Gentlemen, Start You Engines!!!

Okay, Dave and I have seen our kids "driving" futures and we are worried! Hershey has the "ride" where you drive race cars, so we let the kids take us for a ride - safe right?! Well, yes, but it showed us a glimpse of what is to come and that is a little scary. I got to ride with Emily, who I have to say did pretty well, except she couldn't figure out how to keep the gas pedal engaged, so in the end I was pressing it. Dave (who had the camera) got to ride with Matt. He was actually able to reach the gas pedal and kept it engaged for the whole ride. Just look at the determination and look of enjoyment on his face......this boy is in it for the speed. I think if he could have he would have wrecked the car in front of him just for fun.....of course, that car would have been the one Emily and I were in. Needless to say, Dave & I are both glad driving is not in the near future ....we can only pray they get better with practice, with an instructor that is....mommy can't lose any more of her nerves.

Big or Small, Matt loves Trains!!

While at Hershey, Matt rode any train he could find....he found three. The first train we all rode together. It goes through a small area of the park. The others Matt took on by himself.....face it the one in the middle, no adult could fit in, Matt even looks giant for it. Our boy got his fill of one of his passions - a train riding the rails. Oh, and a "ding, dinger" (railroad crossing) thrown into the ride makes it even better. We were more than pleased to bring him a little bit of happiness riding the rails.

Last Ride of the Day

The last ride of the day at Hershey was the gondola ride which spans over a small portion of the park. As you can see, I am not on this ride. I've learned as I have gotten older that the openness and height of these rides just don't jive with me......and see how Emily is leaning over, well, lets just say heart attack! So, Dave took the kids on this and I got to watch with my feet firmly planted on solid ground. I did get a very wonderful gift from this ride.....just a few more feet past this picture being taken they all shouted "Happy Mother's Day, mom!" It made me smile....how could I not. A great way to end Mother's Day at Hershey. Love you three!!

Turning 40

Finally, Dave has joined me in the 40's age range....lol. Of course, this birthday was like all the rest, kids off to school (only for a half day) and Dave to work. We actually went out to dinner the night prior, after coming back from our Hershey weekend, to celebrated the "event". It was Dave's choice - Joe's Crab Shack.

The night of his birthday, he got home around 6. The kids and I decorated with a banner and two balloons - a huge "40" and a fire truck. The kids insisted that we buy party hats and they got a birthday badge for Dave. The cake was chocolate with chocolate icing. Happy Birthday Dave, your getting old, but you can take comforting in knowing I will always be 4 years older than you.

Let Sports Begin

Matthew started his first organized sport this spring - T-ball. So far, he is having fun. He even hasn't complained about getting up early for the two 9 o'clock games he has had and if you know Matt you know early rising is not a happy thing for him. I do have to tell you about a "funny" that happened the one practice after his first official game. Dave took Matt out to get him baseball pants, cleats, a batting helmet and a bag which would also hold his glove and bat. We took it to practice that Tuesday night. He was very proud of his things, showing his teammates and coaches. Matt started out in the field and then was brought in to bat. So, he's there at home plate holding his bat, the ball comes he swings and hits it. Matt runs..... not to first base though but to his bag to put his bat away, then heads to first. Well, this little "act" got a good laugh from the parental side line. The joke was he must be good at keeping things in place at home (hmmm, wonder where that trait would come from). Second time up to bat, what do you think happened.....repeat......ran to his bag, then first base. Thankfully he has come to understand that this action isn't necessary. However, Matt has "designated" one of the coaches wives as his official "bat girl". She told Matt she was more than happy to do it so long as he remembers his "first bat girl" when he goes pro.

Matt has only 3 more games left to his season. It has been nice seeing his "sports" and teammate sides developing. GO MATT!!!

We've Raised Fish

Emily and Matt love the water which is pretty surprising seeing we haven't really had much access to a pool. Matt has become really good at swimming under water. Emily loves swimming too but has become her mother's daughter by liking the "hot pool" /hot tub. She was thrilled to have this one all to herself one night. Our last morning there, they were joined at the pool by another family whose kids had flippers and snorkels, so guess what they requested when they got home..... you got it flippers and snorkels. So, our next "hotel" vacation the kids will be trying out new gear and we'll have pictures to share of that new adventure.

Future Car Model?

Emily loves to pose when it comes to having her picture taken. Our trip to Hershey was no exception. When we saw the Reeses race car, it was only natural that we took a picture and it was only natural that Emily struck a pose. So my question is .... will car posing be a part of her future? You never know. :)

Swimming Can Change a Person

Matt loves swimming, actually both kids love it. The only request they make of us when we stay at hotels is that it has a pool.... and we oblige. During our stay in Hershey the kids got plenty of pool time. Matt stayed in so long that he had impressions from his goggles and his hair was a wild mess..... it was too funny it merited a picture.