Summer fun!

I know, I know I have a lot of catching up to do on this blog. It has been a wonderful summer and we've been MUCH too busy to sit in front of the computer. I mean, really, who has time when there are pools to swim in, gardens to grow, vacations to take, zoos to visit, parks to explore and so many other activities?!?!?! We are certainly taking advantage of our beautiful sunny summer. There may be a few posts in the next couple of days as I try to catch up, so check back soon!

First, the kiddos are great. Ella is talking up a storm (fav words are poop, duck, dad, mum, NO, and honk), loves her books, baby, and Nan, and is quite the little spitfire. Will is growing like a weed, playing baseball every chance he gets, not showing a lick of interest in potty training :-), getting smarter by the minute, and really taking an interest in teaching Ella things (both good and not-so-good).

We took a trip to Madeira Beach, Florida with my parents, Joe's parents, and Joe's sister and husband in July. Unfortunately, Damon was deployed to Guam for July so he and Amy weren't able to go. We missed them! It took a bit of coordination to find three condos on the same floor, get everyone to the Gulf Coast, and pray for NO OIL (which thankfully there was none), but it really was wonderful to share such a special vacation with our loved ones. We watched the dolphins, had happy hour on the beach, dug nearly to China (as Will said!) and soaked up every minute of the Florida sun. Will's favorite thing was laying on his boogie board and floating on the gentle rolling waves while Pap yelled, "Here comes the big kahuna!" To which Will would reply, "I'm riding the big RACCOON-A!" Too funny...

A bit... windblown.

Digging with MumMum and Pap

Beach babe.

Happy hour for the grown-ups!

Happy hour for Will (juice box!!).

Sibling love.

Ella and her "Nee".

The gang.

Lollipops, probably for breakfast... there was no controlling those grandparents :-) Will ever the neat nik. Ella, a train wreck.



As you might know, Joe is a big Yankees fan and the two other times we've been to Tampa, we've gone to the Yankees spring training complex and attended a minor league Tampa Yankee game. We kept the streak going and took Will and Ella to their first game!
Checking out the practice field with Dad.

Will and Ella both got game balls and foam fingers!!






Ella lookin' cute out to dinner at the Tiki Hut. She just LOVED dancing to the reggae band!!

Every morning Will and Ella would go across the hall to my parent's condo and feed the ducks and fish...


The cool sea turtle!

On the dock with Pap.

At the aquarium on our one rainy afternoon!

Touching the sting rays.

Splashing in the puddle with Aunt Jen and Uncle Fred.