Pennsylvania 2013

The boys were psyched for our Pennsylvania vacation this year. The day before we left they packed up all their toys and stuffed animals and walked around the house with the Angry Birds suitcases all day.

After arriving, we did a little shopping before dinner at Texas Roadhouse.

The next day was Hershey day - both boys were so excited.

Matthew's mission was to meet all the candy characters. We had to stop for pictures with all of them.

Matthew measured as a "kiss" again this year. Noah was a "miniature".

We set our early with the plan to spend the whole day at the park.

Our first stop was the Mini Himalaya ride.

As we went from ride to ride to ride, we stopped for some photo opps.

Some rides were "kids only", so the boys rode together a lot.

Noah loves Hershey Kisses - I think this huge one confused him!

Matthew was a ride maniac.

His favorite was the Frog Hopper. Constant bouncing. Just like him.

He rode every ride that he was allowed to.

And he made sure we met all the candy characters.

Talking with them and showing off their game prizes.

I don't think we missed any.

We even got the Cocoa guy.

The next day we went to Kitchen Kettle Village for some shopping.

There's also a little playground there that let the boys burn off some energy.

Complete with petting zoo.

Our hotel had a nice pool - a big hit with boy the boys.

And there was even a little play set out back. A nice way to wind down the day.

On our last day we headed out to the Choo Choo Barn.

Both boys seemed more into it this year. Pointing out all the little scenes and characters they found.

And as quickly as we got out there, before we knew it it was time to go home. But we're still enjoying some of our souvenirs - including the most delicious cantaloupe we ever had.

Now we're back to the hot and humid days in NY. Counting down the days until our Lake George trip.

Hot, but good!

It was incredibly hot and humid today, but at least it didn't rain!

We started the day by making some yummy deserts for my parents' annual 4th of July party. It was a family effort.

I tried to get a good shot of the boys in their cute shirts, but Matthew wanted to hug Noah and neither of them looked at the camera at the same time. Picture it: T-Rex with American flag and top hats. I bought the shirts a size larger than I needed to this year - so hopefully I'll get a cute shot of them next year.

The party was all about water play. A refreshing way to spend the day.

Water tables, a pool, and of course, water pistols.

And plastic cups used a the ultimate wetting weapon.

There was a ton of great food, as usual.

And some pretty tasty desserts as well.

Even if I do say so myself.

Now it's time to watch a little TV, then turn in for the night. No fireworks for us this year.

Happy 4th everyone!

Indoor Fun

We're doing our best to keep ourselves entertained indoors lately (have I mentioned it's HOT and stormy here??).

We're having lots of indoor picnics.

We've escaped to the movies.

Popcorn for lunch - yes please!

We're doing lots of coloring.

And some outdoor activities are now allowed indoors.

Noah's favorite indoor activity - being allowed to watch videos on the iPad with Matthew. Why he has to sit on the same chair as Matthew, I have no idea. But it works.

Hopefully we get a little break tomorrow to have some outdoor 4th of July fun. But just in case, I've downloaded some coloring pages!

Too hot to blog.

It's been really hot here in NY this past week. Really really hot. Steamy hot humid jungle in August hot. And along with the hot have come some pretty intense storms. So we've been stuck inside most days. Venturing out only for short trips for necessities. Otherwise, we've been soaking up the air conditioning at home.

We've been watching a lot of movies in the afternoons. Cozy under blankets (because the house at 78 feels cold compared to what its been like out).

We've also discovered the multiple uses for our blankets. Capes as one of them, of course.

And for fort building. The new thrill in their life. 10 minutes after we finish breakfast they ask me to build a fort.

We braved the heat and humidity last night for a cold treat after our chiro appointment. Frozen custard with M&Ms. Worth the sweat.

Matthew didn't like his, can you tell? He's only sucking every last drop out of this cup!

We're in for at least a few more days of sweltering heat and storms. I don't see a break in the seven day forecast on the news. Summer in NY - you just never know what you're gonna get! Check please!

And so it begins...

Even though today is the first official day of summer, we've been enjoying a lot of summer activities since school let out last week. Activities like outdoor Playdoh (in my opinion, the best kind of Playdoh).

We've had some really oppressively hot days that have kept us indoors - which we don't mind. We enjoy our movie days.

Me and the boys ventured out to a new frozen yogurt shop the other day. They insisted on chocolate with chocolate sprinkles, white chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, and cocoa krispies. I didn't care for the combo, but they sure enjoyed it.

We've started having tea parties with our new Star Wars cups. 

They both think this is the most fun thing ever - water in cups over a dish towel, cheap entertainment.

We still have our usual errands to run, summer or no summer, but now we take our time when we're out and every once in a while we'll stop for lunch at some of our favorite spots.

The days are certainly packed with fun lately, and now that the sun sets later, so do the boys. A little extra play time after dinner is a summer perk for these two.

Happy 1st day of summer! 

Moving Up Day

Monday was Matthew's Moving Up Day at school. Some singing, some dancing, then snacks. Matthew was fantastic. He sang at the top of his lungs.

It was hot and muggy, and a little rainy, but the party went on as planned and all the little kiddos had a blast. I asked Matthew if we could take a nice picture together and the only way he would agree is if he could do Spider Man hands. I take what I can get.

We gave his teachers their end of year gift, Starbucks gift cards and some ready brew. Matthew was so excited to give these to them - and they were so glad to get them!

I didn't take a lot of pictures this time around, but I did get some good video of their opening number.


And with that,we move on. Tomorrow is a little school picnic in the morning, then it's summer vacation. See you in September!

Almost there...

T minus one week until school is out for summer. I can't wait! It will make for easier lazier days around here. Not that they aren't easy and lazy now - but it'll be nice to not have to juggle around the school schedule. In the meantime, we're taking it one day at a time.

Noah continues to search out the sunniest spots in the house to lounge.

The boys have been having a blast with the Cars garage we scored at a tag sale last week.

Noah has discovered his love for a new snack - Smart Puffs. The cast of Monsters University was on the bag, so we just had to buy it!

Sometimes Matthew joins Noah in the sunshine.

And on really lazy days we break out the Cars couch/bed and watch movies until daddy comes home.

Monday is Matthew's little recital/graduation ceremony. Friday is the last day of school class picnic. Then it's all about some summer fun until fall rolls around again!