Charlie's Birthday

On Sunday we headed to PA to celebrate Charlie's 4th birthday. There were a lot of fun things including pumpkin painting. (sad note- these pumpkins were put on our front porch and then it rained a few nights later. Washable paint + rain = unpainted pumpkins on our porch)

There were a lot of areas to play and run around and we also went on a hayride.

These two had a lot of fun hanging out together.

I love this picture of Lucy and Grandpa.

I took this to show this girl that her face w as a big blue mess. Obviously a fun time was had by all.

Frozen and a Walk and a Run

We found out the local bookstore was having a Frozen event, so the kids and I headed out there. The even t was a disappointment -poorly planned and very crowded, but Jada was happy that she got a tattoo out of it.

Later we needed to get out so we headed toward a playground that also has a path leading out to the bay.

Jada was the only one who stayed with me long enough for a picture.

Our town had a local race and included a kids' fun run in it. Niko wanted to do the race, so we walked over to participate.  Here are the second graders waiting for their turns.

At the starting line.

Almost at the finish. He came in fourth of five or six kids. It was a long race that I know I couldn't have run the whole thing!

Lego Fest and a Search

Saturday we headed to the Lego Fest in Pennsylvania. We wanted to ensure a peaceful ride up, for Paul's and my sanity, so we bribed the kids with money to be spent at the Lego fest if they got along in the car. It worked beautifully. There was a lot of traffic and what should have taken us 1 hour and 45 minutes at the most, took 2 1/2 hours, so we were happy for the peace.

After driving all that time, we then had to stand in line for about 45 minutes to get in the building. But once we got in, we were greeted by a Lego wall to all designs on.

Then we got to see some Lego displays like 'Legodelphia".

And Ben Franklin with his kite.

And there were plenty of tables to build with Legos.

The kids all spent their money on various mini figures and then we stopped at Panera on the way home for dinner.


On Sunday we headed to a local playground and bike path. A local newsletter put out a challenge to find a certain marker in town. Paul and I figured out it was probably at this park, so we sent the kids to find it. Then they posed for a picture as they pondered it.

And then wanted to be able to sit on it.

And nothing like a little sibling bonded/ torture your little sister fun on the accessible swing.

First Day of School

Today was Rudy and Niko's first day of school. Rudy is starting third grade and Niko second grade. Jada started Pre-K earlier this week, but wasn't ready in time to take pictures with the boys this morning.


Without backpacks

With backpacks (the boys' suggestion).

Both boys with Paul

Just the boys

The boys with me

And then individually with Paul

When I picked the boys up at PALS they were both very happy and excited. Niko even ran over and said, "Awesome first day." Let's hope the rest of the year continues that way.

Labor Day Weekend

This weekend was supposed to be one of the nicest we've had all summer, so we were determined to spend as much of it as we could outside. Saturday morning we headed to a bookstore in Millville where Rudy had a gift certificate to use before the end of August. The boys got some books and then we headed to a small park nearby and took a hike.

After the bookstore, Rudy had plans to go to a friend's house and the rest of us just hung out at home.

Sunday was gorgeous and sunny, so we headed to the beach. I ended up taking 0 pictures but we spent about 5 1/2 hours there. There was a great breeze that kept the sun from feeling too hot and nice waves to ride.

Monday was supposed to be rainy but we decided to head out to a local lake, where we could quickly and easily get back to our car and head home if the weather changed. It ended up being beautiful there. Jada is becoming as much of a fish as Rudy (Paul and I often refer to her as being a 2nd Rudy because their mannerisms and attitudes are so similar.) Niko spent most of his time constructing ponds and barriers on the beach.