her friend Ashley and we all headed south of Buffalo to hike for the day. First we did a couple of short trails at Zoar Valley along the Cattaraugus River.

Next we headed several miles east and hiked at Griffis Sculpture Park. It was opened to the public by a metal artist many years ago. There are different types of metal sculptures all throughout the park amongst clearings.

We had a fun day hiking, and are planning many more BIG adventures in the near future!! Stay tuned...

Meeting the Teachers

Last Wednesday the boys got to meet their teachers and see their classrooms for the upcoming school year. Bradley will be in 5th grade (his last year in elementary school!!), and Jacob will start afternoon Pre-K! They are both very excited, and will be able to ride the bus home together.

Jacob's teacher will be Mrs. Moore. He already has a desk assigned, and he got to see his mailbox and where to hang his backpack! The teachers will walk him to and from the bus each day to be sure he makes it there safely.

Bradley's teacher will be Mr. Martin upstairs on the second floor. The principal chose Brad to be in Advanced Mathematics this year, so we are very proud of him!

Bradley starts on Wednesday, and Jacob will start on Thursday. Unfortunately they will miss next Monday and Tuesday due to our family vacation in Florida, but I'm sure they'll catch up!

Six Flags and Pentatonix

This is the boys' last week of summer vacation, so I surprised Brad with a trip to Six Flags at Darien Lake! He rode most of the rides, and got to ride the coaster he missed out on last year for being too short. My friend Brigid came with us for some fun!

One of the wilder coasters left him a little sore from the harness, so we stopped by the first aid station for some Ibuprofen and a heat pack...

After that we dropped Brad off at home and us girls hit the road for an outdoor concert by Pentatonix!! They are a great a cappella group and sound just as amazing live as they do on a recording.

Rachel Platten opened for them, and she was good as well.

Hamlin Beach, then some Rock n Roll

Last week we had a fabulous Friday! Me and my girls Brigid and Jessica had tickets to an outdoor concert that evening, so we decided to pack up a big picnic and start the fun on the beach! Nick and the boys came with us too, so it was a group excursion. 

The sun was warm, the breeze was cool, and the water was peaceful.

After that we dropped the boys off at home and hit the road for a girl's night at Darien Lake Ampitheater for a rock concert by Billy Idol and **my favorite** Bryan Adams!!!!! This was my 3rd time seeing Bryan.

We got there a bit early, and rain closed the rides at the park so we just set up in the parking lot and tailgated until concert time!!! Don't judge my disposable grill---the hotdogs were delish. I also grilled pineapple!

We had a grand ole time then claimed our spot on the lawn for the show! They were handing out sunglasses, so obviously we had to all get some!

Billy Idol was just amazing, and he rocked it even at the young age of 63! After him was a short intermission, then the main act came out and it was on!!!!

A freak rain shower blew threw right after he came on, and we just danced through it! A little water just cooled us off.

It was an absolutely great concert, and after finally escaping the parking lot and driving back home, it was well after midnight!

Until next time Bryan!