Fourth of July 2013

Well, I can't believe that it was time for the 4th of July already....let alone that it was 10 days ago. This summer is flying. FLYING.

We made our annual trek north for Brockway's Olde Fashioned 4th of July on Wednesday afternoon. We had about ten straight days of rain before then, so we weren't totally hopeful, but it turned out to be a LOVELY week/weekend!

On Wednesday afternoon we hung out at Grammy and Papa's house and had some Paesano's pizza. You can't NOT have Paesano's pizza when given the opportunity. We were just herding the kids back for a bath when JOE arrived to drop off some stuff for the next day. Colin literally levitated off the couch when he heard Joe's voice. And then Joe got a huge hug.


On Thursday morning we were up and at 'em early. After some breakfast we took the kids into town to play on the playground, see who we could see, and grab some fireman's donuts.



Family see saw!




This was third breakfast...donuts and lemonade.



We dropped into the craft show area to say HI to Mrs. Kathy who was selling some crafts this year. And G saw this ribbon crown. It was only $2, so I was happy to oblige.


Near lunchtime we returned to Grammy's house on the hill. Thankfully Joe was there to pull the children around endlessly in the wagon...


Oh, and the bike racers were just making it past Grammy's house, so we CHEERED for them all!



We had a great picnic lunch, as usual, and were joined by Matt, Rachel, and Lil' John this year!


After lunch we kept the kids busy with the wading pool and some plastic cups. And Joe.



Then it was parade time. And this year Gillian remembered that there would be candy. And we had to take a bag to collect it in. We met up with Matt, Rachel, and John again at the parade. And my cousin Becky and her little boy, Sven, met us too.






A parade rainbow!


Gillian and Sven sharing some fritos.



After the parade we did some sparkles (in the daylight) before bed. Colin was very afraid that they would be LOUD. But once he decided that they were quiet, he was very pleased with them. And so was Gillian!





A great day full of fun! Just like always at the Olde Fashioned 4th!

Thanksgiving Weekend 2012

Oh Thanksgiving.  My favorite.  It was a good one this year.  And for that we are very thankful.  Given that 2008 was spent with 4 weeks old twins (and EXHAUSTION), 2009 was spent in the hospital with Colin's first asthma attack (and EXHAUSTION), and 2010 was also spent in the hospital with Colin's round of pneumonia (and EXHAUSTION), we will take any holiday that involves being home, being healthy, and a normal level of tiredness.  Amen.

So, Thursday morning we headed north.  We love to travel the morning of Thanksgiving.  Traffic is amazing.  We went straight to Grammy and Papa Frank's to get ready for some turkey!  Tickles help prepare you for turkey.



Colin was very snuggly on Thanksgiving.   Daddy almost accomplished his dream of napping with a snuggly kid on a holiday.


After a delicious lunch, we hung out with the family.  Some of us napping, watching some dog show, and plenty of Yahtzee Jr.  Gillian's favorite game of late!




After a quick lay-down for the kids, we took them into Dickiedoo and Noonie's for a second round of turkey and other goodies.  And, as usual, the camera did not get used!  Grrr.

On Friday morning, Grammy suggested that she and Papa take the kiddos to the tree farm to tag a tree.  Daddy and I volunteered to stay home.  That deal worked for everyone!  Looks like they had fun though!



They found one!


Good work, team.

On Friday evening we had our annual celebration of Papa Frank's birthday with the Keister family.  I only took two pictures.  Rest assured, there was much merriment, playing with Joe, and more Yahtzee.

(I think Colin is asking Joe a serious question there.)

(Can you spot the horse on the table?)

Saturday morning, we woke up to a dusting of snow.  The kids were transfixed.  They sat like this with Grammy, chatting about snow, for about half an hour.


Then we were off to Great-Grandma's for another round of turkey.  As usual, there was much noise, many people, too much good food, and just plain craziness.  Colin and Gillian just played and played and played.  I think they really enjoyed all their family, especially cousins Ben and Sarah.  Oh, and more Yahtzee.



Sunday morning we packed up and headed home.  Daddy and I remarked on the way home that we have two wonderful kids.  They traveled so well and were so well-behaved, friendly, independent, and just plain ol' awesome this year.  Hurray!  Ready for next Thanksgiving already!

July 4: 2012 Edition

Oh, Fourth of July. You wonderful holiday. Daddy's favorite, in fact. We cannot let you go uncelebrated. As usual, we made the trek north to participate in the Brockway Olde Fashioned Fourth of July festivities. It was a hot, fun day!

We started our morning off with icing and decorating some cupcakes. The kids had requested that we make "Happy Birthday America" cupcakes. I think it helps them understand the meaning behind the big party. Anyway, Colin decorated three or four and then Gillian did the rest. She likes to sprinkle.



Once we were all cleaned up, dressed, and greased up with sunscreen (I hate that, getting all clean and then loading on the sticky stuff) we headed down to the park for some playground time and to see what we could see. We ran into lots of people we knew and had some yummy lemonade. And then we HAD to ride the trackless train.


(They insisted on different colored cars.)

By now it was time to head back up the hill to Grammy's house for picnic time! Lots of friends and family joined us for a yummy feast. And fun was had by all....

Both kids had to sit by Joe!


Some post-meal riding.




The adults had other ideas....sitting still and TRYING to stay cool.


And then we had the cupcakes! Complete with a "Happy Birthday America" singing!


After a cool nap in the a/c we were ready and raring for some PARADE! It was hot and slightly slowly paced, but I have to say, the parade this year was the best I've seen it in YEARS. There were FIVE bands and at least that many FLOATS and someone must have made the firetrucks cool-it on blaring their sirens the whole way through town! Very enjoyable!








And some of the action...

(The Allis Chalmers is for Great-Papa).


Bagpipes!


A float advertising a local haunted house...genius, I thought!

Gillian counting her (sad amount) of loot....I kind of discouraged collecting lots of candy. I know, I'm no fun.


We stayed until the end of the parade and headed back to Grammy's for bath, snack,and bed. No fire works yet. We were all out of steam by 8:00. Daddy did watch them off the back porch, but he cannot WAIT until we can see them MUCH closer with C&G!

Yet another successful and fun Fourth of July! Happy Birthday America!