Plymouth

New York 26.8.10

Here we are on the 15^th floor of Peters hotel, opposite it is his work place at American Express, Its a beautiful day, we are looking out on the Hudson River, its sparkling and the all manner of busy water craft are passing up and down.

Back to Niagara, We spent the whole day ,walking the legs of our little guys. Drove to the Falls and parked the car $20, and headed for the Falls , spectacular, thousands of people on the board walks. We walked to Marineland, and had a long day, seeing all the whales dolphins etc. The shows were great, the boys liked the big killer whale, he was trained to do all sorts of tricks, swam round and round the pool, flapping his tail, and drenching the crowd!! Not that anyone minded as it was sooo hot. Harry has a great knowledge of all wild life, he loved it all, and Tommy tried every hurdy gurdy, by himself, as Harry wasnt so game. The water park was top favourite!!

We left Niagara and headed to the Border at Buffalo, with all our documentation to show we werent highjacking the boys. We were told to park the car and go inside. Ushered into a room with at least 100 others ,waiting for an interview. We waited 2 hrs, the boys were so patient, then interviewed by a very nice young man for 5mins photo taken and fingerprints, and off we went , they weren't even interested in our letter for the boys!!!

So we were 2 hrs late getting down the road to our next stop Lake Carugo in up state New York . About 7 hrs on trh road, we had to do a quick shop for supplies,enroute, Oh you should have seen us trying to find things the boys would like, in a strange supermarket . We arrived at the lake on dark, then had to dinghy over to the bach on the lake. This lovely place was owned by a good friend of Kates Dad. John took vern and the boys fishing,no luck!! Harry rowed Vern around the bay. The morning we left, it was raining!! so got the boys into their swim suits, and all our bags in rubbish bags, and off we went across the lake, and off down the road to Plymouth,again a slow trip because of the Sunday traffic!! All 5 lanes chocker!!

Next high light was 24^th August , and Tommys birthday. We went over to Peggys (kates Mums place) the night before, she had kindly organised a wonderful party, with her 2 sisters, and Jen and her family,9 the boys cousins) and peggys lovely girl friends. Then the next am, we walked round down town Hatford, with Kates Dad ,Chad ,and his friends at 7am.

The birthday party was at Chads, beautiful home with swiming pool and hot tub. A real joy to see the cousins having the time of their lives together. Hamburgers and hot dogs and huge birthday cake and games .

We stayed on another day and played golf with Chad and Peggys sister Bonnie, I must add importantly the girls WON!! then Chad took us to New Haven, 1 hr drive, to catch the train to New york. Peter was there with his work, so this was a real treat. stayed at his very plush hotel in the financial district, round the corner from Ground Zero.

We had dinner with some great women Peters work mates, during the day we cycled all round Manhatten all round Central park and up beside of the Hudson River. Even have stop /go lights and cops on some of the cycle tracks.

Back to Plymouth with Peter on Friday night, weve had some very special times meeting their friends and swimming in the pond with the boys and Louis, the Golden doodle!! He is a great dog, and is great to walk with,and loves the water.

Peter is training for the New York marathon, had to do a 2 hr run on Sunday, so Vern and I cycled with him, through a forest reserve with great cycle paths.

Liz ( my NY sister) and Rick, came to visit us on Sat to Mon , We had such a good time, the boys particulary loved playing along with Rick on his trumpet, and they on the drums and guitar.

Today, Kate is recovering from a nerve procedure on her back, we are so hopeful it will relieve her back pain. Peggy has been here for 2 days with us, sorry to say goodbye today to her. Peter is in Atlanta for work left here at 5am , home tonight about 9pm. Vern is happy doing the DIY here , and the boys and I have been at the pond swimming its 90 degrees