Countdown Until Vacation

16 Days Until Our Cruise

The Jersey Shore

Dave & I promised each other that this year we would get the kids to the shore (last year we just never made it). So, the one Saturday we knew Dave would be off work we headed to Point Pleasant, NJ. Going to the shore any time in the summer let alone on a Saturday morning, usually means sitting in a ton of traffic but God knew what we needed and we made record time to the shore with hardly any traffic. Emily and Matt were excited about going. The last time we were at a beach Emily was in the water with Dave and Matt spent his time playing in the sand close to me, well that changed, which meant I had to spend most of my time down in the water too. Matt loved running away from the waves, although that was all he wanted to do, no going "into" the water. Emily enjoyed boogie boarding and then body surfing with Dave. We spent from 9:30 - 1 on the beach then hit the bath houses, changed, walked the Boardwalk and then to the rides for the kids. The day totally wiped us out but we took a different route home and went through some of the towns we have always heard about but never seen. On our way back, we stopped for dinner and then for coffee and a treat. By the time we got to the coffee stop, Matt's legs started bothering him, so we made a quick stop to the pharmacy for some Ibuprofen. It was a very full day but a wonderful day, a day I wouldn't mind having again in the near future - a mom can dream!

Independence Day

We decided to spend the July 4th holiday soaking up the sun and playing in the water at the Land of Make Believe - a small amusement/water park about an hour and a half from our home. Our main purpose for going was getting in the water. The summer started out brutally hot here in NJ and has pretty much stayed that way. We first hit all of the water rides. Dave and Matt were together and Emily & I. It was so fun doing these rides with them. It seems like such a short time ago we were saying "won't it be great when we can do this with the kids someday" and here we are doing just that. We enjoyed a trip on the lazy river before heading to the main "pool" area. It was nice because Dave and I were able to sit at the edge of the pool and just watch the kids play. Emily was in charge though, if you ask her. After time in the water, we had some lunch then hit the rides. I should say Emily and Matt did. Our time there ended with some ice cream to cool us off one more time. On our way back home, we stopped at a local mall area had an early dinner at Olive Garden - Emily loves their salad and breadsticks - then we headed home for the night. It was a wonderful day!

Sorry So Long

I know it has been a long time since I have updated the blog but life has been a lot like this picture - going around in circles. The kids are enjoying their 4th week of camp - 2 more to go. They are gone from 8:30 until 4:30 each day, which allows for me to attempt to get many things done here at home that have not been done for quite some time (cleaning rugs, sorting toys, clothes, etc.) Once I pick them up and we eat dinner, it seems like it is time for bed, for all of us. Well, almost all. Dave has once again become MIA here at home. A deadline for closing 5 companies switched from 5/31 to June 15 to July 1, to now 8/1. Needless to say he has been putting in late nights and usually one day on the weekend which we don't know about until late Friday. If he is off, he is still on call or checking his Blackberry. The kids are missing him a lot and becoming verbal about not seeing him. Emily the other day asked why is he always working - Dave just responded "good question". It has been rough on him lately. Being that his schedule is so crazy, we haven't done much in the way of activities that have resulted in pics or posts. Well, there are a few I haven't done yet but will do today. So knowing how life is here, do not be surprised when you check the blog and it is still the same old post. Hopefully in a few weeks that will change once vacations come and school begins. In the meantime, we hope all of you are well.

Splishing and a Splashing

The kids love being in water. I can remember when both of them couldn't stand getting any water in their faces but that has all changed. One of their favorite water "devices" is the classic Slip 'n Slide. Emily is an old pro at belly sliding. Matt on the other hand tends to knee plant then go to a full sprawl slide which doesn't get him very far. Needless to say they both have a lot of fun. It has been a very dry and hot and humid summer so far. I'm sure we will be having many more evenings filled with water fun.