SO much to catch up on! This past few weeks have literally flown by without even a minute to write! Mason continues to grow, and grow....and grow! He was supposed to go for his four month appointment today - but the office had to reschedule (not sure why on their part!), so now we will go next week. Lucky for Mason, spared for another week his shots!

Since we last wrote, we have survived the great flood of 2011, a long weekend excursion to Lake Placid, many long work days. and a sup rise birthday bar-b-que for Nana! Just to keep current, we will start with the flood.

The worst of the rain started on a Wednesday - pretty much in the evening. Bill had to work that day, and double back that night. Mason and I had met him at a little diner for lunch, at which time the rain gates opened, pouring the whole way home! We took it as a sign - no going anywhere the rest of the day! Bill worked overnight that night - and boy, did he have a long night! I was supposed to work Thursday - but literally every road between our house and Reading was closed due to flooding, so I had to call out. I was able to get to work that Friday and weekend however. Roads were closed all over. Hershey was literally under water, devastating. Two buffalo at Zoo America had to be shot because they were drowning, and several prairie dogs (my favorite little guys!) were lost to the flooding :( Sooo, soo many people lost not only there homes but everything in them. The devastation was everywhere.
We are so fortunate that we had a dry house, dry basement and everyone we love was safe, without much loss. I am always amazed at the way a disaster brings communities together. Between the floods here, and the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I find it very sad to know that it seems to take such a huge disaster to make people come together - to really help each other out. If everyone of us spent a little more time helping our neighbors on a daily basis, this country would be in such a better place. There is comfort though, knowing, that there are still people out there to answer the call to help out when help is needed the most.

Now, onto the good.....Lake Placid......We had a blast! We left around noon on Thursday the 15th. We stopped in Albany to pick up Andy along the way - and arrived into Lake Placid around 8 o'clock that night! We went for pizza and called it a pretty early night.

WE ARE......PENN STATE!!

Here is one for the history books, a day to definitely be remembered. On September 3rd, 2011, Mason went to Penn State for the very first time, (other then once when he was in Mommy's belly). and he loved it!!! It was the first game of Penn States 125th football season - and I could hardly wait to take him to experience his first game. I know he really will not remember, but we got lots of pictures to remind him! What a blast we had!

The day started early, and we had to wake Mason up at about 0445 to leave. Needless to say, he was not too happy about it, but after about 15 minutes of screaming and a bottle from Nana he fell right back asleep, and slept until 1 1/2 hours later when we arrived at our destination. In our usual traditions, we first hit The Waffle Shop for a yummy breakfast! Bill even let Mason "taste" some whipped cream. We all gorged ourselves in breakfasty goodness then headed over to the stadium for some tailgating. We hung out, enjoying the ambiance then headed in to catch the start of the game!

Penn State scored a 95 yard touchdown on the first play of the game - yay Mason for getting to see a touchdown his very first play of football ever! What a champ he was - it was so hot, we ended up taking turns under the bleachers with Mas to keep cool....but he already has the flirting with college girls down pat. I mean, this kid flashed a smile and batted those gorgeous eyes and the girls ohhed and ahhhed over him like he was the cutest damn thing ever (which, by all means he absolutely is)!! If this experience was any indication, I think we are going to be in real BIG trouble about 18 years from now.

I truly love going to this place. Penn State holds such a special place in my heart - so many memories and I just feel so much peace and happiness every single time we return there. Like all is right when I am there. I would not want to go back and relive those "glory" days at this point in time, and I love my life and family and would not change a thing. But I love that I can share that little part of my life now with my family in a different way.

I hope Mason grows up with fond memories of going to Penn State football games with Bill, Nana and I....chanting "We are...Penn State", eating stadium hot dogs, getting Creamery ice cream, throwing the football with his Dad at the tailgates, hearing the lion roar and just feeling that pride of the blue and white, that excitement in the air at every game. In my opinion, it was never too early to start this tradition and what a fun, fun day we had, starting these "new old" traditions together as a family.



Happy to start the day at The Waffle Shop


Our first family tailgating picture


Hanging with Nana


I'm telling ya, this kid loved it!


Our family


With mom and Nana - had to catch a nap before the big kickoff!


Nothing but smiles after the game!!