Sneaky Snake

If there is one thing I cannot stand in this world its Snakes. (There are a few others, but lets just focus on snakes for right now.)

I dont like them. I dont like the way they move, the way they just pop up on you, the way you can never tell which way they are going. I just dont like them. And I hate seeing them, especially outside in their natural habitat.

They just freak me out.

Today Mike decides to take the kids for a hike, to give me a break. Yes, he is great guy. It gave me a chance to sit around and play Toontown. Super. lol

They went to Peterson Park in Wolcott to walk on the trail. Somewhere we go all the time. And only once have we ever found a snake.

When they came home my son had an empty Starbucks container in hand. "Look mom, I gotta show you."

"Show me WHAT?"

A SNAKE. Right there coiled up in the bottom of what used to be a Vanilla Soy Iced Coffee. A ring neck snake. That my 4 year found all by himself.
He was so proud of that snake. And I was so repulsed. Even though its the smallest snake I have ever seen.





Yes, that is Joey's little hand.

















That is my little princess playing with a snake.












Anyway, the snake didnt stay in captivity long. Mike let the kids play with it for a few minutes and then let it go in the backyard.

Yep, thats right. So it can come into the house in the middle of the night, and kill me in my sleep.

You Are Now Entering a Peanut-Free Blog

It became quite apparent back when Joey was 14 months old, he had a-not-so-nice relationship with peanut butter. I gave him peanut butter on toast, a cookie with peanuts in it, and some candy with peanut in it. He threw up each and every time.
Hmmm....
A visit to the pediatrician and one blood test later, we had some pretty terrible news. Joey was allergic to peanuts. Oh and Tree Nuts, Milk, Soy, Wheat, Dogs & Cats. Can you imagine getting that message on your answering machine?
We have followed up with more blood tests and skin-prick tests. And it seems Dogs, Cats, and Peanuts are the ones we have to look out for. We carry an epi-pen and read ingredients, and I have to ask 1 million questions whenever he is going to eat, and I wont be right beside him. But honestly, it hasnt been as horrible as I originally thought it would be.

That is until our trip to Cape Cod. Here is what happened:

On our last night we decided to go out for pizza. The kids were fussy in the pizzeria, the wait was long, and they were tired. So, I told them if they could behave, and be still I would take them out for ice cream afterwards. The promise of ice cream did the trick and all was quiet and calm for the remainder of our pizza adventure.

There was a small ice cream shack across the street. It was starting to rain, so I suggested we get the car, in case it downpours, we wont have to walk back to the hotel in the rain. (The pizza place was close to the hotel, so we had walked.)

Ok, so we get to the ice cream place. My mom and Dan order first and get their yummy looking ice creams. I had the kids all pumped about their ice cream cones.

This is how it works when you have a nut allergy. First, you tell the server, you have an allergy. You then ask for a clean scooper. Soft serve is better b/c there isnt cross contamination, but hard is ok, as long as you have a clean scooper. Then you ask for them to go in back and get the sprinkles for the big container. So, there isnt any cross contamination. And then you put an extra dollar in the tip cup for their troubles.
Here in Connecticut, it works beautifully. Once you say, PEANUT ALLERGY, the server knows exactly that to do to ensure my son wont need a trip to the hospital. Ok fine.

So, I approached the counter and said. "My son has a peanut allergy, would you be able to accommodate us?" The skinny bitch (I hate to use that term, but that is exactly what she was, check the dictionary, you will see her picture) behind the counter, looked at me like I suddenly sprouted 10 heads. Another skinny bitch from behind her said, "Oh you have a nut allergy, we cant serve you."
This time I looked at them like they sprouted 10 heads. "YOU CANT SERVE US? If you use a clean scooper and get the sprinkles from the big bucket, that will be fine."
They both said "NOPE. We were told we cannot serve you or anyone in your group, per our boss."

I was totally floored. It would have been one thing if they explained they could not promise everything to be 100% peanut free. I could understand that. But to be rude, and refuse any service at all?

We walked away from the counter, and my son started to cry. Heck, I started to cry, too. This skinny bitch just told me that my son couldnt do something because he is different that everyone else. It made me weak. It really did.

So, I explained to my mom and Dan we would have to meet them back at the hotel, we had to get these kids ice cream before they had a nervous breakdown. In the car we went. I was SO thankful we had decided to go back and get the car. The kids were flipping out because we were leaving the ice cream place empty handed and it was POURING rain out.

Back on Route 28 towards Hyannis. There must be ice cream somewhere.
We found some. In Yarmouth. It was pouring, there was no covered seating, there was nothing. The kids would have to eat in the car, and in their freshly laundered car seats. Oh boy.

I stated my case about the peanut allergies. NO PROBLEM they said. And got a new, clean scooper and the big tub of sprinkles from the storage room. All was well. I handed off the ice cream cones to Lyndsay, who delivered them to my children. Lynz had her ice cream, and I was waiting to pay.
$14 later, everyone was happy. Thats right $14 for ice cream.

Until 30 seconds went by, and Ally's ice cream dropped off her cone and into her lap. Lynz held it in her hand until I could get a bowl. Ice cream was dripping like crazy, it was still pouring. What a mess it all was.



I threw out my empty ice cream bowl. And then Ally said "All done, Mom!" I asked her, "Do you want me to throw yours away?" She clearly said, "YES."

And in the garbage it went.

And then the screaming began. "I want my ice cream!!!!!!!!!"

Screaming so severe the old couple in line, looked like they were ready to call the authorities. I am not kidding. I quickly explained the situation and they laughed. Phew.
She screamed the entire way back to the hotel. And then told Grandma how I had thrown away her ice cream. Great.

Boy, did I learn my lesson.
Next time. Goto Stop and Shop and get Popsicles. Problem solved.

Cape Cod, Our Mini-Vacation

So, two weeks ago I called my mom hoping she would agree to watch my kids for a few hours on Saturday. I had planned a day trip with my friends to visit another friend of ours in Stamford. However, my #1 Babysitter had other plans, and I was desperate for some one to watch the kids.
(Ended up not being able to find anyone, so Mike stayed home with the kids, and it turned into an-all-girl-adventure to Stamford)

My mom said she would have loved to watch the kids, but she would be on the Cape. Seems she and Dan bought a timeshare, and were heading to the Cape for the week. All of this was news to me.
Hmmm....I love me some Cape Cod. But, there was no vacation time available for Mike to take in July. Had I know a few weeks previously, maybe we could have worked something out. Oh well.

A day later, I get an email from my bff. She had some vacation time coming and was thinking about taking next week off. The same week my mom would be on the Cape in her time share.
Hmmmmm.

I ran the idea of taking off with the kids to the Cape, past Lyndsay, my bff. She was game. I asked my husband. His kids are everything to him. And taking them away for a few days, might kill him. But, he was game.
Lastly was my mom. She was game.

SWEET. We are heading to Cape Cod!! The kids, Lyndsay, and me. This is going to be interesting.

We packed up Lyndsay car. Stuff in every corner, floor to ceiling. Wednesday morning, we are on our way. The kids are pumped about going to the beach, and swimming and being on VACATION. 1/2 way thru Mass, they were done being excited. Ally was complaining she was stuck in her seat. And she wanted to get out. She had to pee like a freakin race horse. She wanted to watch Laurie Berkner, Joey wanted to watch Cars.
And Lyndsay and I just wanted to GET THERE ALREADY!

When we finally arrived, I was dying to scope out our living conditions. We were promised a loft we could all stay in. We had brought out air mattresses and hopes were high.
Well, the only way up to the loft was with drop down stairs. Much like the entrance to an attic. Could be worse, I guess. We will deal. The loft had pitched ceilings, but was rather spacious and airy.
The one down side? The big ass hole in the floor where the stairs are. The Mom in me was totally panicked one if not both of my kids were going to trip and fall. And then I had to worry about navigating those stairs in the middle of the night taking kids back and forth to the potty. (Boy, I wish I wasnt so quick to potty train the kids.)
I took a deep breath. It was free. My mom and Dan were gracious enough to let us stay with them. It could be so much worse. We will deal.
Lets go to the beach.

It was a short walk to the beach. Probably about 10 minutes. The kids had never really been in the ocean. West Haven, CT doesnt really count. The water was like bath water. They were a little apprehensive. I had Joey in the water with me, and he said, "Ah, Mom. This isnt for me. I like the sand better." What a nut he is. He ended up really loving the waves, and running in and out.

Ok, Ok...Here are some pics:

Joey sitting the beach chair getting up the courage to go into the water.

Finally putting his feet in.

Ally and Dan. He must spend more time in the sun than Ally does. She is SO white! lol

Going with Nana to build a sand castle.

Ally stopping to strike a pose.

So the beach was a big hit. We wanted to get back there to take even more pictures, but the weather didnt cooperate.

So there is this shack of a place in Yarmouth that has the most amazing pancakes. Well, at least that is what Lyndsay says. Its called the Pancake Man and we headed there in the morning for some Chocolate Chip Pancakes.

Joey is catching up on some "reading." lol

I'm not sure about the nutritional content of a chocolate chip pancake smothered in chocolate sauce.

But its vacation...

And, he sure did love 'em.

Ally opted for Strawberry. And lots of whipped cream.

After that we headed to mini-golf. There is a place called Pirates Cove. Its pretty nifty, and very well done. Evidentially, the rest of the Cape agrees with me, because the place was packed.

Joey lining up his shot.

Thats a creative way to hold the club, but whatever works.


Ally found it much easier to just pick up the balls and walk them over to the hole.
She has a valid point.

Moving on. A LONG LONG time ago, when I was on the Cape with Mike for our honeymoon, we discovered this place called Toad Hall. Its basically a car museum. Sorta.
In a nutshell, this guy named Bill, starting buying all these antique cars. Painted them all red, and then stuck them in this huge garage for all to see. (For a small fee) At the same location, Bill, runs a B&B. The Simmons Homestead. Its a very nice place that Mike and I say we are always going to stay in, but havent as of yet.
The other attraction to this place is the cats. Bill owns 31 cats. All long-haired, all beautiful. Most friendly. Some may come for the cars, we come for the cats. My kids could spend the entire day there chasing around the cats. The cats are allowed just about everywhere. My husband cringes as they walk all over the classic cars.

Joey and the welcoming committee.

Ally getting welcomed, as well.

I told you, the cats lay on the cars. Some of the cars in the museum.

Enjoying a swing on the hammock before leaving Toad Hall.

Another Cape Cod attraction is the Cape Cod potato chip factory. Its free and there are free samples at the end. How can we pass this up??
There are only a few pics, because after I snapped these, I saw the sign forbidding pictures. Oops.

Enjoying those samples, I was telling you about. Delicious!!

So, other than hanging around at the pool, that was pretty much it.
We had a great mini-vacation. It was a lot of work, and I came home tired, and needing a nap! :)

I have some more to blog about, but right now the kids need a bath and a good nights sleep. The rest will have to wait until tomorrow.

Unscheduled Summer

One of the joys of a mommy and me class is to sit quietly and listen to the conversations around you. Parenting means so many things to so many people, its interesting to just listen to what moms are talking about and what they are saying. The formula feeding vs the breastfeeding, the working moms vs the sahm, the au pair vs the nanny. Ah, let the mommy wars begin.

I recently ease dropped on a conversation about summer activities. One mom was telling another mom about soccer, and summer camp, and tee-ball and arts and crafts. And her husband was giving her a hard time about how much everything was going to cost. And her response to her dear husband was, "Dont you want the kids to have FUN this summer."

I had to walk away. How much fun is it going to be schlepping hot, sweaty, tired kids from one activity to the next? And then having to pay for all those activities and the gas to get from one to the next?

I come from a time when summer break meant your mom kicked you out after breakfast. You ate lunch at your friends house, and then you made it home for dinner. Totally filthy and exhausted. All for FREE.

My kids are having an unscheduled summer. For one thing gas for my boat is EXPENSIVE. Groceries are double what they were, money is tight, and truth be told, mom wants to relax and enjoy leisure summer days.

How am I entertaining my kids, you wonder? Glad you asked.

Mornings are family time. We go hiking, shopping, errands, or whatever other family adventure we have planned.
Lunch at home.
Ally naps, mom and Joey play on the computer, read books, or play trains.
Afternoons, we head out back to play in our $7.99 wading pool and our FREE slide someone gave us. If I am feeling especially silly we break out some water balloons and have more fun than necessary.
In for dinner.
Hang out, and have some quiet time. (ie TV while Mom picks up the house)
BATHS and BED.

Restart again the following day.

Seriously, this is shaping up to be the best summer ever. Simple, relaxing, easy. And budget-approved.

Here are some pics for this afternoon outside:

Ally going down the slide, "Like a Shark." (I have no idea where she gets this stuff.)

Joey going down the slide.

Testing the waters.

Maybe she needs a little push.

Yes that is just what she needed.


Joey is much more cautious.


Sometimes.

Joey swimming like a fish.

Thomas the train rescue mission.

Adventures in Losing Diapers Part #2

Can I just take a moment and say "My Daughter is Brilliant." Thanks.

Potty training is completed and its been a HUGE success. (She isnt even 2 yet!)

It goes something like this:

Ally: Mom, I have to go peed.
Mom: Ok, lets go.
(enter bathroom)
Ally: My do it.
Mom: Let me help you.
Ally: No, Big Girl.
Mom: Ok
(let her get as far as she can)
Mom: Need some help?
Ally: Yes, Pwease. Help Ally.
(peeing begins)
Ally: I peed.
Mom: You are awesome.
Ally: I awfum? No, you awfum.
Ally: Napkin. (yes she says napkin instead of TP)
Ally: REACH. (yes she says REACH)
Ally: Pull. (yes she says pull.)
Ally: Rip. (yes she says rip)
Ally: Wipe. (yes she says wipe)
Ally: All done. I peed again. Thanks Mom.
Mom: Good Job Baby Girl.
Ally: Bye Peed.
Ally: Turn light off.
Mom: Ok.

Cutest thing ever.

She still wears a diaper at nighttime, but it probably isnt necessary. It just an insurance policy against changing sheets in the middle of the night, if the need should arise.

We have been out of the house for entire day, no diaper required. And she has used a public bathroom. I showed her how to properly tp the seat before she can get near it. :)

And, it has just dawned on me, I cannot tell you the last time I changed a poopy diaper. Ah, the blessings.

Friday Family Fun at Action Wildlife

Ever Friday around here, is Family-Fun-Day. Sounds exciting, doesnt? Well, it is! Mike has off, and we do something fun with the kids. It can be anything from going to the aquarium or just going for a leisurely walk in the woods with the kids.
It all depends on how much money is in the checking account. :)

This past Friday we went to Action Wildlife. I had to twist Mike's arm to get him to agree to go. I'm so glad I did, because we all had a blast. Getting their was cake. Its minutes from Route 8. We parked and walked in. The attendant was super nice, we paid our admission and we were left to our own devices. You can walk through the park or you can drive. It was a beautiful day, so we decided to start off walking.






This isnt the Bronx Zoo, by any means. No elephants or giraffes, but my kids were quite impressed with the selection. Some goats, and sheep. A beautiful Zebra, and some Bison. They sell bottles of feed. And when you shake them, the animals come running. My kids got a kick out of it.








They have a drive thru (or walk thru) safari. We decided it would be a good time to get the car. It was getting hot and Joey is still in 'recovery.' The safari was a tad disappointing. It must have been feeding time because all the animals were in the middle all together. Not exactly what we are expecting, but still cool.



The petting zoo part was a blast. They sell baby bottles for the baby animals and feed for the larger animals. My kids were a little nervous about feeding the animals. Finally, they warmed up to the idea. Sadly, the battery in the camera died, so I dont have any pictures of that. Darn.

We headed up to the new museum. VERY cool. I am disappointed I wasnt able to take pictures in there. Its basically a hall of taxidermy. But beautifully done, and creatively displayed. Upstairs that had some assorted reptiles and a gift shop.

There was also a play ground area for the kids and some really comfy chairs under a shady tree for mom and dad. Two thumbs up on that one.

We spent almost 4 hours there! And for the price we paid to get in, it was a great day. We went on a Friday, and the place was just about dead. I inquired about the weekends, and they said its much busier. But the place is so big I'm sure it can hold quite a few spectators.

This is how the day ended in the car. Perfect. (She was asleep about 2 minutes after I snapped her picture.)

Our Favorite Photographer

So, what is my blog missing? PICTURES. I promise I will try harder to include more pictures with my posts. I must warn you, pictures I post in the future will not hold a candle to the pictures I am posting here.

We were lucky enough to snag Crista Acosta for an afternoon. She provided us with the best photo experience EVER. No studios, no props, no gimmicks. Just my kids, being my kids. Breathtaking. Enjoy.

Peterson Park, in Wolcott, is one of our favorite "walk woods" destinations.

Ally and Daddy.

Joey.

Testing the waters.

CATCH ME DADDY!

Strike A Pose.

A beautiful moment captured beautifully.

Take a minute to check out her blog and some of her work. You wont be disappointed.


http://www.cristaacosta.com/blog/
(Dont forget to bookmark it!!)