Surprise Visit From Bridget

Knickerbocker Farm

If you turn right when coming out of our neighborhood you will pass by Knickerbocker Farm. The views are spectacular. In fact our neighbors across the street all have lot lines that back up to this farm. When the sun rises in the morning it looks so gorgeous streaming down over the fields. I took these pictures a couple weeks ago when we were taking a walk. I should get some more pictures now because the leaves have really changed colors.

All Aboard

A few weeks ago we went to the New York Museum of Transportation in Rush, New York. It's located a few minutes from my mom's house. The great part about this little museum is that they offer train rides. The kids got the biggest thrill from riding a real train. It's not a very long trip (actually perfect for little ones) but you get to travel in the country and see the foliage (which unfortunately hadn't peaked at the time we went). My mom's grandfather, Michael McNellan, was a conductor and brakeman on the Lehigh Valley Railroad for 45 years. I wonder if he had ever stood in the cars we were in.

I love the look on his face in this picture and the fact that he's holding his ticket

The conductor and Grandma

Hmm. Lily was still sizing up the operation.

I wish I could have taken this sign home with me. Very cool. My great-grandfather lived in Waverly, NY (outside of Elmira) so he may have seen this sign.

Jack and Dad sitting up top.

Had to get a picture in front of the Kodak car!

Sorry this is blurry but it was difficult to take pictures in the station with the lighting.

At least Lil dressed the part.

Move Over Regis and Kelly...

I haven't posted in awhile and have to get some pictures uploaded. I blame our computer for this because it's a herculean task to process anything lately. Note to self: save money for new computer.

Anyway, Jack and Lily were both sick yesterday. It appears to have only been a 24 hour bug though and they are back to their normal selves today. I love watching them play these days. They are so cute together and they chatter incessantly. Jack says something and then Lily comments. I swear they could host a talk show.

Just overheard at the Archer house:

Me: Lily, are you a firefighter? (She had put on a fire hat and was wearing her boots)
Lily: Yes mommy I am
Me: What about you Jack? Are you going to be a firefighter and help Lily?
Jack: No, I'm a worker. I work and make money. I work in New York City.
Me: Oh really.
Jack: Yea, Lily is the firefighter.
Lily: Arrr, Matey. Ok Jack?
Jack: Lil, firefighters don't say that. Pirates say that.
Lily: Ooooh. Ok Jack.

Beat that banter Reg!

Oh, and congrats to the Daniels family on their new addition: Fiona Quinn! Love the name. She's a beauty.

"Sounds of laughter shades of life
are ringing through my open ears
exciting and inviting me
Limitless undying love which
shines around me like a million suns
It calls me on and on across the universe "

Fun in the Sun

When Toni and Dave were here we all walked into the village. There was some type of Pittsford celebration going on that had free rides and games for the kids. I only got a few pictures because I was partaking in the merriment.

Is there really any better way to spend a sunny afternoon then riding down a slide on a burlap sack while the people you love cheer you on? Nope.

Not to be outdone by her big brother...Lily had to plead with her father to get him on the ride. (It's just like how David has to plead with me sometimes to go to Starbucks.)

Two happy, tired and full little Archers. I'd like to mention that the ice cream cone Lily is eating was actually mine. We had ordered her another flavor but she threw a fit when she saw my cone. The girl apparently likes chocolate. I ate her cone. All was right in the universe again.

Cousin Get Together

I'm all over the place with these blog posts. I hadn't uploaded pictures in some time!

D'oh!

I just realized that our kitchen wallpaper looks eerily similar to the funky 80's background graphics they used to use in our school pictures. Does anyone want to come to our house and have me take a portrait?


Before they watched the Bills

Doesn't she look like an angel here with the lighting?

Lily is sizing this up and realizing it's probably not a good idea

"Hey Grandpa Jim, if a tree falls in the forest..."

Kind of blurry but I love how they are all playing together.