Raising the Sukkah 2017

We built the frame Tuesday night (the night before Sukkot began) and finished it up on Wednesday:

We had music playing and a pot of hot spiced cider, so this guy was excited

Abby was also in a good mood and was very loving to Benji, who soaks it up

Benji appointed himself the lantern holder and odds and ends man

At some point, Benji stopped helping and just started dancing. His routines were cracking us all up

Uncle Pete

Seeing this picture at the luncheon (the kids think mom and dad in this pyramid is hysterical) prompted me to look for a few of my own from some fun past visits up to Massachusetts/New Hampshire:
 

Quick trip to New England

We drove to New York and then on to Boston last weekend to celebrate the life of "Uncle Pete" Peter Platt. We took the opportunity of the quick trip to New York to also celebrate our niece Kaeli's birthday which was yesterday:

Quick stop at Rockland Bakery to get a hostess gift

All ready to surprise Kaeli

All the Payne cousins in the car

Hibachi restaurant - chef is shooting Sprite into their mouths

"Happy Birthday" candle

The kids enjoyed watching him cook

We drove on from lunch up to Boston, where we met up with our Paquette cousins. Abby particularly enjoyed catching up with Harper:

Concert for Charlottesville

We were lucky enough to win the lottery for free tickets to this star studded event, featuring Justin Timberlake, Pharrel Williams, Ariana Grande, The Roots, Dave Matthews Band, Chris Stapleton, Cage the Elephant, and "Special Guests":

We decided to park early and tailgate before the concert

We even found bread featuring Justin Timberlake

Heading in to the concert

View from our seats

The boys sent us a selfie from their seats

Dave Matthews opening the concert

Heather Heyer's mom speaking

The first surprise guest was Coldplay!

We decided to take a picture, too

The night ended with Stevie Wonder taking the stage. Not sure the kids appreciated how huge that was, but Kevin and I enjoyed it.

Queen City Mischief and Magic

Last weekend, we headed out to Staunton for their Potter Party weekend: