Thanksgiving in Buffalo

We enjoyed a cold and snowy "black Friday" at the Buffalo Botanical Gardens. 

This magnificent building was designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted in the late 1800s.

The kids enjoyed the Tropical Rain Forest house - Griffin asked if he could move in. It contained a 30' waterfall surrounded by banana trees with bananas growing on them. Also inside was a pond with large koi fish, dinosaur topiaries and numerous ferns and other tropical plants.

Bird of Paradise

 The Dome House is the centerpiece of the gardens and was decorated for the holidays.

Ruby in the Victorian Ivy and Herb Garden which contains the largest public ivy collection in the world! Ruby is happy about that!

Enjoying a game of checkers with Auntie E in the Ivy House's gazebo.

All dressed up for the Nutcracker Ballet at the Historic Shea's Theater in downtown Buffalo

 (with a live orchestra!!).

A GREAT HOLIDAY!!

Certificate of Accomplishment

On Friday the Smith family attend Petrova Elementary School Breakfast Awards where Ruby received her first Petrova Breakfast Award and Certificate of Accomplishment from her teacher Mrs. Colarusso. The following was written about Ms. Ruby by Mrs. C, and read my Mr. Dann her Principal:
Ruby Smith was born to learn! She LOVES to learn, and it shows! She is an extremely hard worker in all subject areas, and an avid reader, writer, and mathematician! It brings a smile to my face when I say, "It's time for Writing Workshop" and I hear Ruby say, "Hooray!!!" Ruby is also gifted in her artistic abilities! Sometimes I look at the pictures she has drawn, and think, "A FIRST grader did this??!!" In addition to all of her academic abilities, Ruby is kind and loving. I am so happy that she is in my class this year! Keep up the excellent work Ruby!

Griffin and Ruby enjoying their breakfast as they wait for Ruby's name to be called. 

Ruby, Griffin, and Camden.

Ruby's nervously waiting while Mr. Dann reads off her accomplishments. 

Congratulations Ruby!! We love you!!

Trick or Treat!!!

Jacob - Eli Manning, Patrick - Knight, Ruby - Fairy, Griffin - Roman soldier

Happy Halloween!!

Fall visit with Grandma and Erika

We enjoyed one last hike at the Visitor Interpretive Center before they close up for good.

Cool and sunny day

Griffin, Rosemary and Eleanor looking desperately for critters.

A hearty bunch - One dragonfly nymph, one small minnow, a freshwater clam, and two water monkeys
(or so Griffin claims)

We all enjoyed a rainy field trip up to the top of Whiteface Mt.  with Ruby's class.

The gondola takes us through the clouds

Ruby's class on the summit of Whiteface. She is in the red to the left of the teacher.

A quick stop at Ausable Chasm to check out the honkin' river.

Fun, games, pumpkins and mums at the Apple Orchard.

Griffin's class hike up Baker Mtn