July 2011

We spent July 4th down at the shore.

Looking festive.

Patriotic

At the beach before dark to get a spot for fireworks. They loved them and had a really great day.

Someone is sleepy.

A few days later we hit the shore again. This time they had their first go at mini-golf. It was interesting to say the least. Cousin Hunter "teaching" them.

Ice cream afterwards on such a hot day was necessary.

It was one of those melted before you can even get it in your mouth kind of days.

Playground afterwards.

Then we went to our town fair. They had no rides this year, so it wasn't as exciting as in years past. They still got to ride a pony though.





We spent a lot of time at our development pool. They loved it. I saw them progress from being timid of the water to just jumping right in doing cannonballs by summer's end. They were still wearing a swim float this year. I hope to get them lessons next year and maybe ditch the swimmies. We'll see. This was the first year I was brave enough to take them to the pool myself too.

View Our Pictures

If you remember we won the free photo session a few weeks ago. We had our photo shoot on the beach about 2 weeks ago. Our gallery is now up for viewing. Just wanted to share the beautiful pictures.

http://www.facebook.com/l/06839;silveirastouchphotography.com/Photography/Client-Proofing/KaylieRyan/12524553_BZHDV#898326550_xfgXH

The password is Beach (case sensitive)

Brighton Beach Memoirs

We were on a family vacation last week. We rented a beachfront house at Brighton Beach on Long Beach Island, NJ. We stayed with Nana and Pop-Pop, Aunt Amy & Uncle Steve, and cousins, Rachel & Emily.

The weather was great until Friday and Saturday. We were able to enjoy the beach each day. Ryan and Kaylie did not like the ocean at all! They wouldn't even go halfway to it. By Thursday we were able to carry Kaylie and let the water hit our legs, but she wouldn't let us put her down. Maybe next year. They preferred the pool and playing in the sand. Throwing things in the garbage can was high on the list of things to do at the beach--go figure!

We had a first on this vacation, although I have no pictures of it. Kaylie and Ryan slept in twin beds! I bought bedrails and was really nervous about how it would go. I wondered if they would stay in them and if they would sleep well, etc. etc. As usual, worry for nothing. They did great! They never tried to get out and slept well. (One night Kaylie woke up, but otherwise was fine.) I'm not ready to make the switch at home however. In the cribs they stay until they are ready.

One evening we went to Fantasy Island Amusement Park in Beach Haven. The kids got to enjoy the carousel, a train ride, and a bumble bee ride. They had some cotton candy and a funnel cake. Daddy won them some stuffed animals.



We went to see Barnegat lighthouse. It's also called Old Barney. We took some family pictures there. It's not so easy to get toddlers to sit still for the camera and smile. Trying to get all 4 kids to look at the same time is even harder! (Those pics will come in a later post since Bob is still figuring out how best to "develop" them!)

On Friday, it was an overcast day, but we were able to go to the beach before the rain hit to fly a kite. The orange kite was not a success, although it looks like way in the pictures. It was not. We had purchased a striped one at a shop and that was more successful. I don't think Ryan & Kaylie cared too much about it. Maybe next year.

It was a nice, relaxing vacation. They really enjoyed playing with their cousins and being spoiled by Nana. When not at the beach they were painting shells, coloring, playing princesses/mermaids, and eating elephant ears among other junk.

We're already looking forward to next year, talking about things we want to do with the kids, like renting a 4 person bike, and possibly going for two weeks!

Here is the house:

Here is the view from the deck and the sunrises that greeted us each morning.

I've Got Some Catching Up to Do Part 1

Sorry I have neglected the blog for a bit. I should say that we are all healthy again and have been for a week or so now. Life is so much better with healthy kids let me tell you. The weather has been nice so we have been spending a lot of time outside. Ryan and Kaylie are about to turn two on the 30th so I am getting ready for their party.

We went down the shore this weekend to Grandma and Pop Pop's shorehouse. We took a walk over to the bay and played on the playground.

Through the tunnel.


On the swings....their favorite at the moment.



For nostalgia sake. This picture was taken Memorial Day last year. They both fit on one swing! The difference a year makes!


How do you keep two toddlers and a six year old busy? Why you have them "paint" the fence with water. Guaranteed fun for a half hour minimum! I know you are all going to try it aren't you? They loved it and yours will too.

Taking a break from painting.

September Shore

After music class, we headed to Grandma and Pop Pop's shore house where they are on vacation. Ryan & Kaylie went up to the beach for some sand castle making. At one point we were surrounded by seagulls who must have spied the three goldfish crackers we tossed to the side. Eeek! We also stayed overnight. It was so nice to be at the shore in the "off-season." No traffic or crowds. This was the first September I could experience this since all my other Septembers were spent teaching. Except for last year but we were in baby bootcamp and only managed a day trip that I hardly remember. In fact, I had to go back to look at my photos.

Which shovel Pop Pop?

Here they are this time last year.