Pirate Day

     

We did a little something this summer called 'Pirate Day'.  Lolly (Karen), Aunt Jill, and I planned and prepared throughout the year for an all out themed summer day of play for our little ones on Lake George. Our pirates ranged in age from the oldest at 7 years old and the youngest at 1 year 7 months old. Here's a glimpse into our day via our schedule:

Presentation of Pirate Day ( a surprise to the children )  - a monologue presented in character by yours truly. It's on video but for right now, to keep my embarrassment down, that is where it is going to stay.

Wardrobe - new stripped shirts, cut head scarves, belts, handmade earrings and eye-patches.

Arts and Crafts - Individualized pirate coloring books and adult made telescopes for the children to paint.

Games and Storytime - Backyardigans treasure board-game and book about pirates throughout history.

Snack - Pirates Booty (Pirate Booty Puffs) and Canon Balls (cheese balls)

Treasure Hunt - The children were handed a hand-drawn treasure map. They each chose an adult to accompany them and they were off. One on foot, one on a bike, and two by boat.

Booty - With treasure in hand it was time to go through their loot and enjoy their splendors.

Lunch - Aaaarrrr-tichoke dip, Fish sticks, fruit and veggies.

Snack - The adults and children iced sugar cookies with a smiling pirate face :)

Activity- Walk the Plank - where the children had to walk the plank and jump in the lake! Thanks Amy Jenkins for the Plank!

Other items - pirate puzzles, storybooks, and decorating their Treasure Hunt Booty boxes.
The Finale - Pirate Mini Golf - in character we all headed out to mini golf at Pirates Cove and had a blast with playing and laughing topped off with a visit to our favorite ice cream parlor.

Even though this took place over a month ago it lives in the children's minds like it was yesterday and they yearn for it again as early as tomorrow!

Worshiping Lakeside

 During the summer, when we're not at the ever awesome First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa, then we are worshiping at Lakeside Chapel on the blessed Lake George.  

 And once a summer Alan preaches here. The returning soloist, you guessed it, our very own Lolly - Karen Capuano. It's certainly a family affair!

 After worship there are a two traditions. One is pictures. Lots of pictures. If you've followed us for years then this scene is not new.

 Rowan (4 1/2 years) running into view.

 Lolly and Evangeline (3 years).

 The second tradition is walking the wall between the chapel and the lake. The children look forward to it and it never gets old.

 Mom and me.

 My sweetie and me! We are blessed!

A Verry Berry Party!

 

   Evangeline turned 3!

In addition to celebrating throughout the week we hosted a birthday party for her sweet little friends. 

We were so Berry excited that Evangeline was 3 that we had a strawberry shortcake birthday party.  It of course was very fun to plan and easy to do with thanks to MY mama! Evangeline excitedly sat at the coloring table awaiting her guests.  

 Lunches were ready in red baskets for a picnic in the strawberry patch.   

The menu: Strawberry Jam and Peanut Butter Sandwiches,  Strawberry Fruit Salad, and Strawberry Milk.   

Activities all together were dainty, sweet, and sort of quiet (a swing to the other side of the pendulum from Rowan’s Birthdays).  

Strawberry Shortcake for dessert was followed by opening some presents and posing with her girls.   

 For Evangeline the ‘strawberry-on-top’ was playing Ring-Around-the-Rosie with her friends.  And of course, the ‘transformers’ were there but they placed themselves out of the way of all the ‘girly-ness’.

Happy Birthday to my sweet girl!!!

I wanna go fast!

Saratoga is known for it's historical, beautiful, and excitement filled horse track. But, there's another track in town too. 

Many a Friday night growing up our Capuano Ford Bronco brought us to the Middletown raceway in NY.  I have many memories of a dirt track with the racing noises and body thundering vibrations of modified stockcars.  This past Friday night I returned to my roots.  Rowan and I joined my parents at Albany Saratoga Speedway just around the corner in Malta, NY. Nothing has changed, it's still pure fun!

Got kids who love excitement? Looking for family firendly fun? Then grab your ear plugs and get to your local speedway.  OK...maybe not every Friday night but at least once!

Pure joy on my father's face.

Rowan was excited by all the action, especially any action to send the caution flag up.

Pops talking all about the cars.

 

Lolly and I giggled the entire night!

Celebrating Someone Special

There is a lot to celebrate in June, July, and August.  This month, among the many birthdays and anniversaries we made sure to celebrate a special young lady, Miss Emmeline.  Emmeline is instrumental in helping all us Ballston Babes.  She's a friend, a wonderful mothers' helper, and a caring babysitter to the children.

Happy Birthday Emmeline! Here's to another year of a beautiful life!

Celebrating at The Iron Roost

Emmeline with all her 'charges'!

Life's a Beach!

 The Sr. Rudnicks, Pintos, Carolin, and us Jr. Rudnicks crashed Beach Haven this summer for a week on Long Beach Island. What a beautiful week in a beautiful place. 

The beach was the recreation and food, sleep, etc. just had to fit around it. We were at the beach in wind, rain, sun, extreme heat and storm.

 The cousins: Evangeline, Kyle, Tyler, Connor, Rowan

 LBI had lots of Baywatch moments!

Good thing these lifeguards are on duty :)

 Finding a coconut washed onshore was a big moment for the boys!

 Fish faces! Local fisherman bury their fresh catch till it's time to pack up.

  Lots of digging, lots of sandcastles,....and lots of burying!

Connor

Kyle

 And of course, what would beach life be with out some surfing!

What a wonderful way to start summer off with a BANG!