Summer

Jman is 10...what?

Seriously...what? How did these years fly by so quickly. Of course I know that every parent says this. But when I look at our one year old and then look at my 10 year old I'm blown away when I try to wrap my mind about one of them being the same size as the other was or is now. (Does that make sense anywhere else besides my mind?)

Jman requested a military themed birthday party and it's been a while since I went all out for him like I have for the girl. It's the big 10, we're talking double digits here people!

I tie dyed a sheet for a camouflage effect and I made the banner out of some jeans I've been saving for a project. Do not ask me how long I've been stock piling old jeans. Finally being able to use that which I saved is not good for the mini pack rat in me.

Burger & dog bar, watermelon, layer dip pasta salad

Water bottles (yes this is a way after shot, but I had to take a pic because I loved this detail :)

Lemonade

After eating the boys began their military training under the command of...

this guy. He did such an amazing job of "encouraging" the boys.

He lined them up.

Made them warm up (push ups were included).

Then they had to complete an obstacle course and E demonstrated.

When they completed their training they received these tags. (made by the sarge himself, aka my bro in law)

Next, if they chose to accept it was their mission. Armed with weapons of mass water destruction they hunted for these criminals.

and gave them a proper soaking. They loved that they had permission to attack their dads with super soakers and water balloons.

This was all followed up with sugar reinforcements. Mint chocolate cupcakes and ice cream. Presents and then playing until dark.

Vman especially enjoyed the card that played music, over and over again.

Only at the beach...

can you drive 2.5 hrs one way, have a baby puke on you, use disgusting porta-potties, have all four of your kids cry at least once if not more, get sunbur, watch your umbrella blow away, get knocked down, have your foot/leg dragged on the rocks only to bleed and look like this:

and still it was a really great day.

I love our annual beach day for the following reasons:

• it might be the only thing we do away from home with just our little family
• the kids do not fight at all
• the kids play together like the best friends that they won't admit they are
• smelling the air
• seeing the ocean stretch out in front of me, reminding me of how small I am
• the breeze
• it's the beach!

The kids did great as they do every year. They jumped waves, played in the sand and true to his ways Jman found some boys to build villages w/ in the rocks. Even Vman found a buddy for a little while.

A great day.

It was a mess....

But we have recovered from the Great Crash of 2011...stay tuned.

Mountains 2011

I thought that I better hurry up and post these since it will be almost a month since we went! A great time was had by all and our time consisted mostly of...

Thanks mom mom and pop pop for 11 years of fun!

The 4th

sparkly explosives

crafty hair band

brothers

cousins and cows

blueberries from mom mom's bush

boys w/ their glowing "nun chucks"

found out what happens when you break open a glow stick and pour it in a jar

perfect night lights for a sleep over