Fun with Aunt Kerry

Also a part of the birthday fun was a visit from Aunt Kerry. Despite the sadness which ensued after her departure (from the kids as well as from me!), we had a great visit. She even tried to get Paul to practice his 'big arms' as we swam in our neighbors pool, but I think his big swimming debut will have to wait until next summer.
Showing off their serious play doh creation from the "hamburger builder":
There was a serious sleeping bag tent/fort/play area/nap area created yesterday morning in which we were all "going to bed" and playing.

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

Last week we celebrated my 32nd birthday. As it was a busy week for Paul and I at work requiring us to have some night commitments, we celebrated "early" last weekend with cake and ice cream.... but my 'cake' was actually a series of cupcakes arranged (and iced) to look like an ice cream cone!


We also went out for a pre-birthday dinner at Ruby Tuesday's, although Paul seemed to be confused why I didn't pick Friendly's... the obvious choice of where to celebrate your birthday.

Vacation: Stage 2

The weather in Sunapee, NH, has been wonderful- lots of sunshine (even to the point that it was too hot for me to spend all of nap time in the lawnchair in the backyard!) and we've been having a great time. Uncle Ryan and Lauren headed home today (to lots of waves from Kaitlyn and pouting from little Paul) and it was so fun spending time with them.
Lots of bike fixing and riding:
Paul has been the pilot for lots of "airplane rides"- Nana is a great co-pilot and Pop Pop is the 'tower' to clear them for landing:
We've also spent a lot of time at the beach, mostly playing in the sand. Both kids will get in the water to play a bit, but Kaitlyn would much rather sit in a big hole in the beach, dug by Paul:



Paul gave a few haircuts as well:
A family picture before Uncle Ryan and Lauren headed out:

Vacation: Stage 1

Just like the Tour de France has many stages, we are taking a three-stage vacation this August. We spent the first stage of our August vacation at Raquette Lake, NY, with Gram and BB Bennett. The weather was great, so we did lots of swimming and boating.
We had a picnic lunch at Mr. Levi's golf course one day which, of course, included lots of rides on the golf carts:
Kaitlyn's tree at the Moose Lodge Chip and Putt- attempting to get a picture of her with the tree took three adults- eventually "Kaitlyn, put some dirt in the tree" got her near it (as she has spent most of her time in the lake or near sand digging and playing with dirt):
Paul's tree has gotten REALLY big:
Having a fun cookout at the leantoo with Paul and Kaitlyn's cousins Bruton and Avery who were visiting from Charlotte, NC:
Paul set up a "library" where he would have circle and story time, thanks to some of the great books he got from the Raquette Lake library on a bumpy boat ride with Gram:
A beautiful sunrise on our final morning (I was the only one awake to capture this picture):
Followed a few hours later by a pretty good family picture: