Staycation

My parents are visiting from California. We've been busy running around for the past few days. Who knew we could see so much and have so much fun in Rochester, NY? We are off for a road trip tomorrow morning so I wanted to throw up some quick pictures before I disappear for another week.

Erie Canal Walk ten minutes from my house.

Enjoying the good life.

Time to feed the ducks.

Throw them some crushed corn!

I love my mother.

View from the walk.

Waiting for ducks.

Highly entertaining.

Edward rarely takes naps but he was worn out!

It's lilac season here!

My dad enjoying drinks on the deck.

My parents brought us loot from Cali.

My mom snuggling with Steve's dad's dog.

Sambuca: the perfect nightcap.

All smiles after a fun day!

Breakfast the next morning.

Simple but good.

At the Lilac Festival.

Pose for pictures.

Bounce house.

My mom being a kid!

The bounce house wasn't just for Edward.

At Letchworth Park, AKA The Grand Canyon of the East.

Look at the falls!

Beautiful rainbow by the falls.

My mom showing her grandson the nice view.

Dinner that night. I made baked herb chicken thigh, massaged kale salad, and lemon pasta.

Vodka sunsets.

Lobster dinner tonight.

Ok one more load of laundry and then off to bed!

Living the Country Life (& a Birthday!)

Here is a picture recap of a week in the countryside. Not bad for a former city-girl, right? And today is a VERY special day. Three years ago today, I was gifted with the most precious Mother's Day present ever--my son! Happy Birthday, Edward!

Last Saturday I brought out some furniture and we dined al fresco!

Baby birds in the spring time (the nest is in my neighbors' play structure).

Enjoying a meal with neighbors.

They brought over sushi.

Sushi from a few towns away. I have learned that ethnic food does exist in upstate NY. You just have to look harder for the good stuff.

Kids playing in our sloping backyard. Ugh our grass needs a lot of work.

Life doesn't get much better than this, does it?

On Sunday, we celebrated Cinco de Mayo with some of Steve's family.

I got scolded for trying to get all of us to drink out of the same cup.

But was this margarita good!

Edward's bday present from his Grandpa Jack and Nana Ney.

Back to home improvement, we created and mulched flower beds around the deck.

In progress.

It's starting to look like the real thing.

What a bed looks like before mulch.

After a hard day at work, this is my mini heaven and retreat.

I took Edward to a farm one day.

They had a bounce pillow.

A friend was nice enough to invite us over for a pre-birthday dinner.

We had cupcakes.

I can't believe I am the mom to a three year old now!

I took him swimming at the YMCA for his birthday.

Then a lunch out with Mommie! This is his reluctant "Cheese" for the camera.

Ice cream for dessert.

My Roma tomato ready for a larger container.

Three kinds of tomatoes. I grew these all from seeds!

I started a total of 24 tomato seeds. The weak ones are being weeded out. I only need 4-5 tomato plants since they get large.

A close-up of the weak plants. They just aren't as big and straight as their hardier counterparts.

Four beef steak tomatoes, two Romas, some herbs, a baby kale, and flowers!

Here are some hardy tomato leaves. Now we are talking!

Daddy has been away for a few days on a business trip so it is time to pick him up! Edward has a few more birthday presents he will get to dig into tonight--lucky boy! Hope you guys have a good week. We are just trying to keep our heads above water as we prepare for my parents' visit next week while mixing in some relaxation and leisure time. 'til later!