so ... I think we might slow down now!!

We have been having a great summer ... well, by my standards we are.  Last summer was spent recuperating from my "Stroke of Luck" and while the kids had more to do than should be humanly possible, I didn't spend much time with them.  Between the beachdays, play-dates, sleepovers, water park festivals, etc. they were spoiled while I went to physical therapy, regulated my medicines and tried to get back to my normal self.  Anyone who has tried to speed-heal through something knows that is a bit of a joke!

ANYWAY, this summer has been very different from last - and I have been around to enjoy it!  So, I will try to put together a little picture montage of the last few weeks...

   LAST DAY OF SCHOOL ... they were really mad at me, but for the life of me I cannot remember why!!

THEN the 4th of July arrived ... community bike parade and festivities GALORE!  Fireworks from the floor of my daughter's bathroom (yes, all 5 of us were huddled in her bathroom to watch the fireworks from the direction of the ocean)

No, it is not beer pong ... just more 4th games.

AND THEN....

THE BIG 10th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION ... new bike, new camera and a scavenger hunt around the neighborhood - lots of fun and many traditions maintained!!

MORE 10th BIRTHDAY!!  I would show you more pictures of the great time had by all, but that would involve pictures of kids other than my own, and I am not sure I want to step over that line!!

BUT ... have to talk about the frozen pineapple flowers that I made as a pre-lunch snack ... HOW MARTHA AM I????  I did my daughter proud - I think she was even a little surprised that I pulled it off!! 

Once we survived the birthday and the party, it was time for beachboy to go to lacrosse camp ... and then dad and mom went to the Naval Academy to watch him play some games.  It was AWESOME, he had such a great time - and I actually think he learned a thing or two!!  While playing 8 to 10 hours a day of lacrosse does not necessarily make me a happy camper, it is the next closest thing to heaven for this 11 year old defenseman!  He was exhausted, banged and bruised and was shocked that "my feet actually grew in the middle of the week" when he explained why his feet were hurting so badly!  He didn't realize that cleats were not meant to be worn for 12 hours a day!!  What an awesome experience for him - and while we certainly missed him, it was well worth it!!

 

Throw in a TON of Swimming  

 

some VBS 

GIRLS LAX DAY CAMP 

and Reading to the DOGS    ...

 

We have been busy, busy, busy!!  Life is good right now - and I am grateful everyday for what I do have.  That doesn't mean all is perfect all the time, but it is certainly good!!  Hope you are having a great summer, too!!