Valley Stream Fireworks Get Up Close and Personal

The Valley Stream Fire Department arrived after embers from the fireworks display -- part of the annual Miserandino 4th of July barbecue -- landed on nearby houses.

Dominick and I investigated.

Kiddie Pool in Yard - Priceless!

Two tired parents + sunshine + excited kids = kiddie pool in backyard!
Catie got right into the spray, while Charlee avoided it.

Until she decided to use it as a water fountain!

Not to be outdone Catie joins in.

They may hate me for this picture when they get older, but are they cute or what!?!

Moments after this, Catie started breaking out in hives. Our day ended with a trip to the ER. So much for summertime fun.

Charlee's Last Day of School - Year One!

Peyton couldn't wait to get Charlee off the bus for the last time.

We promised them the beach and the beach they got!

It was cool and overcast, but the girls had a blast in the water and playing in the sand.


Charlotte was the first to brave the icy waters.

Catie was the only one to intentionally get wet all the way.

It took about 6 shots to get them both smiling and looking at the camera at the same time, but it seems persistence paid off!

Batter up!

We all had a great time at Rachel's softball game this weekend.

Dom's big night

Dominick got his big night in the spot light last week. He was honored for his exceptional work over the past year in helping to boost the efforts of the Press Club of Long Island. Dom and I both serve on the board. Here's his speech, and my introduction of him.

'Catie's going to have whiplash'

We took off the training wheels. There used to be a screw that prevented the little Mustang from going fast, but I couldn't help myself. I had to see how fast it would go. As you'll see, fast!

Commencement address at Stony Brook

I was given the honor to deliver the commencement address to the Multidisciplinary Studies Class of 2009 at Stony Brook University.