Wordless Wednesday

Russo visit in OC so far...

We were very excited about our friends from Virgina visiting us at the shore.  They stayed with us for a week and hopefully they enjoyed all that we love in OC.  We introduced them to Dot's Bakery especially smiley faced cookies and delicious sprinkled and powered cream filled doughnuts.  Sunday we spent all day on the beach,which was a bit much for our fair skinned friends. On Monday we hung at the house for a bit and then ventured into town for some shopping and an tour around the bay on a Pirate Ship.  Jen, Sammy, Bekah and I devoured some scrumptious frozen Yogurt while Mo, Mark and the little guys hung with some crazy pirates. Two for Tuesday tickets were used on Tuesday at Wonderland Pier.  I think that all four of their kids enjoyed the rides as much as our did.  While at the rides we filled a bucket full of hot Johnson's Carmel popcorn and made sure they enjoyed Kohr's Bros Custard as dessert before dinner. Mo and Jen were very eager to visit Chickie & Pete's for dinner so we traveled inland for some bar food and Yuengling Lager.  I'd like to think that this is the perfect start to a week at the beach.

Fun in the Sun

Mary is the best second cousin a girl could get.  She is always so willing to play with Raine or Reece no matter what the game of choice is.  During this came of velcro catch, she used the broken disc so Raine wouldn't get frustrated.  I love this young lady and how amazing she is.  We are so glad they were able to stop over and visit OC for a few days.

Thankful Thursday

These two boys cooked up a storm at our annual seafood feast this past Sunday.  It was so delicious.  Early in the morning, Teresa and I rearranged the living room so everyone had a place to sit and eat.  She had the master plan to prep all the side dishes so the guys could have the kitchen all to themselves.  She really is brilliant.  I made a batch of mac n cheese for the little people while she sliced and diced fresh Jersey tomatoes.  Travis ran to the grocery and Mo headed to the Seafood Shack with Dad.  All so we could still enjoy a fabulous beach day before the evenings activities.

Wordless Wednesday

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.