Memorial Day weekend in the Catskills with the Wards

The last time I used airbnb I got a cabin in the Poconos that ended up being dumpy and dirty. Thinking it was simply a poor choice on my part, I used airbnb again for a cabin in the Catskills for Memorial Day weekend and, yes, it too was dumpy and dirty. Now, I'm sure there are genuinely nice places you can rent through airbnb, but given that there are very little cleaning standards (no security deposits, no cleaning fees, etc.), it may be best for us in the future to go through a more reputable site ... or at least pay more than rock-bottom prices for a cabin.

Anyway, other than a rainy Saturday, we had a great weekend catching critters, eating smores, and playing in various bodies of water. Kate and I both realized that we are raising city kids, through and through, and that spending time in nature doesn't come as natural to them as it did to us. Or at least as we like to remember it.

So here it is, Memorial Day weekend with the Wards ... in nature: 

frog eggs 

It's a pickle ... and it was only $1

We're throwing rocks

Enjoying milkshakes and movie on the way back (to which E said, "Now THIS is vacation!") 

Congratulations, you made it all the way to the videos. It's like the dessert of this blog. Enjoy. 

Brian and Breanna's wedding

We had a great time at (and preparing for) Brian and Breanna's wedding this weekend. It was most delightful to be surrounded by so much love and happiness. And food! And the kids were very well behaved (although a bit tired) throughout the entire weekend.

Henry decided this looked like a nice place to crash after the wedding. I think he's part cat.

Early May at home

Even though the month is only half over, we've been busy enough that we're beginning to stockpile photos ... and we wouldn't want to deny you, our faithful reader(s), the joy of seeing what we've been up to.

We made homemade doughnuts in a doughnut-maker:

We went hiking in Staten Island. Elizabeth decided that hiking and nature-viewing wasn't good enough for her, so she created a mission to pick up trash along the way.  

We went to the New York Botanical Gardens (next to the Bronx Zoo) for the first time since we purchased our membership in December. It was quite flowerful. 

This is my favorite photo from the trip

This is Kate's favorite photo. This is a grass bench. The grass was very wet and I guess I look dainty when I support my weight with my arms.

We went to Chuck E. Cheese's in Staten Island for a birthday party

And we had a picnic in the park for Mother's Day!