Weekend of August 11-12 - Pawling NY

Took Friday off as Mary Ann arrived Thursday night and we were going up to her friend's place in Pawling NY for the weekend. Also, we had to meet our new best friend, the closet-man on Friday morning. The closets in the master bedroom are getting done in early September as MA needs a place for her clothes and shoes. We are planning the great clothes cull for Andrew as he prepares to say goodbye to his 10 year old shirts and pants.

Picked up Kieran and Nicholas around 3pm and went back to my place. Friday was Kieran's birthday so there was a lot of present opening. Lots of books and a set on in-line skates. Unfortunately they were too small for him so will need to be swapped.

MA and I had picked up a yummy passionfruit cake earlier in the day for him which we took with us up to Pawling.

After present opening it was time to pack the car and head off. We stopped for dinner and then drove up there arriving about 8.30. There were about 20-25 people there for the weekend. An army of kids which was great and lot of fine food and wine.

We all slept on blow up beds Friday night in the basement (which was just as well as it was very damp outside). The original plan being we camp outside. We had Kieran's birthday cake Friday night and managed to embarrass him enormously with a stirring rendition of happy birthday.

Saturday we got up and did some swimming and then it was time for the men folk to go off and play golf. A great course and very enjoyable time was had by all (especially since I won some money). The ladies (and a few men folk) and kids stayed at home by the pool. As the girls hadn't all been together in a long time it was a good opportunity to catch up.

Got back about 5, a bit of swimming then time for dinner and time for me to lose $20 at Texas Hold'Em. Luckily for us during the whole weekend the host had satellite TV so we were able to watch both the England/India cricket test and the PGA Championship.

Saturday night several families put the up tents around the pool and slept outside. It was a lot of fun and I think even MA may now be bitten by the camping bug. It was a beautiful night and we could all see the stars shining brightly. Sadly the crickets kept Kieran awake for 4 hours but everyone else slept very well.

Sunday we got up and all the kids swam in the pool for it seemed like hours before we had to pack up and go. Got home about 5pm and had to drop the boys off. When I got home MA and I went for a long run down by the canal.

MA was in NY for the week and will work one more week in the NY office in September before moving on 9/28. Andrew is busy clearing out the garage to make room for the new car that is likely to be purchased tomorrow.

Photos of the weekend attached.

Pawling Weekend - August 2007