Laughter is the Best Medicine...right, Doc?

Central Park

Introducing the Summer 2009 Ralph Lauren Collection


While we were in the city we were able to meet up with everyone in Central Park. The weather was gorgeous. Jack loved the freedom. The moment we got there he was off and running. You figure between 6 adults we could keep up with him but we all had to take turns. There were just way too many "pudgeons" to chase and rock walls to climb and soccer games to interrupt.

"Jack!!"


The Happy Blur that is Jack

At one point Lily started getting fussy. Steve started singing to her (I believe the tune was "Old Man River") and she stopped. I think she was a little smitten with him.


Lily was content to hang with the ladies.

The only time Jack sat down!

Meeting of the Minds

Lily: Hey Uncle Matt what tools are you going to use to effectively assess and better understand your organizational climate when you become CEO?

Matt: Glad you asked. I've put together a few bullet points that I'd like to talk over with you.

Lily: Sounds good. Oh, and you have really big hands.

There IS a doctor in the house!

My beautiful little sister graduated from Medical School (at Carnegie Hall no less)this week. It's still pretty surreal. I know our entire family couldn't be prouder. She is an amazing woman and a personal hero. Below is a video montage of the day. There will be lots more pictures to post this week because we were fortunate to spend time with alot of family down in the big apple.

How sweet it is! Congrats Dr. Tracy.

Mommy, can you buy me some new blocks?

He really has many blocks but evidently trucks work just as well.

The Face Tree

Every time we take a walk Jacks asks to see "The Face Tree." We always go there so Jack can say hi. Generally this is the conversation: "How you doing Face Tree? Have a good weekend. See you soon. Have a good lunch."

You Are My Sunshine

It's been so nice and sunny here in Buffalo the past few days. It feels so great to be outside (even with allergies). You have to embrace these days...especially living in Buffalo!

Relaxing

The best part about these pictures is that I didn't pose them. They just kind of ended up next to one another. Also, I like that Jack's sock is in the background. The boy is always missing one sock.

I think he's watching the news about TO's arrival to Buffalo.

Da Da Da-Dum, Da Da-Dum

Can't you just picture the Ingalls girls running down the grassy hill? Dave and I went to Toronto today for a brief getaway. We went to see "The Sound of Music," which incidentally was fantastic. While I was there I saw a poster for "Little House on the Prairie" the musical. Melissa Gilbert is starring as Ma Ingalls! Guess where I'm going next January? And, why had this escaped me until just now?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/28/theater/28prai.html

Who's coming with me?

Greatest Baby Toy Ever

We received this activity center as a gift shortly after Jack was born. It has proven to be one of the greatest baby toys ever. Jack used to spend hours in this thing and loved every minute of it. Lily seems to be following his lead. The best part is now they both play with it.

Together


Lily (6 months)


Jack (at about 6 months)

6 Months!

Lily had her 6 month appointment yesterday. She has one tooth and more on the way. She weighed in at 17 lbs, 15 ounces (you were right Toni) and measured 27 inches long. Unfortunately we are dealing with allergies and colds here so she's been having a rough go of it. She slept through the night last night for the first time ever but I suspect it's because of the shots she had and also due to her cold.

Hellooooooo

I love this picture for several reasons. I love how the kids are snuggled up to their grandma. I love how Jack and Toni are both intently studying the pictures. And I love how Lily is looking adoringly at her big brother.

We had a quick visit from Toni. Jack was loving it. We went to the mall on Saturday and he walked around holding her hand. Sometimes he gets a little goofy when he's overtired. At one point he and Toni were walking through Macy's and almost ran into a mannequin. Toni jumped and said, "Oh, helloooo!" It must have been the combination of being startled and the inflection in her voice because Jack thought this was hysterical. He was overcome with laughter and kept saying "Helloooo." Then he noticed the mannequins didn't have heads and yelled, "Where'd their heads go?!" The rest of the mall trip went down pretty much like this: Jack held Grandma's hand and walked up to each store window to examine the mannequins and greet them, all the while giggling hysterically. I wish I had gotten a picture of this. The one below was taken at brunch.


They definitely have fun together!

Party Like It's Your Birthday

We had a birthday party for David yesterday complete with hats, Mark's pizza and Chewbacca cake. My original plan was to drive to Batavia and pick up a Pontillo's pizza but evidently it is closed due to the fact that Mr. Pontillo owes over 100K in back taxes. Blast! Mark's pizza is a close second however...so we drove to Lockport for that one. Good thing we have some sweet wheels to transport us these days. :) Jack kept telling his dad that thirty was the number of the day.

Welcomed to the World on 5/6/79...

David Thomas Archer! Happy 30th Birthday to an amazing husband and dad. We are so lucky. Somehow I think that even though this is a milestone birthday there is a part of you that will never grow up. That's the best part! Cheers!

Welcome to the World...

...Samuel Leo Castiglione. Born today! Congratulations to Jules and Chris on their new baby boy. So many babies! I'm chomping at the bit to hold them. ;) Looks like the beginning of May will be filled with birthdays for the men in my life. Yippee. What a great way to start the month.

Welcome To The World...

...Colin Patrick Tracy!!!! Nicole and Kevin had a baby early this morning. I can't wait to see this baby. Wishing you all happiness, health and some rest. We love you and wish we could all be there. We told Jack about his new cousin and he was very excited. He keeps calling him Patrick though (it's the name of SpongeBob's sidekick on a cartoon). Can't wait to see pictures!

They Love Them Some Aunt Bwidgit

My sister decided last minute to visit us this week! She got an apartment in Providence (woohoo) and was able to spend a few days in Buffalo. From the moment she arrived, Jack was right beside her. It made me laugh because as soon as she would pay attention to the baby, Jack would be right next to them. Both Lily and Jack were fascinated by her hair and kept tugging on it.