David, Noah and I just returned from visiting my extended family in New York.  To say this is my favorite trip of the year is an understatement for sure.  We spend our time at a lake house in a place called Canandaigua, which is in upstate New York.  It is exactly the opposite of the city; it is peaceful and relaxing.  My dad comes from a family of 9 kids, so there are always people hanging around playing cards or swimming in the lake.  I think that is what I love the most-we just hang out and spend time with each other.  There is really no agenda besides when we will eat.  My grandma is the pillar of the family, and I truly enjoy spending time with her.  She is a spry 89, and can beat about anyone at a game of Scrabble.  All of my aunts are incredible cooks, so we all definitely eat our fair share of good cooking.  

Besides my personal attachment to this place, Noah had an amazing time.  He was terrific on both plane trips there and back, and he loved being outside playing ball or swinging or floating in the lake.  Noah is such an amazing little boy, and I am so excited that he was so fond of this spot as well. 

As I know too well, vacation is not reality, so we headed back to "life" yesterday.  I did my fair share of crying as we left my family.  I am so proud that they are my family, and wish we could see them more than once a year.  My mom and dad still have our camera, so I only have one photo to share until I can download the others. 

One of Noah’s favorite spots..