Tobey Family

Memorial Day Weekend with the Johnson's

2010-01-18T21:40:00.005-05:00

Well it had been to long but we did it we made it to another Tobey/Johnson weekend. It was just as we had never been apart. We traveled down to Philly to make our first of may visits with luck. The kids got along famously and do did the adults. It was perfect. Did some eating, drinking and playing what more could any one ask for. Here is some documentation of the festivities.

Arrival in Philly we arrived very late an stayed up even later catching up over a few bottles of vino and Robyn's famous dip and chips. I can still taste it. Yummy. Then off to bed for a fun filled day of baseball, and cheese stake sandwiches.

They still look so cute together, I know Ally is in heaven in this shot.On our way to Philly the boys were sleepy after their big baseball games

"Connor don't mess with him he is resting you already had a turn."Geno's or....Pat's....which one will it be....

Sorry for the angle but it was Geno'sSilly kids waiting for their grubTouring Philly Kid shot, as Ally would Say "Boy, Girl, Boy" oh, boy mommy and daddy sayAgain apologies for the angle but saw the Rocky steps and did it too!

Topped off by a visit to the pool club

Some more Spring 2009

2010-01-18T21:05:00.004-05:00

May:

So may things happened between the start of Mini Horse show season, Kwanas fair for some adventure, then we brought a Mini horse to School, then we ended the month with the Johnson's in Philly, and we even made it to the boat a few times for some fun in the sun.

Now lets recap with a few photos of the moments:

Start of the Mini Horse Season.

Muma and Ally with LadyGetting ready to go into the show ring
In Action, way to go they took home the Blue for this action

Kwans was in town, we took part in some of the rides and fun.Ally and AvaThe girls learning how to drive like a Carny

Next we brought Trigger to school to teach about the jobs that horses can have and they do come in many different sizes.

This is Trigger

Every one had a question

Even Ally was learning

Muma even had him do tricks.

Spring 2009 Catch up...

2009-06-09T11:35:00.011-04:00

Well I have been such a bad blogger...

I have not posted so many wonderful things that have been going on due to lack to making time. So here we go I will try to give a recap of April, May, June, July, Aug, and now we are into a whole new year. What can I say I think I should try to sum it all up with a few high light photos.

APRIL:

We had a birthday season in April between Ally becoming a 5 year old and so many of our closest friends baby's changing in ages too, her is a mini photo recap of a few things we did in April:

For Ally's 5th Birthday Gift Mommy and Daddy gave Ally tickets to the Celtics in Boston. She could not have been any happier. You would have thought you just gave her a million $$.

Really she was excited about the face painting but she was just in a zone
"Let's Go Celtics, Boom Boom"

She was so happy it was all hanging out,

Happy Birthday Ally hope you had fun!
Then that weekend we had a Cooking Birthday Party for our birthday girl. All the kids made mini Pizza's and decorated their own cup cakes. It was so much fun but yet so messy. Every one seemed to love it. Not to mention that the weather was just stunning, bright sunny, warm day, may all of her birthdays be this way.

Ally with her Birthday Cup Cake and "Ally's cooking Bash T-shirt"
Bella Boo and Ally Making their Birthday Cup Cakes

Kidos cruising in the vet

Easter Egg Decorating 2009

2009-06-09T11:22:00.003-04:00

We had so much fun decorating our Easter Eggs this year. We had Uncle Eric and Auntie Becky over to help. And what help they were the creativity was just flowing this year. We used a few new coloring and deco. We used, sparkles, egg coloring, and markers, and as always a great big mess. Every one had so much fun and what amazing eggs we had this year to show to the Easter bunny.

Uncle Eric and Ally

Check out those Sparkly eggs

This is Ally's count down calendar till her 5th birthday, since her birthday falls around Easter this year Bubbi made it Easter Egg themed. Ally is just so excited to turn 5. Mommy and Daddy are just so sad to see their baby turn 5.

Just a Touch of Maple...

2009-06-09T11:10:00.002-04:00

At the end of each winter there is the perfect time to make Maple Syrup and we traveled around our area to check them out on the Open Sugar house weekend. What a blast we had. We visited about 4 sugar houses and learned all about the process on how they get the sap from the trees to how the make the sap into maple sugar. The day was filled with fun, music, and food. Ally was so proud of her information she had learned that she made a chart for school to bring in the next day about how many gallons of sap it takes to make one gallon of maple syrup...for those of you that do not know it takes 30. Mommy and Ally by a sap spout.Ally and Daddy in a sugar house.Check out that hot maple syrup...yummy, wish we had smell a blog...the air was just so sweet smelling

After we visited the sugar houses we were inspired to make a Maple themed dinner, so we made:

Maple Pancakes, topped with warm Maple syrup

Eggs Benedict with Maple cured Ham

Baked Beans with Maple syrup

It was so much fun and a great new Tobey Family end of Winter Tradition.

Oh My Goodness where has time gone? and what have we been up to?

2009-05-07T11:55:00.007-04:00

Let's see we have done so much in the past few months and so much to recap on so let me just start...

We did a mini trip out West to check out the coast line, great trip nice mild weather and great company as always.

Check us out San Fran.

Fun loving in Carmel by the surf... poss future surfer Girl

Hansel and Gretel Cottage in Carmel so very cute

Fisher Mans Wharf checking out the Sea Lions

We had a wonderful trip out West to see Cali. Got to go up and down the coast line and learn all about the neat little towns.

Then when we got back we got right back into skiing. We took a ski weekend with the entire Tobey family. We even got Auntie Aylin back out on the sloops it was a blast. It was so much fun to get Aylin back out there and see Selim and Ally's progress. Ally was up the mountain by the end of the day skiing all by her self, she mastered the chair lift and was extremely confident. Daddy and I could not be any more proud. As for Daddy wow what a skier. He too mastered the magic carpet and the ski lift too, went with great confidence, he was carving his way down the mountain. by the end of the day he was arguing with the lift attendant that he just wanted "one more ride". It left us all feeling so great about our skiing season for 2009 and left us wanting more for the coming ski season of 2010.

After ski season came to an end we started thinking about what we could do to keep us busy till summer came and see what we came up with...After about 10 years apart my college roommate and I have reconnected!

Andrea and I were roommates in Collage at UNH back in the mid 90s and it was so great to reconnect. We had a wonderful day filled with laughs and great eats in Boston.Look how times have changed now we have amazing girls of our own!
Loving Daddy's in Boston

It is so nice to be reconnected with Andrea after so many years we have both grown so much and have so much to share for each other. Andrea and I were roommates for two years in college so it is so wonderful to have one of my closest friends back in our life! I so look forward to the years to come with our friendship back together.

The Bahamas Baby!

2009-02-19T21:00:00.007-05:00

We had an amazing trip to the Bahamas for our winter get away but there was one problem...the cold weather! Yes it was so cold that we wore our traveling cloths from NH to the Bahamas the entire trip. We only got to swim one day and hot tub it the others. They had never seen such cold days in years, they actually broke all time low records, go figure. But that did not effect our vacation all to much. We just over packed (you know brought summer cloths) but other than that it was perfect. We stayed at Atlantis resorts and it was picture perfect.

Ally got to swim with dolphins it was such a cool experience to have with her. She was cautious at first but as time went on she really got into it. Not to mention she look so cute in her Wet Suite, that alone was worth it in my eyes, but don't tell that to Selim. Then we also took advantage of the Sea Lion experience too, Ally just loved that too. Mommy and Daddy got kissed by the Sea Lion. Ally got to participate in the Aqua Tots program and was invited to feed the baby Sting Rays, that was so much fun to watch the kiddos all wadding in the cold water with shrimp to feed to the baby stingrays it was very cool to see. The faces on the kids varied from excited to terrified. Ours was in the middle more like interested but cautious as usual. She made sure to take her time and enjoy the moment.

Every were we went was just filled with marine life, huge fish tanks every were, containing sharks, rays, eels, lobsters, every thing you could ever imagine. Even Grouppy the Grouper, Ally loved him, not to forget Sawy the Saw fish. She tried to name every one but there were just to many to name. There are allot of Ally fish swimming around in the Bahamas now, oh and Mommy and Daddy fish too. I just love little one's imaginations, they are so pure and clean still.

We even got to watch many many fish feedings, they feed the predators huge hunks of meat, and did you know that fish eat fish, Ally just got a kick out of that one.

Over all we had a wonderful time and would love to go back with the weather is better. Selim was very disappointed by the wind and the temp so I owe him a warm up some time, let me think spring should be around the corner in NH right...

Please enjoy the photos from our trip.

This stuff never got worn, we had great intentions

We did love the water but a bit chilly, Ally didn't care she had to go in water, water every were she had to go in...
Mommy and Ally in predator Lagoon, very cool place to see them get feed

King Atlantis's Chair very big almost lost usAlly's rideAlly the photographer on the loose again she loves to have the camera
Sun seekers

Check Selim out with some water fun...check him out next, and away he goes!That is Selim and those are sharks swimming around him 7 seconds from top to bottom

He made it! Thank god!

Dolphin swim day, my little marine biologist in trainingDaddy look at us we are with Atlas

Ally touching her first Dolphin

Aqua Tots feeding the baby sting rays

Nice to meet you

"What are you doing kissing my Daddy?"

He got further on the first date than Selim did on our first dateFamily Vacation Photo!

Daddy and Ally's First Ski Day

2009-01-08T22:26:00.004-05:00

After New Years we headed up north to do some first time skiing for my family. They were all excited about the prospect of a new winter sport they may enjoy. I have been skiing since I was three so it was time for my 4 year old to start and high time for Selim to start too. We do live in New England after all. Pre Ski Prayer
Breakfast with a view

Are we missing any thing?
My two future Ski Bunnies

Does she look excited or what?
Okay here we go
yes she can move

Happy New Year 2009!

2009-01-08T22:18:00.003-05:00

We had a wonderful family celebration at home just the three of us. We played games, had lots of fun, food, chocolate fondue, dance party and fire works too. It was just wonderful. Hope every one had a Happy and Safe New Years Eve and a wonderful New Year to come!

Watch out Ally has the camera

See what I mean

Okay now Ally give mommy the camera, but you are just to cute to stop!

Snowy Night

2009-01-08T22:13:00.003-05:00

Selim and Ally are trying their hand at Snowboarding with Sleds, it is just to funny. I do have to say I did not get the final moments because I was just laughing to much.

After she got going to fast

He did rather well, till he hit the last bend then down he went, but every one is fine and still trying to snowboard on a sled.

Boston for the Holidays

2009-01-08T21:26:00.004-05:00

On the Sunday after Christmas we traveled down to Boston to check it out and have some fun on the water front.

Ally walking her Doggy to see the sea life in Boston

Did you know that they brushed the Seal's Teeth I did not? Good for the kiddos to see!

It was almost 70, all the ice sculptures were melting for First Night Boston Mommy, Ally and Izzy in Boston

Ally and her puppy
Ally loves her Izzy

On our way to Charlestown

Daddy, Ally they are just to cute, don't drop her in that water!

Home of Ally's Fav Team, Go Green!

North End Dinner yummy

Ally the Photographer

Can you see our girl?

Tobey Family Holidays 2008

2009-01-06T08:47:00.007-05:00

Wow, were ever did the holidays go this year. Well between running the t-shirt shop in the Mall and running our normal life things were a bit crazier than usual. But the best benefit to this years holidays was having two 4 day weekends with my wonderful family. We so value and Cherish our family time. It was amazing between having family gatherings, giving gifts and watching Ally's face on Christmas morning and our family outings around New England it was picture perfect in my eyes. Here are a few shots from our two weeks of holidays.
Christmas Eve at the Hamilton's:

Santa Nikki

Santa Ally and Auntie Nikki

Mother and Daughter Great Gramy and Ally, making Santas treats for the night

Not to forget the Holiday Pig Pile

Every one trying out the Annual Christmas Eve PJs

Sleeping by the Christmas Tree

Goodies for the Jolly man were all eaten and he left a bit of hair behind, (santa clean up next year)

Christmas Day:

Izzy got a gift under the tree

Daddy and Ally checking out the new toys to play with

Last door of the year, "look daddy its santa"

Ally's gift to Mommy

Ginger Bread House 2008 with Fancy Nancy "Ally"

"Fancy Nancy Ally"

Cookies and Milk Party

2008-12-19T17:43:00.005-05:00

Today was Ally's Cookies and Milk party at her school and it was just as cute as it sounds. It was filled with Cookies and Milk but best of all many smiling faces. We all enjoyed a song sung by the kids and got to hear our family favorite The Night before Christmas. Please enjoy the shots from the day. Ally was so excited to show me all about her work book too, and we were able to work on a few pages together.

I think they were ready for some cookies

Mrs. Bradly and Ally

Ally working on her Work book

T'was the night before Christmas and all the children were trying to listen....

Happy Holidays to all and can't wait to see every one from Meeting House in the New Year.

Since we are at the North Pole lets go to Santa's Village

2008-12-09T23:13:00.002-05:00

Well we made a Christmas weekend out of the weekend along with the Polar Express we also went to visit Santa at his vacation village. We all dressed our kids nice and warm in their snow pants, warm hats, gloves, and boots. But what did the parents do? Just warm coats and boots, we all forgot our snow pants, so we were a bit chilly still (thanks to Andrea I did not freeze my fingers off thanks for the hand warmer that we shared it really did help). We were not as warm as the kids be we did have a great time too. What made it that much more magical was the fact that there was some snow on the ground too. We got to feed the reindeer, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, play lots and ride on lots of fun holiday rides we loved it.

Ally and Ava ready to get into Santa's Village

Kiddos very excited about the red nosed one that will be traveling very soon to each of our homes.

Ally and Ava snuggled up to a trash bin, (we didn't know that at the time we thought is was very cute).

Ally and Chase round 2 on this ride by them selves

Daddy and Ally feeding Prancer, so he will be ready for the up coming big ride

Spinning kidsLook no hands momKids with Mrs. ClausHi Santa I have a few things on my list, got a second or two....

All Aboard!!!

2008-12-09T22:58:00.004-05:00

Kids waiting to board the Polar Express!

We just had such a wonderful weekend up north with Ally and our friends. We got to ride on the Polar Express and visit Santa's Village as well it was a Christmas weekend. Along with ridding and playing we stayed up in the mountains as well it was fun for all to stay in the same room with the kidos jumping and playing from sun up till past sun down.

Mommy and Ally on our way to the North Pole

Andrea and Ava

Gary and Chase

Serving hot cocoa as rich as melted chocolate bars
Are we there yet?
Waiting for Santa at the North Pole
Hi Santa we have been veeeeerrrrry goooood, honest

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-12-05T21:26:00.004-05:00

Jim and Selim trying their hand at Deep Frying

Well we had a wonderful day at home hosting Jim and Nikki, then Aylin and baby Jake joined in for some sweets. I would say we all learned a lot about "Deep frying" a turkey. It is much harder for men that just don't want to stay with the bird or follow all of the instructions (darn Football game). Like using all of the oil that has been provided. But we made it through with a very crusty bird that finally made it to the table about 45 min after its expected time (would have been much easier for me to just roast it but I did not say that). Either way it was a wonderful day filled with lots of great memories like the turkey and the "missing bread". It was so nice to spend some great quality time with family and play with my little nephew. Love to all and looking forward to Christmas.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-04T21:40:00.003-05:00

Ally was a purple Butterfly with a purple face for school with pink hearts on her cheeks. But we decided to drop the purple makeup for trick or treating.

School Halloween Party

Night time trick or treating

Keene Pumpkin Fest 2008

2008-11-04T20:56:00.004-05:00

It is becoming an annual tradition to meet up with the Graser family in Keene for the pumpkin fest. We did so again and as always it was so wonderful to see them. It is amazing to see how fast Matthew is growing and looking more and more like a little man and less like a baby. It is so sad how fast time flies. Check out some of the cool pumpkins for 2008. I will say that this year there seemed to be far less pumpkins that last year. I think they were trying some thing new, I say go back to what they did in the past it seemed to really look impactful this year it did not seem as grand.

My cute Family

Not so quiet as a mouse

Way to Go Ally No More Bink

2008-11-04T20:45:00.004-05:00

Ally has given up the Binki and Daddy has rewarded her very well, check out her "Carvet" She just loves it and booming her music up and down the hood. Yes it does play real music from an IPod hook up. I actually think it is really cute.

She is so proud of her new key and all

Every girl must have her puppy to ride with her

This is what she looked like first learning to drive, a bit slow and cautious but now she has it in turbo drive.

Fun Filled Mommy Ally Day

2008-11-04T20:40:00.002-05:00

Ally and I got caught in the act of playing on the play ground. Sorry daddy we do have fun while you are working.

Happy Fall to All

Hamptons Pumpkin Fest 2008

2008-10-26T17:24:00.005-04:00

We were able to hit up South Hampton's Pumpkin Fest again , now two years running. We just love this stop in the Fall the area is so welcoming and so much to do. This year we were able to do a couple of the corn mazes. We did one that only took 10 min then the next one took us 20, maybe next year we can do the one that takes an hour or there is the big daddy that can take a few hours. Each year there is so much to do and we still don't get to do it all.
We played with the play gyms, all and crafted, and did a few buggy rides, then there was the HUGE slide. Ally did it this year. She is getting so big and brave each and every year. Where is time going?

"Follow Me mommy and daddy"

Nice Shot AllyYou made it!

Go Ally Go, Your #1Beep Beep watch out she is coming through
Vineyard

Selim says he wants to be a vineyard keeper, can you see it?

chill'n at the Vineyard

NY Autumn Trip

2008-10-26T17:10:00.003-04:00

We were so lucky to have been invited to join Selim to actually work in NYC for a "Girls Night Out". Selim and I got to work side by side selling "Me Time". We had a blast selling our butts off. We even had the best sales for the week. Way to go Team Tobey. While Mommy and Daddy were working in the city Ally was hanging with some of Auntie Chuchy's friends going to a football game. She too had a great night out on Long Island.

After a hard night of work in the city Daddy wanted to treat his girls to a nice day in the city. It was so much fun to spend a entire day all together with out any work apts or any thing for Selim we had a blast. We spend 3 fun filled hours at FAO toy store then we hit the Top of the Rock.

Let the Fun Begin

I think we are having a bit of fun!

Careful Don't Fall

What a View! Just Breath Taking.

Check us out at the Top of the Rock with lots of wind

Head of the Charles

2008-10-26T16:57:00.003-04:00

After feeling sad that we had to put up the boat for the season we deiced to play a bit more on the water. So we headed down to Boston to kayak the Charles River. We had a blast we felt that we were competing in the Head of the Charles, okay not so much since we had a hard enough time just trying to go straight but either way we still had a blast the three of us.

Check us out... make way for the Champions

Row Ally Row

We Made it!!! Let's Do it Again

Boston

Final Sail for 2008

2008-10-21T21:56:00.003-04:00

We had to put up the boat for the 2008 season and it was such a sad thing to do because we had so many wonderful memories on the boat this summer. Thank you so much to Jim and Nikki for allowing us to get so much use of the boat this year. We hope that you too were able to have a great time on the boat.

Here are a few shots from the final trip, the colors were just spectacular and not to mention the company was wonderful too.

We look forward to Summer 2009 for more fun in the sun!!!

Hiking Pulpit Rock

2008-10-21T21:43:00.004-04:00

The start of the hike every one had energy
In honor of our fall hikes we decided to do one in Bedford this year at Pulpit Rock and it was so much fun. So much to see, water falls, rivers, and still kid friendly. We decided it would be more fun if Ally had a buddy so we invited Grady to join us and he did make it that much more fun for Ally. Here are some pictures from the day. So sorry the rest of the Johnson clan was not able to join us but we still had a blast any ways.

Food stop number....well I am sorry but I have lost count

At the end they were all begging to be carried

Charming Fair Farm with the Wang Family

2008-10-21T21:33:00.003-04:00

We were finally able to meet up after a year of rescheduling with the Wang family and we definitely made up for lost time. We meet up at Charming Fair Farm and had a blast with the kids feeding the animals and playing in the mud from all of the rain. It was amazing to see the kids get into feeding the animals so much.

Ally just loved this little baby goat

Tracy, Austin, and the girls

Mom's and our girls

Look what they found at the end of the maze

Ally and Daddy in a sack race, I think daddy was cheating Ally

Leaves are falling

2008-10-21T21:27:00.003-04:00

Selim loves this season he says that the woods look nice and pretty this time of the year. He is just to funny. These are a few of his shots of Autumn at Welcome Drive.

Apple Picking Field Trip

2008-10-21T21:21:00.003-04:00

Meeting House had it's annual Apple Picking field trip to Carter Hill. It was a bit chilly but we still learned a lot about apples and got to play around too.

First Apple of the Season

yummy

Ally and Madeline

Ally and Mommy

Coco Key with the Johnson Boys

2008-10-21T21:05:00.005-04:00

We spend a silly Sunday at Coco Key indoor water park with the Johnson boys. So silly and so much fun.
As you can see the boys were ready for more and Ally needed a nap at this time. Just as soon as she got some food into her she was ready for more.

Auntie Aylin's Birthday

2008-10-21T20:46:00.004-04:00

It was another beautiful day in New England and Jim, Selim, Ally and I traveled over to the seacoast to celebrate Aylin's birthday. First we started with warm catch up visit at the Felch home it was so nice to play with Baby Jake. then we traveled over to Newburryport. We just love that town with all of the walking streets and great food spots, not to mention that it seems that timing is always so right when we go there that we run into some sort of a festival going on. this time we had a kids fest going on on the water front. We were able to make musical instruments out of paper plates and noodles and dance to the live music.Birthday Girl with her Brothy

Tobey Boys

Ally Showing her creativity

After lunch and walking around town we headed back to the Felch home for some cake with the rest of the Felch family. Lots of fun was to be had when Aden showed up and the two of them were so very silly together.

Ally in Jake's chair, can you believe that she can still fit in one of these.

Cake face baby

Two thumbs up for Auntie's Birthday!!

Yankee Mini Horse Car Wash

2008-10-21T20:35:00.004-04:00

It was a sunny Saturday to raise some money for Yankee Mini Horse Club. Mom and dad had a car wash/ horse cart ride fund raiser at the office it was fun for all. Ally even tried to help out with washing a few cars and too a ride on a cart as well. Those little mini's are quite strong, they took Selim and Ally for a nice little ride. As you can see they had a good time.

Mini Update:

Well my mom is so in love with the mini's that she has purchased a new little guy. His name has changed a few times but I will call him Papito that is the last name that I was told that I can remember. Either way he is just a cutie and my mom is so in love with him. So lets count now:

Chance, Nova, Lady, Arnold, and now baby Papito. The Hamilton Farm is growing very fast.

Ally, Jake, Auntie Day

2008-10-21T20:27:00.003-04:00

We were so lucky to have been able to take care of Baby Jake one day when Aylin needed a bit of help with her little man. Ally and I had such a great day. Here are a few shots from the day. Check out how cute he is getting.Ally is so cute she thinks that she is Jake's big sister and she feels it is her job to teach him every thing he is going to have to know in life.

Just wanted to share some sights from Turkey

2008-09-14T12:31:00.006-04:00

Here are a few shots from around Izmir and Istanbul. These are a few of our favorite places to go and shop and walk.

View from the Cecme house

Izmir water front

Konak area

View from our restaurant in Istanbul at the opening of the black see, that is Asia

Bottom of the cliff from the restaurant

Home Again!!

2008-09-14T11:23:00.007-04:00

Well we made it home safe and sound after a quick stop off in Iceland. Never thought that we would experience the call over the loud speaker of a plane "If there is a Doctor on board please come forward" Well that we did on our trip from Paris to Boston yesterday. Soon after we took off in Paris we heard the announcement over the loud speaker and it was a bit concerning, here we are cruising at 35,000 feet and they are looking for a Doctor on this 747 jet. Apparently one of the crew members had had a heart attack shortly after we took off and they need to get her medical attention fast. So as soon as they got her a doctor we felt the plane drop from 35,000 feet to what felt like 10,000 feet in seconds. They we were told that we needed to make a emergency landing in Iceland to get her medical attention and refuel before we were going to continue on to Boston. After a couple of hours delay we did make it home to warm arms of my mom and sister waiting for us patiently at the airport in Boston. Thanks for hanging in there for they delays!

Well we had a great trip and below please enjoy some of our shots from the trip.

Thank you so much to Nikki, Mia, Aydo, and Enver for such great hospitality and taking such great care of Ally and I while Selim was gone back to USA.

Uncle Aydo and Ally

Enver and Auntie Mia

Bubby and the girls shopping on the street

Ally Ridding Chancy with Daddy at Big Grandma's House

Ally Getting her Turkish hair cut

So Cute
The Girls Shopping on Konak
Little Fun in the Sun in Cecme

Ally and her Bubby!

On our way home

Out of ICU and we will be home soon

2008-09-11T14:50:00.002-04:00

Well after long waiting for Big Grandma to come out of ICU she has finally come out today to go into a normal hospital room. We are really hopefull that she will be home very soon. The plan is to move her to Istanbul when she comes out this time. So that way she will be closer to Auntie Mia and family. So sorry that Selim was not able to see her out of the ICU but still he was able to visit with her several times while he was in Turkey.
Ally and I will be flying to Istanbul to spend a day with Uncle Aydo and cousin Enver. Should be a great day tomorrow. We have not spent any time in Istanbul in a few years so it will be fun. Then first thing Saturday morning we will be flying back to the USA after a short stop in Paris. This time every thing should be open so we should be able to check things out.
Unfortunately Ally has announced that she is not leaving Turkey with out Bubby, little does she know that she does not have a choice in the matter. Hopefully Bubby will be coming back state side in a few more weeks.
Thank you all for the great prayers it does seem to be helping we are still praying hard for her recovery.

Girls made it to Turkey

2008-09-02T08:01:00.003-04:00

Just a quick post:
Ally and İ made the trip across the big pond by our selves on Sunday to come to see Big Grandma. We had a few stops on the way we had our first visit to Paris together and then we went on to İstanbul for a few more hours then we arrived in İzmir. Daddy was waiting at the airport with open arms to see us arrive. So good to all be back together again. All is well we are working to get Big Grandma out of ICU. We will post some of our photos of our trip as we are here to share.

Oh, No Tagalicious, I've Been Tagged too!

2008-08-28T21:49:00.003-04:00

From what I can gather from my Buddy Robyn I have been tagged and I need to tell you 6 Quirky things about me...Let me think now.

1) I just can not go to bed or to sleep for that matter with out fully washing my face, hands, teeth, blowing my nose and going to the bathroom, some nights it just drives my family nuts. I am sorry but I just have to do it or I can not sleep.

2) After every time I brush my hair or my daughter's hair I must clean out the brush of any hair that may have been lost in the process. I hate loose hair of any sort. I hate to find it on the floor, in a brush or worse on me or someone.

3) When I cook it cook totally by smell. I hardly ever taste what I cook I just smell it and add more or leave it the same. I don't know it seems to work for me.

4) I can not go to sleep at night if there are any dishes laying around the house, they must all be cleaned and put away and the dishwasher is a good place to put the dirties, not the sink.

5) Before I travel I must clean my house from top to bottom, empty out the frig, clean sheets, dust, vac, mop, water plants, every thing from soup to nuts. That is the only way I can have a good trip then it is all done and welcoming when you come home.

6) I have to say "I love you" to my husband and daughter each and every night as I close my eyes to sleep.

Now you know a bit more silly stuff about me. Let me see who should I tag now....
Karen, Cheri, and Brandi have fun girls...

NYC/ Mystic

2008-08-28T20:53:00.005-04:00

We had a great trip to NYC with Selim. Ally and I got to some "Back to School Shopping"done, and some NYC sight seeing. We just love being in the city any time of the year. On Wed night we drove down to New York and arrived shortly after Ally fell asleep. It was around 12am and as soon as the car stopped Ally was awake and ready to start her New York adventure. As you know the city never sleeps so Ally felt that it must be true for any 4 year olds too. It was very hard to get her to go to sleep that night but after explaining to her that she would need the energy for the coming day she did give in and fall fast a sleep that night.

Ally a Hershey's Time Square

The next morning daddy left for his appointment packed day and the girls headed out to eat, see, shop, and see some more. At the end of the day we stopped in an amazing Cuban restaurant for a wonderful dinner before we left the city to head to Connecticut.

The next day we woke up in Conn and Selim again left for a few meetings leaving Ally and I to explore the hotel food and swimming. We had a great time getting to know all of the staff and making new friends. Then we headed down to Mystic to check out the town. Check out a few shots from the town so cute and such a beautiful day.

Cool Bridge

Lunch Pose

Daddy Chill'n

Whole Family

Let's Go Steelers

2008-08-20T14:49:00.005-04:00

We had just a wonderful weekend with the Johnson family in Pittsburgh. It was so much fun to see all of the special sights, sounds and food, can not forget the food wow it was great too.

We started out the weekend by flying into Pittsburgh and meeting up in town at the hotel. Ally had the wake up call of her life when Grady decided it was time for her to wake up from her nice nap. He walked over so silently looked at her then yelled right in her little ear. She jumped so high I thought she was going to hit the ceiling. Then we started the tours. We saw where Shawn had proposed to Robyn, Church Brew (odd to be in a church that specialized in making BEER) great food and drink. Then we headed over to a live street band and the kids all got their boogie on.

The next morning we started the tour off at the Strip District what a great place to be and purchase goodies, sweets, treats and Primanti Brothers too. What a cool sandwich, coleslaw meat, french fries, dressing on the most amazingly moist and soft white bread. It was the best sandwich Selim and I had ever had.

From the Strip District we went to see where Shawn and Robyn had their first home. It was so cute. I loved the location and the house. Not to mention how beautiful her School that she used to work at too. Then since we were going down memory lane we headed over to Robyn's home town Sewickley. We did make a stop for some treats from the bakery that Robyn worked at as a young teen. Loved the cookies. Then was got to meet Robyn's grandmother what a nice visit. It was so much fun hearing about the crush that she has on Robyn's husband. Shawn is super man in her eyes. Fun to hear all of the stories of younger Robyn and Shawn.

Then dinner time and it was off to Wings for some more good eats. I had never really eaten wings but they were just juicy and yummy. Never tired ketchup and vinegar but it really made the fries rock.

Sunday morning we jumped on the Pittsburgh Duck Tour and it was so much fun, plus filled with lots of great info on the city. Not to mention that the kids all go to drive the boat/truck on the Ohio River. Now that we were all very hungry we headed over to Station Square for their Sunday Brunch and it was just wonderful. All of the way down to the Banana's Foster. I would have to say that I would go back just for the home make "HOT" doughnuts.

I know it sounds like all we did was eat but there was much more than that. We had tons of great laughs and made more wonderful memories. We look forward to our next Tobey/Johnson family vacation....maybe Turkey one day. We saw your home town now you have to see Selim's.

Quick July Recap!

2008-08-04T20:51:00.011-04:00

Lets see where should we start so much we have been doing so much and seen so much too so let me start back where we left of. Yes Selim it will seem as though I am going back wards but that way we can catch up faster!
July 11th:
We girls had a wonderful girls day with the Spain Girls and meet up at Livingston Park for some monkeying around and hiking. We had a great time! Need to go back very soon!
July 13th:
We were finally able to get the Cross family up to the lake with us for a day. It started out a bit sunny then we were running from the clouds for the rest of the day. Even though it was not bright and sunny we still had so much fun on the tube, relaxing and catching up.
July 19th:
First we started our day off on the boat with Jim, Nikki, Aylin, and baby Jake. He just loves the water it is so cute to watch. I sware that if we had not been holding him he would have just swam off. Then just as the rain clouds were rolling in we jumped in the car and headed down to Goffstown for a great cook out at the Baine's house. It was so nice to see every one again. It had been so long since we saw Tom and his Sexton family, Marc and his Sexton family (and growing congrats on the new baby on its way!), not to forget the Baines family and their new addition baby Brooke (what a cutie). Always great to get all of the kids together and have fun.
July 22nd:
We were able to put together a nice mid week dinner with the Harrison family. Our old neighbors from our Eagle Nest years. We always have such a wonderful time catching up and watching the kids play together. They have 4 amazing children on on the way to collage, one about to graduate from high school and then one about to enter into preschool and another that is just learning to run! Wow they sure to have a lot going on. Stacy just takes it all in stride and I sure have a lot to learn from her. Thanks for such a great night we loved the visit.
July 27th:
We had invited and had to reschedule a few times due to weather but it finally happened the Graser Family joined us up on the lake. It was a bright and sunny day. We even got to get ice cream at the sand bar. I had never heard of a Ice cream barge. But they do have them and the are on the lake. Now we are in trouble, Ally is going to be looking for it each and every time we arrive at the sand bar. "Mental note must bring cash". We were able to eat a bit, throw the football (and loose Selim's wedding band in the sand), and tube. Lets not forget to mention try to out run the thunder clouds and rain storm again. This is getting very old. We have hardly had one day in several weeks with out any rain. I feel that we are living in a total rain belt. We have not had to run the irrigation in weeks.
July 28th:
Ally left for a special Bubby, Ally and Bubba Orlando vacation. Very exciting. Bubby needs the trip for the energy to take care of Big Grandma.
Aug 3:
Wow can't believe that I have caught up! We spent the afternoon with the Cross family at the Fishercats game in Manchester. It was so much fun. Lots of great side entertainment for the kids and a fun game to watch for the adults. Thanks so much to Eric and Becky for inviting us to the game we had a wonderful time. We even got to see 3 homeruns in a row, that was just to cool!!! Then once again Rain, Rain, and more Rain for the night. I am really sick of it. How does that kids song go? "Rain rain go away come again another day (maybe in the fall)"
Aug 4th:
First Bubba Ally Day! And what a day they had, playing at the park, out to lunch at KFC, and afternoon play date with Jaycee. What a special day and fun day they had. Thank you so much Bubba for taking the time to watch Ally. Big Grandma news she is doing better now only using 40% of the ventilator and they are going to talk about removing the breathing tubes tomorrow!!! Please keep praying for her recovery. WE ALL LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU BIG GRANDMA GET BETTER SOON!

Happy 30th Birthday Mike

2008-07-11T07:16:00.005-04:00

On Saturday Aylin had a surprise birthday party for Mike. It was a surf and turf feast of lobsters and stakes. Every detail was thought of even how to distract Mike. He was under the impression that they would be hosting a holiday BBQ on the following day. We all showed up ready to party together. Check out the Birthday Boy, and the cake hungry kids

Cool Cake, nice choices Aylin

Jake with his first Lobster, Not to sure what he is supposed to do with it, put it in his mouth or just look at it

My Brother in-law has gone GREEN, good to know some one in our family is doing their part for the environment

Jake trying out Ally's Jumpy Ball

Ally makes big Business of Eating Cake

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you"

Aden and Ally

Hope you had a great day Mike we all love you and are so glad that you have finaly joined the 30s club, Welcome.

Tobey/Johnson Boating Day

2008-07-10T18:05:00.004-04:00

On Sunday a very clear and sunny day we had invited the Johnson family to join us up at the boat on the lake for the day. We had purchased a new tube to pull be hind the boat and brought lots of food and drink to enjoy the day. It was just picture perfect. A great time was had by all. Check out some of the goofy shots.

Con Man and Ally on the Mini Boat

Hi every one, lets get going!

Ally at the Sandbar, Peek A Boo

Check out the Boys just Chillin

You may want to try the it the other way Shawn, silly

"Faster, Faster" that is all we heard from Connor

What a great day we all had. Just love our Johnson/Tobey family days. Looking forward to doing it all again.

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-10T18:00:00.003-04:00

On our way back from Nashville we had a stop over in Washington DC. It was so appropriate for the day. We had a perfect view of the Capital building, and the Washington Monument.

The best part of all was that we took off from Regain Airport during their fireworks display. On the tarmac we were able to see most of the show, what a show it was then we took off right into the grand finally. It was truly awesome!

July in Nashville

2008-07-10T17:34:00.004-04:00

Last week we started out the holiday weekend in Nashville. What a vibrant city, it is so driven by arts and music so much fun and learned so much as well. Got to love the Duck Tours. Here are a few shots from our early holiday celebration.

We made the must stop at the Grand Old Opry what an amazing place! It was miles and miles of beauty, indoor waterfalls, rivers, and most of all Country history. Here are a few shots from inside the Gaylord OpryLand.

We also explored down town Nashville, we saw music row where all of the recording houses are for the biggest and smallest names. We took a fun filled Duck tour of the Down Town area, it was cool to see all of the 4th of July celebrations that were going on as well. They had a battle of the bands contest going on along the river front.

While in Nashville you must dress like the locals right

We also checked out the Sting Ray Experience, we got to feed them and get soaked by them too.Over all we had a great time the weather was wonderful and warm we had lots of outside pool time and family time best of all. Looking forward to returning one day.

Hyannis, Nantucket, and the Vinyard, Oh my

2008-06-30T20:29:00.008-04:00

Ally and I jumped on yet another trip of Daddy's last week to the Cape and the Islands. We had so much fun. We did a lost of shopping (all work related of course) and made some great memories.

We drove down to Hyannis on Tuesday checked into our hotel and searched the town for any possible ME TIME customers before we jumped on the 12pm High Speed Ferry over to Nantucket.

Ally loves to travel Fast on the High Speed Ferry

Every girl likes her island ice cream

This is the shop that bought ME TIME on Nantucket

After a day on the Island we hung out at the Hyannis beach at sunset for a little water, sand and sea shell picking play time. The water was amazingly much warmer than the air and much warmer than out on Nantucket too.

Ally is really great at collecting the most beautiful sea shells for her Collection

Mommy check all these out

Ally come on it is nice and warm

A-L-L-Y

What can I say to cute for words

Dinner time Double Rainbow

The next day we went out to Martha's Vineyard on another High Speed Ferry, guess what this one had food for sale too, our Ally always has room for snacks, any time any where. This was our first time to the Vineyard and just loved it. We got to check out three of its cute towns. We arrived in Oaks Bluff, then went over to Vineyard Heaven then off to Edger town. Loved each and every town each had its own charm and special spots. We got to go to the beach between Oaks Bluff and Edger town.

Ally in Vineyard Heaven waiting for the bus to Edger town

At the beach making her Sand Castle

We even got to check out the oldest carousel in in America

Each day we passed the Kennedy Compound

What a great trip can't wait till we can go back again. It is always so magical to be right on the water for any length of time we just love it. Hope every one is enjoying their summer thus far.

Auntie Nikki's Pool Party

2008-06-30T20:17:00.005-04:00

Post graduation pool party at my parents house. My sister had a few of her school mates over plus the family for some fun in the sun and water. Ally and Cousin Noah

"watch out big kids the little ones have the big gun now!"

Ally and Ama (Roasting Marshmallows)

The horses were trying their best to cool off with out the pool too. Check it out.

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T19:59:00.007-04:00

Father's Day Weekend:

Friday night we had a pool/dinner party at Bubby and Bubba's. Auntie Aylin and Jake spent the night so we all swam and ate great food(thanks so much for the yummiest Bubby). Jake swam for the first time. He just loved it. I believe he is a natural. But I must say that having the pool water temp up to 93 may have helped matters a bit too.

Saturday we spent the day up at the boat with the Tobey family. Saddly Mike was unable to make it for the trip but we did have Aylin, Jake, Bubby, Bubba, Selim, Ally, Izzy and myself. We had a great day puttering around Winnisquam Lake. We brought food and drink and nature provided a warm sunny day, what more could we ask for. First we headed for the sand bar to do a little bit of mingling and swimming, then as we were on our way back to dock Selim and I just could not resist to jump of for one last swim of the weekend.

Happy Father's Day Hug!

After the boat trip we came back to Concord to get cleaned up and make plans for the night, then all of the sudden Selim and I found our selves in Boston for a great dinner and comedy show featuring Chris Rock. Way to funny. But it quickly reminded our selves that we are not used to staying up till 2:30am we were dragging a bit come that hour. Well worth it though.

Sunday morning after dragging our selves out of bed we collected our little angel up to be able to give our Father's Day gift! Daddy got a new Basketball hoop, that way our little team Celtics can practice at home. I am not to sure who is more excited about the hoop Selim or Ally. Then we did our rounds of visits of the Father's. Then at 3pm Ally's school had a family day planned and it was all themed around the love every one has for their dads. Too cute and so heart warming.

Ally made her Daddy a Father's Day gift at school too it is a very special key chain

Few Updates Wow where has time gone!

2008-06-15T18:59:00.011-04:00

Memorial Day Weekend:

Well things have been just crazy around the Tobey home since the end of May. We had Memorial Day weekend which we worked around the house and took out Jim and Nikki's new boat on Winnisquam Lake. Here are a few shots of my flowers from around my gardens from Memorial Day weekend.

Weekend of May 30th:

Then the following weekend we were in charge of the Hamilton clan which included my sister Nicole, my mom's two dogs, and 4 horses. That was a truly filled weekend. My parents were away on business and we were trying to lend a helping hand or two. Now I have said this before but my mom has way to many balls in the air at once, between running a business, a house hold, having a teenage daughter and 4 horses her time is very accounted for. God bless the women for all she gets done! Here are some shots from our meeting with Curious George in Concord NH.

We also enjoyed a day up at the lake with Nikki on the boat, she was the first one of the family to take the cold plunge into the cold water at the sand bar. As much as she complained of the cold there was no getting her out of the water. She just loved it.

Weekend of June 10th:

Congrats Cousin Gavin. We made a girls weekend and went down to Long Island to visit with our cousin Gavin who just graduated from High School with great future goals. He will be attending Colgate collage in the fall and we wish him all the best of luck! We were able to make it for the Graduation party, there was swimming, pool games, volleyball, badminton and tournaments, and best of all family and fun. We had a great time with the Henriques family and felt so lucky to have been apart of Gavin's special time. Best of luck to him in his new and exciting adventures that are yet to come. Here are a few pics of the events:

Here is the graduate!

Let the games begin

On our way home, just getting a little sugar

June 12th and an other Graduation:

Well my little sister is getting bigger now, she has graduated from Middle school at Barnum and Brook school to move on her way to high school. Watch out world here she comes!

We were so proud of her she has made such great progress through the years, she has gotten so much more confidence and grown so much into such a young women.

Swim Pool Party @ Madeline's : We were invited to the first swim of the year at Ally's buddy Madeline it was so much fun. But in true Tobey fashion we pack as much as we can into a day. After an afternoon of swimming at the party we went to Ally's last swim class at the YMCA.

After all of the great classes she even made it to jump off of the platform we were so proud of her and she was too of her self! Way to go Ally. She is such a little fish now, we just can not keep her out of the water(reminds me of her daddy).Check out our little girl swimming all on her own! She is off to the swim races and is loving every minute of it!

Celtic in Training

2008-05-28T21:29:00.005-04:00

Check Ally out on the court with her fellow "Celtic" team mates

(Uncle Eric and Daddy)

Okay now I think we are ready for Wed night game night. As you can see we are cheering them on with all we can. Ally noticed that the players are much taller than she is so she has to stand on the stool to cheer them on so they can see her with her pictures and cheers. Best of luck to the Boston Celtics here at the Tobey home we are cheering for you!

Happy 65th Birthday Bubba!

2008-05-28T20:13:00.005-04:00

On Saturday we celebrated Jim's 65th Birthday at Muddy River in Portsmouth. It was a great time had by all. I am sure that Bubba was very happy to be filled to the brim with Ribs, Brisket, and Pulled Pork. Plus a couple JW's. Ally and Baby Jake(look how he has grown)

After Muddy River we went over to Aunties house to have some wonderful Pineapple upside down cake, Jim's favorite birthday treat.(aaaally t3teytrfdtct)Sorry Ally had a few words to say too on the Blog. What a great day to be on the seacoast with family. Happy Birthday Bubba hope that this year is filled with many great memories! We all love you!

"Let's Go Celtics Lets Go"

2008-05-16T16:42:00.003-04:00

Not to sure if you have heard but our little Angel has become quite the Celtics Fan ever since she went to a game earlier on in the season. Now that they are in the play offs it is very hard to get the shirt off of her Day or Night. But the biggest killer is all of theses 8 pm games. That is Ally's bed time but I can not keep her from watching and cheering on her team. It is her Daddy's dream come true. All I ever hear on game days is "DEFENCE BOOM BOOM" "DEFENCE BOOM BOOM" or even better "LET'S GO CELTICS, LETS GO". I must admit it is very cute coming from her little voice. So lets keep our fingers crossed that they win tonight.

Thank You Big Grandma!

2008-05-16T16:31:00.004-04:00

This is a BIG THANK YOU to big Grandma in Turkey. Ally got some shoe shopping money for her 4th Birthday to get new summer shoes and we love our new purchase check them out!

They are very comfy as I have been told and they have many many uses. They are light weight for very fast running. They are PINK Ally's favorite color! They can be worn both on land and in water. They have holes so her toes can breath in the hot summer days. They cover over her toes so she will not stub a toe after running very fast. They are white on the bottom so they wont make marks on Bubby and Bubba's new boat. They are the perfect new summer shoe. Thank you so much big grandma.

Silly Night in May

2008-05-13T16:46:00.003-04:00

Okay now I need to explain a bit before I get to the photos. Last night Selim and Ally were being very silly. They wanted to roast marshmallows and make s'mores, but it was getting a bit cooler (low 50s) and the May Black Flies were out in force. So they thought the best way to combat the elements was to get all bundled up in their winter clothes and have some fun. So off to the basement they went and put on snowpants, snow hats, heavy coats, mittens, rain boots (could not find the winter boots). Then out to the woods they went looking for sticks and fire making materials. Fun was had by all and yummy treats were had by all as well.

So silly starting a fire

Yummy

Ally thought it would taste better with out the gramcracker, so just marshmallow and chocolate.

Mother's Day in Boston

2008-05-12T13:39:00.004-04:00

What a beautiful day we had. We spend the day in Boston as a family. First we started at the Arnold Arboretum on Arborway in Boston to check out the Festival of Lilacs. Wow is all I can say it was just breath taking and the smell was just unbelievable! All of the colors and varieties. I had never known Lilacs could differ so much from size to color even to smell. I did not know that a Lilac could smell like Honey. That was just awesome to see and learn all about. Here are a few pictures of the Lilacs and us playing around.

Happy Mother's Day to me! I love this Girl!

After the Lilacs we went over to The Boston Common where they were welcoming the Ducks back to the park from the long winter with the parade of the Ducks to go with with book..Make way for the ducklings. Unfortunately we did not make it into the park because our little one fell asleep as we were looking for parking. So Selim and I drove around the park to see all the happenings and found a parking spot on Newbury St. That way when our little one woke up we would be able to get her food as soon as possible. She wakes up very hungry so we always have to be one step ahead. It was so nice to walk around Boston again. It had been ages since we had done so. It really made us miss the city, since I have not been working in the city we don't get down there as much as we used to. We made a vow that this summer we will make it back more often there is always so much to do and see. Not to mention all of the great food too.
After Boston we headed up to my parents to have a nice cook out dinner. It is always nice to spend the holidays all together as a family. We got to enjoy the time with my mom, dad and sister and gramy and grampy. I think that the girls were most excited because Selim had brought stuff for s'mors. So the first thing they did after they were excused from the table was head out to the grill to get the last of the heat to warm up their marshmallows.
What a great day. The only thing missing was a visit with Selim's Mom but she is currently in Turkey spending her Mother's Day with her mom (Big Grandma). So here is a huge hug from NH to Turkey hope you all get it (Oh by the way it also included kisses too).

Mother's Day Tea

2008-05-12T13:25:00.004-04:00

On Friday we had a Mother's Day tea at Ally's School it was just to cute for words. They all dressed up and had set up a nice little tea with mini cookies and cakes and lemonade for all to enjoy. The children were just so excited to have brought their respective mothers to school to show off all of their hard work and love they have for their moms. It just about brought tears to my eyes when she sang this song for us....

Then we all went out to the playground for another Mother's Day gift. The children had painted flower pots with the most beautiful colors and wanted to plant flowers with there Mom's help. It was so fun and special at the same time. Ally got to pick out the flower that she wanted me to have and we planted it together. After getting all dirty we hit the swings to play with her school buddies. It was a very memorable day for me. The sun was shinning and my little angel was so excited to have me by her side. I will always cherish these days.

Ally's 1st Swim Class!!!

2008-05-02T17:43:00.005-04:00

May 1st Ally had her first swim class with out Mommy or Daddy, just instructor and other kids in her age group. And I am very proud to report that it went extremely well. Ally was excited to learn how to swim so she can practice with Mommy and Daddy. She took to the class with great confidence and ease. I was so proud of her and all of her hard work.

As you can see here she was very excited for the class to start

Ally was the first one in the pool for lessons

Kick Ally Kick

That's our girl watch and learn
Check out our little girl kicking and swimming

Bella Play Day

2008-05-02T17:29:00.005-04:00

We are so lucky to have such great friends. Ally has had her best Buddy Bella since they were months old. But the best thing of all is that over all these years they are still so close and mean so much to each other. We had a great play day all together at Bella's new house in Bedford. The day was warm and sunny, but best of all filled with swings and sand. Here are a few shots of the girls at play.

Can you believe that that they are only 4 days apart. When you see them together you can see the strong bond they have with each other.

Mommy's Day Spa

2008-04-25T22:19:00.002-04:00

We like to have a mini Day Spa at 39 Welcome Drive

Services include mani, pedi with messages. But best of all you get to chose your favorite color and add a flower decal for no extra charge.

I must say that the assistant is very helpful as well with drinks and food(thanks daddy for all the help and creativity). Although the 4 legged assistant does not do to much other than try to steel the guests food. I guess management has to have a word with her.

Best to all and thinking of you too.

Ally Bowling

2008-04-25T21:47:00.007-04:00

Well we took Ally candle pin bowling she loved it. Let me tell you she really got into the whole thing, counting the pins, new shoes, (who doesn't love a new pair of shoes), and almost beating Bubba.
We all had a great time and look forward to doing it again some time soon.

Happy 4th Birthday Ally

2008-04-25T21:07:00.009-04:00

Can't believe it but our baby Ally is 4 now! Daddy and I are just amazed that time can fly by that fast and that they years could have been filled with so many wonderful memories.

Well this year for Ally's 4th birthday we had a great home party again including many of our close friends and family. But best of all this year Ally got to invite some of her close School friends too. What a blast we all had. Thankfully the weather was exceptional. Get this April 19, sunny in the low 80s, perfect day for a party. Here are a few of our favorite shots in including the parade of dresses she wore for the day.

School Cup Cakes for her special day at school:

Check out the 4 year old princess Ally

Wow she got her first big girl bike, look at her go, she just loves it. Great now that she is more on the move that means mommy had better start running faster to catch up, princess on a princess bike how perfect can that get...

Oh, look at Ally with her Bubby and Bubba, so sweet

Aylin and her little Prince, how cute are they, just want to eat him up so yummy

Ally with many of her best Buddies

Ally with Mamum

Ally tasting her frosting from her Ariel Cake

Ally and Mommy

Ally and Daddy

Happy Birthday to the love of Mommy and Daddy's life. We have had such amazing last 4 years and we look forward to many many more years of happiness. We love you Ally!

Disney Cont.

2008-04-25T20:22:00.003-04:00

Here a few great memories from Disney:
Meeting Minnie Mouse was just to amazing for Ally even though she did not speak to her Ally was just spell bound by the magic of Disney
We got to hear Belle tell her story of meeting the Beast and all of her Wonderful Adventures and talk to her in person. Ally was full of questions: "Why don't you have your fancy Yellow Dress on today?" Belle Says that she wore her blue dress for story telling because it was more comfortable.

Again another Magical moment meeting Mikey Mouse Ally did not have much to say other than ask where Pluto was, Mickey did not have much to say other than point into the other room for Pluto.

Mommy won the race but it was a very close one. We had better watch out in the future all Ally was interested in was looking around at the sights and bumping mommy, I think we had start saving our money now for when she gets on the real road.Ally got to hug her Piglett "Tobey". That is what we fondly call him around the Tobey home. He is a true member of our family. Oh the stories we could tell. One got left behind in Savannah, but luckily we had friends in Disney places. Needless to say he has earned his name Piglett Tobey in our homeFinally we got to give Pluto that long awaited hug in Animal Kingdom. Ally was so excited and thought it was too funny that he wrote his name when he was a dog and best of all he wrote it on his nose, to funnyBreakfast of champions, it is the best way to start any Disney day with a Mickey face waffle. You know it is going to be a good day when you get a Disney smile first thing in the morning. Got to love the Disney Meal Plan!!!!!Our little sailor. She took to the helm with out any problems. Can you see the deep concentration on her face we had places to get to safely. Every one had to have their Boat Coat on too. Safety first with Captain Ally.The next big thing she loved from the trip was learning how to ride a bike, now here are her first few peddles, she really seems to have the hang of it....
Now off she goes....Okay Selim I think we need to get that girl her own set of wheels....
I think that one of Allys favorite parts of the trip was getting an invitation to Mickie's Dance Party, what a blast we had dancing with all of Mickie's pals and staying up very late in the night with tons of other kidsAlly got to meet Ariel, did you know that Ariel starts with an A just like Ally does. That was such great news for Ally who is her #1 fan.Over all we had a Magical Disney Vacation and as we learned at the Magic Kingdom "Dreams really do come true"By the way YES it was really that cold that day. We were very chilly but still had a great time.

Disney Trip Winter 2008

2008-03-19T19:31:00.008-04:00

Start to Disney 2008:
We had an amazing trip to Disney this year the three of us. Although the trip there and back was a lot to be desired, snow storms and bad weather to blame. We were supposed to leave on the afternoon of Friday Feb 22, but due to a huge snow storm that hit the north east all flights were grounded. In a way that was a blessing in disuse. We got to meet the newest member of our family Jacob Felch. Selim's sister gave birth to her first child two weeks early on our original date of departure. Luckily we were able to see him and hold him before we left for southern weather.

Welcome Baby Jake

So due to the weather we ended up staying the night in Boston before catching our AM flight to Orlando on Saturday. That always proves to be fun staying at new hotels with my two water babies. By the time we got to the hotel and got a bite of food in our bellies both Ally and Selim ran down to the pool to play. I knew that was a great start of our vacation both of them thrive on being in water so it worked out well that the pool was warm in Boston too.

Saturday night we got to Orlando and what a welcoming we had when we arrived at Saratoga Springs and Spa Disney. The first thing you hear when you drive through the gates is "Welcome Home" and that continued the entire trip. Every one was so welcoming, warm and helpful. We just loved the entire experience of staying on a Disney property. Highly recommended!

So back to the water, as soon as we got to our room off came the cloths and down to the pool they went again. Can you see a trend. They love the water and would be in it all day long if it weren't for me saying lets do some other things too.

Some Hotel Shots from the First day

Every Disney Hotel had one of these areas it was like magic filled with Classic Disney movies. Mini chairs, mini TV, and lots of mini people.

At least my two water babies got in the water each and every day of the vacation.
The fist day in Orlando or I should say "Mickeys House" we went to Merry Poppins Breakfast at the Grand Floridian. It was great we got to meet all sorts of characters; Marry Poppins, Alice, Mad Hater, Pooh Bear, and Tiger. Ally just loved it and made sure to hug each and every one of them but she was not all to sure about the Mad Hater "he had a funny voice and he talked funny".

Well we have so much more to share but this is what I have for now.

Additional Disney postings will be coming very soon.

New Years 2008

2008-02-08T17:37:00.001-05:00

Selim and I had a wonderful New Years Eve up at Loon with Shawn and Robyn Johnson. We had a wonderful time catching up, it had been ages since we had seen each other. We caught up on what going on with the kids and our selves.

Not to mention we were among the first to make tracks for the new year on the ski mountain. We had a great morning skiing the three of us. Selim did not attend because he is still a beginner on a board and wanted more time to take lessons. So Robyn, Shawn and I hit the trails early and had a blast. Although we did leave early due to a major snow storm that started while we were skiing. It did not make the skiing any harder it was actually more fun but the issue was the drive home. For what should have been an hour and 15 min drive home it took us 4 hours. They kept on closing the highway and diverting us to many back roads. By the end of the drive Selim had swarn off skiing due to the snow. I am still trying to convince him that it does not always happen that way.

We are planning another Johnson/Tobey ski weekend before the end of 2008 season!

This is a shot of the updated time share kitchen

Dec 2007 Cont

2008-01-15T20:22:00.000-05:00

December was just crazy, after NC we had several birthdays, my mom, my grandmother, and my sister too. Just can not believe that she is 14 now. Where has the time gone?

Here is a shot of Nikki and two of her best friends Sophie and Sarah;

Along with all of the holiday celebrations we also were getting hit with at ton of snow. Since December we got several inches of snow a week. Here is a shot of Ally and Selim playing on her play set under 2 plus feet of snow.Just before Christmas we had Ally's best friend Madeline and her mom and dad over to visit for the Holidays. It was a very nice visit for all. We got a chance to catch up on whats going on and play with the girls all together.

We had a very low key Christmas day at home all together with Jim and Nikki and a visit from Aunite Aylin. It was fun to play with Ally and all of her new toys and watch her discover each and every one of them. Her top gifts she tell every one about is her Vanity and doll house. Santa did really good.

End of 2007 Catch up take II

2008-01-15T13:41:00.000-05:00

December:

What happened to the month of December? Where did it go? I feel as though I just blinked and it was gone with all of the magic.

December 1st Selim left for FL for his Boys Weekend in Miami to visit their buddy Joe. From the stories I have heard it was a great trip and they are already planing a 2008 trip too. Unfortunately while Selim was a way Ally came down with a really bad ear infections so Mommy and Bubby had to take the little one to the emergency to be checked on. Luckily we got the meds going and she was feeling much better fast.

We did get hit hard with Snow Storm after snow storm. At one point in the month we had a snow storm every other day. Not to mention each time we are out side with a shovel in hand Selim keeps on saying "Condos are really looking good to me now"

Ally and I just laugh and say you are silly daddy, we love the snow.

Holiday Card Photo Shoot was a blast, we tried for a day to get the perfect shot and her are a few of the out takes.

Ally had one idea of a cute shot and I had another, lets see how it went....

TAKE ONETAKE TWO

TAKE THREE

COME ON IZZY NOW SMILE FOR THE CAMERA
Okay now lets try this a couple more times.....Cute but not it yet, lets see....

I think we got it!!!!!!!!
Then Ally and I joined Selim on one more trip for 2007 we went to Charlotte NC. We had a great trip. Stayed in a great hotel and visited some great restaurants and museums. Lots of fun to travel as a family.

Children's Discovery in Charlotte

Tobey Family in Detroit Airport

Ally made her first Ginger Bread house with Bubby at the Children's Museum in Concord it came out great and tasted great too.

End of 2007 Catch up

2008-01-08T09:42:00.000-05:00

November:
Well it has been a while since I have done an up date. We have been very crazy with the holiday season and all. Not to mention the endless colds that have been running thru out home since mid Oct. Between runny noses, coughs, fevers, aches and pains we are really looking forward to Spring 2008. You just have to love the first year of having your child in school. To bad Ally loves Preschool so much or we would pull her out due to the cold season. But we do know that every child has to go thru it and every parent of first time schoolers have to live thru it too. The old saying that kids have cooties are true, and they bring the new ones home from school too.

So let me tell you a few wonderful highlights for November 2007.

Lets start with a great visit that we had with the Johnson family in which Connor lost his first tooth ever. It was so exciting to be a part of the memorable event. Not to mention how much fun we have when we all get together. Although it makes Selim and I miss our old Glen Bloom days that much more by not having them just across the street to stop in on each other at any time for a chat or just a simple hello. Since we have moved to Concord it has been much tougher to get our schedules together, but when we do we always make it memorable. The night they came to visit we celebrated Nutmegs birthday. Now for those of you that do not know who Nutmeg is she is Jim and Nikki's Dachshund. It happened to be her birthday and we were watching her while Jim and Nikki were in Turkey visiting Big Grandma. Ally just loved planning the party and we even had a cake with candles for her.
Just before Thanksgiving we had a Holiday Parade in Concord welcoming Santa to the Mall. Ally and I went to cheer on all of the attendants in the parade, which included my family, Muma, Pupa, and Auntie Nikki with the mini horses. Ally just loved all of the exciting sights. Kids on unicycles, Polar Express Bus, Lama's, Greyhound's, and so much more. It was great to see all of the great community happenings and every one coming together. Ally and I watched the Parade with one of my work collages and her family, Brenda, Tundra, and their daughter Monica. Ally was very excited to have a buddy for the event.

Thanksgiving:

We had a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving with Jim and Nikki. It was nice to have a quite Thanksgiving with the Macy's Day Parade and some Football. Nikki helped me while I cooked away she did every last dish that I dirtied. We made a great team. We just felt bad for Selim he was very sick that day. So for that I was so thankful that we spend the holiday at home safe and relaxed so Selim could rest to get better faster. He did not even make it thru the meal before he left the table to take a nap. Nothing like him, that was how we really knew he was not well. By the end of the weekend he was on the mend. Thank goodness because it was on the heals of his favorite holiday his BIRTHDAY. Selim just loves his birthday.

Selim's Birthday:

Originally we had planned a small family party at home on the day of his birthday but at last minute he was offered tickets to go to the North Pole on the Polar Express and that was an offer that we just could not refuse. Ally is so fond of the movie and the book it just took her breath away. So we moved the birthday celebration a day earlier and went to the Polar Express on Daddy's Birthday.
Ally had the entire birthday party planned in advance. She knew that she wanted to throw daddy a Scooby Doo Birthday Party, and that we did. She and her Bubby and Bubba went to the party store to procure all of the necessary party supplies, plates, cups, cake decorations, noise makers, balloons, and even the stickers to decorate with. She was just so proud of all she had done for her daddy. Ally and her daddy just love Scooby Doo and it was just so appropriate.

The day after the Scooby Doo party we were off to see Santa at the Polar Express. Ally was just out of her mind with excitement and anticipation of getting all the way up to the North Pole. We took the Train from North Conway and road all of the way to the North Pole. The entire experience was just magical, with the dancing chefs, the elf's with the red lanterns, and SANTA. We hope that we can try to make this a family tradition for many years to come. Highly recommended for any one that has thought of doing the trip! All of the children were in their PJ's and singing holiday songs, we got the hot coco and chocolate with nougat as white as Santa's beard. Then there was the first gift of Christmas too.....

Ally's First Halloween Party

2007-10-31T12:34:00.000-04:00

At school today Ally had her first Halloween party. It was just a blast, every one got into costume and played games, eat food, had a parade, and sang songs. Ally is a Pink Poodle this year for Halloween and she could not be any more proud. Check out some of the fun that we had at her party today.

Pink Poodle Ally Ridding her Horse

Ally, Ava, and Madeline

Every one singing fun Halloween songs

Pumpkin Carving 2007

2007-10-31T12:29:00.000-04:00

Ally, Daddy and Mommy carved our Halloween pumpkin last night and it came out perfect. Ally did most of the cutting all by her self with her own knife (not to worry it is a kid safe knife).

We can hardly wait for Halloween Day, we have so much going on. At school Ally has a Party and then we have the night of trick or treating. Ally can hardly wait.

Keene Pumpkin Festival

2007-10-31T12:13:00.000-04:00

We had always heard about the Keene Pumpkin Festival but had never made the trip to see what it was all about. Well this year we made the trip to Keene, what a sight. So many pumpkins to look at in each and every direction. The goal of the festival is to have the most carved pumpkins to brake the records. Last year Boston won the title and Keen was out to win it back. Here is a peek at all we saw....

We meet up with our friends Karen, Robert, and their 2 month old Mathew. It was so much fun, lots of food, costume parade, and tons and tons of pumpkins to view. The weather was just perfect as well, this year we have had an amazing Fall.

One of the other great parts of the Pumpkin Fest was that Ally got to ride on her first School Bus, she just loved it. She can't wait to be able to ride her own school bus to school too. Mommy and Daddy can, time is just flying to fast already we are trying to slow things down as much as we can.

Long Island Weekend

2007-10-18T15:18:00.000-04:00

Last weekend Ally and I traveled with Selim to Long Island for a combo trip of business and family visit. The goal was to hit as many sea side/ resort towns to show and sell "Me Time" Selim's new line that is being sold only to specialty stores. So we packed up our rental car full of movies, mommy, daddy, Ally, Izzy too, and we were off. The trip took us from New Hampshire to Connecticut, to an hour and a half ferry ride over to Orient Point Long Island. Upon our arrival to Orient Point that is when the work started. We had fun shopping from shop to shop to find the perfect "Me Time" locations. The weather was a bit misty but it was still a blast to all be together.

The only downer to the trip was that I was suffering from laryngitis. It was very taxing for me to try to communicate with every one but we all survived.

After a day of travel and work we arrived at my aunt Susie's house in Northport. It is always so much fun to visit with family. Every one was home, Aunt Susie, Ramon, Cousin Becka, and Gavin. Alex was just in heaven. She so loves to play games with all of her cousins.

Friday Ally and I stayed behind with Aunt Susie while Selim hit up all of the small sea side villages along The Hampton's. After work we all head a great dinner all together at home with a nice warm fire. It was just perfect. We took time to go over our summer stories and share photos of all of our adventures. We had to keep it low key because Becka was gearing up for a big Crew meet in PA the next day and we were all hoping she would continue on her winning streak. Becka just turned 15 and she is rated to the be the #1 rower in the US among the 16 year olds, Way to go Becka! Keep it up, make sure they all eat your wake.

Saturday am we all had a traditional Dominican breakfast created by Aunt Susie and Uncle Ramon, complete with fried Cheese, mango, and Dominican coffee. It was Selim's first taste of what I grew up on. I do think he really enjoyed the good eats. After we wished Becka well on her Crew meet and sent Gavin off to school for his crew activities we traveled to South Hampton. Selim wanted to show Alex and I one of the towns he had hit the day before and some great new adventures for Alex to explore. We came upon Hank's Pumkintown. The had every thing Fall to do, Pick your own pumpkins, wagon rides, pony rides, corn maze, children's playgrounds (lots of them too) and tons of food. It was lots of fun had by all. We found some really amazing pumpkins some the size of Alex or larger.

We tried to convince Daddy we needed this one but he said "No To BIG!"

Tell me those are not much smaller, Ally almost rolled it

I spy and Ally in the Mums

After running and playing we all hopped back into the car and started to head back up north to New Hampshire. We had such a great trip visiting family, and having lots of fun, we hope to be able to see every one again very soon.

Fall To Do List

2007-10-07T11:27:00.000-04:00

This fall Selim and I made a Fall to Do list. It is not like the typical Honey Do list, it was more of a must do and see list for New England. It included hiking in the lakes region, sea kayaking, apple picking, photos of fall colors, and so on. So far we have achieved a good portion of the list. Three weekends ago we went apple picking with Jim and Nikki to a great little apple orchard that was known for its cider apple dough nuts. Well worth the wait in the long, long line out and around the building.

A beautiful mid September weekend we traveled up to the lakes region to hike Mount Manger. It was a perfect day for a hike. The weather was sunny and cool. Selim, Alex, Tab, and Izzy traveled up the mountain while enjoying the breath taking views. All of the fall color was starting to truly bloom and vista we amazing all 360 degrees around us. At first I was not to sure if Izzy and Alex would be up for the 2.5 mile hike but they trooped thru it with smiles on their faces. We even did the ledges and both Alex and Izzy scaled the rocks and made it to the top. With the exception of the frequent bathroom stops for both Izzy and Alex, (yes Alex does...go in the woods) and the snack stops we make it in great time to the top. We had brought a back pack filled with food and refreshments for us to enjoy with the beautiful vista on top of the mountain. We even brought Izzy her own food and water bowl, Alex really enjoyed serving Izzy her food on top of the mountain.

The last weekend of September we traveled to New Castle to rent a sea kayak for the three of us. It was so much fun to tool around the bay with a small boat. At first it was rough going for us to get the hang of paddling and stirring at the same time. We hit land a few times before getting the groove. But that was fine too because Alex liked it when we would bump land and have to push off again to get going again. Again we had a wonderful day with the weather. After we were done boating it was time to get dinner so we went to Portsmouth for dinner down town. After dinner we walked around the shops and visited the local Starbucks bathrooms. Ever since potty training we are sure to visit each and every bathroom around. Small price to pay for having such an independent girl. And I must emphasise "Independent". There is not to much that Alex does not want to do on her own any more. She chooses her own cloths each and every day, some very interesting choices but I am not about to smother her creativity, I like to see it grow. The only things that I have had to learn is that I have had to add on more buffer time to our departure and arrival times since she has to do every thing on her own now. She has to chose her shoes, put them on, climb into the car on her own, get into the car seat all alone, and buckle up too. Now this process alone adds at least 10 minutes to any departure. So now when we are leaving the house her first question to me is "are we running late?". I am guessing I have been saying that quite a bit as of late, simply because we are due to her new found independence.

PHOTOS TO COME BLOGGER WAS HAVING SOME DOWN LOADING ISSUES!

This fall has been truly exceptional weather wise. It is very unusual to have such dry warm weather in October so we are trying to make the best of it while it lasts. We have a few more goals to meet for Fall activities and we will be sure to update as we get them done.

First Day of Preschool

2007-09-25T15:15:00.000-04:00

Alex is now a school girl she had her first day of school on September 10, 2007. She is a student of Meeting House Montessori School, in Bow. She attends school Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30-11:30. She loves it. She is learning so much. They are teaching the kids Spanish, karate, and creative movement dance, along with the regular school studies. The first day of school was very odd for Mommy and Daddy. Dropping our baby off and leaving her at school just felt odd. To Selim and I she is still our Baby but she says she is ready. No tears for drop offs and lots of smiles for pick up. Monday and Wednesday Bubby and Bubba pick her up after school while mommy works but Mommy does Drop off and Pick up on Fridays.

Luckily Alex has a friend from Gymboree in her class Madeline. They seem to be close in school which works out well to have a buddy in class from the start.

Alex at School on her first day

Live from Turkey

2007-08-31T04:16:00.000-04:00

We had an amazing vacation in Turkey. We arrived in Istanbul, Turkey on Aug 22, 2007 and quickly jumped on a plane to bring us to big Grandma in Izmir, Turkey. We spend a couple of days in the city adjusting to the 7 hour time change and catching up on what has been going on with Grandma since the last time we saw her back in November. Lots of great stories to be told from both sides, Turkey and US stories, mainly what has been going on with Alex since our last visit. We went thru many pictures and presented our gifts from across the big ocean.

Alex and Big Grandma making French Toast

Family Photo

Grandma had some of her old movies that were on reels put on to DVDs so we spend several wonderful hours watching Big Grandams youth with her beautiful children, Mia and Bubby. It was so fun to see what their life was like back then. All of the proper things they would do and dress so amazingly.

Alex had having a wonderful time with her Turkish family. It is amazing that even though we all only see each other once a year but she still remembers every one and has love for every one. After visiting Big Grandma for a few days we traveled to our Summer house in Cesme. It is always so much fun but best of all RELAXING. We are right on the water in a summer town with no worries other than which beach to go to for the day. I know that Selim got some truly deserved rest. We got to catch up with Uncle Aydo, Auntie Mia, Cousin Enver, and Cousin Muine.

Typical after beach Bath in the Sun

Alex and Uncle Aydo
Auntie Mia, Alex and Uncle Aydo

(Can you feel the love?)

Cousin Muni, Alex and Cousin Enver

(As Alex would say "Lets Play")

Aqua (AKA Mojito Bar)

Daddy and Ally chill during Sun Set

Selim, Alex and I took some mini day trips. One day we went to Greece for the day. That was so much fun. It was just a short boat trip across the bay (1 Hour) to Chios. We traveled around the Island by small car and visited small villages and beaches. One of the beaches we visited was an old volcanic rock beach. It was made up entirely of black rocks, no sand at all. It was just amazing. The water was crystal clear and the beach was just amazing to walk on and lay on. The sound of the water coming in and out was like a rain maker. If you are ever in the area it is a must see.

Alex on her way to Greece

Mommy and Ally
Visiting Pirgi

Volcanic Rock Beach

When we returned to Izmir we stayed in the new Tobey Family Apartment, it was so nice, (Thanks so much to Jim and Nikki for all of your hard work on putting it all together for all of us to use). All and all I think we had a wonderful time in Turkey for Summer 2007. Relaxed, visited family, shopped, and spent valuable family time together. We returned back home on September 5Th to give Alex some time to adjust back to east coast time before starting Preschool for the first time. What and adventure she is about to start.

Ally getting her Second Hair cut and Mani Pedi

Selim and Tab in Amsterdam

Long Weekend in New York

2007-08-02T12:55:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday Alex and I joined in on one of Selim's NYC trips. We had a great time. While Selim was in meetings Alex and I went exploring the City. We made some stops at Central Park and the zoo. But we spent most of our time walking up and down 5th Ave, shopping. Alex had a blast. She got all sorts of great new stuff. I thing best of all, she got new flip flops from the Disney Store that are from the Little Mermaid collection. Now she just wont take them off.

We spent some time in the Huge Toys R Us in Time Square, were we got to play with all sorts of new stuff, like Moon Sand. A must get for kids that like to play in the sand but it dries out to fast it never dries out and molds just like play dough.

Alex in the World of M&M Time Square

Selim with the Wall Street Bull
Dinner in Little Italy

Alex loved all of the street performances that were going on. But again her favorite part of that was giving the tip for the entertainment at the end of the show.

We went to visit the statue of Liberty as well while were were there. It was all of our first time to go out to the island. What a beautiful area, lots of great walking areas, amazing views all around, and a nice little cafe to get a bit to eat.

After our few days in the City we meet up with my aunt and uncle for dinner and then headed out to Long Island for the night. It had been some time since we had been to Aunt Susie's house so we figured that since we were so close we should stop by for a quick visit. They have been doing all sorts of renovations on there house that is still a work in progress but it is looking just beautiful. Great big new bedrooms, hug kitchen, and open and airy family room. So nice to spend time with our Cousins as well. Alex loved making water balloons with cousin Becka.

We spent a good part of Saturday hanging out at Aunt Susie's pool and visiting before we left to catch the Long Island Fairy back to Connecticut to head back home. We made it home by midnight on Saturday so we could have some time on Sunday to catch up on all of the home stuff and visit with family.

One of Alex and Selim's favorite thing to do now is mow the lawn. Here they are giving the yard a second mow for the week. As you can see we have been working very hard on getting our yard to a finished state we have all sorts of flower gardens and rock walls (Selim and Alex love collecting rocks from the property and making walls).

It is funny to us because any time any one asks Alex where her favorite place to go she will always say New York City. Now this has been a true statement for about an year now. What can we say the girl likes the big City.

Plymouth Rock or Plimouth Rock

2007-07-23T22:01:00.000-04:00

This weekend we went down to Plymouth Ma for a baby shower and quickly went to view the Plymouth rock to say we had been there. It was a beautiful day and so much going on it was the 50th anniversary of the recreated Mayflower. On this special day they took it out into the harbor for a mini cruise. It would have been only the 11th time it had been out of port since it was rebuilt. Not to mention the free cake that was being given out in honor of the special day.

Mayflower

And we did see the rock. Such a fun day we brought Izzy with us too.

Small Rock Big Story

They say today it is only 1/3 of its original size. This is the rock that the Pilgrims landed on and used to bring all of their goods to land from the boat.

Although we love the Cape, we hate the return home traffic on a Sunday! What can you do it is summer time in New England.

Farmer Enver and his Crew

2007-07-23T21:49:00.000-04:00

Selim got a new toy and just loves to use it at any given chance to play in the yard. I call my love of my life "Farmer Enver" and his partner "Farmer Ally". The two of them are always in the yard picking up rocks to create rock walls or moving dirt from one spot to another, or just picking up sticks. I find this all very funny for a guy from Turkey (in the city) to be so into having a large yard and enjoying every second of it. There are many mornings that I will wake up and look out the window to find him out playing in the woods cutting down trees or filling a tractor wagon up with dirt. Now when I say in the mornings I mean before work like at 6am. I do think he is off of his rocker some times but what can I say he loves it. I think he does love it more though when we all work in the yard as a family.Ridding thru the sprinklers with her buddies

Now Ally is very excited because she has her safety ear muffs to wear when she rides the tractor with her daddy.

Can you hear me?

You can never be to safe when it comes to our angles hearing. So she is very excited to start to wear these ear muffs while riding the tractor with Daddy.

Look at the Hamiltons

2007-07-23T21:40:00.000-04:00

Well my parents are really into the Mini Horses now. Last weekend we joined them at a horse show. All sorts of mini horses walking around being shined up for ribbons. We are so proud of my mom and sister they worked very hard at preparing their horses and did come home with ribbons. Here are some shots of my mom and sister in action. It was fun for Alex to see all of the horses that were just her right size.

My parents have gone from Boaters to Farmers. To funny Selim just have to sit back and laugh. But every one is having fun and it it great exercise for my sister. I do feel it is teaching her responsibility and respect. I hope that she goes far with her horse Chance.

Now let me introduce you to the new Hamilton additions;

There is Nikki and "Chance"

Mom and her "Lady"

And my Dad's Casanova or we call him "Nova"

6 Years Married!!!!

2007-07-23T20:42:00.001-04:00

Selim and I went away for a very romantic anniversary weekend to Virgina. We stayed at an absolutely amazing hotel called Keswick Hall, it was part of the Orient Express Hotels, just stunning. Loved every second.

View at the endless edge pool

Main Entrence of Keswick Hall

We got to do every thing we had been hoping to do, swim lots, play some tennis, ride bikes, go for walks, and eat great food. But most of all we had alone time together. We eat dinner by this pool one night it was so romantic.

All of the rooms were decorated individually, and designed by Laura Ashley. It was such a treat to see all of the unique rooms.

Our Room over looked the Golf Course

But one of our favorite parts was the food tastings. When you first arrived you were first greeted with freshly squeezed lemonade, then when you arrived in your room there waited for you was a warm soft almond cookie(wow that was great, Selim wanted all of mine but I would not give it up)(the next day I had to ask for a second helping, to good to pass up). They served high tea each day and then at 5pm they would serve a sampling from the chef. Just a mini bit of delectable treats to leave the taste buds asking for more. Every where you looked on the grounds it was just so tastefully landscaped, from the 18 hole golf course to each individual garden.

TJ's House as Selim liked to call him

On one of our adventures we visited Thomas Jefferson's house, what a visionary he was. He was so far ahead of his times. The man had almost every thing we would have today in a modern home. Indoor pluming, Ice box, sky lights, dumb waiters, Smoke House, and so much more. Not to mention all of his books in his library, the man loved to read in many languages. Don Qihote was his favorite to read in its original language and he would give his grand children all goals to read it at least once fully in its original language.

Over all we had a very relaxing and restful vacation the two of us. And we have renewed our contract for at least one more year, up for negotiation ha ha.
We could not wait to get home to our little angel Alex after being away for such a long weekend. It is always so nice to get home.

Welcome Drive Visitors

2007-07-12T22:38:00.000-04:00

Since we have moved to Welcome Drive in Concord we have had a chance to really get to know the local wild life. We have a huge family of Turkeys that come thru almost daily. At one time I counted 26 wild Turkeys.

They are the most wild thing to see just walking thru as if the own the place. Some times on really hot days you can see them taking dust baths behind my flower beds. They don't really seem to have to much fear of us. We have been able to walk rather close to them before the start running for the woods.

Then we have also seen a baby fawn in the woods still its white spots on the back. Unfortunately we did not have our camera when we saw the baby deer. Alex did not get to see the baby either because she was napping and Selim and I were trying to put to there her new play set.

But most exciting of all we have a couple of full size deer that do frequent our house as well. Each time they come Alex has spotted them out in our back yard close to her play set. She is convinced that they come to play on her swing set and slide down her slide when she is not watching. Although she is very aware that you need to be very quite went they do come to visit because they scare off very easy. Daddy scared them away when he was taking photos of them last time.

Summer Catch up II

2007-07-12T22:15:00.000-04:00

Alex finished her Gymboree Classes that she had been taking for a couple of years now. Where it is summer there is just so much to do outside with the nice weather it is hard to have so much inside time for classes. It was hard to say goodbye to the class since she had been having so much fun for so long but this fall all sorts of new adventures will follow, SCHOOL. We had most recently been taking Gymboree and Art Class with some really great kids so it was hard to leave, but we have all committed to try to keep in touch and keep the play dates coming. So far so good. Luckily one of the girls from Gymboree, Madeline will be joining Alex at her new school in the fall. We are very excited to have a friend already in school.
Here are some shots from her last Gym and Art class.

Alex and Madeline as Teddy Bears at Gymboree Art Class

Play Dough Any One? Now lets Create!

A Day at Bear Brook Park:
As to make sure we keep up with most of our friends we also have been having park play dates. Here is the day we meet up with Caroline, Maxine, Alexander, Julie, Jamie, and Nicole at Bear Brook Park. Such a sunny day. Every one had a blast playing in the water and making sand figures. It was fun to see all of the kids get so involved in the sand creations.

Alex Now show your shinny teeth

Alex's Beach Buddies

Left to Right

Maxine 2.5, Nicole 2.5, Jamie 4, and Alex 3

Sand Art any one?

Summer Catch Up I

2007-07-12T21:10:00.000-04:00

Sorry to every one for the delay in posting on the Blog. I know to all of you that have expressed your thoughts on my lack there of updates. As you all know that as soon as the good weather comes there is less free inside time to work on the computer.

So let me see if I can back up a bit on what has been happening with the Tobey Family:
End of May:
Memorial Day Weekend Trip with Johnson Family

We drove up to Bar Harbor Maine with the Johnson Family for a fun filled road trip. We played a little bit of 80's music trivia, munched on all sorts of goodies (Robyn's Brownies yumy), and made tons of stops. Some for food and refreshments, and others for the boys to hang it out of the side of the car to let it go. I never knew that young boys had to go to the bathroom so much and how convenient it could be. Just pull to the side of the road and let them go out of the mini van. What a comical sight it was for Alex and I to see. We made it up to Bar Harbor by mid afternoon and got all settled in. It gave us plenty of time for a dip in the pool (which you could see the ocean from very cool) and get all cleaned up for a nice walk thru town and get a bit to eat for dinner. We tried to keep it authentic to Maine so we eat right on the water at a true lobster restaurant. The kids even got to see the fresh live Lobsters in the pools waiting to be cooked.

The next morning we all had a nice breakfast which was included(bonus) then Robyn and I got our feet a bit of well needed TLC. I had the best seat. While we were getting our feet done I had a seat over looking the outside where the kids were with their dads. Dads were in charge of the kids while moms got pampered. I could see them all run to the pool swim, swim, swim, then one by one they all had to go to the bathroom at different times. First it was Grady, then Connor, then Alex, then Alex once again. I understood that because she just can not do both functions at the same time. It is either on or the other. And the issues usually come with in minutes of each other. I truly found my time in the pedi chair very amusing watching the kids running back and forth from the pools to the rooms to use the potty with dads in tow.

This is the Bar Harbor Inn we all stayed at

Look at these great Dads with the Cute Kids

Next we adventured out to Acadia National Park, for lunch and what a lunch it was. Out side over looking a beautiful lake. The restaurant was known for its pop overs so we all indulged our selves. Over all we had a perfect weekend the weather was amazing but most of all the company was the best. We always love our Tobey/Johnson Family trips. Even though Shawn thinks that Selim does not like road trips, he does it for you Shawn and loves every minute of the trip, truly. It was just amazing how fast time flew and it was time to go home. I can say we all have great memories from the trip to take with us for ever. From hiking up to Thunder Hole, walking thru down town looking for "Got Moose" shirts, to pop guns with Grady in the Gazebo, and who can forget Diver Dave, crazy guy he was. I can say we all had a n amazing time. We are all looking forward to the next trip.

Daddy and Aly out front of the Hotel hanging on the Maine Rocks

Aly and her two fav boys, Conner and Grady

Again but only holding one boys hand at a time

Alex touching her first Star Fish

(ops We are supposed to call them Sea Stars Now)

Mommy and Aly Out to Sea

Hiking Thru Acadia

Ice Cream any One?

I spy Alex, Grady, Shawn, Robyn and Con Man

while Selim tries to get Alex's shoe that is floating way in the ocean...Hope he hurries back soon

What a great group!

Wilderness living

2007-05-22T12:49:00.000-04:00

Hot Dog any one? It is on a stick.

We never thought that living in the woods would have its hidden benefits. Alex had a thought that she wanted to cook food over a fire like Curious George did on her favorite show. So we took her vision and made it a reality. We made a mini camp fire in our front lawn and cooked hot dogs and marshmallows on sticks. She just loved it. We did some thing we would never have even imagined doing in our old neighborhood. It is fun living in the country.This is the fire we had while Alex was around. It was still small and managable. After Alex left the fire got much much bigger. I can say that Selim has a small piro inside. We were grabbing any thing that was not alive or just did not look right in the woods to put into the fire pile. We had the flames going well into the darkness.

Then we thought that since we were going to be having some landscaping done a few days later we created a huge brush pile that we had grand plans of burning. Unfortunetly we were not able to get a burn pirmit so no more fun fires in the front lawn. We had to pay to have the pile chipped up. No fun in that. Now our goal is lush green grass.

Now that the loam is down and the spriklers are going the seed has been spread we are finaly starting to see baby grass growing every were we had wished it would come in. Big Cheers all around theTobey home we will have grass!!!

Any one that knows Selim you know how crazy he can be about the way things look. He always wants every thing to look just so. And this was one of his last issues he had with the outside of the new house. All we had was a ton of dirt and mud. There is light at the end of the tunel. We will have a lawn in the not to distant future.

Happy 3rd Birthday Alex

2007-05-16T13:36:00.000-04:00

On Saturday April 14th we took Alex to see the Doodlebops in Lynn, MA what a great time we had as a family.

The Doodle Bops are a dancing, singing, Children's band on the Disney Channel that Alex just loves to dance along with.

"We're the Doodlebops"

Alex and Daddy on there way to a sugar High

Then on Sunday April 15th we celebrated Alex birthday with a huge party with many great friends and family. The theme of the day was Curious George, complete with the cake, pinata, and party hats. A great time was had by all. But I think that the birthday girl forgot that you need extra energy for parties. She did not want to take a nap before the party in fear that she may miss some thing. So when it came to Pinata time Alex was not all that ready to share in the fun of hitting Curious George. Thankfully it was the kind of Pinata that just needed the strings to be pulled and one lucky child would have the magic string....Alex had the lucky string after all.

Then the actual day of April 19th was yet another family party to celebrate for the third time the third birthday. But that is the way we Tobey's celebrate birthdays. We make it a month long celebration for all to attend and have fun. Big on the memories that can be made for each occasion.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2007-05-14T15:25:00.000-04:00

I am now able to update the Blog, we had some minor difficulties on updates. I will be posting all sorts of new updates.
Alex's Birthday Party
Doodle Bops
And so much more!
Stay tuned more to come!
So sorry for the major delay!
Best regards to all from the Tobey Family

Easter 2007

2007-04-10T21:42:00.000-04:00

We started out the weekend with an Easter Egg hunt at Shaws at 7:30 am with Selim and Alex running around the store collecting all that they could get. Way to Go to Alex for her first Easter Egg hunt and finding so many great treats.

Then Saturday night we came home after a long day of Retailing to prepare for a White Fuzzy Visitor. We colored Eggs for the first time and made sure to leave carrots and colored eggs for the Easter Bunny. Not to mention the sweet note to thank him for his visit and safe travels.

Sunday we started the day with an Easter Egg hunt at home with Alie, mommy and daddy. Then we ate candy for breakfast, you know the only way to start out a proper holiday, a kid on a sugar high. Then out the door we went to have a wonderful Brunch with Jim and Nikki at the Red Blazer. Lots of great eats and so much fun to be with family.

After Brunch we headed over to Alex's other house Bubbi's house to check out what the Easter Bunny had left for her. Low and behold another great Basket full of treats.
Then it was off to the Hamilton's for Easter Dinner and more Easter fun.
We had yet another Easter Egg hunt with Cousins this time, Noah, Nicolas and Auntie Nikki. More wonderful Easter Baskets full of treats from Mumma, and Ama and Great Gramy. By the time we got our little Easter girl home that night we were not to sure when her head was going to hit the pillow and stay there. The days sugars were running crazy through out the house and up and down on the beds. Finally around 9:15 pm we had some silence. All and all we feel we had a wonderful Easter holiday for 2007.

Potty Training in Progress

2007-04-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

I can say we are having great success on they potty training front. Alex is very receptive to the idea and feeling very proud of each of her accomplishments.

We started Potty training this past Tuesday April 3rd, and have not looked back since. On Monday I told her that Tuesday was the last day of Diapers and she was on board with the idea. We woke up on Tuesday morning dry and went right into Big Girl Panties. Tuesday and Wed were the tough days but since then we have not had any accidents. Alex takes so much pride in being a Big Girl. At home we do not have any issues with using the potty but out and about there is still some hesitation. She is learning more and more each and every day. Mom and Dad could not be more proud.

Now all we have to do is master the comfort to actually let the number two go with out any issue or hesitation as well. We will get there.

Basement Project

2007-03-23T20:22:00.000-04:00

Well some of you know we have been working on getting our basement finished for the past 7 weeks and we feel as though we are in the final days of construction now. We just had the carpet put down today and let me tell I can finally see the light at the end of the road. I hate living in construction. Selim and I have come to the fast conclusion that we can never get a fixer-upper of a house ever! We are the type of people that when we think of a project we want it done that day, not down the road. And not to mention the mess, dust and just over all inconvenience of getting these things done.
All we have to have done now is the doors to the closets put on and touch up paint then we should be able to claim that space back to be ours by Monday night! We are all so excited here in the Tobey home. Alex is really excited to be able to put back together her playroom and we just want to have things back in order. Let me say that all of this started back in the fall when Bubi came over to play with Alex and said that it was to cold to play in her play room since the small space heater just was not working on warming up the room efficiently. So in Feb we decided to do some thing about that and we are almost done. We have heat, carpet, doors, walls, paint every thing. We hope that Bubi well come back to play in Alex's playroom again.

Get a way weekend

2007-03-21T16:43:00.000-04:00

Charleston and Savannah Weekend

Mid March Alex and I met up with Selim on one of his work trips South. We meet him in Charleston, SC. We just love it there, the town is so full of history and so beautiful. Not to mention that every thing was starting to get into full bloom for Spring, just breath taking. One of the first things we have to do when we arrive in Charleston is visit the horses. As we did.

Hello big fella
Then we found the most interactive toy store yet, it was perfect for every one that is young at heart. Lots of dress up cloths and free play toys to keep you playing for hours. It was a bit of a challenge for me to get Selim and Alex out of the store but I managed with bribes for both of them.

Any one looking for the Princess of Alie land?

After a great day of walking and shopping in Charleston we headed down south to Savannah. We took some time to rest and relax when we arrived in GA. The weather was just perfect sunny and warm. We stayed in the Westin across the river from they historic district of Savannah, which was fun to take the boat across each time we left the hotel.

Daddy and Alie Chillin

We took a nice long horse drawn carriage ride through the old town to learn about all of the history. And we also got to eat a Paula Dean's, Lady and Sons. Now I know what the t shirt that I saw meant, "Southern cookin keeps you good lookin". In other words it keeps you round and happy. That food was so rich and yummy, comfort food.

This is Bat Man and Robin giving us the grand tour.

We had such a great time all together, exploring the town. Savannah really enjoys celebrating Irish holidays they do it up all of the way in the town. They make all of the water fountains green too. We came across an Irish Fest with folk dancing, food, music, and face painting. It was so much fun. Alex had her first face painting done. See my little sun shine.

She was so good. Any ways we highly recomend the trip to Savannah and you must stop at the local candy shops for warm pralins(again with the southern goodies).

So much Change

2007-03-14T21:44:00.000-04:00

We have moved to Concord!

Every one is doing great still traveling lots and enjoying life to the fullest!

We will work on making more posts and updating what is going on with the Tobey Family.

One Little note Alex got to meet her most loved tv star Curious George in January at Universal Studios. That was such a treat!

Other than that we have been doing mini trips just got back from Charlston and Savannah what beautiful cities.

Feb 2006

2006-03-12T16:22:00.000-05:00

I think Alex thinks she is already for School

(Mommy and Daddy still think she too little)
Where has the month of Feb gone? I feel like time is just going by so fast that I am unable to keep up with it. Between Selim's travel schedule and every thing else that falls between the weeks go by like hours.

We had a great day with the Johnson kids and Cheri and Isabella at the children's museum back on Feb 17. It was so much fun to see the kids run around and test and try every thing out. It was just like organized chaos. Here are a few photos to remember the day by...

Alex and Bella shopping at the CM in Boston

Grady, Conor, Alex and Bella checking out the rainy day in Boston

Selim was gone for much of the end of the month to Las Vegas for his Bi Annual Trade show. Leaving Alex and I to find all sorts of trouble to get into. And as usual he worked him self to the bone and brought home a cold with his return. So we are still mending him back to health.

Jan 2006

2006-02-08T23:42:00.000-05:00

Well this is the big Month for me. I will be turning the big 30. But believe it or not I am not really all that bothered by the age. I have always felt that age does not really matter as long as you feel youthful and strong.

So we have all sorts of things going on this month. Selim traveling like a crazy and Alex and I trying to tag along for some family time.

On Jan 12 Alex and I joined Selim in Boston for the day. It was great the sun was shinning and it was nice and warm. While Selim was in Filene's for his final apt to say goodbye to the buyers (Macys bought Filene's and they will be closing the Boston buying offices). It gave me a chance to roam through down town crossings (my old work stomping grounds). It was nice to see familiar faces but I did not miss the head aches. It was funny to see how nothing really changes with people. Every one that I once worked with still had the same issues going on and the same old grind of work. Every one asked about my thoughts of staying home with Alex and I said each time with out hesitation "Loving every second of it". And that I truly do. I think that it is so important for me to be home with Alex. Her life is changing so much each and every day and I want to be a part of it and experience each and every new thing with her. It is just amazing to see how her vocabulary grows each day and how she sees the world thru her little eyes. It is so much fun.

Then Jan 18 Alex and I joined Selim in Texas for a few days. It was so nice to get out of the cold and warm up a bit. Wed we flew to San Antonio. While Selim was working Alex and I spent some time at the Alamo. It was so much fun to play with Alex in the gardens. We walked and ran and gathered acorns for the squerlls. Well I should say that Alex gathered the acorns, and then threw them at the squerlls. She thought that was fun. Then I showed her the biggest fish or "juice"(that is what Alex calls Fish) in her life. They had a pond of coy fish. It was fun to follow Alex following the fish up and down the walk ways. Later that night we flew to Dallas where we spend the next two nights. Selim knows his girls well, he made sure to pick a hotel attached to a mall and what fun it was for us. While Selim was working us girls shopped till we dropped. But the best part of the mall was the huge in-door skating rink, Alex just loved it. She loved to watch all of the little kids taking lessons and flying by, or should I say "wee". Every time we came close to the rink she was just mesmerized.

Thankfully Alex still loved to fly on the airplanes. Every thing is so much fun for her. She loves to make new friends and have great new experiences.

Then on Jan 25 I flew down to Florida to join Selim and start my 30 Birthday weekend celebration. We drove from Orlando where Selim had been working to South Beach on my Birthday Jan 26. What a weekend, more details to come. I need to get to bed.

Selim and Tab at the National Hotel in South Beach Miami

Christmas 2005

2006-02-08T23:13:00.000-05:00

Well I know that you all have been waiting for an update from the Tobey Family. I am so sorry for the extreme delay. All I can say is where has the time gone.

Let me do a few updates and try to link a few photos for the stories. Well since I have updated last we have celebrated Christmas and what a Christmas it was with Alex.

Christmas 2005

This was Alex's second Christmas and it was just so much fun for all of us. I think that Selim and I had as much fun this Christmas as Alex did. We truly did feel like parents this year. It was the first year that we stayed up late wrapping gifts and putting together toys. Just really made Selim and I think back to the excitement and gittyness our parents must of had for us when we were little.

On Christmas morning Selim woke up first, he wanted to make sure that Alex's first impression on Christmas morning would be perfect. He had a nice warm fire with christmas music, and made sure that Santa did not forget any details (batteries, crayons, camera, and tripod for video taping). The mood was set and so were all of the toys. But little Alex decided that Christmas morning would be the perfect time to catch up on some of her missed sleep from all of the holiday parties and shopping she had been doing. It took all I could do to keep Selim from waking the baby up. I just kept on trying to remind him that it was going to be a long and very exciting day for Alex and all the sleep that she could get would only be in our best interest.

Finally at 8:00 AM Alex woke to see all of the exciting new toys that Santa (or should I say "tanta") left for our good girl. Santa made sure to leave every thing all set up and ready for instant use. A new art table with crayons and rolls of paper (huge hit), Tricycle (great for ridding around and putting babies in the back basket) to name a few. We were having so much fun watching Alex with her new toys that we let her work on opening every thing at her own pace. This way Christmas lasted for days.

Alex with her new Tricycle

Alex's new Art table from Santa

After Christmas at home we headed over to the Tobey's to celebrate Christmas.

It was so nice to visit with Jim, Nikki, Aylin and Mike, oh, can't forget all of the puppies too, Nutmeg, Spice, Marty, and Dephne too. Izzy had to spread her Holiday cheer to her fellow four legged family too. After we stuffed our faces with great food and opened all of the Christmas gifts we headed for one more Christmas celebration for the day, the Hamilton's.

Aylin, Mike, Selim, Tabatha, and Alex

Alex with her new baby from Big Grandma from Turkey

At the Hamilton's we got to visit with Alex's Grate Grandparents, Al and Gean Hamilton, and Jim and Marlene Gillis, grandparents John and Marsha, auntie KiKi (Nikki), cousins Nicolas, and Noah, Auntie Kim, and family friends. It was lots of fun. Alex got to play in her new kitchen with her cousin Noah. After a second huge meal we loaded our selves up into the car and headed home for a good nights rest.

Just before a long Winter's Night Alex had to write her thanks you letter to Santa

More updates to come....

Holidays in New York City

2005-12-12T09:26:00.000-05:00

Holiday Weekend in New York

On Dec 2, 2005 we loaded up in the car and headed down to New York for a holiday weekend. We were going to be celebrating Grand mum's birthday (Marsha's 50th) with the Henriques Family. We thought that since were were going to be so close to New York City we should take the time to see the city all decorated for the holidays. Even thought we went on a snowy day it was truly magical. The lights sparkled so bright and the decorations were amazing. It was a truly fun weekend. Being able to spend time with family, and catching a great holiday Jazz concert too.

While we were in the city Alex took some time to do a bit of holiday shopping for her self. She really fell in love with the Time Square Toys R Us store. So much to see for a little 19 month old little girl. She just did not know where to start and how to see it all. The first thing she saw when she walked thru the door was a huge ferris wheel. It really caught her eye, she just had to check it out. We took the ride around on the Ferris Wheel. It was very exciting for Alex to see all of the toys of her dreams from the air. Then the fun began with the mini trikes, as you can see in this shot she has added this to her Santa list......

Then there was this more than life size puppy dog that caught her eye that she just had to hug and play with.

While we were in the city we visited Santa Land in Macys. What a treat Alex just loved the experience. That is until we came to the grand finally, Santa. She was not all that sure about talking to a stranger and sitting on his lap to ask for any gifts. But on the way to see the big man in red she did get a chance to see Mrs. Santa.

Alex loved her sweet smile but still was not to sure about all the attention she was getting.

Tab, Selim and Alex in Santa Land in Macys NYC.

We even got to meet Santa him self. Alex did not have much to say. Maybe next year.

After so much exciting shopping we had to get in some local eats. What else do you eat when in New York City PIZZA. As you can see Alex and daddy were really getting into their work. I am not all that sure who ate the most of that pizza.

Alex Selim and Tab at Rockefeller Center. We got to see all of the ice skaters and the grand Christmas tree what a beautiful sight.

Apple Picking 2005

2005-11-18T20:07:00.000-05:00

Tabatha and Alexandria trying the fresh Apples on the sunny first warm and sunny weekend day in a month.
Alexandria and Selim with a most beautiful view of late Fall in New England.

We really lucked out to have such a bautiful day in November to Apple pick as a family. We had been trying to get out there for so many rainy weekends in October. Finaly we had a glimer of sunshine in November to get our fresh from the tree apples. It was so much fun we all loaded up in the car and off to the apple orchard we went. We made sure to find one that would allow us to bring Izzy with us. She too loves to apple pick but not to may orchards allow dogs. She made the best of the picking this year. Each and every apple that Alex picked for her she tried a bite or two of.

As you can see she worked very hard for the fresh apples.

After all of Alex's hard work the least that Izzy could do is try the sweet apples too.

After apple picking Selim wanted to show Alex how to skip a rock on the pond, it was just to much fun for Alex. As you may know she loves to Di (throw in Alex terms) every thing and this was permission to Di rocks into water and hear the big splash. As the sun was going down and it was starting to get cold Alex still was very insistent on picking up rocks and dirt to Di into the pond.