Say Cheese Please!

Every year when we go to the beach I try to get the kids picture.  I have done it faithfully every year and this year was no exception.  As my kids have grown older they have become aware of my plan and lets just say it's not their favorite part.  I don't know why.  I mean they want their picture taken non stop when they are doing things they enjoy!
Now that they are older it has become somewhat easier getting them all to cooperate.  However, as most moms know, it's hard getting them all to look great in one shot.  One not smiling, one squinting, one crying!  You get the picture. . . no pun intended.  Anyhow, it is important to me as I like to see how they change form year to year and the beach is one of our families favorite places!

Happy 6th Birthday my Sweet Sweet Finn!

So hard to believe my third born baby is Six!  I know I know everyone tells you how fast it will go but it just seems so hard to grasp.
I will never forget the day God blessed us with you.  It was a long crazy labor but well worth it.  I knew you were special even before you were fully born.  The nurse exclaimed you had blond hair and big dimples even before I could see you.  You were my biggest baby at 8 pounds 11 ounces.  We were all shocked at your size and even more shocked that just an hour later you were sucking your thumb.  Our nurse said she had never seen a baby so little suck his thumb!
You were so beautiful and easy going.  We kept your name a secret from everyone and announced it when you were born.  Since we did not know if you would be a girl or boy we were going to use it for either one.  Hannah and Hunter kept forgetting your name and kept asking us what it was.  It was so sweet.  They just adored you from the get go.  Hannah especially took to you and even now the two of you have a special bond.
Six. . . Starting first grade this fall and no longer my little guy.  In honor of your day I would like to pick six things I just love about you Finley.

1.  Your big smile with even bigger dimples
2.  Your love of life and the enthusiasm you bring to our family
3.  Your kind heart and caring spirit
4.  The way you hug me and tell me you love me
5.  Your eagerness to try new things
6.  Your positive attitude

I could go on and on, but you get the picture.  I could not ask for a better son.  I love you to the moon and back! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Beach Babies!

Although my children are technically no longer babies, they have been going to the beach since they were babies.  In fact, we have been going to the same beach every July since I was a baby.  Seabrook beach is in our blood.  My kids love the beach and this year we had the best weather.  For the second year in a row the water was actually warm.  Typically the water here is bone chilling. The feet numbing kind that doesn't bother young children, but as an adult I can't handle.  So I was pleased once again when it was very mild.

The kids enjoyed swimming, boogie boarding, making sand castles, long walks in search of sea creatures and celebrating the fourth with family! 

The Sounds of Summer!

There is nothing sweeter to little children's ears than the sounds of the ice cream truck playing its tune.  My children can hear it miles away!

Be Our Guest!

Hannah had her dance recital weekend that involved two days of shows.  Sadly, I forgot to put the memory card in my camera for Saturdays show.  Oh well, at least I can order some pictures from the photographer.  I was on my game this morning and took many pictures to make up for yesterday, which was her  hip hop routine.  Today was her theatre dance class to the song, Be Our Guest.  This years theme for the show was songs from movies.  The show was super and the dances were just beautiful.  The costumes, spectacular.
The whole family including Nanas and Papas, aunts and cousins came to watch the show today.  The boys were great seeing how it was a three hour show and all!  Their favorite part was when all the men, including the boys, can go up on stage and do a quick choreographed routine.  Oh my gosh, I think my boys stole the show.  I was literally crying from the laughter.  My boys are just not shy.  They were right up front hamming it up!  They obviously take after their father.

I tried to get a picture of the boys, but it was not the best shot from where I was sitting.  Nevertheless, I wanted to at least document them up on stage.  It was hilarious and I am hoping the photographer from the show took some good pictures!

School is out for the SUMMER!

June in Pictures!

        To my dear, dear children.  I love you dearly, but you have kept me so busy this past month I have not had time to do anything, much less blog.  Tomorrow marks the last day of school which relieves me of all my school obligations, however, with four kids home all day, i'm not sure if I will ever blog again. Ha!  As a way to catch up I thought I would post our month in pictures!

My beautiful cousins Molly and Elizabeth graduated high School!

My mom, sister and me at Elizabeth's graduation party at Stella's in Boston

Ryland singing at his end of the year celebration.

Hannah and Mrs. McHugh at Volunteer Appreciation Day!

Finley's T-Ball Team

Daddy's Birthday!

Finley's Kindergarden Celebration Evening.  Showing us his self portrait.  Love it!

Hunter's Fond Farewell from fourth grade.  Off to the middle school in the fall!

Hunter's wonderful teacher Mrs. Zall

These are my new dishes that I just love and wanted to share.  I got them on line at Joss and Main that I discovered  thanks to  Pink Cashmere Cardigans Blog. 

Ryland tried soccer for the first time and really enjoyed it!

The warm weather took its sweet time getting here but thankfully it did and our trees bloomed nicely.  This is the tree we planted when Hunter was born!

My adorable niece Abby celebrated her fourth birthday with an Olivia themed party.

I am so proud of all of you, Hunter, Hannah, Finley and Ryland for all of your accomplishments and risks you have taken this school year.  You have all grown in so many ways, made new friends and learned so much.  I am looking forward to a great summer and can't wait for all of us to sleep in on Saturday!