Catskills

Aidan was still sick on Monday, so instead of going to his new playschool, we went to visit his pediatrician (Dr. Eng) instead. She told us that he shouldn't start up a new daycare this week, so plans changed. Instead, Laurie filled in with extra babysitting time on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and then we drove up to the Catskills, where Grandma and Grandpa Ruane were, for the rest of the week.

It was really nice to be in the Catskills! On Thursday morning, Grandma and Grandpa took Aidan on a new train (the Arkville train to Roxbury), and Aidan loved it! The trip took them past the Delaware river, where Grandma said that cows were frolicking in the water, and past many train crossings, where Aidan imitated the whistle ("Woo! woo!"). Aidan passed out for an hour of the two hour trip, but was thrilled to wake up and still be on a train, and be able to stant at the back and watch the track. That afternoon, Aidan helped Grandma and Grandpa harvest fresh peaches from their orchard, which is finally starting to bear significantly. (So far he won't eat them, but everyone else thinks they are delicious!) Then, we all washed Grandma/Grandpa's and Mama's/Daddy's car: Aidan was in charge of the hose, which meant that it was the most exciting and hilarious time Mama has ever had washing a car! Needless to say, afterwards, we were all soaked! :)

Mama got some work done on Thursday, and on Saturday helped Marguerite make a delicious peach galette for dinner with Vinny & Laura Jean, James & Susanna, and Marguerite & Nadir. Aidan loved following Grandpa around and helping him dig up dirt with his little shovel, helping Grandma cook (French toast on Thursday, French donuts on Sunday!) and play with the cuckoo clock. At dinner on Saturday, Marguerite & Nadir's golden lab Gora came over too, and Aidan was beyond thrilled to play with him: he followed him into the meadow, even without anyone else, threw rocks for him to catch in the stream with Mama, and was totally fearless and thrilled to play with him for as long as Mama would let him. It was fun!

On Sunday, we are driving back to the City after lunch, so Aidan can sleep on the way down. Then, we'll decompress with some playgrounds, have dinner, and get ready for playschool to start on Monday! Hope it goes as well as possible!