Summer Movie Time

We took a much needed break from the heat and humidity today to visit a movie theater.  Teresa, Raine and I saw Brave; while Travis, Mo and Reece watched Spiderman.  We bought some yummy popcorn and pretzel m&ms to enjoy also.  I think I was more excited to see this movie than Raine was.  I was also a bit nervous about Reece viewing Spiderman.  Trusting his Daddy can be a challenge because I want to keep my son as young an innocent for as long as can be.  All in all it was ok.  Reece said it was AWESOME and Raine loved lil mis Merida.

Remake a old pic

Aubrey's Uncle Dave, Doug's brother came to hang out for a couple days from Cali.  He had the kiddos pose for this picture because he and Doug have a picture like this when they were little.  I love that he wanted to relive a past memory of his with his niece and her cousins.  It has been such an amazing summer of moments like this!

Celebrating the USA

Happy Fourth Of July

We are waiting patiently on beach for the firework show to begin.  I am so glad we are all here on the beach eating Manco Manco Pizza. It is driving the kiddos crazy that they can't play in the water or run in the sand.  I know the magic of the fireworks will make all the waiting and being still worth it!

Fourth of July Parade

We have two bike riders WITHOUT training wheels in the 40th street parade this year.  Raine also wants to try and scoot the whole 14 blocks.  Last year she said she was going to scoot but then rode in the wagon after the second block.  I am so proud of their effort and excitement.

Dancing Queens

These two crazy ladies are beach princesses and love to dance in the sand.  It is so fun to sit back and watch them dance, sing and play all day long.  Years ago Raine was the third wheel and left out when Aubry and Reece played, now Reece is the odd man out.  I love that all three of these cousins still go play puppies in the hot sand up by the trash cans and path to 32nd street.

To the beach

is what my father in law would say to the kids as the packed the cart full of sand toys, chairs and umbrellas.  It is such an awesome tradition that the Hauguel family has instilled in their children.  Mo loves bringing his family back to his favorite beach town and probably won't stop traveling here ever.  It has become a treasured family reunion of sorts where we get to see his Mom Mom, Pop Pop, Uncle Andy, Aunt Joann, Samantha and Mary. We rent a gorgeous house 3 blocks from

32nd street beach with his brother and sister.  But most importantly we create amazing traditions that my children look forward to every summer.  Reece said he can't wait to fight the waves and lay in the hot sand.  Raine can't wait to ride the rides on the boardwalk and swim in the ocean. Mo can not wait for few sticky buns, fresh caught crab and flounder. I am looking forward to planting my tush in the sand with a good book and an ice cold Yueling.

301 32nd Street, Ocean City

We have once again rented at 301 32nd St., it is an awesome shore house.  

The owners left us this lovely little welcome gift and we can't wait to dive into it!  I can't wait to make new memories here this summer and maybe some similar ones to last summer.

Thankful Thursday

Grammie Babs had the awesome idea of taking her grand kids to Fantasy Island for their birthdays.  It was such a great day of rides and water slides.  The best part was hanging out with Matthew's beautiful girls.  They loved playing with Reece and Raine and acted like it was just yesterday they hung out.  I am so glad she struggled through the hot day with all of us.

Day Trip to Spencerport

Shannon and her wonderful family hosted us for a day of relaxing outside by her pool. Paul came home early and we grilled shish kabobs and fish.  It was a scrumptious dinner but an even better time catching up and listening to these three giggle and play together.  Grace was a wonderful playmate and even had some hand-me down clothes for Raine.  Raine was in heaven!  I love being able to catch up with all my cousins and family during the summer; really wishing I lived on the east coast.

Wordless Wednesday~Pops

5339 Woodland Heights

We are so ready to relax at Grammie and Pop's house on Lake Ontario!  It has been a fun two weeks so far but I always love listening to the waves of the lake.  It is so peaceful here and I can't wait to see family!  Raine was very excited to show Grammie her Calico Critters from Haley.  Reece and Mo were anxious to watch more Finnis & Ferb.  I look forward to dad's breakfasts and moments chatting with mom on the porch.  Love love being "home".

The Arch

The Arch, the arch, look up guys and check out that super cool arch!  We have driven by this landmark so many times while driving back east but this summer we actually stopped!  It was after a long drive across Kansas and a night spent at a rest area but it was well worth it.  We took this crazy Willy Wonka type elevator to the top to check out the view.  It was spectacular!  We could totally feel the amazing steel structure swaying.  It was a really special pit stop on our drive.

Here We GOOOOOOO

Raine has gathered all of the comfy pillow pets, blankets and dollies she will need for our 8 week summer vacation across the country.  I hope she shares with me.

Already pulling out the DS to entertain himself.  Thank goodness for the technology of the 21st century, it sure helps with 12 hour days on the road.

Say Cheese Raine! She enjoyed the first movie pick of the trip.  We are off to Breckenridge, CO for the first week of summer and we can't wait!  

On The Road Again...

We are so blessed to be taking off for another summer adventure on the road!  We are so excited for all of the people and places we will be seeing. We leave for Breckenridge, CO tomorrow morning for a restful week long vacac with just the four of us.  Mo and I are finally using our timeshare and can't wait to check out Breck.  He plans to do a lot of fishing while I plan on hiking, swimming, visiting Cindie & Sarah and reading.  Kiddos can't wait to start our summer.

Last Day of Kinder & Second Grade

My baby girl is finished with kindergarten and did a fantastic job at it.

Second grade was a great year for this lil man, he loved every minute of it.

Sunday at the Smith Center

 YAY, I get to spend the afternoon with my favorite friends and children at this beautiful place.  Raine doesn't look like she is very excited though... 

Reece and I am though =)

SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!

Isn't this such a fantastic building.  I love, love it here!

Mothering is such an honor

Saturday's are best spent watching 7 year olds play baseball, shopping for killer deals on brand name finds, surfing the Internet, laughing, dancing, folding laundry, swimming, feasting on steak, seafood & salad and spending it with your favorite people! I was blessed to do all of the above today! It has been some time since I was able to have such a relaxing Saturday with my kiddos. I didn't have to bark orders but did have to repeat myself a few times. I did have to combat some tears and did quite a bit of disciplining. All that said, I was a mom. A role I dreamed of playing when I grew up. One I will never perfect, but always try and improve on. Being a mom is a blessing I prayed for and one I will cherish. Especially when friend send you a sweet note complimenting your parenting skills and the way I am raising my two blessings. Happy Mother's Day to all those who treasure the most important responsibility we could ever have.

A year ago...

A year ago while Reece was in first grade, we had a very special time making a craft and planting this flower in a unique pot.  I am so blessed to be a mom especially to this little rascal!

Purge unwanted stuff

STOLEN FROM www.moneysavingmom.com and my friend Shonse!

Day 1 Assignment

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great {there’s something about dressing in clothes that make you feel great that just gives you more energy and zest for life! Get your free copy of SarahMae’s ebook, Frumps to Pumps, if you need more motivation in this.}

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea and make a list of 5-10 goals for this week.

::Complete your morning routine {if you don’t have a morning routine, take some time to create one today! Read my How to Develop a Routine That Works–And Stick With It series for step-by-step help.}

::Set the timer for 15 minutes and quickly pick up the main living areas of your home.

::Clean out your purse and/or diaper bag.

::Find 7 items to get rid of today. Throw them out, stick them in a donate or garage sale box, give them to a friend who can use them, or list them on Craigslist or eBay.
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So as I type this, I have the kiddos finding 5 things to throw away.  Raine has come out with two dollar store items but Reece keeps coming out with ridiculous stuff.  I moved a lot of clutter from my home into the garage last weekend.  We desperately need to have a garage sale but every weekend from here until we leave for our road trip is booked with busyness. AHHH how is one supposed to purge properly when time doesn't allow it?  We have sold a number of items on Craigslist the past few weeks but we need to sell more items and quickly. I can't wait t sell more...

Field Day

The day couldn't be any more fun for these two little people.  Raine had so much fun scooting, running and playing in the water at her Kindergarten friends.  Reece loved being part of the blue team and loved the water activities best.  I loved that I could snap photos of them all day long.