A Wiggly Good Time!

Yesterday we took a day trip to Reading, Pennsylvania (where Brian and I used to live before kids) to see the Wiggles. This was Sophie's 4th concert and Mason's 3rd. It was pretty wild going back to the town I used to live in. Some things have changed but much has stayed the same. Lots of fun to go back and see our old house. Our first house. Mason particuarly had a really good time at the show. He was really the perfect age for it. Sophie had fun too, but after the show she informed us she was "wiggled out" We met up for dinner with my 2 fiends Carolyn and Sue, who I used to teach with. It was so fun to get together and have them meet the kiddies.

The Wiggles show was really fun. We got to see the new Yellow Wiggle, Sam..who replaced Greg. He was really good. It was tough to hear the difference with several of the songs..but weird to see a new a new guy in the troop.

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream..

For Ice Cream! What is summertime without ice cream treats? Sophie's friend Becke came over to play last night and the kids enjoyed push-ups. I was not home for the mess, but apparantly Mason had a good ol time trying to get the ice cream out of the push-up. A jump in the bath and the stickiness was soon forgottten! Until tomorrow that is...

Finally...Back on the Air!

Well, a wild storm ripped through our neighborhood on Monday afternoon leaving us without power until the next day. Furthermore, we did not have internet or cable tv..so things were really bleak. Things finally got back to normal this morning. You don't realize how dependent you are on technology until it bites you in the butt.

Mondy morning I took the kids to the Herrs Snack Factory for a tour of how potato chips are made, among other treats. We went with some friends. The kids had a great time, although Mason was scared of the Herr's mascot, Chipper and ran from his sight!

Take me out to the Ballgame...

Yesterday we ventured up to Philadelphia to see the Philadelphia Phillies play the St. Louis Cardinals. We met Brian's brother Jeff for the late afternoon game. After getting to the ballpark, all the kids wanted to do was eat and eat. They pounded the snacks I brought and kept looking for more. Mason was a little tough and was a bit fidgety through the whole game. I think the heat was getting to him. He found the icepack in the cooler bag and he held it most of the game, trying to get relief. For a little guy he sure sweats alot. Sophie did pretty well and was amused by the game and the attractions. She killed time with me waiting for 45 minutes for a cheesesteak. I havent had a "real" Philly cheesesteak in about 5 years, and man..it was worth every gram of fat and calories.

The Phillies won 10-4 so a good day had by all!

Four Generations Under One Roof

I had decided that one day this summer I would take the kids up to visit my grandmother in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. She has been able to come down to me the past few years and stay a few days, but she has had bad luck with her feet and legs and can not really move around well. So we decided to bring the mountain to Mohammad. My mom decided to join us for the ride as well. So, on Tuesday (the hottest day of the year) we headed upstate PA. My grandmother does not have central air, so basically I think I sweated off about 10 lbs. Older people are so funny sometimes..my mom and I were begging her to run the fans and the air conditioning units and she told us that she was comfortable and her feet were like ice. No kidding.

Ultimately we won and things cooled down a bit. The kids did great. Sophie slept with my mom in the guest room and Mason slept in my grandmother's room on the floor. I sacked out on the couch. Both the kids slept until almost 8 the next day.

So, we are all home now..the kids are still slleping (8:20 am!) and I'm catching up on my email. No high speed connection at Nana's house!

Fireworks Fun!

Last night we decided to check out the fireworks in Havre De Grace with our friends and neighbors Alyssa, Fritz and Becke. I fugured the kids had a really good nap, and may be good to stay up past their 8:00 bedtime. We met for dinner at 7:00, the kids had some snacks and we walked over a mile (the kids were in the stroller) to the park where the festivities were. In addition to the great fireworks, there was a huge carnival set up with rides, games and food. The kids loved the fireworks and were dressed for occasion with American flags and hats courtesy of Alyssa who is always prepared for a celebration!

All in all, a good time by everyone. Sophie adores Becke and Mason is in love with her. An older woman. Hopefully she won't break his heart!

We got the kids home and in bed by 11:00 and they were still going strong. They slept until 9:00 this morning which was a nice treat for us!

A very relaxing and boring July 4th for us. We ran some errands in the morning and relaxed this afternoon. A quiet barbeque for the 4 of us rounded out the day. Then the rain came down!

Happy Birthday U.S.A!

Swim Like a Fish!

The kids are really enjoying going swimming! I signed Sophie up for private swimming lessons and in the 3 lessons she had she has gained a lot of confidence in the pool. She can blow bubbles, submerge her head, jump in the pool holding someones hand and can float contently in an innertube. I'm sure many of you are thinking "big deal", but this was a kid who was scared to death 2 weeks ago and would barely sit down in the baby pool. I'd pay for 100 more private lessons if I could afford it. But at $25 a lesson, I'll have to settle for what I got. Mason is also having a blast. He will willingly go in the big pool with me, but is much more in his element at the the baby pool, playing with buckets and pool toys.

The best part about the pool is all the sun the kids get and how it knocks them out. I put them down for naps at around 12:30-1:00 and don't hear from them until at least 3:30.

Gearing up for the Fourth of July...we don't have any plans, going to be a lazy day. Hopefully we can catch some fireworks and keep the kids up for them!