Here’s to Twelve

Reed turned 12 on September 26th, 2020.  A dozen years of laughs and love, curiosity and questions, adventure and activity, and kindness and caring.  In 12 years, he grew from 4 pounds to the same size and his mother. He’s taught his mom and dad to be parents and showed his sister what it’s like to have a forever friend and protector.  We love you and are so incredibly proud of you and honored to be your family, Reed.  Happy 12th birthday, Reed!  

The Little Things...

...Are sometimes the big things.  Never have we ever known someone who so fully lives for the little things as Willa does. Like unbuckled car washes. She is the one who reminds us daily that the ordinary can also be the most extraordinary!

First Day of School

Finally after the longest break from school of their lives it was the first day of 6th and 3rd grade for Reed and Willa.  There were new grades and the same grins for these two and deep gratitude from all of our family to the teachers, staff, leaders and community of Onondaga Central Schools.  On the first day of school, these two, along with their classmates, returned to Wheeler Elementary after nearly 6 months away.  This little district with the biggest heart made a plan to keep kids safe and smiling. They wore masks and socially distanced but that wasn’t what defined the day or the days since.  They learned, laughed, ate lunch with their friends, had recess outside and library in their classroom.  Yes, it was a little different but the creativity and commitment of the district remained steadfast.  Here’s to a happy and healthy year! 

Metamorphosis Moments

This summer and fall, Willa has been a caregiver to monarch caterpillars.  She’s found them, fed them, housed them and watched them metamorphose into bullerflies.  She even learned how to gently move a cocoon into a safter location using pins and dental floss.  Willa is a true caretaker of all creatures great and small.  

Guitar Lessons and Life Lessons

Reed was thrilled at the beginning of the summer when his brilliant, insightful and honest guitar teacher found a way to safely offer lessons again.  Reed has been taking lessons from Mr. Moore for 3 years and in those years, he’s learned so much about playing the guitar as well as the value persistence, patience and practice. 

Willa’s BFFF

Willa’s Best Feline Friend Forever is Kitty! They fall asleep together, they wake up together and, indoors or out, spend much of their days together.  Kitty will always be her BFFF! 

Mount South Onondaga

Reed, Willa and their parents took a Labor Day weekend hike to an area off the far side of our property that we affectionately refer to as Mount South Onondaga.  The views from here are pretty great but, in this case, the company is even better! 

Take a Hike and BBQ

Willa, Reed and their parents rounded out summer with a hike in the southern hills of the county followed by Bob’s BBQ, checking them final item off of our summer bucket list.

An Apple a Day...

...is in order once the local apple orchards opened for the season.  Reed, Willa and their parents were happy to head to Beak and Skiff on opening day.  The drizzly weather kept the crowds down and returning to a familiar favorite fall activity kept our spirits up. 

Beaching It

Reed, Willa and their parents were disappointed that due to Covid-19, their annual trip to Cape May was cancelled. However, a perfect day at Southwick Beach, with perfect sunshine, perfect sand and perfect surf, scratched that ocean itch for now.  

Mountain Coasting

 

Reed, Willa and their parents love a little adventure and were thrilled to find some just south of Syracuse at Greek Peak.  Here they rode the Mountain Coaster for the day and Reed and Willa loved every minute of the twists and turns down the mountain!   

Bald Mountain and Paddling the Lake

Reed, Willa and their parents took their third and final trip of the summer to the ADKs and climbed the final peak in the Fulton Chain Trifecta, Bald Mountain!  After this familiar but fun hike, we rented canoes and paddled around the inlet toward First Lake.  After the hike and paddle, we eat pizza, again, at our favorite place, Tony Harper’s!