Week 29 (July 13th-July 19th): Safari Adventures

I broke down and brought the kids to the local bounce house/arcade. We had managed to avoid it for two years, so I guess I can’t complain. The day we planned to go was rainy and that made me not want to go at all! Just imagine a warehouse full of screaming, wild kids! But I put on a brave face and followed through on my promise. They liked the big slides and the bounce house. Caroline loved the four-story climbing playground. Liam did not. But what really got their attention was the arcade games. And tickets. Of course, you have to earn tickets! It was fun, it really was. They had a great time. But what I liked best was watching them play air hockey against each other. They were competitive but supportive at the same time. Fierce but kind. Just another simple reminder of how they are true friends and companions.

Liam and the big slide

Shooting some hoops for tickets

A great game of air hockey

And no one cared about who was the winner or loser! Amazing 🙂

Week 28 (July 6th-July 12th): Little Girl Growing Up

Happy 6th Birthday! Caroline opted for a nice, little pool party with a few friends. She wanted a Monster High Doll cake. The cake is hideous (in a not so good way) and I struggled immensely with it, but she LOVED it so I tried not to talk trash about the cake in front of her. I know, I’m a good mom!

So we had swimming, snacks, a lovely round of “happy birthday” and presents. Nothing beats a low key party with lots of smiles. A happy, happy birthday indeed!

A fun birthday with family and friends!

Birthday girl doing her favorite thing!

Party guests having a good time.

A few gifts to make a girl happy.

The big one from Mom & Dad–a cd player/karoke machine!

Week 27 (June 29th-July 5th): Traveling

Although we had been in Cape May a few weeks prior, the kids and I took the first official summer time trip this week to Southern Maryland. We made the trip back to St. Mary’s/Calvert County last April and I swore that I wouldn’t do it again. It’s a long drive. And it makes me feel homesick in a not so good way (I can’t explain this, so just trust me on this). But I couldn’t pass up a chance to see my pal Becky. And the kids really wanted to go….so we went. There was traffic on the way down, but the kids did well until that awful last hour. Of course, the last hour is always the worst.

But we made it and we had a great time visiting! We played and swam and ate ice cream. I actually watched my one and only World’s Cup game while there. And two days flew by. The trip home was a breeze…until the last hour. Naturally.

And this time I didn’t return home saying “Never again.” I can’t wait to get back!

Never before had my kids experienced the joy of a place like Sweet FROGS. All those toppings was just too much for them to handle!

Friends…just chilling. It’s been over a year since they’ve seen each other and yet, they were like instant best friends. Love that!

Wek 26 (June 22nd-June 28th): No More Teachers, No More Books!

Well, at least for now. Congratulations to Liam! Check preschool off the list of things to do.

“Graduation” at Liam’s preschool

Last day of school for these two brains!

Throw back to the first day of school! That went fast!!!!

Week 25 (June 15th-21st): Cute Curtsey

Caroline had her Kindergarten graduation this week. For weeks before hand she would walk around the house practicing the songs that the kindergarteners would perform at the ceremony. She also learned what a curtsey was and told us that she would have to curtsey (since she is a girl–the boys would bow) for the audience. Apparently the curtsey was a big deal. She practiced and practiced it at home. She knew which dresses would make her curtsey look better and which ones were not “curtsey material.” Finally the big night came. Caroline got on stage with about 60 other kindergarteners and her face was all scrunched up. She looked a bit panicked, stressed out. The school’s cafeteria was packed in with moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandparents, and more. I knew she was looking for us. I knew it would be impossible for her to find us. So as I watched her face scan the crowds, I picked Liam up over my head and he gave a big wave. She saw him, waved back, and totally relaxed. The rest of the event went off without a hitch, including the cutest little curtsey ever.

Caroline shakes hands with her teacher and then the principal.

And the moment she’s been waiting for: curtsey time.

Weeks 23 & 24 (June 1st-7th & June 8th-14th): Cape May Combo

These pictures were taken during our weekend trip to Cape May. It was a quick one but we had a great time (minus the traffic on the way home). We stayed with our wonderful friends (I know you’ll be reading this) and Jeff competed in the Escape the Cape Triathlon. For this triathlon, the athletes begin their journey by jumping off the Cape May-Lewes ferry. Crazy! We also found out that Jeff’s aunt & uncle were in Cape May that same weekend, so we were able to match up with them for a short little visit. I’m sure I’ve said it before but I will never get tired of visiting Cape May.

This is the boat Jeff jumped off to start his swim portion of the triathlon.

And this is him as he nears the finish. Looking good in his new Coast Guard triathlon suit!

Caroline loves hanging around Joan & Jim’s yard!

The kids play tourist while we kill some time at the ferry terminal.

Liam was so sad to leave behind this new friend he found at Joan’s house.