Not blogging frequently means I have a life, right?

Nope. It just means I haven't gotten around to putting pics on the computer and that I'm pooped by the end of the day! So much to catch up on.... will have to do it over a couple of days. I'm about ready to fall asleep now.

After Dad & Mom arrived and were given a super duper quick tour of the apt., we zoomed to John & Joe's practice. It was nice they got to catch a bit of it. Both boys met us with beat red faces... I really should take a pic of the church they practice at... Colonial. It's HUGE. It's nice they offer many activities for the community. Well, there are my parents, not resting after the drive, but watching the guys. :)

We did some games while they were here... marbles. Here they're all huddled jumping over each other's marbles. We played a little pounce. A wonderful game (great eye/hand coordination with speed) I used to play with Granny. *sigh*. Hmmm... it was fun, although not many people like to play or will play with me anymore. Hmph! I took it easy on all, though - 'cept the last round when I got to play my heart out! I am slowing down, lol! Arthritis will do that to ya. Oh, and a personal favorite, Canasta. That was for the grown-ups. My Little Men do love to play it, though.

My parents did receive a proper tour of the apartment, complex, and surroundings. We drove through William Ulmstead Park, which is just beautiful. In fact, the boys and I went there today. A trip to BJ's (this one is enormous! All North Country friends should take a trip down to see it, lol!) to get John and Joe's new glasses. Johnny was thrilled to get transitional lenses... and Joey was psyched with his Harry Potter look. What a pair!

Okay, well we must eat. At home we enjoyed some meatloaf and cheese pie. The pie was with spinach this time. Joe prefers the spinach (he's not a big bacon eater) and was therefore ecstatic! My kids amaze me at times with their food choices! Really, what's wrong with bacon?  Oh, yes, for Labor Day Tim grilled dogs out by the pool. (Don't worry. No animals were hurt in the process.) The guys even had a chance to swim for awhile.

Tim & I had been waiting for my parents to try an Indian restaurant here. We'd been eyeing Zayka's. Wow! Talk about delish!!!! It was incredible. I've enjoyed some fantastic Indian food before, but Wow! Amazing! We'll definitely be back!!!! Oh, my... see the pic? Joey's drinking a sample of Mango Lassi. We couldn't believe the size of his drink that came. My sweet tooth, Joey, couldn't finish it. (Good for him!!!).... Hmmm... still in search for a good Mexican restaurant. Harder than I thought.

Before my folks took off, we grabbed some shots... the view from our patio and the patio itself. It was nice to have them visit. We sure do love company. :) Y'all are pretty much caught up through the 7th.... Maybe tomorrow night I'll have a chance to write more. As for now, off to bed! Oops! Not quite yet. I do need to find a dollar coin for under John's pillow. :)

<3

Three first days of schooling...

We're definetly getting back into the swing of things. It's very different being in a small apartment instead of a roomy house with our own yard to experiment on. But, we're loving it! Wherever we live, we're a family and we're at 'home.' Some things with schooling get easier as my Little Men are growing (and will someday be men...), and some aspects are more difficult.

One of my children is going to be President of the United States someday. His first act in office will be making a law that kids don't have to do school anywhere at anytime. He had a lot of 'fun' during school today and said he might have to change his position on where he stands about schooling when President, lol! Watch out, DC!

Hmmm... Our boys had a science project to identify and observe leaves, including their midribs, cells, and stomatas. Somehow the magnifying glasses ended up being used to smoke some pine needles on our patio. They wanted to show me what Papa had taught them, lol! Only with adult supervision of course....

On our walk Monday, (I've been trying to walk everyday with the boys. At this point, only a mile) we came across a couple of dead snakes. The boys showed their Dad when he came home. I had him bring the camera. Only one was to be found (Jordan had thrown the other into the bushes - yuck!) and it was now covered with ants. The guys thought that was way cool and needed to be in the blog.... this one's for you! (Too bad I couldn't make the picture any smaller!)

After that snake picture, I can't believe I'm going to show pics of food. During my homeschooling days, meals usually tend to be irregular (and the housework falls behind, and probably the blogging....) I have had the opportunity to make a couple of dinners. One of our family's favorite is Cheese Pie (Quiche to most, but 'Pie' to guys since 'real men' don't eat quiche, lol!) Joseph picks all the bacon out. He's not a big bacon eater unless it's very crunchy, and still not all the time. Next time we'll make it with spinach. I can't believe my boys are spinach eaters! (Not complaining, though!)

Our family really enjoys Indian food. We can't wait to check out some of the restaurants in this area. We've found a mix (Yes, a mix. Those who know me well, know that I don't usually use a mix.) for Butter Chicken.... yummy!!!!! It's very tasty! We served it with basmati rice and stewed tomatoes... Yes, the tomatoes weren't an 'Indian' dish, but my boys love stewed tomatoes with Parmesan cheese on them roasted forever. Next time I shall have plain yogurt on hand to make riata, though. It's the perfect side to an Indian dish... along with Pappadom and chutneys, too! ♥

                                                             Oh, the foil trick is one my Mom taught me;

                                                             it keeps the crust from getting dark.