Welcome Summer

Life is keeping us busy this summer. It doesn't help that we want to do EVERYTHING with the kids. So much so, that sometimes it feels like there is too much going on every weekend... but it's fun and keeps them calm on Mondays at daycare.... as they recoup.

June activities for the family included a trip to Lake Compounce Amusement Park, Children's Museum of SECT, trips to the park and of course the beach.

My company sponsored a family event with a day at Lake Compounce. It wasn't the ideal day to spend at a park and water park... but it was free :) AND we even got to take my niece, Emma. Unfortunately, it did rain for half of the day but that didn't deter us. Emma thoroughly enjoyed her first ride on the kiddie coaster. Given she hated rides, she got to experience her first bumper cars (didn't like that) and the kiddie coaster (and she went on it 3 times). Evan enjoyed all the rides including the giant ferris wheel, the kiddie coaster and Thunder rapids. Haley only got to go on 1 ride but LOVED it pure joy... the Carousel. Check out the photos... click here.

We are lucky to have a children's museum close to us. It's a great educational and social experience for the kids. And it's a safe place to take 2 energetic kids.... or 3 kids, depending on the day. The museum did some renovations over the winter. Some good, some, well, just a matter of my opinion, not so good. And in the mind of a 3 year... not good. But hopefully, the new exhibits will generate business for the museum (to keep it in business) and continued education and enjoyment for my kids and others. I guess new exhibits at the museum will provide kids a variety and expanded educational experience.

The warm weather has provided us the delightful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and simple things like parks, playing in the yard, inflating the new pool and the local town beach. Evan has certainly taken advantage of the nice weather by playing outside as much as he can. His favorites (in no particular order) is shooting baskets (and playing defense), tennis, soccer, golf (and not mini-golf but he loves that too), football and of course baseball. And let's not forget Evan's desire to watch the Red Sox, the World Cup, Wimbledon and the US Open!! He is his dad's son for sure.

The interesting thing about my 3 year old who is now 3 and a half... it's a 'flip that switch' moment in maturity. He still has tantrums but he's language and thought process has taken a nice step forward. And the nicest is Evan's expansion of things to do to keep him busy and playing by himself. His imagination is going wild and he enjoys playing with dinosaurs, monsters', superheroes, and friends (if only he can see them). Toys that have sat unused for months or years are getting a new life.

And with the summer comes cool down. Dan and Evan bought a new pool this year as last year's pool got a hole in it during a late season storm. So on a day with Dan was home solo with the kids as I had to go to work. A fun day in the pool occurred and I got to experience it via camera and video.

And next stop the beach. I grew up loving the water as my parents took us on a beach vacation every year. Plus, with the local community pool, we all grew to love the water. And whether it is through experience or genetics.... my kids love the beach!! During Haley's first visit to the beach, this year, she just walked into the water like nothing. And on subsequent trips to the beach, she'd get mad if we touched her in the water. She's a bit dramatic and loves her independence... but one tumble and roll in the water, persuaded her to hold mommy's hand.

And next the busy weekend of July 4th!!!!

Memorial Day Weekend

Happy 'unofficial' start to the summer. The long Memorial Day weekend has come and gone and left tired people behind. This weekend used to be used for long road trips. But once kids come into the picture, an 8hr drive to stay for only 48hrs is not worth it. Instead, we find local fun to enjoy.

We kicked off the weekend with a lovely BBQ at my in-laws. Even though they live in a 55+ community, it's the down home feeling with a great backyard up against the woods. It was a very sunny day. The food was yummy, the weather was perfect and the kids ate and played. If they weren't eating, they had to play. Haley enjoyed walking around the yard with determination to grabbed everything she can from her grandma's garden. Evan did his usual playing ball. And he even found time and energy to go walking in the woods with his daddy. This afternoon BBQ left us tired and full!

Sunday had a great experience of visiting the Mystic Seaport with friends. Evan, Haley and I were joined by my friend Tracy and her 4 yr old son and almost 3 yr old daughter. It was a fun day. We were able to board ships and experience a little bit of the 'old days'. The kids loved looking overboard AND exploring areas not open to the public. We ever were able to board the Amistad, which recently returned from it's trip to Cuba. OK... I didn't get to board b/c my baby girl had skipped her morning nap but apparently insisted upon the afternoon one.

I'm proud to tell everyone that we got in free by using the museum passes from the local Library. You'd be surprised what resources are available to you. I don't remember the last book I had check out. But I've gotten to use museum passes or discount tickets. I've rented DVDs and my kids have participate in the storytime.

I hope everyone had a great weekend.