Summer Updates

Well that past 3 months have been fun! We had a nice eventful summer. Here is a quick recap:

Everett got his first real pair of walking shoes (thank you Grandma)

We were invited back to the Simpson Lakehouse with Jenn - so much wine, food and fun (Thanks Shirley & Roger)

We had many good times on Long Island with family and friends

Everett had his first Zoo experience (only CP Zoo, still need to make it to Bronx Zoo)

Everett played on the FAO Schwartz Piano (and loved it)

Ivan got to be 21 again and party for the weekend with OAR and PHISH

In mid August the weather was a little crazy and we caught a great shot of the sky

Everett and Kenzie took their relationship to the next level!

Everett learned how to dance and hasn't stopped!

Ivan discovered chocolate covered BACON (thanks Danielle and Craig)

Everett had his FIRST SLEEPOVER with his BFF Isaac

Charles left for college and is having a great time! (We are all so proud of him!!!)

Everett went to his first "princess party" and since he was the only boy there and all the girls were getting their hair done he couldn't be left out (first real MOHAWK!)

We had lobster night with the Weiss'

Nan came to visit for the Holidays

Nancy was able to use her DOUBLE OVEN

Everett found a new hiding spot in the pantry

We had some fun times in Julian Lane Park

and last but definitely not least...

Ross and Michele got engaged

Class of 2009

Yesterday, Charles graduated from John F. Kennedy High School. The ceremony was outside and it was a beautiful day. We are all so proud of Charles and the young man he has become. Now its off to Stony Brook where we know he will do great. We love you Charles!

The Beauty of this Weather

Well, the weather in NY has been rather gray the last month or so. Sunny days were hard to come by. This past week, it had just poured for about 10 minutes. Ivan, Everett and I watched the crazy dark sky and pounding rain from our rooftop. After returning to our apartment, I noticed that through the blinds it looked very PINK outside. I opened the shades and to my surprise we saw the most stunning sky. Ivan took another trip to the roof to capture this amazing beauty.

13 Months and on the MOVE!

Everett is officially walking! It was a very exiting day for everyone. Everett was so happy and laughing, he thought is was the best! We now have some serious baby proofing to do!!!!

Birthday Boy!

Everett is one lucky boy. For his first birthday he had 3 parties! 1 on his actual birthday, 1 at the Gabel's and 1 at the Roocke house. He is just too popular to have 1 party! There was no way that I could have planned these parties without help from my sister Jennifer. At the Gabel's we set up a mini circus in the back yard. We borrowed a great ball pit from my Aunt & Uncle, we set up a pop out tent, Jenn made personalized beach balls and piggy bank party favors and we put out anything else that could be outside. The next day we had Everett's final party at the Roocke's. Jennifer and Ally decorated the house, put out some toys and a mini ball pit and made everything look amazing. Thanks sisters and brother! My entire family is the best! Thank you Dad, Nancy & Jeff for graciously letting us host Everett's first birthday at your homes. You are truly wonderful. Everett is so so lucky to have such amazing grandparents and Aunts & Uncle's.

Ivan's Birthday

Today Ivan got one of the best presents from Everett for his birthday...2 steps! It was so exciting! I was holding Everett's hand and guiding him to Ivan and then I let go and he took the last 2 steps on his own. Later on in the day, we went to the bookstore and Ivan and Everett were strolling around together. It was so sweet!

First Mothers Day

On Saturday we went to Riverside Park for a Mother’s Day balloon release for people who have lost thier mothers. We all wrote a note to our mothers on a balloon and released them into the sky. There is no day like this day that makes you miss your mother more. It was nice to have this time with my family.

On Sunday I had a nice lunch with my Dad, brother and sisters and then headed to the Gabel's for some lobster and steak! Everett was pooped and fell asleep on Aunt Jenny!

My wonderful husband got me the sweetest and most beautiful present...a necklace with Everett's birthstone (Emerald) surrounded by diamonds (because what girl doesn’t like diamonds?) and on the top a small Amethyst (my Mother’s birthstone). He also bought my sisters a necklace with an Amethyst stone. I have such a wonderful husband and I thank him for his thoughtfulness and for being there for me and my family always…now I just have to get him to listen to everything I say when I say it! :-)

To My Son On Mother's Day

Everett,
You came in to our world almost a year ago and have turned my life around. You have made me the happiest mother and I am so thankful you are my son. You make me smile everyday. Thank you for making me a mother, you are a perfect little boy and we love you so much.

Thank you for your laugh, you are one funny kid
Thank you for teaching me how to love unconditionally
Thank you for always lifting my spirits even if you didn't mean too
Thank you for your nifty dance moves which always makes us laugh
Thank you for your smile that warms my heart
Thank you for your love and kisses
Thank you for making us a family

We love you!

Everett's First Haircut

Well it was long over do as you can see from a previous post. The day finally arrived when Everett would have his first haircut. I was actually a little nervous about how he would do and how he would look. He was the perfect customer, he stood in the cool Jeep as we all watched him get his hair cut. I think he loved the attention! There were some parts that tickled him a little. We brought his electric toothbrush to distract him although he didn't need it. After he was all done I was amazed how different he looked, and if it was at all possible he was even CUTER!

Date Night

Saturday night the Gabel's were nice enough to babysit so we could go out for dinner. They also gave us a Gift Certificate to a steakhouse called Bryant & Cooper. We had an 8:30 reservation. We arrived on time and the place was PACKED. After waiting for 15 minutes just to check in we made it to the bar for a cocktail. Finally around 9:30 we sat down. We were glad we had a gift certificate otherwise we would have left. We ordered our meal and the steaks were overcooked; Ivan was not thrilled but I kept telling him we have a gift certificate and we were probably never coming back. My steak was great (which I shared w/ Ivan and he agreed) the creamed spinach may have been the best I ever had and the oysters were amazing. The food was wonderful. We decided to skip dessert. Ivan asked for the check and I went to the ladies room. When I returned I helped Ivan leave the appropriate tip (after 3 drinks he couldn't calculate correctly) and then we headed on our way. As we were in the car, Ivan turned to me and said, "you wanna hear something so funny".... WE FORGOT TO USE THE GIFT CERTIFICATE!

Guess we will be dining again at Bryant & Cooper after all!

Michele & Ross' Apartment Warming Party

This past weekend Michele and Ross had a "House" (apartment) Warming Party. Everett was invited and even got to stay up late and hang out with Grandma & Grandpa. Their place looks so great, Michele really turned it around. Ross now yells at anyone who makes crumbs or doesn't use a coaster...yea, I said ROSS...imagine that!!! Michele is training him well! Ross is a very lucky man.

CHICKEN!

Last Thursday Ivan was at a New York Housewives Event downtown. Steven picked me and Everett up after work and we all made our way to the West Village. We picked Ivan up at his event, went to D'Agostino's for some dinner and then headed to Jen & Steve's place. We had a nice dinner with great company. Oh and Everett loved the chicken!