Summer Fun Continues

We have once again had a busy week. We had a fun playdate at Dru, Marley and Angie's house. It was suppose to be an outside water playdate, but mother nature had other plans. We ended up playing inside which seemed to be just fine with the kids. On Friday, we were suppose to take Jack, Riley and Dru to Whitewater but once again it rained. So Jack and Riley (Dru was sick) were able to run free at Chuck E Cheese while the girls spent time with Medgie. What a fun day with just the boys! The kids also had fun playing around the house and getting ready for our vacation to Seaside.

Caroline coloring her picture frame
Mattie Lou coloringDru being very precise in his coloringJack (aka the Dentist) giving Caroline's teeth a quick check-up

Caroline's 2nd Birthday Party

It seems like yesterday that our Sweet Princess was just a tiny little baby and now she is turning 2! Even though some days are tough and seem neverending, the past two years have truly flown by! Today, we had a Dora Party at Gymboree Play to celebrate her day. Caroline invited her special friends and family to join her to run, jump, play and of course eat cake and ice cream. The kids had a great time. Thanks to all who attended and showered the birthday girl with wonderful gifts. Even though she has a week left before her official birthday, she tells me she is a two year old baby . . . not a big girl.

The wonderful birthday cake
Caroline's favorite activity (jumping on the mini trampoline)Several of the kids partcipating in an activityJack and CarolineThe group shotThe FamilyCaroline enjoying her juiceThe end of the day and modeling her new pajamas

Another week of Summer Fun!

It is hard believe that another week has gone by and that we are getting ready to celebrate Caroline's 2nd Birthday! This week we stayed bust as usual. Both Jack and Caroline love to do something every day! Ed tells me that I'm not really a stay at home mom since I'm never at home. He forgets that we are home every afternoon for naps and quiet time. This week we had some play time with Riley and Mattie Lou at the playground. Jack and Riley love to collect rocks and run wild. Caroline and Mattie Lou are starting to play more together instead of side by side.

Riley, Mattie Lou, Jack and Caroline riding in the wagon (Stephanie got a workout pulling all four kids)
Mattie Lou having a great timeCaroline rocking with the ball
We also had another play date with Thomas and Nicholas. The weather wasn't the best so we ended up inside at Jumpits and then took the boys favorite place to eat Johnny's Pizza. The boys haven't seen each other one on one in a few weeks but they picked up right where they left off. Sorry I don't have pictures to post since we both left our cameras at home!

Then on Thursday, Lyla, Ada and Jessica came over for swim playdate. Of course, the weather was cloudy and a little cool but the kids didn't seem to mind at all. They all had fun swimming and playing. Lyla is Caroline's age and has no fear of the water. She will jump right in swim all around the pool. Jack and Ada (an older girl) get along great and have fun playing together. Ada was also so sweet to Caroline and wanted to help take care of her.

Eating lunch together
Jack and Ada in deep conversation!Two year olds being two year olds . . . who needs the pool!
To end the week, we headed to the zoo with our friends Riley, Mattie Lou, Dru, Marley, Ryan and Lucas. The kids love going to the zoo and would go every week. Jack's favorite part was seeing the Lions and Tigers. He also enjoyed feeding the parakeets but only wanted to feed the green ones! Caroline's favorite part were the Pandas and playing on the playground. I think the true highlight was watching Mrs. Angie killing several bees that were trying to get the kids!

Riley, Dru and Jack feeding the parakeets
The boys
Caroline's favorite part of the day

Happy 1st Birthday Lucas!

Today, we got to celebrate a special first birthday for Baby Lucas (aka Luke). We love celebrating all birthdays but I think the 1st birthday is extra special. The party was at The Coffee Park which is a play area/coffee house. We have been a couple of times but it has been over year since we have been back. I was amazed that when we drove up Jack remembered coming to The Coffee Park with Thomas. It is amazing what they can remember! The party was fun and we loved the cake! Thanks for inviting us to celebrate with you Luke!

Caroline taking care of the pink baby
Jack and Riley in costume and appears maybe doing some dance moves!The Birthday Boy!

Book Camp - Day 4, 5 & Publishing Ceremony

On Thursday, the kids got to read Clifford Books. It was all about dogs. They made a dog face as the craft. Both kids enjoyed the day. Caroline wants a pink dog and Jack would like a green dog! My kids and their special colors.

Today, was the final day of camp. They finished off the week learning about God creating the world. What a fun week! At the publishers ceremony, they received a tote bag and their finished short, short stories. Each day they completed a short story related to theme for the day. Caroline's stories all reflect the color pink and Mommy. Jack was a little bit more adventurous, however, he did mention green and a dog several times. Both of their stories are so sweet and creative. Hope you enjoy all the pictures!

Caroline receiving her book and bagJack receiving his bag and book - so proud!Jordan, Jack and Ms. Christina (his teachers for the week)Ms. Jan and CarolineJack's fly swatter painting (notice where he placed the fly)
Caroline's fly swatter painting (notice she placed flies all over the picture)Jack's caterpillar/butterflyCaroline's caterpillar - she didn't quiet make hers into a butterflyJack's puppy do maskCaroline's puppy dog mask
The finished books

Book Camp - Day 2 & 3

The kids have really enjoyed going to book camp. On Tuesday, they read The Very Hungry Caterpillar. We haven't seen the craft yet but according to Jack they made a caterpillar. Can't wait to see all the artwork on Friday. They also went on an adventure with Brown Bear and got to write a story about the things they saw.

Today, they got to read Old Black Fly. They used a fly swatter, not to kill flies, but to paint a picture. The other book read was Betsy's Bathrobe (the author is the co-director of the camp). Caroline also told me she painted with her "sue" (aka shoe). I believe what she actually meant was she painted with her foot. It will be some of the illustrations for their book. Can't wait until the Publishers Ceremony on Friday. Stay tuned for the pictures of the crafts and their books.

Book Camp - Day 1

This week the kids are attending Book Buddies camp at their school. Each day they focus on a different author or book theme. They get to read the books, create a craft, have a snack related to the food and are creating a book they will get at the end of the week. Today, the theme was Dr. Seuss books -One Fish Two Fish and Green Eggs and Ham. They got to make the adorable Dr. Seuss hats worn below. Stay tuned for more book camp postings.

(Please excuse their attire - they just finished eating popsicles so they were shirtless)

New Carpet . . . New Rules

Yesterday, we got new carpet in our Master Bedroom. The new rule is no food or drinks in Mommy and Daddy's room! Both the kids were told this new rule several times before the
carpet was installed and then again once installed. Caroline picked up on the rule quickly and would bring her cup to the doorway place it on the floor and then enter the new carpeted room. It goes to show you that almost two year olds can follow the rules . . . when they choose!

Happy 4th of July!

What a busy and fun 4th of July we had today! We started off the day by going to the Marietta parade and festival. Jack and Caroline both had a great time participating and celebrating our Nations Independence. Dru, Marley, and Landon were also there and celebrated with us!

Pre 4th of July celebrationCaroline showing her excitement (she is also eating a doughnut hole) Jack loved the misting fan!
The gang
The day did not end after the parade, we headed home to swim, nap and then head back to Marietta to watch fireworks. We had a tailgate party while we waited for the fireworks to begin. The kids also enjoyed some sparklers. What a fun and long day!

Jack is serious with his sparklerCaroline enjoying fireworks
The gang watching fireworks from the truck (notice Marley getting Caroline - she kept telling me Marley hurt her eye. I told her no he didn't but I guess the picture doesn't lie).

4th of July Playdate

Today, we had several of our friends over for a 4th of July playdate. Dru, Marley, Thomas, Nicholas, Olivia and Alex joined us to kick off the holiday weekend. It was a nice day to be outside and in the pool. They also had a good time playing in the sand box and of course the yummy food. It is always fun to have our freinds over!

The gang enjoying lunch
Dru and Marley loved the sandboxCaptain Olivia, Jack and Thomas on the pirate shipCaroline swimming in her turtle floatCaroline's favorite part of the day. . . eating a cupcake!