Going with the Greens: Mixed bag

What a week! The kids went back to school on Tuesday. The transition back seemed to go smoothly. Wednesday Brayden, Gray and I headed to Barnes and Noble for their story time. This is something that I used to do with Kaitlyn all the time. But the other kids, not so much. I was so good reading to Kaitlyn too. And with each child, it dwindled. Brayden loves books so much (luckily so do Kaitlyn and Zac, they always have their nose in a book) and wants me to read to him a lot. So I am truly making the effort with him and I do enjoy it as well. Grayson doesn't appreciate a good story yet, he just likes to destroy books. He is my first book destroyer. We have books that we got when Kaitlyn was little and are, I should say were, in perfect condition until Gray got his hands on them. Anyway, back to Barnes and Noble. They had a great story teller and the theme was "Things that Go". So she read three books- one about a train, one about a boat and then one about all kinds of things that go. Afterwards she handed out coloring sheets and the kids colored. I got Kaitlyn a new book and I bought a book to read to Zac's class this Friday...I'm the Mystery Reader for his 3rd grade class. Wednesday evening, I took Kaitlyn and Zac to Zac's school for a Dome Theater Show. This was amazing. It was held in the school gym and it resembled a moon bounce. It was all black and you had to squeeze your was through the openings. Everyone sat on the floor (I'd say it held about 15 people). A movie was then played all over the inside and it was shaped like a dome at the top. It was similar to a planetarium with an addition of the movie which played all over the walls and ceiling. The movie was about comets, asteroids, planets etc. and it was narrated by Robert Redford. Very interesting stuff.
This weekend was jam packed again. Saturday was a very blessed day for Kaitlyn and my Godson, Patrick. Patrick received his First Communion and Kaitlyn received her Confirmation. Luckily Patrick's First Communion was in the morning and we were able to go to his party for a bit before Kaitlyn's Confirmation. When I walked in through the front door, I was greeted by Kristin in the hall way and we both started screaming "Oh My God!" with our jaws dropped to the ground. We had on the same dress! Well it was the exact same pattern but the styles were a bit different. We may be best friends but we have never bought or worn the same thing before! Luckily I was only staying for an hour!

Kristin and Lauren

Kristin had a delectably delicious spread offered for all to enjoy. Bagels from New York (not New York Bagel, but the actual state of New York!). I have never consumed an authentic New York bagel before this event and I couldn't believe how good they really were. Why is it so hard for these bagel places around here to replicate that taste and texture? She also had her famous sticky buns from our playgroup days. I also love her breakfast casserole and I will have to get the recipe to share because it really hits the spot. There were munchkins, ham, cream cheese and lox, fruit, coffee, mimosas (which Kaitlyn drank by accident thinking it was just OJ!) and more. Lovely time!

Patrick and Lauren

After Patrick's party, we headed to the church for Kaitlyn's Confirmation. It was a beautiful ceremony and the Bishop was great. He was extremely young, having just being ordained this past August. He switched back and forth between his tall Bishops hat (I'm sure it has a proper name) and a bright pink beanie that looked like a yarmaka (not sure how to spell that one). Cheri, my sister, was Kaitlyn's Sponsor (she is also her Godmother) and a good one at that.

Cheri and Kaitlyn going up to the Bishop

Officially confirmed

Sponsor and Confirmee

Kaitlyn and Grandma

Our family

Jackie and Kaitlyn

After the service, we headed over to Harvest to celebrate Kaitlyn. Harvest is amazing. The food is from local farms and the menu changes seasonally. We got a big table outside and enjoyed the sun. Gramy, Aunt Kris and Papa joined us as well.

Jackie and Kaitlyn perusing the menu

Gray and Zac

Aunt Kris, Gramy and Kaitlyn

Aunt Kris and Gray sporting some shades

Brayden

Sunday brought us a great visit from Poppy and Nana. The kids were so excited for them to come. It has been awhile since we have gotten together. Brayden kept asking me to call him on his cell phone to find out when he would arrive. Whenever Poppy and Nana visit, I always make brownies and we always have pistachios. This is the only time that I make brownies and we have pistachios! So the kids inhaled them and I had to explain that pistachios are only reserved for their visits and Poppy said, "It sure looks like it!" because of the way they were digging into them. We also always order from Concord Pike Steak shop and Jason and Poppy (and occasionally a tag along like Zac or Brayden, today it was Brayden) go to pick it up. We got pizza, cheese steaks, mozzarella sticks, wings, etc! And then enjoyed the brownies.