Saturday-Tuesday am

Even though Sam wasn't quite himself, after some exploring and resting, we managed to get to the pool with the big kids. The boys loved it. They picked up right where they left off from their swim lessons. They jumped in, pushed off, but spent most of their time hanging on to dad.

Sunday was pretty low key. Tony took me, Jon and the boys around Wilmington. We saw a few sites, looked at a couple beaches and while driving by a movie studio we learned that Wilmington is the Hollywood of the east coast. Everything from Matlock to Dawsons Creek and One Tree Hill to Iron Man 3 have been/are being filmed there.

We figured the beaches would be packed for Labor Day so we spent another day relaxing at the house and pool. We took Ellie and Momo couldn't pass up the opportunity to come and take pictures. I thought Ellie would be freaked out. She wasn't too sure about it at first, but she did great. She even jumped (more like fell) into the pool just like her big brothers. Of course she started that after Momo left with the camera!

On Tuesday, we headed out to see the battleship North Carolina. Saying its huge is an understatement. The boys had a blast climbing up and down ladders, exploring and looking for the arrows so we knew which way to go.

We thought of Corrie when we saw this mega Kitchen Aid!

Alligators sightings are common in the swamp around the ship.

To be continued....

Vacation

You might have noticed I've been neglecting the blog a bit recently. We packed up and headed to North Carolina for a week. We headed out Friday night after Faith Fest. The kids did really well. They were asleep after a couple hours, but Ben woke up at 2:30am. His chit chat woke up the rest of the car so we stopped for an early breakfast around 3:30. That was our only real stop on the way down.

We got there around 9am Saturday morning. The boys quickly found the toys Momo and Papa got them and we spent some time checking out the new house.

Ben was sick all day Thursday, but by Friday he was back to his normal self. Unfortunately, Sam got sick on Friday and it took a bit longer for him to feel better.

My mom went a bit camera happy and literally took over 950 pictures. I'll be updating more about our trip as I can get through the pictures.

Soccer mom

I am officially a soccer mom! Ben had his first practice last night. It was actually a fundamentals class for all the younger kids. This class is more for practicing the skills. He has a real team practice tonight where they will focus on the game. I'm hoping to get some good action shots tonight, but here is Ben showing off his uniform, which he loves!

I think we might be looking at the next David Beckham---minus the underwear adds!

6

My first baby turned 6 today. We started the day with bagels for breakfast then headed to the doctors for his 6 year check up. He weighs 42.8lbs (25th %) and is 3'9" (50th %). We confirmed his hearing is perfect so he has no more excuses for not listening. He does need his eyes checked. Can't really say I'm surprised. Other that that he is perfect. We ran errands, we cleaned out my car, family came over for Bens favorite dinner and cake, then off to Bens first soccer practice on a real team. He did great! I barely heard a peep out of him at bed time. We usually get at least 45minutes of playing, fighting or singing out of the boys. I think he had a good day!

2006

2012

Buddies

Loved and missed!

Party #2

After a long morning at Chuck E Cheese, we came home for a quick recharge before the family birthday party. Gram, Pap, Aaron, Prasti and kids came over to play in the water, have some dinner and cupcakes. This party was much more relaxing, but the kids were all water crazy and the adults got a bit more wet than they wanted to. Good thing it was a warm day!

Play time

Just like daddy:

Mario cupcakes

Ellie really liked the cupcakes!

Happy as always!

Party #1

We celebrated Bens 6th birthday today. Ben has been talking non stop about Chuck E Cheese for months so I think he would have been heart broken if we didn't have Bens boys only (except for Caoilin) birthday bonanza there. We headed up this morning with Gram and celebrated with pizza, chocolate cupcakes with red frosting (per Bens request) some dancing, cheering and most importantly, a crown and a medal.

Sam just wants to play:

Ben was very excited to get a Mario umbrella from mom and dad.

Preparing for the ticket blaster:

He got the magic ticket:

Game time:

The mouse is very friendly.

Bens ticket blaster experience:

On to party #2...the family party. To be continued...