Summer Begins!!

Since we have membership to our neighborhood pool, I decided we would spend the first day of summer break there. I got our bags ready, the kids in their swim gear, myself suited up, and lathered us all with sun block. I even packed a picnic lunch. Not an easy fete! Right as we were walking out the door, Afton turned to me and said, "I think I am going to throw up!". She then proceeded to barf everywhere.

Our summer was off to a bang. 

So we went with plan B. I dug out the sprinkler and water toys, and the kids who weren't throwing up had a party in the back yard. Not a bad start after all.

So far this has been a pretty relaxed summer. I have loved not having a structured routine! We are a lot slower in the mornings, and often aren't out of the house before 10 or 11- right when the pool opens. There has been lots of pool time, library trips, reading snuggled up on the couch, backyard fun, and some downtown trips to places like the National Cathedral and National Zoo. Hooray for summer!

Baltimore Excursions

It only takes 30 minutes for us to get to Baltimore, so we have taken to exploring it more. Fort McHenry (War of 1812 and birth place of our National Anthem) is always a favorite with us.

Following Ft. McHenry we went to the Inner Harbor where we saw smoke billowing across the water. Never a comforting scene. Thinking for a split second that this could have been an attack, I was relieved to discover this was simple a boat fire.  

And now that we have a yearly pass, a trip to Baltimore isn't complete without a stop at the aquarium!

And it is a good thing we have been getting out while we can, because we have been having lots and lots of rain!!

Spring Break- Charleston

Oozing with southern charm, Charleston, SC is now one of my favorite places. Boasting a beautiful historic district, lovely beaches, plantations to tour, horse carriage rides, Civil War historic sites, and southern food, Charleston has the whole package.

Isle of Palm

Fort Sumter- where the first shots of the civil war were fired. We met up with Grant and Jen who were vacationing in Hilton Head, SC.

Magnolia Plantation

Cyprus Gardens- spotting alligators in the swap

Blossoms 2014

Forget Christmas, THIS is the most wonderful time of the year. The blossoms have sprung and the girls and I had the special treat of seeing them during their peak bloom! All is right in the world.

 

Random Moments Cabin Fever Edition

We are getting a glimpse of spring, and it could not come soon enough!! This has been an extremely L-O-N-G winter with so many snow days that I have started to block from my memory. Luckily the days are getting longer, the grass is getting greener, and gloves and scarves are starting to become a thing of the past. Spring, we welcome you with open arms!!

Budding Artists

With two older brother, my girls are immersed in all things Star Wars. When 5 year old Afton showed me her drawing of Luke and Leia, it made me smile. I thought it was super sweet that she even proudly displayed it on the fridge. Well, at least until I discovered that she GLUED It to the fridge. Not so sweet. 

Ben's Run
Every year our neighborhood hosts a 5k race put together by the parents of a little boy who lost his life to cancer. It is an awesome event with the proceeds going toward cancer research. We live in an area with such a strong sense of community and it is touching to see so many come together for such a worthy cause. This year the boys ran it with me, and while Sam kept right with my pace, Luke blew us out of the water! We had so much fun, and I'm looking forward to future races with these kiddos!

Baby Matthew
In March we were able to meet the newest member of our family- baby Matthew! The kids and I made the trek to New Jersey a couple of days after his birth to meet their new cousin. Matthew was perfect in every way possible!

 

Just because...
A picture with Clara and her "twin" Megan. Love those two together! And a picture with my awesome husband- we don't have enough pictures of just the two of us.

Luke's Baptism

Our boy Luke turned 8! For members of our faith this is a milestone birthday because it is when a child can be baptized. I'm pretty sure Luke has been looking forward to this day ever since he saw his brother Sam be baptized, and finally on February 22 his big day arrived.

Luke's baptism was a wonderful occasion packed with family and friends. Cousins sang, Grandparents spoke, his Dad performed the baptism, and family priesthood holders gave him the Gift of the Holy Ghost. It was very touching to see how many people came out to support this boy who we love so dearly. 

I've often said that Luke is one of a kind, and this still holds true. He works so hard to do his best, and this past year we have been blown away by his growth. Since we arrive back in Maryland Luke has been seeing a specialist 3 days a week to help out with his reading. When we recently had a meeting to reassess his progress, Luke's teacher was confused as to why he needed to see a specialist. Apparently he is now right on track with his reading. We are so proud of this little boys who takes such pride in doing his best.