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!

First Grade Class Play

On Wednesday night, Patrick and Finn performed in their class' rendition of 

Goldie Locks and The Three Bears, The Musical

A couple months back, their music teacher was looking for someone to make the prop - a pink house, and guess who volunteered?  

Before the performance began, Ms. Faulhaber took a moment to thank Patrick, Finn AND Sully for making the beautiful house.

Here is the play!

 Patrick and Finn with their music teacher, Ms. Faulhaber

 With their first grade teacher, Mrs. Fields

BRAVO!!

Field Day

Yesterday was Field Day at the elementary school.  The boys were super excited for the day - they were loaded up with their swimsuits, water bottles, suntan lotion and a change of clothes, because boy did they get wet!

The class participated in all different activities included bean bag toss, water over/under, sack races, jump rope and more.  (Sully even got in on the action!)

After 2.5 hours of outdoor play, the kids were wet and tired.  

Sully gave all the kids popsicles before we said goodbye.

Wordless Wednesday

Patrick Lost his First Tooth

After patiently waiting for his loose tooth to fall out for 4 weeks, it finally happened! 

Tonight, before bed, Patrick came down and showed me that his tooth was just kinda hanging there, and sure enough, one small tug and it was out - pain free.

Sweet Patrick has not played with it at all, he kept telling us that it would fall out when it was ready, and he was right.

Luckily, before Mom and Dad left for their trip, MJ made 3 beautiful tooth fairy pillows - in case that tooth decided to fall out.  Perfect timing, Nannie!

The tooth is tucked into the pocket, on Patrick's bed, and ready for the tooth fairy!

Cub Scout Outing

Today our family went to the lake for the end of the year cubscout celebration.  The Den hosted a BBQ for all the families on the dock with fishing and kayaking for everyone.

Sully fished for the first time

Patrick and Finn impressed me by being able to cast and reel all by themselves.

 While they didn't catch anything, they had fun trying.

 They waited patiently at the dock for their turn on the boats.

First, Patrick and Finn went out with Gill.

and boy, they went far!

 Then, Sully had a turn!  

It was a fun morning out on the lake, and while I did not fish OR boat, I loved watching all my guys.

Preschool Summer Break Week 1

With more than 2 full weeks before Patrick and Finn 

get out of school for the summer, Sully and I had 

his first week of summer vacation together.

On Tuesday, Sully road his bike to Noah's Art 

and we met Emma for some art fun!

 Wednesday we spent the day with Ashton.  

First, we went to Squirrel Lake park for playtime with Drew and Evan.

 These 4 super cool dudes had a blast throwing rocks into the lake 

and rule the playground with their super heros.

 Thursday, Sully and I took the train uptown to Imaginon.

 We enjoyed storytime (with bubbles or course)

 and then explored the new Storybook exhibit.

Sully climbed the beanstalk, like Jack...

and created his own storybook about a Giant. 

 We ended our visit with a puppet show!

 After the boys got home from school, the Callow boys 

joined us at the pool for swim and dinner time 

(before the thunderstorm chased us back home!)

Friday started off with a wonderful  breakfast at the elementary school

This breakfast was hosted by the staff for the parent volunteers and included performances by the choir. 

Gill met us at breakfast, after finishing off with the hawk dads.  It's certainly not the reason we help at the school, but the breakfast was very much appreciated.

 After breakfast, Sully and I met Athena, Sebastian and Melissa at Cold Blooded Encounters.

Melissa and I had never been there before, but it promised reptile encounters, a zoo and nature center.

Maybe this picture will help explain, what WE encountered.  That's right, Sully in the bathroom WITH TURTLES in the tub!!!  We left laughing, it certainly was an experience.  (sully announced:  "This place freaks me out, I want to go" - and that about summed it up)

 After we left, we headed to a local library, for puppet shows, stories, games and fun.

What a great way to start the summer!

Patrick's Martial Arts Test

After months of hard work, this afternoon Patrick tested for 

his yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do.
He worked so hard and did an excellent job.

 Patrick tried his hardest, and even broke a board with a giant kick!

At the end, Master announced that he had passed his test 

and would now be a yellow belt!

 The Class

We celebrated with Patrick's favorite treat - Garlic Knots and Pizza!

Great job, Patrick, we are so proud of you!

Last Day of Preschool

Today was Sully's last day of preschool for the year.

Here is a Flashback to his first day of school this year:

Such a big Boy!

We had a wonderful year and were sad to say goodbye to Ms. Amy and Ms. Tonya