Fun-Filled Weekend

Our friends, Kim and Olav, and their kids, Lily and Ashton, came to visit this weekend. Friday night we went to the boardwalk to ride the rides. But first we began with ice cream and cotton candy. Here are our little Guatemalans- a silly pair!

The kids took turns picking rides, with Rudy often opting for the more daring rides, but more than willing to go on whatever rides Lily picked. I love that he still enjoys these rides.

The last ride of the night was the fun house.

Saturday morning we headed for the beach. Both Lily and Rudy had fun splashing around in the water and digging in the sand. Rudy with his new boogie board - he loved it - except when he wiped out!

A beautiful and calm ocean.

A typical Rudy face!

Digging a small gully.

Rudy had a very interesting way of digging.

A nice empty beach.

After the beach we went home, showered and had a little down time before dinner. Rudy and Lily enjoyed some Leapster time. It's always fun paying someone else's games!

Our dinner plans were at The Rainforest Cafe, but since we had a while to wait for our table, we headed across the way to watch the fountain water show.

One happy family ( with a sleeping baby in the stroller).

Another happy family.

Fascinated children.

Lots of water - we could feel the mist from it.

Watching and waiting for the alligator to move.

Ready for dinner!

VOLCANO!!!! (Although it wasn't delivered with the usual fanfare!)

Even Ashton woke up to enjoy the Rainforest Cafe.

My boys. In order to get a nice picture, I had to promise a silly picture....

Me and my little guy.

Whatever one kids wanted, so did the other. So when Rudy took Olav's hand, so did Lily.

After 2 late nights, this morning the kids were a little sleepy. After breakfast, and Lily got ready to go, we told them they could watch a movie for a while, until it was time for Lily to leave. I don't think they could have been more zoned out or relaxed.

A Day at the Beach

Last Sunday we made it to the beach for the first time this year. Rudy had blast jumping in the waves. He is really going to be a beach bum this year if e can make it to the beach!

We went to the beach in the late afternoon and so we only had about an hour before the lifeguards pulled everyone out of the water since they were leaving. So Rudy played in the sand, and rolled in the sand, and was covered in the sand.

Family Fun and Fishing

For Fathers' Day, we planned a fishing trip for the 4 fathers in the family. Last Saturday was the day. Chris, Patti, Max, Lucy and Charlie came down on Friday night. The usual chaos ensued when max, Lucy and Rudy are together, but we all survived the night and woke up the next morning ready to go. Their trip wasn't until the afternoon, so we decided it was time to erupt the volcano Rudy got for his birthday. Rudy and created the volcano earlier in the week.

The kids (and Chris) eagerly await the eruption.

Rudy getting a closer look.

What's going to happen?

The directions said to use club soda and the tablets included. The soda was added first and then 5 tablets - 10 if you wanted a bigger eruption. We added 5 first, just to see what happened - nothing. Then we added a few more and a few more until we had used them all - about 30 tablets. Here's what we got.

The kids finally got to take a closer look, once we realized nothing much was happening.

It was quite a let down - we'll have to try to make an eruption with vinegar and baking soda, since I know that works and is more impressive than this kit!


After lunch we headed to the boat. As usual, Rudy wanted to ride in Chris and Patti's van, and Lucy wanted to ride with us.
As we drove, Lucy had fun taking pictures.

W got to the boat dock and waited for Bill, Renee and Paige.

He was actually happy to be going on the boat, he just decided to have this face for the picture.

The fishers heading off.

While the guys fished, the females and boy under 5, went to the boardwalk. Lucy again took some pictures in the car.

Lucy enjoyed going on many, many rides.

Paige was very happy despite the fact that she wasn't tall enough for most rides.

Lucy's favorite ride of the day.

After a few hours, we headed back to the dock to meet the guys. They had fun, although they didn't catch anything big enough to keep.

Some pictures Paul took on the fishing trip.

Max and Rudy got a chance to steer the boat - look out other boaters!

(Not sure why this is coming up so small.)

Dad made the first catch of the day.