J'elaxin' in July

July has been busy because we've been playing a lot! Our little family went to Waterworks, the local waterpark. I got a discount for being an employee of parks and rec, and they told me I got 1/2 off for my whole family b/c I was a part-time employee, so we got in for $9! I tried to explain to him that it didn't make sense for me to get more of a discount than full time employees (technically only the employee, not their family, is supposed to get the discount), but he wouldn't listen, so it wasn't worth arguing over. Anyways, we had a great time swimming, splashing in the fountains, going on the waterslides, and having a picnic. Andrew and I would take turns with the kids so we could go on the big water slides- I can't remember the last time I went on one. The kids also loved jumping in from the side, and actually preferred the bigger pool to the kiddie play area. We also brought a picnic and enjoyed it outside of the waterpark (they held our food for us at the front). It wasn't too crowded either and the kids were both in great moods, so that always helps!

Kaitlyn loved carrying around and buckling all of the lifejackets.

Kaitlyn was modeling in the water and loved laying back in it!

For the 4th of July, we got up early and took our decorated bikes to the church for the annual pancake breakfast. We did a flag ceremony, ate delicious pancakes and eggs, had a bike parade, played some games (including bean bag tosses, balancing eggs on a spoon, and the three legged race), and the kids got their faces painted.

In the evening, we had some friends over for a bbq and to light off some of our own fireworks. Nate found a "shark" firework at the stand and enjoyed throwing the snappers at my feet. He also liked the snakes. Kaitlyn was a little freaked out by the noisy fireworks, even though we didn't have any that whistled or anything. After everyone left, we tried to get over to the Montclair fireworks at the lake but saw everyone walking away from the lake when we arrived. Apparently they started the fireworks 20 minutes earlier. This is the 3rd year in a row we have not seen professional fireworks!!! I was totally bummed and so was Nate, but overall, we had a very eventful and enjoyable 4th. Happy Birthday Country!

 

Aww, I love you too Nate!

4th of July trifle! YUMMY:)

doing sparklers for the first time!

watching fireworks

lighting snakes

Mid-month, we had a "Maryland reunion" with some of our friends from Maryland. We really feel like they are family and when we haven't seen each other for awhile, we pick back up where we left off. We had 8 adults here and 18 kids. We met here for a bbq and then everyone found a room to change in for the lake. It felt like the movie, "Home Alone" with people everywhere all trying to rush out to get somewhere. One minute the house was chaos, and the next everyone was piled in their cars ready to go. I loved having a full house! My kids didn't know what to think and had several meltdowns, but calmed down once we got to the lake. We caravaned over to the lake, with 4 minivans following us. We then spent the afternoon catching up and playing in the sun. It was a great little reunion and we feel so blessed that everyone was able to come visit!

We took up a lot of the beach!

the guys

the gals

our very full house!

Kaitlyn was unsure about the whole day!

Us girls goofing around on the platform- the husbands had the kids, so why not?

now she's happy!

Some of our Maryland friends, the Robinsons were not able to make it to the reunion b/c they have their hands full with triplets! We went on a double date to catch up with them, and tried out the new Serendipity that is in Georgetown. We ate yummy sandwiches and huge sundaes and had great conversation. We even walked along "m" street and went in some of the trendy stores. We also went to the waterfront and saw the Kennedy center. We definitely need to go on dates more, and it was really fun being in a hip enivironment like Georgetown, b/c most of my life is spent cleaning up crumbs and wiping bums, even though I do love my life, don't get me wrong! It's just nice to have couple time and adult conversation. Thanks for the fun date Robinsons!

Emily got mac and cheese and I got an open face turkey sandwich with apples, chives, swiss, and raspberry mayo

our incredible sundae!

a fountain across from the Kennedy center

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn!

Kaitlyn turned 2 on June 23rd! We had to celebrate a lot, so she ended up having 2 friend parties and 2 family parties. So yes, she had 4 parties !! For some reason we can never do simple birthdays.

Party #1- The Tea Party:

I was supposed to work at the rec. center on her actual birthday, but was able to find a sub, so we invited 2 of her friends over last minute for a tea party. April was kind enough to take Nate, and I had Mason, so we did a kid swap. It was better that way, b/c then I could totally focus on the girls. We went to the dollar store and got them jewelry, hats, and shoes and then set up a tea party in our dining room. They were quite adorable pouring each other apple juice tea. Kaitlyn just kept saying, "Masn" "Halee" and pointing to them. She was really excited they were there! We then played in the basement for awhile and decided that we needed to go swimming, so I put the girls suits on and we filled up the baby pools. Hallie wanted to play hide and seek so we did that too! It was fun having a girl's only party and I think KK loved it! When Nate got home, he was sad the party was over, but cheered up after I told him the treats were not gone yet.

Party #2- The Family Party to On the Border:
That night, we had to celebrate and go out as a family. I can't not celebrate on the actual day. We let Kaitlyn open her presents from us: a bike, a dollhouse, puzzles, books, crayons, and a bubble lawnmower. She kept singing "Happy Birthday to KK!" but of course wouldn't do it for the camera, and would instead say, "No Happy Birthday!" We took her for Mexican food and let her get a sundae. The kids were both fairly well behaved. I can't believe my baby is 2!

Party #3- BBQ at the lake:
We invited several friends to the lake for a bbq to celebrate! I always like an excuse to get friends together:) I made fish shaped cupcakes ( I got the idea from my sis-in-law Ali!- thanks Ali!), and we bbqed the usual. Kaitlyn didn't like all the attention, but enjoyed having her friends there and playing in the sand and water. Each of the kids got a large water shooter and a bucket and shovel. Thanks to everyone who came and made her day special:)

Party #4- With my parents:
We had another bbq with my parents, went to the lake, and they took Kaitlyn to the store to let her pick out a present or two. She loves her grandparents!

Talking to Grandma and Grandpa on her big day!

The tea party!

Hallie looks like such a lady here, I love it!

They were quite adorable playing together:)

 

Friends at the lake party!

Another bbq!

 And just for fun, I wanted to include a pic from each month this year. Kaitlyn, we love you and we are so lucky to be your parents! She is smart as a whip and talks a mile a minute. She is also very sassy, but helpful and the best cuddle bug. What a joy!

23 months

22 months

21 months

21 months

20 months

19 months

18 months

17 months

16 months

15 months

14 months

13 months