Spraypark Fun

My good friend, Jill, and I decided to take our little ones to the spraypark today. After weeks of 100+ degree weather, it was nice and 90ish. Hot enough for us mommas to wish we had worn our swim suits instead of shorts and t-shirts.

The kiddos had a great time, and we finished off the adventur

e with a little picnic. We've learned that each family has to provide enough to share with all the kids, otherwise everyone wants what the other kids have and it's not so fun. Z also got to experience the treat of grapes upon pretzel sticks care of Jill. Wow! Who knew how big of a treat that would be?!?

Hope you're staying cool! Chris

Z in mid-stride

Z and ZN like the little fountains

Big boys getting wet

BJ & Mom - staying dry

ZN

AD chillin'

AD, A & BJ

Picnic crew

A turns 5

This year, we celebrated A's birthday only twice (in the past, we've averaged 3 parties a year), but man, did we make those two parties count. The first party was just for family and included cousin AN who was visiting from Florida by way of New York. Party #2 was held at a local bounce house where A and 18 of his friends (plus Z) jumped, climbed, and slid down slides to their hearts' content. It was fun for the kids, and A had a wonderful time.

Thank you to all of you who made one or both of these parties as special as they were. Here are a selection of photos from both events.

Party #1 Pics

Kiddos eating with Adam

Z, AN & A (holding a new shark toy from Hawaii)

Z and ZN hiding Aunt Jen during the present opening

My big boy and his first bike

Party #2 Pics

Happy Birthday Boy!

Climbing

Girl Power #1

A boy and a ball

Air hockey fun - 1, it begins

Air hockey fun - 2

Air hockey fun - 3

Air hockey fun - 4

Slide fun, and wall relaxing time

Some of the guests

Girls rule #2

Cake time

The aftermath of food

Cousins rock!

The boys' cousin, AN, is visiting and we're having tons of fun. Today the kids were watering our pumpkins, and helping me pick some of our first Sweet 100 Cherry Tomatoes. Being a gardener, even in this crazy heat, is really enjoyable to me right now. And man, those first tomatoes tasted so good!

Campout

Well, I tried to let the boys camp out on Friday, June 24th - the day before the Wildlife Federation Great American Campout. It didn't work. Well, I guess I should say that exactly. It's just that there's no way my guys were going to calm down anywhere before 9pm when it starts getting a bit darker outside, and I couldn't handle the hyperactiveness of my guys. They were literally trying to bounce themselves off the inside walls of the (borrowed) tent, when I said "enough!" So, in we went to wash the OFF! off my guys and get them in bed for an already late bedtime of 8ish. But, they had fun for a while, and so did I. I think in a few years, they might even make it long enough to be in the tent after dark, if not sleep in it. :)

Boys emerging

Smiling for the camera

Z's bed

A's bed - 1

A's bed - 2

Superheroes

My mom took this shot of A and AD at her house playing superheroes.

A likes to tell me that he's going to be a superhero when he grows up. And a mommy. Is that a compliment or what?

Bowling with Great Grandma!

My cousin, Gaye Leigh and her two teenage kids came in town a few weeks ago for my Grandma's 92nd birthday party. We, of course, had to go bowling (my grandma still bowls two times a week in the summer and three times a week fall-spring!). Great Grandma beat us all with 130+ score. But we all had fun and that's what matters.

Cousin Gaye with Grandma and the boys

The boys with Gaye's son

The boys with Gaye's daughter (Z no-so-happy)

The boys with Gaye's daughter (Z hams it up for the camera)

Glasses!

A has new glasses.

Most people say he REALLY looks like Daddy now. :)

Isn't he handsome?