Crane Beach

Yesterday, we took advantage of the hot weather and spent a day at the beach. It was a perfect beach day and the water felt wonderful and refreshing.

Emme was very hesitant of everything to start with. She's always very cautious and takes a little warming up to most things. It took her a while to explore on her own outside of Mommy or Daddy's arms. But when she did, she absolutely loved playing in the sand and water. You can almost see her little mind processing....

Hannah playing in the sand.

Trying to eat an apple. She thought it was so funny because I kept telling her that she could eat her apple after she ate her sandwich (Joe and Hannah went to get us sandwiches for lunch) and she kept pretending to take a bite. And then I'd say no and then she'd laugh and laugh...

What beach day would be complete without Daddy burying Hannah in the sand? (all of them if you ask me). Emme got in on the fun and would try to undo everything Joe was doing.

Cheese!

Emme's turn...not so sure she likes it.

Oh alright, it's not so bad...

And then came the fun part of getting all of the sand out of the bathing suits....

Remodel - Week ???

So I know I've been a bit behind in the house updates, but work here is almost complete. Hooray! Here are a few pictures from last week...they are already a little outdated as we now have moved back into our respective rooms, but here they are nonetheless...

The girls room! The painters painted the room pink. And then I painted the green and chair rail that Joe installed! It turned out great!

Hannah loves it! Although moving back in was a little difficult for both girls. I think Hannah just liked our cozy little room we all slept in!

The master bedroom. After agonizing over color, somehow I managed to pick the same color as it was before (maybe just a little more gray). Either way, I love it!

A different view.

The hallway that used to be our shower, vanity and toilet.

The closet that used to be some built-ins and washer/dryer (still part of our old bathroom). It turned out much bigger than Joe and I thought it would which is a great thing!

The new bathroom which I just love, love, love!

The tub with the mosaic tile!

The shower which is still waiting for the glass partition (to be installed next week) and new shower arm. The shower arm I bought for the rain shower is too short so I had to get a longer one. The towel rack is heated, but it actually works as our radiator for the room too!

Vanity...double sinks finally! Still waiting for the mirror...

And that's it....They now have just a few finished touches and they are done. Not sure how Hannah is going to cope without Matthew, Tim, and Yuan around every day. This weekend she had me pretend to be Tim while we ate dinner. She has a very big crush on Tim. And as strange as it may sound, I'll miss them too. They're all really great guys and have done such an amazing job!

Storyland version 2010

This past week we went on our annual trip to Storyland...just a few days in North Conway, NH...a much needed vacation and family time as Joe has been very busy at work these last few weeks. Unfortunately, Joe had to work the day we were leaving and so met us up there...Mommy was left to take the girls and all of the luggage on the 3 hr. drive.

Finally there...

First things first...Hannah got to decide whether we went to Storyland or swimming at the hotel. She chose swimming. After swimming in the pool, make that 3 pools and 2 spas (Hannah had to go in each one)...we headed to dinner. We were very excited that Joe got there in time to go out to dinner with us!

A self portrait!

After dinner, we went to Zeb's General Store.

And then Storyland the next day! It turned out to be a beautiful day with perfect weather! Emme had a rough night sleeping in the hotel. It was all very new and exciting so she thought it would be fun to play from 2-4a. By the time we ate breakfast and got to Storyland, she was already fast asleep!

Hannah's first ride....Dr. Geyser's raft ride. Warning: you will get wet! And they were in the "wet seats". Hannah loved it and immediately wanted to ride again!

This is right at the end of the ride where you think the ride is over and another geyser surprises you! Joe was very surprised!

All wet!!! Hannah's clothes were literally soaking wet!

Once Emme woke up, Hannah wanted to ride on the Dutch shoes!

Emme's first big girl ride! She didn't really like it!

In the Loopy Lab where we all had a great time! If you put the ball in the hose, it will suck it up and spit it out of the top.

Daddy and Hannah went up to the top to try to get Emme and I with the balls. Not sure who was having more fun??

Hannah and Cinderella at her castle!

Emme on the carousel! She loved it!!!

And then on another type of merry go round.

Outside of the polar coaster, there is a huge cylinder of ice. Hannah felt the need to touch it every time we passed by...so I had to get a picture.

Time for a nap!

Yummy ice cream face!

Hannah pretending to be the tiger...Emme wondering what is going on...

Humpty Dumpty!

The next day, Joe had to leave at 5a to head back to work...so much for a vacation. The girls and I went for a swim, this time only the indoor pool as it was raining and cold. While I was getting ready, Hannah and Emme were playing in the mirror. Amazing how entertaining a hotel room can be!

And here's Hannah swimming in the pool.

Not exactly what we expected from our vacation, but we made the most of it and fun was had!

Video of Emme chasing Hannah

After each sports class, Emme chases Hannah to the car. It's become their "thing". Hannah runs ahead and then lets Emme catch her. Hannah is such a good big sister and Emme just adores her! It melts my heart every time they do it and I finally had my phone with me today to take some video!

Pre-K Summer Sports

This Summer, Hannah has been in a pre-K sports program. While at first, she did not like it, she has come to enjoy it and has made a few new friends along the way. It's an hour each week, consisting of t-ball, soccer, and kickball.

First was t-ball for Hannah's group today. Ready for the ball (or more like it...a photo)

Now waiting for th ball.

Hannah's biggest fan! Emme usually just sits on the sidelines eating a snack and watching her big sister!

Hannah's turn to bat.

And swing...

Kickball time (I didn't take any pictures of her playing soccer). Kickball was by far her least favorite in the beginning, but now she likes it!

All of the kids and coaches! Next week is the last week (6 weeks total) and they just got their new shirts today!

After each sports class, there is an arts and craft time. Hannah's favorite part! Today she decorated a bag!

The last few weeks

So I realized I haven't been very good at keeping the blog updated with pictures of our girls or taking many for that matter...but here are a few from the last few weeks.

Emme at camp with her cool new shades from Mikayla's birthday party.

Playing in the sand. The first trip to camp she wanted nothing to do with the sand, but has slowly come to like it. Joe would bury her feet...

and then ask her where her feet are?? Here they are...

Ice cream for dinner with friends! An afternoon at the pool and then ice cream for dinner. We love Summer!

After!

Our friend Kevin came to visit with his dog, Murphy, this past weekend. After having lobsters for dinner, we took the kids and dogs to the circle near our house for more room to run about.

Emme was very upset that I wouldn't let her play with my camera!

Hannah absolutely loved Murphy! Murphy was almost double her size! Emme wasn't so sure about him. She loved him right up until he knocked her down when he turned around so then not so much! Eventually she came around and it was so funny to see her brace herself every time he came near.

Daddy and Emme, a picture taken by Hannah.

Then onto horseshoes in our backyard. Kev was a good sport as Hannah made up the rules as they went along. Here they are throwing them at the same time.

Ready set

Go. Love Hannah's form with the foot in back. ??