Gooseberry Island

 

To celebrate my birthday early, we had a family day.  We went to Gooseberry Island in Westport.  A short walk and you get to a beautiful view along the coastline.  We also went for ice cream, probably the last of the season!!

 

 

And on my actual birthday, the kids (with Angie's help) bought me a cake, some flowers and made me cards!!

Paige's first day back at preschool

FINALLY...after waiting almost 3 weeks after Luke went back, it was showtime for Paige.  She was VERY excited to go back to school.  3 mornings a week this year. She is still disappointed she isn't able to use her lunchbox, she'll have to wait another year for that.

 

Picking out the "perfect" outfit for school is becoming a problem already.  I wish they mandated uniforms for all kids at all schools.  Paige spends obscene amounts of time trying on outfit after outfit, most either do not match or are seasonally inappropriate (wool skirt and long sleeves...sorry Paige try again).

 

On day one, we settled (because much of this is a negotiation) on this blue number.  So excited -

 

 She wanted to get her pretty Hello Kitty backpack too -

 Ready to go in -

Kindergarten - Update

We are in our third week of Kindergarten. Luke is loving it.  He is always very excited to go to school and says how much he loves it when he comes home.  He hasn't been nearly as tired as I thought he would be for being out of the house from 7:45am-4pm each day.  He did come home today and when I asked him how school was, this is what I got:

"It is really really good. I had a lot of fun.  BUT there is a lot of learning.  Why does there have to be so much learning?  There is playing and learning but there is a lot of learning and just a little playtime.  Why is there only a little playtime?"

I figured it wasn't a good time to mention that the playtime only decreases as the years go on!

Call me maybe....

Storyland 2012

 

Another successful Storyland trip.  We've pretty much got the whole routine down pat down to which bedrooms each family takes at the house.  Kids always look forward to a great weekend.  They love the park but I think they look forward even more to the sleepover party with 10 of their friends..what could be more fun!

 

As soon as we entered the park, Paige became obsessed with the purple dragon, must have hugged it 18 times.

Paige was also lovin' Katie, maybe because she is the oldest of the girls.  Paige LOVED hangin' out with her.

 We went to see Cinderella, she was leaving for her tea break so we sat in her thrown instead -

Time for a lunch break.

 

 After seeing some of her friends get their faces painted, Paige was insistent that we go get that done right after lunch.  Mom was not in favor of the 45 min wait or the paint which got everywhere (think water rides) but you can see who won out.

 Back to see Cinderella in the afternoon once she was back from her tea.

 Fishy ride.

 Kids weren't the only ones enjoying the rides, surprise, surprise.

 Back at the ranch...more like castle.  This place is called Nirvana Manor.  It is really beautiful and look at that view!

 Side view of the house.

 Best Buds -

 The ten little people.

Old Man Floppy

I can't remember if Floppy has ever received his own post.  If not, it is much overdue.  Like it or not (and mom and dad are in the NOT category) Floppy is an integral part of the family.  Shortly after Luke's blankie was taken away when he was 3yrs, he quickly latched right onto the Flop Man, Mr. Floppy, Flopmeister.

All that love from Luke is aging Floppy more than a president in his first years in office. 

Floppy was recently in the "hospital" getting stitched up in various places.  He has lost most his stuffing, as you can see.  Luke made me promise I would not re-stuff him.  Apparently he prefers his stuffies gaunt looking.

Floppy today looking worn and ragged (someone buy that man a cheeseburger!)-

Floppy and friends circa 2010 looking fresh and well..nicely stuffed (forgot he ever had a bow)-

First Day of School -

He is off to Kindergarten!  I still can't believe it.  Where did the last 5 years go?!? 
Luke was very excited to start school.  He was ready for sure.  Ready to get back into the swing of things and back to learning. 

Wanted to get the side view showing his backpack -

So excited -

Little sister wanted in on the action (shocking!) -

Dropping off the little ones at PreK - 

The carpool gang 2012 - 2013 school year (again, Paige weaseled her way in) - 

Labor Day -

In addition to all the beach time, we managed to squeeze in some at home play time over the long weekend.

We had lots of meals outside - gotta enjoy the weather while we can -

Super silly shots -

All fueled up and ready for some wiffle ball -

Too cool -

Downtime -

BEACH DAZE...

We spend lots of time at the beach this weekend, trying to cram it all in before the weather changes.  We did a pretty good job!

 

At Round Hill Beach a local town beach.  It is beautiful and the kids love the creek area off on the side.

 

Back to Round Hill Beach with friends.  Kids LOVE looking for crabs and fish.  Mommy got bite by a crab - blood and everything - little bugger!

 

 

Sunday, we decided to take our beach tour to the cape and went to Old Silver Beach in Falmouth with Mimi and the Parents.  Kids got to hang out with their friends Will and Livvy too!