Second Time is a Charm

Remember our post about our vacation to the Cape from last year? It was a tough trip to say the least.  Not a real vacation and Heath just wasn't ready to be out of his home element and in a non kid-friendly house at that time. Believe it or not we took a risk and ventured back down to the Cape again this year.

We rented a house in Eastham with Jen, Jess, and Sam. Keri, Eric, Beatrice and Hattie also rented a house during the same week. Luckily Trish and Kevin were able to join us, truly allowing us to have some real vacation time.  Heath was a gem, in fact, possibly the best behaved kid the whole trip.  Go figure, right?  We indulged in beach trips almost everyday to ponds, the Ocean and bay side.  We went bike riding and had a bonfire -- all excursions that deserve posts of their own (with oodles of pictures) to follow. It was pure bliss, with beautiful weather every day and our toughest decisions were deciding what beach to head to each day. Adults enjoyed some nights out, with great company and some spectacular food.  Now if we could just figure out an easy way to transition from vacation back to reality--always the challenge.

Thanks to all who made our vacation a fabulous one!

Here the kids reunite.  I know it's not the best photo, but it's almost impossible to get six kids under the age of 6 to get into a photo together. Note that Heath's not even really in the picture. Lex and Beatrice played as if they had never been separated. Hattie is as cute as ever and it was great to see both Hattie and Heath get in the mix with the "big kids".

Pool Day

Our friends, the Poradas, invited Trish and the kids to indulge in a day at the pool. Looks like all enjoyed themselves! Thanks Porada Family!

Best buds Carolyn and Lex

Outdoor Fun with The Holsten/Gilbert Clan

Sadly I missed these back yard festivities with Sam, Jen and Jess, but luckily the photos make me feel almost like I was there.

Simple Summer Days II

A day at the park with Trish.

Wouldn't it be great if adults could let loose like this and enjoy the simple things a park has to offer?

Simple Summer Days

A day the kids spent at Kettle Cove Beach with Trish.

Heath loves his big sis

Thought those of you who don't see these guys often, would appreciate the side-by-side to see just how similar/different these two are. 

Finn loves to break dance. He does have e-town roots after all.

Don't these make you want to pack up and head for the beach? I have tons more photos and stories to share from our recent vacation.  More to come soon!

4th Part II

What's a 4th of July without a BBQ, baseball, friends, and sparklers of course too?

After a long day, including the morning run, we were not able to keep everyone up to make it to the fireworks, so we'll have to make big plans for next year! I hope you all had a wonderful 4th! We are thrilled to be prepping for our vacation on the Cape next week!

1 Mile

We kicked off a great 4th of July with a couple of races.  I ran the LL Bean 10K race and the kids (Lex and Finn) ran the 1 Mile fun run with Patrick.  It was awesome to see the kids so excited to participate in the race.  They ran the entire race and, most importantly, they really enjoyed it and have already been asking when they can do another.  :)  That makes for a proud mom for sure. We should mention that they learned at the half mile point that there were popsicle for all finishers.  Clearly there's nothing my kids won't do for treats.  Patrick said it was full speed ahead from there.  Next year maybe Heath will join? 

 Showing their love to the camera.

 Heath passing time during the mile run.

Here they are at the end of the race.

Enjoying their post-race treats.

Definitely a great family tradition and I'm looking forward to more runs with the kids.