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.