My crazy kids...

Okay, my crazy kids decided they would all get into the pack n play together - with the dog. I am surprised that it did not break. We had it out the night before when baby Landon was visiting. Crazy! I guess they get it honest enough...

Busch Gardens

We have been enjoying our season passes to Busch Gardens and have already been several times. We love the swings and the bumper cars. And the kids think it is pretty cool that I used to work at tea cups ride. The newly added Sesame Street section has been a big hit too. My kids aren't in a rush to do all the roller coasters which is fine with me. Although I was told by a friends son last night that once I turn 40 I can't ride any roller coasters - which of course I took as a challenge. Next time we go to Busch Gardens with them I have committed to riding the Alpengeist with him - will keep you posted!

The last time we went there was a Christian Band Concert - Third Day. Steve and I enjoyed it, while the kids entertained themselves. There is one picture of Drew plugging his ears on a particularly loud song. I think the people around us were equally entertained by our family antics. At the end of one song Drew yelled if it was time to go home yet - which got a good response from those around us. The girls got a hold of the camera and had fun taking pictures. It was a fun time! Unfortunately, on the tram back to the parking lot the fun continued as the announcer had people raising their hands and yelling 'Oh Yeah'. It was definitely fun, the unfortunate part is that I had a bit too much fun and upon raising both my hands in response to something, my keys dropped off the tram and onto the road. I watched them disappear in horror. This, of course, provided for more entertainment for the tram - and I dread hearing the story replayed for years by my husband. Sarah was mortified and concerned we would never get back inside our car. My husband took the tram back and they joked the whole way back around while the kids and I waited in humiliation. We did retreive the keys and made it home safely. Must be something about turning 40...?!

Enjoy the pictures...

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Water Country

Upgrading our Busch Gardens pass to include Water Country was a good investment. I went for the first time last Friday with the kids and we had a great day. It was a great activity on a very hot day - we hardly noticed the heat with all the water fun. It actually was easier for me to go there by myself than to Busch Gardens since there were more group activities. Not many pictures since I was in the water with the kids, but I took a quick break to snap a few while they were in the wave pool with life vests on. The wave pool was the favorite, followed closely by the Hubba Hubba Highway (think lazy river with jets to propel you). Oh yeah, and we went by the Cheese Shop for some sandwiches for dinner on the way home. Yum!

Count down to the waves starting...

Abby says her vest was not on backwards - her body was. Oh boy are we in trouble!

Last Day of School

The kids thought the last day of school would never come. The school had an award ceremony and we were quite surprised to hear Sarah's name called for Citizen of the Year for her class. Way to go Sarah! And they both did well with grades too. Both girls had a class party outside following the awards ceremony - Drew and I were happy to help!


To celebrate the last day of school we headed to Chuck E Cheese, where I got talked into upgrading our drinks to these fancy cups! The kids loved it! Free tokens with report cards - woo hoo!!

And the really good news is that we got to bring them home! I am sure the novelty will wear off soon - right?!

Sarah found a machine and earned lots of tickets - she was quite excited!

Trip to NYC

As most of you already know, this is a BIG birthday year for me. My mother got us girls (my mom, sister, sister in law, and myself) tickets to see Jersey Boys on Broadway to celebrate. We made it into the city on Saturday afternoon, and stayed the night at the Manhattan Club on 57th Street - very close to Carnegie Hall. We had a great time exploring the city. Dinner was another treat - eating at Mom & Dad's favorite NYC Italian Restaurant. Yum! Wouldn't you know my dear dear sister would get us such lovely glasses so that we could tell the world that this was our BIG birthday year! It was a fun night. A bit tricky to see out the 4, but maybe the wine and zambucca shot played a part in that!



The next day we took a morning stroll in Central Park. We had afternoon tickets to see Jersey Boys. (We stopped in to Stage Deli for some lunch on the way - yum again! Nothing like a NY Reuben!) Mom had given us all the Jersey Boys CD for Christmas so we were familiar with most of the music. FABULOUS show! Great story, quick moving, great music - WOW! Go see it if you have the opportunity! We were singing the music all night! Oh What a Night!

Had to laugh at the sign on the wall as we entered the theater...

After the show, we split up to head home. Rebecca and I took the train to DC, and then I headed home in the morning. I played my CD the entire way home. A quick weekend, but one we will remember forever!!!

Sarah's summer haircut!

Sarah decided to cut her hair short for the summer (okay, so I think I started the idea :-) ). Her hair had grown quite long and with summer starting up it was getting hotter and more difficult to brush. She wanted it chin length - the hairdresser calls it the Kit Kittredge cut. Check it out...




The next day as part of a girl scout badge the troop went to a salon and had their nails done - Sarah picked her favorite color. After the picture Sarah had me remove the color from her fingers, and she reluctantly agreed to keeping the color on her toes.

Piano Recital

We got a recommendation on a great piano teacher here and the girls were able to start about midway through the year. They were a bit rusty after almost a 6 month break, but they were able to find the pieces that they liked and have fun with it again. The teacher had the recital at her church on a friday night. The girls did a great job! They each played 3 pieces and after all the kids had played they got to have snacks and cake!



Abby playing Music Box Dancer.


Abby playing I've God Music and Apple Tree Waltz (duet with teacher).



Sarah playing Finale (carnival of the animals) and Ode to Joy (duet with teacher).


Sarah playing What a Friend we have in Jesus (duet with teacher). You may want to just listen to this one - it is a bit shaky. Guess my hand was tired by the last one!