Flags

Happy Memorial Day!

Flags have a greater meaning in our house this month, as does Memorial Day. Last weekend the boys placed flags on soldiers graves at 2 local cemetaries (a group effort between the scouts and the American Legion) for the first time and were moved by the event. As they placed the flags on the appropriate graves (there is a special plaque/marker to indicate a veteran) they said thank you to each soldier. This brought about many conversations in our house, and brought up my grandfather as he was a soldier who is buried nearby. So for Memorial Day we went to ensure there was a flag on his grave, or to put one there.

Unfortuantely he is buried in a moesoleum (sp?) and it at the VERY top. There was not a flag, and we were unable to reach to place one there. This was upsetting to all, but we are working on it. The moving event last week was organized by Tim (for the scouts - both cub and boyscouts) with our neighbor Mr. G who is in charge at the American Legion in Pottstown. Tim spoke to him last night and he is going to look into how we can also honor my grandfather with a flag either ourselves, or through the American Legion in charge of that cemetary.

So for now, the flag we purchased for him, is flying in our garden waiting for it's proper place.

Crystal Cave

Is your house like mine? I do 99.9% of all planning, including weekends and family fun days. It would be nice if Tim particpated a bit more. Well, after some (ok a lot) of prodding, Tim planned this weekend. He decided we should go to Crystal Cave (ok, not what I had in mind for a gorgeous weekend, but I'll play along).

We enjoyed a picnic lunch on the grounds before our tour. The tour was nice, though it's much smaller than I remember. They boys really enjoyed it.

After the cave, we played miniture golf on their course. That was a lot of fun with some great shots and not so great shots made by all. Kendyl even got in on the action after sitting so patiently in her stroller for 13 holes.

Then off for a bit of touristy shopping (the boys spend their own money). Then we traveled to Cabella's to look at some camping items for our upcoming camping trip and to see the fish, animals, etc. The boys had to spend a few minutes in the electronic shooting range of course!

Then Tim decided to treat us to an early dinner at Olive Garden - yummm. Kendyl quite enjoyed eating EVERYTHING. My risotto, Tim's chicken parm, spaghetti and lazgana. Not to mention the salad and breadsticks. A quick trip to Babies R Us, then we are finally home. Phew - a long fun day was had by all.

Wonder what he'll plan next time!

Andrew did it!!!!

Andrew finally went on a roller coaster and LIKED IT!!!! Gotta love peer pressure!

The 5th grade field trip was to Hershey Park yesterday. Andrew's first coaster was the Comet - and oldie but a goodie! Thanks to his friends and a teacher for "forcing" him on - he loved it!!! He also went on Lightening (something like that) a large newer wooden coaster and love it too. He wasn't quite ready to try a steel coaster, but he'll get there. Yeah - I finally have someone to go on the roller coasters with me!

Steven's Party

Steven finally had his "friend" birthday party this weekend. April was way too busy, and with him not 100% and having the surgery, we all thought it best to just wait a few weeks.

Steven wanted a simple sleepover, which is EXACTLY what he got. It was weird as I am so used to doing themed parties with matching everything including games, craft, etc., but I was so not into it for some reason. His theme was space, so I did have some games in my back pocket should the need arise, but really, they just enjoyed playing together. Party was 5:30p - 10a and they played the whole time (ok, there was some sleep). They played outside in the muddy yard for about 2 hours just enjoying the trampoline, rope swing, tire swing and trails. All of the 2nd graders were pretty muddy (and some wet) by about 7:30 so we decided to just bring them in to dress in pj's and chill the rest of the night (campfire cancelled). They played air hockey and fooseball in the basement for awhile. Then we had cake and ice cream on the deck, gifts, then they all settled in for a movie. We had some DVD troubles and they decided to just play (one kid had already fallen asleep). They played until 10:30, then we called lights out. They all slept in the dining room and playroom. No problems except talking until about 12:15 when we heard noise and Tim snuck down to see one kid (LOL - him Mom reads the blog!) jumping over the sleeping kids, chasing the cats. Too funny! They were quiet until 7 am when Kendyl woke up, as did the boys.

Andrew wanted to give tractor rides!
Hanging out, waiting for the movie in the playroom.

After a pancake breakfast (red pancakes!) they got dressed and headed outside for a silly string fight. I got some great action shots.

Happy Birthday Steven - for the last time this year!

Sitting Pretty

Look who started sitting on her own! Saturday, May 17 - the big day of independence. She is so happy and plays for a bit longer. This is my favorite stage!!!

14 Amazing Years!!!

Married May 14, 1994

I can't believe it's been 14 years already. Time flies when you are having fun, right? Ok, not all fun, but I can say with absolute certainty than we have had many more good times, laughter and joy, than bad times and tears. Looking back on our relationship (which has been FOREVER for all of you who know us that well) I never saw this coming. I never imagined that we would grow as close as we are, work together to raise a family as well as we do and be as happy as we are. Sure, we have had our share of tough times, but getting through each one only makes us a stronger couple.

Our anniversary started off icky as I woke up with ANOTHER migraine. Thanks to good medication, rest and ice packs, I woke up a few hours later....headachless! So Tim and I decided to take advantage of the day (since I had already called out sick) and have at nice lunch out. After our relaxing lunch, we wandered around some nurseries looking for some plants for the bear spots in our garden, cucumber plants to replace those that drown in the heavy rains the other day, and something to add to our new gazebo (I'll posts pictures of it later). The 4th nursery we finally found what we were looking for (yes, we are picky).

Since it was nice (cloudy, but warm), we decided to continue the relaxing celebration. Once the boys got home, we all picked up Kendyl and headed for Marsh Creek State Park (right by her daycare) to play and enjoy each other. After a while we got pizza from a local place and ate overlooking the lake.

Pretty soon we were back to reality (homework, baseball practice and getting ready for bed). Tim and I enjoyed our unexpected day together, and I think we will plan in advance next year - #15!

Looking forward to another 14 and many more!

Adorable

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

I spend the morning doing a 5k walk for the Susan Komen Race for the Cure in Philly with my Mom. She has a friend (survivor) who started a team and we decided to join. Despite the early morning, it was a good time for a good cause. The amount of people there was amazing! I'll have to post pictures once Mom e-mails them to me.

Once I got home, I had 3 beautiful children waiting with hugs and kisses - and handmade presents!!!! Andrew made me 2 awesome fleece pillows. Steven and Kendyl made me a shirt with "World's Best Mom" and their names (Andrew too). And Kendyl made me a card at school - adorable. Tim made a wonderful surf and turf dinner and made for a relaxing afternoon and evening.

My first car!

Thank you to the Flanagan family for giving Kendyl her first car!! She is totally in love with it and has logged many miles since Friday night (both inside and out). She simply loves the car, especially Steven pushing her in it! He loves to push her around the house, pretending to go all sorts of places (drive-in, McDonalds, Wawa, etc).

I have had my eye on this car since Christmas and was trying to find a 2nd hand one for Kendyl, but always just missed it. Out of the blue my kind friend/co-worker offered this for Kendyl on Friday and I'm not sure how loves it more - me or her - LOL. So thank you to the entire Flanagan family for making us all happy, especially Kendyl.

Spring Concert

Andrew had his spring band concert last night. Andrew sat in that second chair right behind him - it was so nice to be able to see him this time (though too far away to get a good photo). He was concentrating so hard and playing his heart out, you could tell.

Below is a picture before the concert with Andrew and his good friend Jamie (in the tie) and friend Matthew. Jamie plays the drums, and Matthew the French Horn.

7 Months Old!

Look who's 7 months old!!! Where does the time go? Kendyl was all to happy to pose for her monthly shot with Forky. She is always so happy and so smiley - gotta love it!