Bronx Zoo (9/10/12) and Bear Mountain (9/12/12)

The weather has been spectacular in the last week so we took advantage of that and of Mama's last few days with us. Here are some pictures from the Bronx zoo and Bear Mountain (Lake Hessian).

First day of Nursery School! 9/11/12

We did great on our first day of nursery school!
Alex and I had to stay the 1st day (just an hour long). Gabi didn't seem nervous at all. She was relishing the experience. She was very pro-active and confident. Alexi was very interested in the toys and did a great job of listening during story time. He broke down a few times when there was a transition from one activity to another. He did great at calming himself and it didn't last very long each time. He always continued the activity just with a pout. He was definitely more nervous than Gabi but overall he was a trooper. We were so proud of them.
On our way home, Alexi asked us: "Kell megegyszer menni, Mommy?". (Will we have to go again?)

;-))))

Anniversary getaway - Hudson river valley

Alex and I went away for a day and night for our 7th wedding anniversary. I found a place upstate in Milton, NY along the Hudson called Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa. It was beautiful! It was in B&B style, very quaint and rustic. There were several ponds on the property, a waterfall and small trails down to the Hudson. The Inn had it's own small farm (aviary, llamas, sheep..) and organic gardens. All their food was made from their own produce and was delicious!
The spa was in a separate building (steam room, sauna, pool all inclusive; massages etc. had to be paid for).
It was the perfect getaway for us.
I took a lot of pictures mostly as a potential wedding venue for Ildi and Aaron!

Our room.

One of the private cottages. Notice the path under the weeping willow.. it leads down to the event area.

Spa on the right. Eco-friendly, hence the industrial look. Awesome inside.

Path leading right to the event area

Event area. Gorgeous view of Hudson.

Looking back up at Inn and cottages.

Buttermilk Falls waterfall

Almost didn't make it to 7 years :-))

Outdoor dining area of main Inn.

View from main Inn

One of the private cottages

Walking over to the farm and gardens

Awesome little bridge w/ ponds on either side

Barn

Llamas on farm

Aviary

Peacocks

Another private cottage, overlook Hudson

Last days of July rolled into 1 post

We had a busy few days since Alex has about 5-6 days off in a row.

We celebrated Alex's Bday this past weekend with a party at our place. We had a great time! Such a good time, in fact, that I didn't have a chance to take more than just a few shots:

Setting up.

Gabi making decorations for the party.....

Little helper

Then on Monday we took a train ride into the city and hung out in Bryant Park:

Quick shot with my phone of our 2 1/2 hr. bike ride today. We all enjoyed it but I am LOVING my new bike.

Dancing

For their Birthday, the kids received a great musical DVD from their cousins in California: the Laurie Berkner band. Julia and Athena also listened to it as children. Gabi and Alexi LOOOOVE it! We've had it for a week and watch it about 3 times/day on average. In the videos, you can see them dancing and singing (bits) along to 'The Goldfish' song tonight. I hope you can hear the lyrics to the song so you understand their interpretation.

Highlights from our week

 Nenje Ildi was in town for a couple of days. Of course, the kids were ecstatic.

And I finally started -slowly- potty training them.We have been having discussions about it for months and months but I have been putting it off.... The last few nights, they put their little underwear on and I put the potties in the den. Gabi's track record was 5 for 5.. Not a single accident. Alexi however (typical of a boy :-) had as many accidents as he made it in the potty.
Now, I know why I have been putting it off... it is a lot of work training them at the same time.

Another fun afternoon

We were invited to a BBQ in LI (Port Washington) this evening, just 10 mins from our house. The host was Alex's old co-worker from Stonybrook and his wife. As you can see, their yard was a total kid's fun-topia. Good thing as there were lots of kids. One family had 5 kids, another 3... It was a nice little reunion of sorts for Alex as some of his other ex co-workers were also there. All around great company and a fun time.
In the video we captured a great moment: Gabi and Alexi agreed to play some b-ball together. Gabi was the pitcher; Alexi the batter :-).