Monday, June 30, 2014

Beach Trip with the Cousins!

We just got back from a week in Myrtle Beach with The Maddens.  
With a big condo on the beach with a fantastic view...
the scene was set for a wonderful vacation!
The boys were so excited to spend time with their Colorado Cousins for the first time.
Before our cousins arrived, we went to the pool and enjoyed the lazy river, pools and spraygrounds.
Then, the cousins arrived and the fun really began!
Patrick practiced his Ninja Moves on the beach!
We spent hours each day on the beach.  
Playing in the waves, boogie boarding and building sandcastles.
There was lots of silliness in the condo.  
Impromptu sleepovers, card games, stuffed animal parties and movie nights 
were just some of the fun.
Though this was the first time all 7 had been together, they got along so well.  
It was such a joy watching them all interact and play.
My favorite part of the trip was taking the boys out into the ocean.  One at a time (while Gill was at the beach with the other two) I took the boys into the ocean, to "jump the big waves."  While they were all hesitant in the beginning to go deep into the ocean, they all warmed up to it quickly.  It was special Mommy and Me time, I loved being one on one in the ocean.
We all entered the sandcastle competition, 
Gill made an awesome iphone that won first place for originality.
 I made a mermaid and Amanda helped me accessorize her with seashells!  
The two of us won second place for creativity.
Youngest to Oldest
Sully, Finn, Patrick, Amanda, Tyler, Curtis and Victoria
 On the last night of our trip, we were joined by Grandma Peg and Grandpa Neil
for a special Seafood Dinner (complete with tattoos)
The Bunch!
It was a wonderful trip, and I'm so glad we finally got all the kids together.  
Saying goodbye was very hard, but we made some great family memories.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Jersey Shore!

The boys and I took a week-long trip to New Jersey to visit some special friends.
Our first stop was 4 days in Lavalette at the beach with Melissa and Makena.

After arriving, we went directly to the Seaside Boardwalk for Big Pizza...
a ride on the famous carousel...
and Kohr's ice cream!
The following day we spent all morning on the beach, digging, finding seashells...
and burying Sully!
In the afternoon we headed to Point Pleasant Boardwalk for lots of rides and games!
Back to the beach after the boardwalk and dinner, the boys, Makena and I went out to the sand bar, about 25 feet out, and splashed in the ocean.
Wednesday, we had another great day at the beach 
and went the see "How to Train Your Dragon 2" in the afternoon
 to get out of the sun for a while.
We were able to spend almost all of the last day at the beach 
before leaving to northern New Jersey in the afternoon.
We met Mom and Dad at a hotel in Northern New Jersey so we could all attend a very special wedding.  The boys and I enjoyed the great pool at the hotel, and delicious meals with Nannie and Pop Pop.  (One was more delicious than the next - from NJ Delis, to Calandras, to the yummy buffet breakfast - we ate our way thru the state and it was awesome!)
The LaScalas even had special desserts from Calandras for the boys!
We all attended a very special wedding, after 22 years together, 
our dear friends, Ed and Tim were married.
This special couple was there when Gill and I were married, and I am so happy I was able to witness their day - it truly was an emotional and joyful ceremony.
What a great trip to Jersey!