Backpacks and Lunches and Tears! Oh my!

It's that time of year again.  Back to school. . . .

 It's such a bittersweet time.  The summer is over as are the lazy days by the pool and on the beach.  We are going to miss these days!

                                               Days spent at the York Zoo!

                                                     Relaxing at Seabrook Beach!

                                  Swimming in Nana Rose and Papa Joe's Pool!

But at last we must move on! Nothing is forever.  I do adore fall and all that it delights us with.  Apple picking, pumpkin patches, crisp leaves, football, cool nights and candy corn, need I say more.  I just love me some candy corn.

Fall is also a promise of a new beginning for my little ones.  Hunter will be starting fifth grade which is middle school and a new school for him.  Hannah will start third grade.  Finley will be in first grade which means he is in school all day.  Ryland will be in a three day afternoon preschool which gives me exactly nine hours a week to myself.  Insert big smile now!

I just love fresh new starts and my hope is my kids will make wonderful fresh new memories and get off to a wonderful start.

The three older kids were super excited to start school, Ryland starts tomorrow.  Hannah had a few tears which is just her nature, but she came home bubbly and full of life, loving third grade.  I hope this enthusiasm last for a while!

It's Christmas All Year Long!

One of the things my kids look forward to every summer is going to Santa's Village.  This place is a winter wonderland all summer long.  Every ride, game, store, show and restaurant is geared toward Santa and everything Christmas.  Elves, gingerbread, reindeer, snow you name it.   It is so darn cute.  Every ride has a name relevant to the season.  Christmas carols 24/7.  I must admit it is right up my alley as I just adore the holiday season.
This time around did not disappoint.  We had so much fun.  They even have a water park called "Ho Ho H20."  Love it.  My parents always take the trip with us that is about 2 1/2 hours north of where we live. This year Hannah brought her friend Emily so the kids were super excited!

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!