Joyful June

Realizing that June is just about over, I wanted to share some of the fun times we had over the past month:

Luke learns to eat summer staples: corn on the cob and popsicles.

Anna and Meaghan had a Daddy/Daughter trip to watch a ball game.

Hung out with Cousin Cadence and Aunt Collette in VT,

And hung out with Punkle Rick. What an awesome surprise!!

Celebrated Sarah Douglas with the delightful chaos of 7 girls and 2 little boys,

Was unimpressed by Plymouth Rock,

And frolicked on the beach at Amanda and Mike's wedding.

(click here for video)

The strawberries have been out of control! Can't wait for raspberries next. Yum....

And speaking of out of control - check out my hydrangeas!

See you in July!

Amanda's little princess

This past weekend Anna was honored to be the flower girl in Amanda and Mike Spindola's wedding. For months now Anna has been getting ready - practicing her walk, trying hair styles, excited be the little princess while Amanda's the big princess (slight infatuation with Princess Kate). On the big day, she did a great job and loved every minute!

Amanda and Mike were married in East Sandwich and had a beautiful reception at White Cliff's in Plymouth. They could not have had more perfect weather. It was a truly idyllic wedding, the most beautiful I have ever attended (and thanks to my NECI days I've attended A LOT!).

Playing on the beach

Golfing with her new boyfriend and her brother

And an elusive family photo

Congratulations Amanda and Mike and thanks for letting us be part of your celebration! Love you guys!

My baby is 1!

This week we celebrated Luke's first birthday. It doesn't seem possible that it has already been a year since he first joined our family. So much has happened in that year and we just love watching him grow up. He's a bundle of energy with the sweetest soul.

For his actual birthday he had a cake at school, a cake at home, and flirted with everyone at the doctors office during his well-baby visit.

Let him eat cake!

(click here for video)

This weekend Mother Nature was smiling on us in Marlborough and we had the most beautiful weekend. We had a picnic with some of our best friends, family, and neighbors. We are truly blessed.

Anna and Luke loved hanging out with cousin Cadence. We see her all the time via Skype but having her here in person was a treat! I predict that we'll be in trouble as these three get a bit older!

Not shown here is Cadence's "new" dog, Trooper. He was rescued and returned to my brother nearly 20 months after he ran away! Scott and Dad drove down to Virginia to pick him up this weekend. What I would give to have a video of his adventures over last nearly two years!

Cake is always a hit with the girls. A "1" for Luke, one car for Mom and Dad's anniversary, and a caboose for Shel's birthday.

Matt organized a game of bean bag toss.

And what would a party be with out a pig pile on one of the Daddies? Thanks Ben for being the victim this time!

Fun at Nanny's

This past weekend Anna, Luke, and I took a road trip to Salisbury, MD for a surprise birthday party for Mr. Burley, my Nanny's next-door neighbor, who turned 90! My mom rode down with us and we met up with Dad and Uncle Phil who had been down for the entire week. Over the course of the few days we also saw my Aunt Diane, Aunt Joan, and Uncle Steve. It was a quick trip and the kids did AMAZING in the car (8 hours each way is a long time for littles!). We're a little sad it is over so quickly.

During our visit we did a number of the usual activities that one does when visiting Nanny:

Visited the boardwalk (Thrashers and Alaska Stand, of course!) and chased a few birds, (check out the links for video)

Played at the playground,

Helped Nanny with her knitting,

Did some gardening with Uncle Phil,

Danced at Mr. Burley's party,

Washed the van,

And enjoyed puddle stomping after a warm, eastern shore rain storm.

Vacation: Nanny's house

This week we are off an an adventure - a day at Nanny's house in Maryland then off to the Outer Banks where we'll be joined by Nana, Papa, and Uncle Jon (Justin's family) for a few days and then my parents and both grandmothers are coming down.

Yesterday we spent the day in Salisbury. We hit all the key spots - playground, campus, and Ritas. Who could ask for more? And a good visit with Mr. Burley. We even spent some time watering the flowers which helped bring in a good strong Eastern Shore thunderstorm.

Happy Birthday, Anna!

Since Anna was too sick on her birthday to play we held of until yesterday to have a "special day" for her and, oh boy, did she live it up! Starting with coming down for breakfast to find the present that she wanted most waiting for her in the front room:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p77mCeirG0Q

In the afternoon we had her friend-party. Although we all wanted to invite over many more of Anna's friends - especially those from school - our couch wasn't big enough to hold more!

This group of girl have really grown up together and their families feel like extensions of our families - Grace, Meaghan, Emma, and Vivi. I'm willing to bet that over the years there will be many more iterations of this shot (and we'll probably never be able to get them all looking in mostly one direction, smiling, with eyes open again!).

Planting flower seeds

Making pizza

A green, Dora cake

Luke and Owen mooched as much cake and ice cream as possible

And once everyone was well sugared, Justin learned exactly how much screeching and bouncing little girls can do.

(This picture also solved the mystery of the missing remote)

All in all, a great time was had by all. We can't wait until Luke's birthday. Hopefully by then the snow will be gone and outdoor festivities will be in order.