I Love New York

Or, more accurately, I love what is in New York. This is our first week back from a week spent on Long Island at my gram's house. We had such a wonderful time. I know I've blogged before about the significance of her house in my life, but it always feels a little like going home. It was fun to show Elinore the secret passageway, remembering how exciting that was for me as a child. I climbed my way through it with her in a sort of disbelief that here is yet another generation.

Last summer (?) my uncle planted all this bamboo along the back fence of my gram's yard. It has really taken off. Elinore had a blast running in and out among all the trees. She called it a "forest just the right size for her."
We were so happy to be able to see almost everyone. They threw a big luau party with some very delicious food. Elinore's second cousin is only a couple months younger than Elinore, so they were able to play together. Katie even came with an extra baby doll for Elinore to play with. The rest of the kids had a blast together, and the boys were especially gaga over Tobin. They kept kissing him and smiling for him! We all went for a hike at Comsett State Park and got this great photo. Mike, Susie, Abigail, Ed, and Hope, you were greatly missed!

Since we went in the summer this time, and spent a few more days we were able to go out on my Uncle Blue's boat. It was a beautiful day, but a little still. Allison (here with Elinore) stood at the helm for most of our sail, and did a superb job getting us in and out of the harbor. Elinore couldn't get over that this boat had a kitchen in it! We ended up staying an extra day so that Kevin could go out and race with my uncles and a couple cousins.

I think Gram really enjoyed having us, and we were sad to leave. On the way home Elinore kept talking about how she was sad to leave Gram's house and how much she would miss Gram. Hopefully it won't be too long before we make it out there again.

We love you, Gram!!