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| 300 Miles away from home and still in the reach of Hurricane Sandy. |
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Super Storm
We got back from our Hilton Head vacation just in time to prepare our home for the expected hurricane. Josh had a conference in Pittsburgh and had plans to be gone for a few days. He didn't want to leave us behind to face the high winds and possible damage that they were predicting alone. Making the decision to go with him for me was kind of hard. the news always makes things sound worse than they really are or going to be and everyone around us didn't really seem to think that it was going to be a big deal. So I prayed about what we should do. I was worried about the kids missing school and what about Halloween and my responsibilities to the school.....every time after we prayed we received promptings to go to Pittsburgh. The first couple of times it was a phone call from Parents giving us council and the last time that I received an answer to my prayers was a call from the school saying that school was canceled. After that last answer I put myself in gear and we got out in an hour.
We stayed in Pittsburgh for a whole week. The storm was worse than they predicted and it took several lives and destroyed over 73,000 homes in New Jersey alone. We were very fortunate to get away with just a downed branch lost power from the house and lost food from the freezer and fridge. Other than those small losses we were fine. While we were away our neighbors said they would look after our lil pets but when because the power was down they couldn't get into our house through the garage (like they had been doing). So for a week our fish and hamster survived with out care. I prayed that they would be ok and I know that Heaven Father answered my prayers. I full expected for the fish to be dead at least one of them but they were fine. It just goes to show that what ever is important to you (your children) it is important to Heavenly Father. I feel like our pets being a live was our family's miracle.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Pittsburgh, PA
Our stay in Pittsburgh was a nice one. I had a lot to be thankful for: power, entertainment for kids, maid service, fresh fruit every morning, someone else to wash the dishes, in-door pool, etc... I felt pretty guilty that all of my friends were in NJ with out power and heat. But everyone had family near by to go to so they could get warm and be comfortable. If we had stayed we wouldn't have had a place to go so I'm super glad that we were able to go to Pittsburgh with Daddy.
Our first full day there we got a family membership to the Children's Museum. It is the best children's museum that I have ever been to. They had a make shop where you can create anything that you can imagin. That is where Zach and I went to on our first day. He decided that he wanted to sew a bat. So he picked out the fabric and signed off on the design that we came up with. It was pretty cute. Zach helped sew it and stuff it. I really enjoyed spending some time with my sweet little guy.
Josh had to go to his conference everyday but came back about 11:00 so that we could spend the rest of the day together. We usually got lunch, Andrew took a nap and then we, went to the museum.
While we were there in Pittsburgh we got to celebrate Halloween. The boys dressed in their costumes for breakfast and later on that evening we took them out to trick-or-treat at a mall in the sub-burbers. For the first 10 min it was nice but then everyone else in the city came and it was a mad house. I heard on the news that the expected about 2,000 trick-or-treaters and got about 5,000. WOW!
My favorite part of our stay there is the city of Pittsburgh was our spur-of-the-moment trip to the curcius. We were at dinner at TGIFriday accross the street from our hotel and someone mentioned that the it was opening night for the circus just up stairs. So I sent to go and check it out and ended up getting tickets for me and the older boys. It was my first time to go to the circus and it was an amazing show. Zachary's favorite part was the human tourch. a man that lit himself on fire and catepulted his accross the areana. Adam's favorite act was the clowns. And my favorite part was the acrobats.
Our first full day there we got a family membership to the Children's Museum. It is the best children's museum that I have ever been to. They had a make shop where you can create anything that you can imagin. That is where Zach and I went to on our first day. He decided that he wanted to sew a bat. So he picked out the fabric and signed off on the design that we came up with. It was pretty cute. Zach helped sew it and stuff it. I really enjoyed spending some time with my sweet little guy.
Josh had to go to his conference everyday but came back about 11:00 so that we could spend the rest of the day together. We usually got lunch, Andrew took a nap and then we, went to the museum.
While we were there in Pittsburgh we got to celebrate Halloween. The boys dressed in their costumes for breakfast and later on that evening we took them out to trick-or-treat at a mall in the sub-burbers. For the first 10 min it was nice but then everyone else in the city came and it was a mad house. I heard on the news that the expected about 2,000 trick-or-treaters and got about 5,000. WOW!
My favorite part of our stay there is the city of Pittsburgh was our spur-of-the-moment trip to the curcius. We were at dinner at TGIFriday accross the street from our hotel and someone mentioned that the it was opening night for the circus just up stairs. So I sent to go and check it out and ended up getting tickets for me and the older boys. It was my first time to go to the circus and it was an amazing show. Zachary's favorite part was the human tourch. a man that lit himself on fire and catepulted his accross the areana. Adam's favorite act was the clowns. And my favorite part was the acrobats.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Hilton Head 2012
We got to go to Hilton Head again with Grandma & Pa. I think that this vacation I finally acted like a regular person. I was raised that if you aren't going 100miles per second with your hair on fire then you aren't living and you are just wasting time. So instead of pushing the family to go and do and push lil'ones to the limits and exhausting ourselves I just didn't. I relaxed, and we still had a great time.
Our first day there I rolled out of bed and went for a walk with Zachary on the beach. One of my favorite moments he held my hand and we picked up shells. Later we rented bikes and took them for a ride on the beach, the boys played in the water and got cold and wet. On our way back to the room the boys played in the pool and in the splash yard/fountain. Went back to the room for food and relaxing times for the kids. Later we went swimming and after dinner we had s'mores around a campfire.
Tuesday: We played on the beach with toys and made sand castles and dug holes. Aunt Kathryn came with her boys. I made all of the boys shell necklaces that matched Zachary's. We went swimming in a couple of the pools first the fountain pools then the heated pool. Yes, loved the heated pool. We relaxed, played shuffle board, (which the boys quickly made the sticks into weapons) had a Bar B-Q outside on the grill let the boys run around again and watch some showes together. Over all I say they had a good time. when I asked Adam what was his favorite part of the vacation he told me "playing with my cousins." I know that it was a real pain for Kathryn to take Ben out of school and drive all the way down to Hilton Head but I'm so grateful that she did. Thanks Sista.
Wednesday: Zach and I got to go on another early morning walk on the beach. Watching the sun rise and holding the hand of my sweet five year old was one of my favorite moments from this trip. Jo was up all night with what she thought was food poisoning. Josh took the boys on the beach while I went to get a few things at the store, next thing we know Adam threw up on the beach. I came home and was on the couch the rest of the day with a stomach virus. Adam and I bounded over a shared virus. Josh took Zach and Andrew out on bike rides on the beach just the three of them. Later he told me that was one of his favorite times on our vacation. Zachary also got to go make a shark tooth necklace which I know Adam was really looking forward to and was too sick to go, (poor thing). By the evening Adam seemed to be doing better which I was happy about.
Thursday: By now everyone was feeling better not a 100% but better. Adam and I were taking it slow and we went got out to eh beach. We all went for a bike ride. By the time we had gotten out there the wind ad really started to pick up for the day so we started off going against the wind as far as the kids would go and then the wind pushed us back to our resort. Well Adam loved the coming back part that he didn't stop at the hotel and just kept on going with grandpa at his side. Josh and I saw that and Josh went after him and and took Zach back to the resort. we waited in one of the cabanas and read books off of my phone and played around. It was a long time before Josh and crew came back. he told me that they finally got Adam to turn around and he made it about 200 ft said he was tired and they walked the bikes back. Always an adventure.
That afternoon we went to a nature reserve on the island. We went for a little hike and on our way out we spotted some alligators. They were just sunning them selves right there on the banks of the streams and just 50ft away was a high school football practice. Crazy! Zachary later told me that seeing the Alligators was one of his favorite parts of the trip. From there we had dinner and went back to the beach for a final farewell. Tthat was I think Andrew's favorite part of the trip. He had such a blast running into the water and splashing around. I think that if Josh weren't around to hold him back he would have just kept on running into the water. He just couldn't get enough of it. He of course protested when we scooped him up to take him back to the room. I'm glad that we ended our Hilton Head vacation on such a good moment. It really makes me want to go back again.
Our first day there I rolled out of bed and went for a walk with Zachary on the beach. One of my favorite moments he held my hand and we picked up shells. Later we rented bikes and took them for a ride on the beach, the boys played in the water and got cold and wet. On our way back to the room the boys played in the pool and in the splash yard/fountain. Went back to the room for food and relaxing times for the kids. Later we went swimming and after dinner we had s'mores around a campfire.
Tuesday: We played on the beach with toys and made sand castles and dug holes. Aunt Kathryn came with her boys. I made all of the boys shell necklaces that matched Zachary's. We went swimming in a couple of the pools first the fountain pools then the heated pool. Yes, loved the heated pool. We relaxed, played shuffle board, (which the boys quickly made the sticks into weapons) had a Bar B-Q outside on the grill let the boys run around again and watch some showes together. Over all I say they had a good time. when I asked Adam what was his favorite part of the vacation he told me "playing with my cousins." I know that it was a real pain for Kathryn to take Ben out of school and drive all the way down to Hilton Head but I'm so grateful that she did. Thanks Sista.
Wednesday: Zach and I got to go on another early morning walk on the beach. Watching the sun rise and holding the hand of my sweet five year old was one of my favorite moments from this trip. Jo was up all night with what she thought was food poisoning. Josh took the boys on the beach while I went to get a few things at the store, next thing we know Adam threw up on the beach. I came home and was on the couch the rest of the day with a stomach virus. Adam and I bounded over a shared virus. Josh took Zach and Andrew out on bike rides on the beach just the three of them. Later he told me that was one of his favorite times on our vacation. Zachary also got to go make a shark tooth necklace which I know Adam was really looking forward to and was too sick to go, (poor thing). By the evening Adam seemed to be doing better which I was happy about.
Thursday: By now everyone was feeling better not a 100% but better. Adam and I were taking it slow and we went got out to eh beach. We all went for a bike ride. By the time we had gotten out there the wind ad really started to pick up for the day so we started off going against the wind as far as the kids would go and then the wind pushed us back to our resort. Well Adam loved the coming back part that he didn't stop at the hotel and just kept on going with grandpa at his side. Josh and I saw that and Josh went after him and and took Zach back to the resort. we waited in one of the cabanas and read books off of my phone and played around. It was a long time before Josh and crew came back. he told me that they finally got Adam to turn around and he made it about 200 ft said he was tired and they walked the bikes back. Always an adventure.
That afternoon we went to a nature reserve on the island. We went for a little hike and on our way out we spotted some alligators. They were just sunning them selves right there on the banks of the streams and just 50ft away was a high school football practice. Crazy! Zachary later told me that seeing the Alligators was one of his favorite parts of the trip. From there we had dinner and went back to the beach for a final farewell. Tthat was I think Andrew's favorite part of the trip. He had such a blast running into the water and splashing around. I think that if Josh weren't around to hold him back he would have just kept on running into the water. He just couldn't get enough of it. He of course protested when we scooped him up to take him back to the room. I'm glad that we ended our Hilton Head vacation on such a good moment. It really makes me want to go back again.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Grandaddy Comes to Town
Since we moved up here to New Jersey 5 years ago my dad has had a case up here in New Brunswick and so he has been coming up here ever so often for business. He gets the crown for most visited Grandparent. While he was here we went Pumpkin picking and then we went to Zachary's Soccer game.
Andrew doen't usually go to people other than me but he was fine with Grandaddy taking him out of the car and picking him up. Adam and Zachary were snuggely with him (even Adam) so i guess that all of these visits to our house have payed off. It was a really nice weekend and I'm so glad that we got that time with Grandad. Thanks for making the point to come and see us. Love you Dad.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Andrew's Buddies
Lately we have been having some regular play dates with a little friend Steel and some impromtue play times with a lil'cutie Sidney. Andrew really loves having these times with some of his peers. He starts to show off for Steel when he comes over. He showes how he can go down the slide and jump on the thrampoline. They both love Iron Man and Cars. they love to have a little snack, play with toys (super hero or cars are alway a winner) and if they are lucky the opening to the movie "Cars". They are boys through and through.
When he is with sidney he turns on the charms. He is really sweet to ther and what ever she wants he gives to her. He loves to feed her, give her hugs and kisses. My other boys weren't like this to little girls.
I get a real kick out of his change in behavior when he is around his friends.
When he is with sidney he turns on the charms. He is really sweet to ther and what ever she wants he gives to her. He loves to feed her, give her hugs and kisses. My other boys weren't like this to little girls.
I get a real kick out of his change in behavior when he is around his friends.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Pittsburgh Impromtu
I've never been to Pittsburgh until now. We have been displaced because of the danger that hurricane Sandy posed on our family so we are now with Josh at his AI CHE conference. I'm pleasantly surprised with this city. I have been really impressed with the architecture and construction of the buildings. The infrastructure is immense. Pittsburgh has over 38 bridges and several tunnels.
We stayed in downtown at the Marriott. It was a really nice hotel a great place to have adults but not the most family friendly place. The did have an indoor pool so that was nice. I really enjoyed the daily maid service. It was magical to go down to breakfast and come back up to a clean room. I took joy in that everyday. besides all of the nice things that were around us it was still hard to be couped up in a small hotel room with three active boys.
We discovered the Pittsburgh Children's Museum. We bought a family membership and went everyday. We attended about 5-6 times and still didn't see all of the rooms that were there to see. It was a wonderful place to take our active and curious kids. There were several rooms to explore: the attic, bounce room, garage, make shop, nursery, water room, studio, theater, and cafe. We never made it down to the theater and art studio. One evening when we were leaving and talking about coming the next day i asked Adam "hey do you want to do the art studio tomorrow?" he responded "I hate art. It gets me all dirty." Pop! There goes my bubble.
Thursday evening we were at TGIFriday's for dinner and a customer commented that they thought it would be really busy because of the circus being so close. I inquired and they told me that just above us in the hockey center was the opening night of the circus and that tickets were really cheap. So, I got to take the Adam and Zach to the circus. It was my first time to go too and I was on the edge of my seat. We had a blast. Adam's favorite part was the clowns and Zach really liked it when the man lit himself on fire and was catapulted across the arena. I enjoyed the tight rope walkers and the acrobats. We had so much fun. I really liked being able to take out just Adam and Zachary.
Friday was our last day in the swanky city hotel and we moved to more comfortable quarters in the suberbs we did some shoping and get ready to go back home as soon as we had word that we got power restored to our area. As much fun as our adventure to Pittsburgh was it was ver nice to get back home to our home, beds, pets, and life.
We stayed in downtown at the Marriott. It was a really nice hotel a great place to have adults but not the most family friendly place. The did have an indoor pool so that was nice. I really enjoyed the daily maid service. It was magical to go down to breakfast and come back up to a clean room. I took joy in that everyday. besides all of the nice things that were around us it was still hard to be couped up in a small hotel room with three active boys.
We discovered the Pittsburgh Children's Museum. We bought a family membership and went everyday. We attended about 5-6 times and still didn't see all of the rooms that were there to see. It was a wonderful place to take our active and curious kids. There were several rooms to explore: the attic, bounce room, garage, make shop, nursery, water room, studio, theater, and cafe. We never made it down to the theater and art studio. One evening when we were leaving and talking about coming the next day i asked Adam "hey do you want to do the art studio tomorrow?" he responded "I hate art. It gets me all dirty." Pop! There goes my bubble.
Thursday evening we were at TGIFriday's for dinner and a customer commented that they thought it would be really busy because of the circus being so close. I inquired and they told me that just above us in the hockey center was the opening night of the circus and that tickets were really cheap. So, I got to take the Adam and Zach to the circus. It was my first time to go too and I was on the edge of my seat. We had a blast. Adam's favorite part was the clowns and Zach really liked it when the man lit himself on fire and was catapulted across the arena. I enjoyed the tight rope walkers and the acrobats. We had so much fun. I really liked being able to take out just Adam and Zachary.
Friday was our last day in the swanky city hotel and we moved to more comfortable quarters in the suberbs we did some shoping and get ready to go back home as soon as we had word that we got power restored to our area. As much fun as our adventure to Pittsburgh was it was ver nice to get back home to our home, beds, pets, and life.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Extra Curricular
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| Adam's first piano teach Sis. Michelle Swindler |
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| Adam's first karate lesson |
Monday, September 17, 2012
Annual Apple Picking
We spent our Jewish holiday at Lee Turkey Farm picking apples with our friends the Gibbs. We haven't been there for a long time. It was nice to change thing up a bit by going to a different place. The boys got to see the turkey houses and smell how smelly they are.
Andrew's favorite thing to do when we get to shop rite is get an apple and eat on it the whole time that we are shopping. So when we got to he apple trees he got really excited, he grabbed himself an apple and dug in. The boys liked climbing the latter to get the "best" apples.
Andrew's favorite thing to do when we get to shop rite is get an apple and eat on it the whole time that we are shopping. So when we got to he apple trees he got really excited, he grabbed himself an apple and dug in. The boys liked climbing the latter to get the "best" apples.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Josh's B-day
Josh is so great. The only thing that he wants for his b-day is to go on a nice date so this year that is what he got.
We did a little celebration with the kids and then on Saturday I took him to Mollie Pitcher Inn in Red Bank. Wow, it was a really nice place and a fun find for us. The food was good and the scene was even better. I knew that it would be a fun place when I read that dinner jackets were required in the dinning room after 5 o'clock. We sat water front and looked at the boats bob over a candle lit dinner. I felt like an adult.
I'm really grateful for Josh and that we got to spend this time with each other.
We did a little celebration with the kids and then on Saturday I took him to Mollie Pitcher Inn in Red Bank. Wow, it was a really nice place and a fun find for us. The food was good and the scene was even better. I knew that it would be a fun place when I read that dinner jackets were required in the dinning room after 5 o'clock. We sat water front and looked at the boats bob over a candle lit dinner. I felt like an adult.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Summer Ends and School Begins
After having a incredible summer of: family vacations, adventures, beach, freinds, mountains, camping, fishing, etc..... Mom was exhausted and it was time to go back to school. Zachary started full-day Kindergarten with our favorite kindergarten teacher Mrs. Vespoli. I was so relieved to read her name on the school letter. Adam started Second grade at Appleby with the coolest teacher Ms. Snook. He is just getting bigger and more mature all of the time. This year we are starting some extra ciriculars: piano lessons and karate. He just had his first piano lesson today and it was great. His teacher is perfect for him and for me. She comes right to the house! LOVE that!
Andrew misses his brothers but we are already having playdates with friends. We had a cute little girl over that is just about a year old. Andrew was so sweet and gentle with her. He was really excited to show her his magnets toys and his cars. I think that he got a kick out of being the bigger kid for once. One of the funniest things that he did while she was here was drive one of his cars on her head. Which is what I do to him. He is such a sweetie.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Aunt Kathryn Comes to Visit
I was just starting to come down off of my vacation high when I got a call from my sister. She was in a Summer vacation funk didn't know what to do with the kids, board, etc. I half seriously suggested he coming up to visit ( I didn't think that she really would) and then she got a wild hair and said "Yeah! I should come up there." Long story short....She Came! My crazy Sister drove form Charleston by her self with three young boys (5, 3, & 9mo!). Man, I love my sister.
We had a great time! The boys played non stop. there were a couple of days that I had to go and teach my sewing camp but it all worked out. She got there Monday evening, Tuesday I had to do my sewing camp but after we got out and played. Wednesday we went to the spray park and to "the Clay Pot" where the kids got to paint some pottery. I think that was Kathryn's favorite thing that we did together.
Thursday we went to the Jersey Shore at Belmar. Kathryn really wanted to see some Guidos (aka Jersey boys) and Belmar didn't disappoint. The beach is a lot of work to get there and get back but always a great reward. It seems like when ever we go to the beach the kids have a great time and never want to leave. As we were loading up we had several people comment about all of our kids. People couldn't believe that we had 6 boys and no girls. I really do love being a mom to boys.
Friday we got a babysitter for the two babies and we took the older boys to Sesame Place. I had a great time there. I finally got to ride a bunch of the water rides. Before it was always Josh riding them and I stayed with Andrew. Kathryn was a blast to be with she makes everything more fun and happy with her bouncy happy personality. Going down the big inner tube ride with Kathryn and our boys was one of my favorite parts of her stay. I always want to remember her laughing, splashing the ride workers, and amplifying the moment with her happy personality. We played and rode all that we could until it was time for us to go back to our babies.
Saturday we decided to visit the statue of Liberty. Everybody else did too. It was a nice trip but after the crowds and heat I'm done with the statue of Liberty for a while. We did that instead of going into the city with all of the kids. Kathryn really wanted to go and tried to tell her that it would be a little stressful and would put me over the edge. So we settled for Ms. Liberty. As we were in the crowds walking around the statue our children complaining of the heat I pointed out to her that NYC would be this x 100. Kathryn's response "Oh, yeah I'm glad we didn't do that."
Sunday I convinced her to stay one more day and Monday she left. The time seemed to fly! I'm so So glad that we got to have Kathryn and her boys come and stay with us. It was great that the boy cousins got to spend some time with each other and bond. Next thing you know we will be sending them out to EFY together crazy! Love you Kathryn! Thanks for being so wild and adventurous.
We had a great time! The boys played non stop. there were a couple of days that I had to go and teach my sewing camp but it all worked out. She got there Monday evening, Tuesday I had to do my sewing camp but after we got out and played. Wednesday we went to the spray park and to "the Clay Pot" where the kids got to paint some pottery. I think that was Kathryn's favorite thing that we did together.
Thursday we went to the Jersey Shore at Belmar. Kathryn really wanted to see some Guidos (aka Jersey boys) and Belmar didn't disappoint. The beach is a lot of work to get there and get back but always a great reward. It seems like when ever we go to the beach the kids have a great time and never want to leave. As we were loading up we had several people comment about all of our kids. People couldn't believe that we had 6 boys and no girls. I really do love being a mom to boys.
Friday we got a babysitter for the two babies and we took the older boys to Sesame Place. I had a great time there. I finally got to ride a bunch of the water rides. Before it was always Josh riding them and I stayed with Andrew. Kathryn was a blast to be with she makes everything more fun and happy with her bouncy happy personality. Going down the big inner tube ride with Kathryn and our boys was one of my favorite parts of her stay. I always want to remember her laughing, splashing the ride workers, and amplifying the moment with her happy personality. We played and rode all that we could until it was time for us to go back to our babies.
Saturday we decided to visit the statue of Liberty. Everybody else did too. It was a nice trip but after the crowds and heat I'm done with the statue of Liberty for a while. We did that instead of going into the city with all of the kids. Kathryn really wanted to go and tried to tell her that it would be a little stressful and would put me over the edge. So we settled for Ms. Liberty. As we were in the crowds walking around the statue our children complaining of the heat I pointed out to her that NYC would be this x 100. Kathryn's response "Oh, yeah I'm glad we didn't do that."
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Western Vacation
Friday July 6th, 2012
Our much anticipated vacation out west finally came! We have been talking about going camping with Grandma and Grandpa and seeing our girl cousins for months! It had been four years since we were able to go west and visit family.
Now I really enjoy the east coast but for me there is something missing. I'm so glad that we get to take our kids to the west where they can experience a place that has less...less rules, less people, less taxes, less humidity, less pre-packaged safe "fun". With grandma and grandpa in charge Adam and Zach got to experience the rugged grit of the west. From Boise Idaho's neighboring jagged Sawtooth Mountains to empty desert valleys of central Utah and all the way to the southern boarder of Utah's Zion's National Park. We got to see and do things that the East Coast just can't offer.
The adventure started in Newark NJ airport at least for me and Josh. It is always an experience getting your family through airport security and on to a plane. All went better than expected and we got ther in great time. As we got settled in Grandpa got out water guns and recruited Adam and Zachary to a battle. Water war is something that my boys understand and they got right into it. Adam's favorite part was getting Daddy wet. Zach got shot in the face one too many times (he was also getting over being sick) so we sat with a home made cookie to watch. Andrew liked the cookie idea and had himself one too and then decided to prune Grandma's petunia flowers.
Saturday July 7th, 2012
Grandpa has been pretty saturated with girlie stuff (since Claire and Ella live close) so he had some boy fun planned. He found a Nerf war place in Boise that is like paintball only with Nerf darts and disks. After going to the park in the morning and feeding ducks and playing around for a little while with Andrew then older guys took off to shoot each other up.
Josh, Grandpa, Daddy, Adam and Zachary went to have a Nerf gun battle at the Dart Zone. We all rented the biggest and best guns that we could handle. Adam wanted to do free play so we spent most of our time having a shoot out with Adam. Whenever the odds were against Adam he would call for time out, but if someone else would run out of ammo Adam wasn't very sympathetic to his plight as he would pelt them with Nerf bullets. We also participated with some other groups in an epic Nerf war. Adam was always sure to be the last man standing on his team. Zachary wasn't very interested in the big Nerf war, but he loved following Daddy and doing battle as a team.
I got to enjoy going to a big nice fabric store with Jo and I bought a few boys fabrics which is fun for me since where I live the nearest fabric store is 45min away. Thanks goodness for the internet and online shopping.
Sunday July 8th, 2012
There was a traveling train museum and and show that was coming through Boise while we were there and so Sunday morning we stopped in to see that. Kevin told us how he would ride the train from Nyssa into Boise and this station is where he would come. His dad would drive in for business and they would meet up at the station. He described it being very different that what it is today. It still looked very nice but he said it was a live with people.
It was fun they were handing out little hats and pendant flags that the boys enjoyed. Andrew LOVED it! The only show that can capture his attention is Thomas the train engine and so this outing was perfect for him. We got to go into the train car where all the interior had been taken out and a train history exhibit was set up. He got to touch the tracks and the wheels of a train. The crowning event was a ride on a little mini train. The cherry on top was the little dog we got to pet as we waited for grandpa to get the car.
Grandpa took us up to see a new development that had a river park. It wasn't just any little park it was a place that was made just so for kayakers to "play" and practice river kayaking. I like the attitude of the people there in Boise. They really love the land and doing things to experience it and have a good clean thrill. The boys thought it was nice but they really enjoyed throwing rocks off of the foot bridge.
Great Aunt Helen came over for Sunday dinner. Jo of course made a fantastic meal of grilled salmon, creamed peas and potatoes from fresh from her garden and lots of other sides. Helen was pleasant to visit with. She has really declined in her mental health. Jo and Kevin take really good care of her.
Monday July 9th, 2012
I think that my boys have decided the jet skiing is super fun. Grandma and Grandpa took us up to Lucky Peek reservoir. Josh told me that this is where he would ride his bike with his friends when he was in High School. Now there is a really nice bike trail that goes right up to the lake about a 20 mi one way trip. Boise is such a fun active place I can see why so many people are moving there.
At first Zach thought that he was too scared to get on the jet ski but he got over it real quick. They first took off with daddy and then grandpa. Those two were slow pokes. After we got things settled at this really nice picnic site across the lake I got to take it out. Jo hopped on with me so I just went really slow across the lake and toddled around. Once she got off I got my thrill in. I went as fast as I could and tried to throw myself off. That got my boys interested and they wanted to ride with me. I let them drive and have fun. I really enjoyed them. When it was time for Andrew's nap I took him for a ride in the big tube and he went right to sleep. What a cutie. Andrew enjoyed playing in the sand and water. It was just an awesome day. I'm convinced Boise ID is a great place to raise a family. If only there was a job there.
Tuesday July 10th, 2012
There was a serious heat wave while we were there so Josh took the boys to the neighbor's pool while I packed our family for our big camping trip. We went out for some things and then we picked up Uncle Marv and cousin Will. Will is a 12yr boy that Adam and Zachary fell in love with the moment they saw him. Will was really nice to the boys and he won me over. That afternoon we went swimming again and Will got Adam to jump off the diving board with out a floatie and I saw Adam swim for real for the first time. Thanks Will. I'm so glad that I saw that.
Wednesday July 11th, 2012
The great exodus to the big family reunion at Redfish Lake in the Sawtooth Mountains. Jo packed it all and because she couldn't detach the kitchen sink she rented one. Good smart thoughtful Kevin rented a camper to bring with us so that Andrew would have a good place to sleep while we were up there. Man, do I have the best in-laws ever? Redfish lake was everything that you could wish for; clean pristine lake, private beach, gorgeous mountain scenery, and surrounded with family.
I got the kids out of everybody's way (so that they could set up camp) and took them to our lil private beach. I sat in a chair with my feet in the snow melt cold water and watched Andrew pick up rocks and throw them in and get super excited about it. He would choose his rock scream at it, throw it in the lake and then scream at it some more. Adam and Zach were going in and out of the water never getting too deep because it was SO cold. We tried to catch fish with buckets (which never works) and then played in the sand. The jet ski was launched and the kayaks were brought out and that everyone really had a lot of fun with that too.
Each night that we were there Jo had everyone gather to one of the campsites for us to share a desert and visit. This first night we celebrated Great Grandma Green's 80th birthday. She said some really nice things to us all and we presented her with a book of thank you's. This was Adam and Zachary's first time to meet their Green Grandparents that they could remember. Green being Zach's favorite color made his Green Grandparents super special and he just loved on them.
Thursday July 12th, 2012
Our first full day of camping. We took off family by family in the jet ski and the tube to the other side of the lake for a family hike. Andrew didn't have the best night of sleeping so he of course fell asleep while we were on the jet ski. He stayed asleep too about half way up to the water fall. Val got her chance to hold him she carried him for a good part of the way. Zachary enjoyed hiking next to Ella. Grandma over heard them say "Ella you're beautiful." "Zach you're handsome." They are too cute. It started to heat up right about the time that we arrived at the falls then we found relief from the cool mist coming off of the water fall. It was so beautiful and a perfect place for a picnic. I'm pretty sure that in the east there would have been railing and signs of caution around the cliffs of the falls.
We got back for more beach and jet ski fun. I tried to get Andrew down for a nap but there was too much fun to be had so we played, screamed at some more rocks. That night we played a big family game of white elephant gifts. Adam got a giant calculator and Zach got glasses and a red nose and Andrew got a ball. They all really LOVED their little treasures. Zachary got some good laughs with his funny face, Andrew and Adam both slept with their new lil' gifts.
Friday July 13th, 2012
I had the idea to go fishing so we had gotten some gear which was almost immediately broken. Determined to stick a hook in the water we went to the lodge and asked where to go they told us to go the fish hatchery and they have a kids pond. So off we went. We walked into the office to get set up and ask questions. We were met with a skinny bearded fellow, we told him that we would like to go fishing what do we need to to. He looked at us and said "well there are some polls right there and some more outside and there is bait in the cooler. I asked about rules. "uh, rules? Yeah, there are some they are posted outside somewhere." I asked "Well, if we catch a fish how much does it cost?" He looked a little puzzled "Oh, yeah if you want it you can just take it." Then I asked "Where do we go pay?" I was expecting to pay at least $15 per child to do this. "No, there's no charge." I was shocked! Then I knew I wasn't in Jersey any more.
Fishing was a great experience. I hooked the worms for the boys and they caste a couple of times and caught a nice sized trout. After we caught the fish is when the problem came. I had no idea how to get the poor thing lose. Fortunately there was someone close that had some players that helped us out. We left the pond really excited and some guys that were there tagging the hatched fish invited us in to their lab to see how they tag the fish, calculate, measure, etc. all of these trout. Again not in Jersey.
We got back to camp and it started to rain and it didn't' let up. We held out and played some games and kids played in their tents. But it wasn't letting up. Once the tent bedding got wet that is when we called it and broke camp. We packed up, said our good-byes, and hauled bootie back to Boise.
Saturday July 14th, 2012
It was clean up and shift gears for making the trek down to Zion's Ponder Rosa resort. Josh took the older boys including the coolest guy Will, to WaHoo's. It had go-carts, bumper cars, lazer tag, games, etc. Of course the boys had a good time and won some prizes. That evening I got to meet for the first time Terrise. She is Uncle Scott's wife. I was thrilled to meet her. She has a lot of energy and keeping up with her was exhausting I fell asleep at 9:00 that night. Tiffany was there and her lil' family and they were super cute. I really enjoyed seeing her again.
Sunday July 15th, 2012
We had to say good-bye to Will and uncle Marv that morning. they boys were really sad to see them go. We got to go to church as a family. It was interesting for me to attend a church meeting there out west. The congregation was very homogeneously white. Which is different than what I'm used to out here. I guess I like my spice. It was a really nice service and the best musical number that I have heard in a very long time.
Monday July 16th, 2012
We packed up again but this time we weren't coming back to Boise. We were bound for Val 'n' Jon's house is Salt Lake City. We stopped for lunch at Grandma and pa Green's house. She always puts on an amazing spread. She just made some delicious bread for the sandwiches that we had and everything that was on their table was from the garden so it was just picked. Even though our visits are short they are sweet. I really really like Grandma Green. I got to take a tour of her quilting land (loved it) in the basement. She opened up a cabinet with 6 quilts that the boys could choose from. Zach was so excited about his quilt (because it was green) that he slept on it the rest of the trip. What treasures to have hand made quilts from your great grandma. My boys are so blessed.
We got to Val's house and the kids reunion was sweet. Ella and Claire got to show us their bunnies and all of their fun house. I'm so glad that they get a long so well.
Tuesday July 17th, 2012
We loaded up again to make the second leg of the trip to Zion's Ponder Rosa. At this point we have done a lot of travel and I think that my boys had been doing a great job. It isn't easy to be a little guy and sit in a car for a long time like that. The house that we were in was amazing and beautiful and big. We got to rent golf carts which the kids thought were the coolest things ever. Prettymuch the only activity that we could do by the time that we got there was play mini-golf. Wow, Adam loved that. That is all that he wanted to do the next day.
Wednesday July 18th, 2012
We Played at the Ponder Rosa. We took a trip down the zip line first (Zach found his love) then we did the bunjie jump, horse rides, atv, rock climbing, swimming, mini-golf and in between all of that we found time to eat. That night there was a bon-fire where the kids made smores and got to burn stuff which is always atractive to lil' boys
I have to admit there wasn't a lot for Andrew to do but the one thing that he loved was the golf cart rides. He was foot lose and fancy free, no car seat, no five point harness, just wind in is platinum hair. So even Andrew had his western experience.
Thursday 19th 2012
Zion's National Park. Going back there brought back a lot of Japanese tour guide memories. It was fun for me to revisit this wonderful place and to bring my favorite people here, my family. We took the tram into the park and got off at a couple of places to hike around. The weather was perfect for us and was just starting to heat up when we were leaving. I would have liked to have stayed but Andrew was a time bomb that was really start to come apart. I left too late and he cried all the way back to the car. Oh well, at least he slept for us in the car. :) It was a good start to many more western adventures that I want to take our kids on in the furture. I would love to hike the narrows of Zion's and raft down the Colorado river throught the Grand Canyon and hike through Bryce canyon with the boys. I love living where I do but I really like giving our boys the opportunity to taste the spirit of adventure of the West.
That evening I got to go play mini-golf with the older boys and there was a point that I was trying and they were smoking me. Adam, Zach, and Ella were blazing through the course and by they time that Val and I got done with the 18th hole Adam was on his 2nd round at the 10th hole. I was glad that I had the opportunity to be the parent that got to play with the older ones.
Friday July 20th 2012
Pack it up and move it out. Before we left we had some more tickets to use up at the ranch so Zach went on the Zip line 5 more times. He really really loved that thing. Since Zach was the only one doing the Zip line they would give his a lil' ride on the 4wheeler back up. He got a real kick out of that. We had to say good-bye to our cabin at Ponder Rosa and make our way back to Salt Lake City. On our way we stopped in Provo at our old stomping ground and showed the boys were daddy and I met. We got to meet up with Kevin and Morgan. Our kids finally got to meet their new Aunt. Then they took us on a tour around BYU campus. We took them to the Science Center which was really fun because they had a lot of science demonstrations set up to play with. Which we did. It was really great to see my brother.
We made it back to aunt Val's house. Andrew got to play with the bunnies. Claire was so sweet with Andrew and really helped him with the bunny. They played outside for a long time then finally we had to go to sleep and jump on a plane the next day
Saturday July 21st, 2012
Airport, plane, New Jeresy. Boom, vacation over. Just took a week to recover and then My Super Sister come up to visit. Is this the best summer ever?
Our much anticipated vacation out west finally came! We have been talking about going camping with Grandma and Grandpa and seeing our girl cousins for months! It had been four years since we were able to go west and visit family.
Now I really enjoy the east coast but for me there is something missing. I'm so glad that we get to take our kids to the west where they can experience a place that has less...less rules, less people, less taxes, less humidity, less pre-packaged safe "fun". With grandma and grandpa in charge Adam and Zach got to experience the rugged grit of the west. From Boise Idaho's neighboring jagged Sawtooth Mountains to empty desert valleys of central Utah and all the way to the southern boarder of Utah's Zion's National Park. We got to see and do things that the East Coast just can't offer.
The adventure started in Newark NJ airport at least for me and Josh. It is always an experience getting your family through airport security and on to a plane. All went better than expected and we got ther in great time. As we got settled in Grandpa got out water guns and recruited Adam and Zachary to a battle. Water war is something that my boys understand and they got right into it. Adam's favorite part was getting Daddy wet. Zach got shot in the face one too many times (he was also getting over being sick) so we sat with a home made cookie to watch. Andrew liked the cookie idea and had himself one too and then decided to prune Grandma's petunia flowers.
Saturday July 7th, 2012
Grandpa has been pretty saturated with girlie stuff (since Claire and Ella live close) so he had some boy fun planned. He found a Nerf war place in Boise that is like paintball only with Nerf darts and disks. After going to the park in the morning and feeding ducks and playing around for a little while with Andrew then older guys took off to shoot each other up.
Josh, Grandpa, Daddy, Adam and Zachary went to have a Nerf gun battle at the Dart Zone. We all rented the biggest and best guns that we could handle. Adam wanted to do free play so we spent most of our time having a shoot out with Adam. Whenever the odds were against Adam he would call for time out, but if someone else would run out of ammo Adam wasn't very sympathetic to his plight as he would pelt them with Nerf bullets. We also participated with some other groups in an epic Nerf war. Adam was always sure to be the last man standing on his team. Zachary wasn't very interested in the big Nerf war, but he loved following Daddy and doing battle as a team.
I got to enjoy going to a big nice fabric store with Jo and I bought a few boys fabrics which is fun for me since where I live the nearest fabric store is 45min away. Thanks goodness for the internet and online shopping.
Sunday July 8th, 2012
There was a traveling train museum and and show that was coming through Boise while we were there and so Sunday morning we stopped in to see that. Kevin told us how he would ride the train from Nyssa into Boise and this station is where he would come. His dad would drive in for business and they would meet up at the station. He described it being very different that what it is today. It still looked very nice but he said it was a live with people.
It was fun they were handing out little hats and pendant flags that the boys enjoyed. Andrew LOVED it! The only show that can capture his attention is Thomas the train engine and so this outing was perfect for him. We got to go into the train car where all the interior had been taken out and a train history exhibit was set up. He got to touch the tracks and the wheels of a train. The crowning event was a ride on a little mini train. The cherry on top was the little dog we got to pet as we waited for grandpa to get the car.
Grandpa took us up to see a new development that had a river park. It wasn't just any little park it was a place that was made just so for kayakers to "play" and practice river kayaking. I like the attitude of the people there in Boise. They really love the land and doing things to experience it and have a good clean thrill. The boys thought it was nice but they really enjoyed throwing rocks off of the foot bridge.
Great Aunt Helen came over for Sunday dinner. Jo of course made a fantastic meal of grilled salmon, creamed peas and potatoes from fresh from her garden and lots of other sides. Helen was pleasant to visit with. She has really declined in her mental health. Jo and Kevin take really good care of her.
Monday July 9th, 2012
I think that my boys have decided the jet skiing is super fun. Grandma and Grandpa took us up to Lucky Peek reservoir. Josh told me that this is where he would ride his bike with his friends when he was in High School. Now there is a really nice bike trail that goes right up to the lake about a 20 mi one way trip. Boise is such a fun active place I can see why so many people are moving there.
At first Zach thought that he was too scared to get on the jet ski but he got over it real quick. They first took off with daddy and then grandpa. Those two were slow pokes. After we got things settled at this really nice picnic site across the lake I got to take it out. Jo hopped on with me so I just went really slow across the lake and toddled around. Once she got off I got my thrill in. I went as fast as I could and tried to throw myself off. That got my boys interested and they wanted to ride with me. I let them drive and have fun. I really enjoyed them. When it was time for Andrew's nap I took him for a ride in the big tube and he went right to sleep. What a cutie. Andrew enjoyed playing in the sand and water. It was just an awesome day. I'm convinced Boise ID is a great place to raise a family. If only there was a job there.
Tuesday July 10th, 2012
There was a serious heat wave while we were there so Josh took the boys to the neighbor's pool while I packed our family for our big camping trip. We went out for some things and then we picked up Uncle Marv and cousin Will. Will is a 12yr boy that Adam and Zachary fell in love with the moment they saw him. Will was really nice to the boys and he won me over. That afternoon we went swimming again and Will got Adam to jump off the diving board with out a floatie and I saw Adam swim for real for the first time. Thanks Will. I'm so glad that I saw that.
Wednesday July 11th, 2012
The great exodus to the big family reunion at Redfish Lake in the Sawtooth Mountains. Jo packed it all and because she couldn't detach the kitchen sink she rented one. Good smart thoughtful Kevin rented a camper to bring with us so that Andrew would have a good place to sleep while we were up there. Man, do I have the best in-laws ever? Redfish lake was everything that you could wish for; clean pristine lake, private beach, gorgeous mountain scenery, and surrounded with family.
I got the kids out of everybody's way (so that they could set up camp) and took them to our lil private beach. I sat in a chair with my feet in the snow melt cold water and watched Andrew pick up rocks and throw them in and get super excited about it. He would choose his rock scream at it, throw it in the lake and then scream at it some more. Adam and Zach were going in and out of the water never getting too deep because it was SO cold. We tried to catch fish with buckets (which never works) and then played in the sand. The jet ski was launched and the kayaks were brought out and that everyone really had a lot of fun with that too.
Each night that we were there Jo had everyone gather to one of the campsites for us to share a desert and visit. This first night we celebrated Great Grandma Green's 80th birthday. She said some really nice things to us all and we presented her with a book of thank you's. This was Adam and Zachary's first time to meet their Green Grandparents that they could remember. Green being Zach's favorite color made his Green Grandparents super special and he just loved on them.
Thursday July 12th, 2012
Our first full day of camping. We took off family by family in the jet ski and the tube to the other side of the lake for a family hike. Andrew didn't have the best night of sleeping so he of course fell asleep while we were on the jet ski. He stayed asleep too about half way up to the water fall. Val got her chance to hold him she carried him for a good part of the way. Zachary enjoyed hiking next to Ella. Grandma over heard them say "Ella you're beautiful." "Zach you're handsome." They are too cute. It started to heat up right about the time that we arrived at the falls then we found relief from the cool mist coming off of the water fall. It was so beautiful and a perfect place for a picnic. I'm pretty sure that in the east there would have been railing and signs of caution around the cliffs of the falls.
We got back for more beach and jet ski fun. I tried to get Andrew down for a nap but there was too much fun to be had so we played, screamed at some more rocks. That night we played a big family game of white elephant gifts. Adam got a giant calculator and Zach got glasses and a red nose and Andrew got a ball. They all really LOVED their little treasures. Zachary got some good laughs with his funny face, Andrew and Adam both slept with their new lil' gifts.
Friday July 13th, 2012
I had the idea to go fishing so we had gotten some gear which was almost immediately broken. Determined to stick a hook in the water we went to the lodge and asked where to go they told us to go the fish hatchery and they have a kids pond. So off we went. We walked into the office to get set up and ask questions. We were met with a skinny bearded fellow, we told him that we would like to go fishing what do we need to to. He looked at us and said "well there are some polls right there and some more outside and there is bait in the cooler. I asked about rules. "uh, rules? Yeah, there are some they are posted outside somewhere." I asked "Well, if we catch a fish how much does it cost?" He looked a little puzzled "Oh, yeah if you want it you can just take it." Then I asked "Where do we go pay?" I was expecting to pay at least $15 per child to do this. "No, there's no charge." I was shocked! Then I knew I wasn't in Jersey any more.
Fishing was a great experience. I hooked the worms for the boys and they caste a couple of times and caught a nice sized trout. After we caught the fish is when the problem came. I had no idea how to get the poor thing lose. Fortunately there was someone close that had some players that helped us out. We left the pond really excited and some guys that were there tagging the hatched fish invited us in to their lab to see how they tag the fish, calculate, measure, etc. all of these trout. Again not in Jersey.
We got back to camp and it started to rain and it didn't' let up. We held out and played some games and kids played in their tents. But it wasn't letting up. Once the tent bedding got wet that is when we called it and broke camp. We packed up, said our good-byes, and hauled bootie back to Boise.
Saturday July 14th, 2012
It was clean up and shift gears for making the trek down to Zion's Ponder Rosa resort. Josh took the older boys including the coolest guy Will, to WaHoo's. It had go-carts, bumper cars, lazer tag, games, etc. Of course the boys had a good time and won some prizes. That evening I got to meet for the first time Terrise. She is Uncle Scott's wife. I was thrilled to meet her. She has a lot of energy and keeping up with her was exhausting I fell asleep at 9:00 that night. Tiffany was there and her lil' family and they were super cute. I really enjoyed seeing her again.
Sunday July 15th, 2012
We had to say good-bye to Will and uncle Marv that morning. they boys were really sad to see them go. We got to go to church as a family. It was interesting for me to attend a church meeting there out west. The congregation was very homogeneously white. Which is different than what I'm used to out here. I guess I like my spice. It was a really nice service and the best musical number that I have heard in a very long time.
Monday July 16th, 2012
We packed up again but this time we weren't coming back to Boise. We were bound for Val 'n' Jon's house is Salt Lake City. We stopped for lunch at Grandma and pa Green's house. She always puts on an amazing spread. She just made some delicious bread for the sandwiches that we had and everything that was on their table was from the garden so it was just picked. Even though our visits are short they are sweet. I really really like Grandma Green. I got to take a tour of her quilting land (loved it) in the basement. She opened up a cabinet with 6 quilts that the boys could choose from. Zach was so excited about his quilt (because it was green) that he slept on it the rest of the trip. What treasures to have hand made quilts from your great grandma. My boys are so blessed.
We got to Val's house and the kids reunion was sweet. Ella and Claire got to show us their bunnies and all of their fun house. I'm so glad that they get a long so well.
Tuesday July 17th, 2012
We loaded up again to make the second leg of the trip to Zion's Ponder Rosa. At this point we have done a lot of travel and I think that my boys had been doing a great job. It isn't easy to be a little guy and sit in a car for a long time like that. The house that we were in was amazing and beautiful and big. We got to rent golf carts which the kids thought were the coolest things ever. Prettymuch the only activity that we could do by the time that we got there was play mini-golf. Wow, Adam loved that. That is all that he wanted to do the next day.
Wednesday July 18th, 2012
We Played at the Ponder Rosa. We took a trip down the zip line first (Zach found his love) then we did the bunjie jump, horse rides, atv, rock climbing, swimming, mini-golf and in between all of that we found time to eat. That night there was a bon-fire where the kids made smores and got to burn stuff which is always atractive to lil' boys
I have to admit there wasn't a lot for Andrew to do but the one thing that he loved was the golf cart rides. He was foot lose and fancy free, no car seat, no five point harness, just wind in is platinum hair. So even Andrew had his western experience.
Thursday 19th 2012
Zion's National Park. Going back there brought back a lot of Japanese tour guide memories. It was fun for me to revisit this wonderful place and to bring my favorite people here, my family. We took the tram into the park and got off at a couple of places to hike around. The weather was perfect for us and was just starting to heat up when we were leaving. I would have liked to have stayed but Andrew was a time bomb that was really start to come apart. I left too late and he cried all the way back to the car. Oh well, at least he slept for us in the car. :) It was a good start to many more western adventures that I want to take our kids on in the furture. I would love to hike the narrows of Zion's and raft down the Colorado river throught the Grand Canyon and hike through Bryce canyon with the boys. I love living where I do but I really like giving our boys the opportunity to taste the spirit of adventure of the West.
That evening I got to go play mini-golf with the older boys and there was a point that I was trying and they were smoking me. Adam, Zach, and Ella were blazing through the course and by they time that Val and I got done with the 18th hole Adam was on his 2nd round at the 10th hole. I was glad that I had the opportunity to be the parent that got to play with the older ones.
Friday July 20th 2012
Pack it up and move it out. Before we left we had some more tickets to use up at the ranch so Zach went on the Zip line 5 more times. He really really loved that thing. Since Zach was the only one doing the Zip line they would give his a lil' ride on the 4wheeler back up. He got a real kick out of that. We had to say good-bye to our cabin at Ponder Rosa and make our way back to Salt Lake City. On our way we stopped in Provo at our old stomping ground and showed the boys were daddy and I met. We got to meet up with Kevin and Morgan. Our kids finally got to meet their new Aunt. Then they took us on a tour around BYU campus. We took them to the Science Center which was really fun because they had a lot of science demonstrations set up to play with. Which we did. It was really great to see my brother.
We made it back to aunt Val's house. Andrew got to play with the bunnies. Claire was so sweet with Andrew and really helped him with the bunny. They played outside for a long time then finally we had to go to sleep and jump on a plane the next day
Saturday July 21st, 2012
Airport, plane, New Jeresy. Boom, vacation over. Just took a week to recover and then My Super Sister come up to visit. Is this the best summer ever?
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Independance Day 2012
We celebrated the 4th of July by going over the the McIntyre's house for dinner. We ate, visited, played, and lit sparklers (which are illegal here in NJ so we felt extra independent). We are so happy to have the McIntyre family living so close to us. I hope that in years to come that we will continue to become close.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Zach's 5th Birthday
Not only did the end of the school year bring a lot of closing ceremonies etc it brings my Adam and Zachary's birthdays. In our family we have a big party when you turn 5 and 8. So Zachary turned 5 years old this year and he got what was promised. He picked to have his party at the Party Jungle with all of his friends from his preschool class and more. His favorite superhero is Green Lantern because his favorite color is green. Which apparently all of his classmates knew that because most of his presents were based on the color green and Zach LOVED it.
The Party was a lot of fun and Zach and his friends had a good time. They played, got their faces painted, tattoos, went on the zip line, played games, ate, had cake, danced, got prizes and went home. I'm so happy that he had fun and made memories as we celebrated him on his special day and 5 years of Zachary. Love you sweetie.
A few weeks later he actually had his real b-day and he got to open up some gifts. All he really wanted was to get a pet and a Hamster was it. So he received all of the gear to house, clean, feed and entertain a hamster. He will get to get it after we come home from vacation.
A few weeks later he actually had his real b-day and he got to open up some gifts. All he really wanted was to get a pet and a Hamster was it. So he received all of the gear to house, clean, feed and entertain a hamster. He will get to get it after we come home from vacation.
 |
| Her name is Belissa and she is the fattest hamster that I have ever seen. But she is sweet and smart. So far she has escaped 4 times and twice survived a 4ft drop. I'm surprised at how much I enjoy her. |
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Training Wheeless
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Adam's Birthday
Adam turns 7!
Before Adam learned to ride a bike without training wheels I told him that I would buy him a new bigger bike (since he had grown out of the one that he had). I thought that the process would have taken a little longer than it did. He literally got on the bike with some extra padding and took off. I was so SO happy and relieved. So I had to make good on my promise and I found out that a new bike was going to be about $100+. So I said a little prayer and went garage saling. The first one that I went to had a brand new red 20" wheel bike sitting in the front for $25. I couldn't park my car fast enough. I love a good find.
So Adam's birthday fell on the last day of school this year. Never a better day in a kids life the last day of school and your birthday. The whole day was one big party. He started the day of opening his presents, partying at school, coming home going to pick out his new fish friends, and then two of his best buddies got to come for a sleep over. We played in the yard, with new guns, light sabers, they had pizza, cool cups, cake, presents, movie, and bed. Since the only thing that Adam and Zachary have been watching during their media time is Phineas & Ferb that was the natural and Adam's choice theme of the party and day. I picked him up from school with a giant Phineas and Ferb balloon boquet and themed presents, cups etc... It was really cute. I think that the day of his birthday he changed his mind about P&F because he didn't seam that excited about it anymore.
Happy Birthday Adam
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