Life is Grand, You Guys.

Kahler's Pond, Center Moriches- Long Island. I used to love this place as a kid and Nicholas did too.

Holtsville Ecology Site in Brookhaven, on Long Island. I haven't been here in over 20 years, it was just as I remembered but more grand. Nicholas had so much fun seeing all different types of animals and playing on the super cool playground. Staff was friendly, and for all that you could do it was only $5 to park!

Being silly with Grampa

Soaking up the last wonderful rays of summer

Hello, September!

xoxo
Crystal

Family Weekend

This past weekend we went to Long Island to see family we hadn't seen in far too long for the Kangas Family Reunion. Also, as many of you know my brother was very sick last year so we had not seen him or Joe since Thanksgiving. We try to get down to NY a few times a year but with Erik not feeling well, our plans were put on hold. I'm beyond grateful to say that he is doing really well and feeling so much better, and really loving and enjoying life.

We got to New York early Saturday morning and headed to my Uncle Gerry and Aunt Joy's house around 1pm for the family reunion. I started the family reunion event 3 years ago when my Uncle Tim unexpectedly passed away. It got me thinking about how we are not a close knit family- and how lucky we are that Nicholas knows what a close knit family is as I am close with my parents and siblings, and Nick's parents and siblings as well. My Dad came from a large family, he is 1 of 9, and we are spread out all over the place. Two of my Dad's brother's have passed away but with the wonderful creation of the internet, it really is not that hard to stay connected. I was lucky enough a few years ago to find my cousin's Destiny and Dylan, who up until a few years ago when we started the reunion, I do not ever remember meeting (and if I did we were very very young).

Anyway- it was a bit of a small group this year. The first two years I was very stressed out and upset/let down when people did not want to come or backed out at the last minute. This year, I stopped feeling that way and knew that the people that really wanted to/could come, would. We had a great time with our group and it was so nice to be together, kick back, eat some delicious food, and relax. My brother's wife and cousin's wife are both pregnant, so it was great to see them looking beyond adorable. I'm very excited to think that next year we will have to little baby boys at the reunion, and hopefully the tradition will continue for many years to come. A major thank you also needs to go to my Uncle Gerry and Aunt Joy for hosting- they have a wonderful home and made a point to make sure we had a good time, and we did!

Years ago, my Dad made a real effort to reconnect with his family, and that made me so happy. All but one of my Dad's (living) siblings came to mine and Nick's wedding- I know they love me, but I know they really came for my Dad and that meant the world to me. We've got pictures of them all together that I will cherish forever.

Although we may not all get along all the time, family is a wonderful thing to have. I am very lucky to have some pretty great people in my family.

On another note- we stayed with Erik and Joe this weekend and Nicholas really loved spending time with Joe. It made my heart so happy to know that Nicholas knows and loves his "Uncle Erik and Uncle Doe." It was truly the most wonderful thing to see and be a part of. My heart is so full.

I didn't take too many pictures (shocker, I know), but here are some from the weekend.

Lila's Birthday

I met my friend Maggie in 2007 at my former employer. She had just started and I was there for about 4 years- she was training in my office and we happened to have lunch at the same time. I was rambling on about how I had recently gotten engaged, and come to find out Maggie and her husband Adam had just gotten married at the reception hall that Nick and I had booked. We quickly became friends (I think when I got back to my desk I emailed her about going out to dinner).

Maggie and I have been friends since then and we've had the most wonderful relationship. Her daughter Lila was born just about 5 years ago, and when I became a Mom about 4 years ago she was one of the friends that truly saved me when I was at my wits end. I am so lucky to know her and am so grateful that she is in my life. Awhile back she told Nick that when we met it was "love at first sight" and I think that is something I will remember for the rest of my life.

I also want to mention- I recently joined a Mom group on Facebook and the first post I made was very positive and in less than 24 hours I was torn apart, called a Sanctimommy, and left the group. I apologized for offending anyone, and left it at that. I will never sink to the level of attacking people on the internet that I don't even know. I try to take the high road and am very fortunate that I am surrounded by a wonderful group of women friends.

Ok, enough of my sappy self- here are some pictures of our wonderful day celebrating Lila!

Nicholas 4 Year Doctor Visit

Nicholas' 4 year appointment was interesting- he had his first eye and ear exam and thankfully both went fine. We waited for what seemed like forever to see the actual doctor, and while we were waiting I realized it must have been a tough day for the doctor's- lots of screaming, crying, and upset kids. Nicholas kept saying "those kids are really freaking out" while we waited and played games, read books, and talked.

When Dr. Newman came in with a smile he said "thank goodness I'm in here, now I can have some peace." Nicholas' appointment went well, nothing new or exciting to report. He is about 40 pounds and I can't recall his height right now, but he's looking pretty tall to me ;). We are lucky in that he is rarely sick (thanks for the great genes, 'rents!) so it was more of just a yearly check up to see if we had any questions.

The doctor said two things that I never want to forget.

Number One: To a 4 year old, his Mom is the world. Remember the days when he is so sweet and innocent and loves nothing but his Mama. It might be tough when he's a teen, but at football games, sons don't wave to their Dad, they wave to their Mom. You will always be his biggest cheerleader.

Secondly, as he was leaving the appointment, he said that Nicholas was complete and utter joy. <3

Nicholas' 4th Birthday

For the last 6 months or so Nicholas has gone back and forth with 5-10 ideas about what he wanted for his 4th birthday. For those of you that know me, I am a super organized gal so the faster I could nail the plan down, the better. Being a Mom, I realize know matter how much you try and plan, that doesn't always work out. Well I kinda SWAYED him in to the construction vehicle theme, and I am thankful to say that it all worked out. I tried to tone it down this year with guests, but we are so beyond lucky to have so many wonderful friends that it was a huge party.

I also want to note that Nick has maintained friendships for the last 20+ years and it is just so awesome to see all the kiddos growing up together. It is truly what life is all about.

My 36th Birthday

I'll be the first to say I absolutely love celebrating my birthday. This year I went low key and just had a great gathering with some of my favorite friends. I specifically requested "shrimp and mozzarella sticks" for the night, and Nick happily obliged, haha. My friend Deanna made me the most beautiful and delicious birthday cake. We laughed, ate, and drank the night away. :)

Sistah Boo Wedding

Hey everyone! So, as you know I am super far behind in my posting- I've got this wonderful ongoing list of blogs I intend to write, but just can't seem to find the time to do it! The (not so little) guy went to bed on the earlier side tonight so I have a little bit of free time, woohoo!

Alexis and Rich were married on February 6th and it was the beyond perfect day. Alexis was hoping for snow and she got the perfect amount the day before the wedding. The photos we have seen so far are absolutely amazing, and we cannot wait to see the rest!

We got ready at the Renaissance Golf Club, where the wedding took place. It was exciting, relaxing, and so much fun, to say the very least. It was great to be together and to see Alexis smile approximately every 30 seconds was absolutely wonderful.

The ride to the church was filled with anticipation. The ceremony was perfect- Nick and I kept stealing glances at each other and smiling like dopes, remembering how almost 8 years before we were in the very same spot as Alexis and Rich. It was beautiful and mesmerizing to watch the two of them exchange vows, knowing they are headed for a wonderful lifetime of being together.

The reception was so much fun- our friends Matt and Deanna were there and we had SUCH a blast together. Dancing (and of course drinking..) the night away. It was truly a wonderful winter fairy tale, from beginning to end.

We love you Alexis & Rich! <3 xoxo