A Trip to the Coast

This past weekend, we took a day off work and headed to the coast. It is a 3 hour drive to the ocean in NH, but we decided to get a hotel and spend the extra day at the zoo. 

Hampton Beach was a lot of fun. I have never been to a beach like that...a recreational beach, not a resort beach. 

We mostly played in the sand. Madeline and I went into the water a lot to jump in the waves. It was freezing, like ice cube freezing, but awesome. And so so much fun. I want to go back this weekend! 

And there were people everywhere! We made it work. We carried the kids, the gear, and the stroller down to the water...it was not getting through that sand. Down the sand bank, there was a cool breeze and ocean views. 

After lunch, a few hours of playing, and an ice cold water, we drove for an hour to a hotel. It was free (points from Andy's work travels) and close to the zoo. While we were at dinner, they made up Amelia's little pack and play bed. It was adorable even if we didn't use the pillow or blanket!

We were also in the "Quiet Zone," which was a poor decision on their part when Amelia woke up at 6am screaming. 

But if you read the fine print, you'll be happy to know that no circus animals were sleeping on our floor either. Whew! 

The next day was a visit to Franklin Zoo, one of three Boston zoos. We picked this one for the lions and larger size. Madeline HAD to see the lion. She has roared for the past few weeks! And lions are everywhere...the bathroom, outside, in the store...

The girls didn't even know the excitement that awaited them. 

And then we made it home in time to celebrate Andy's birthday the next day (a few days early, but it is easier that way). Happy birthday daddy!

It's not every day you turn 1!

In the world of social media and Pinterest, I almost feel obligated to throw the most amazing, picture perfect, themed birthday party for my children. We had a grand first party for Madeline.  It was beautiful and fun...and we loved seeing our friends....and I didn't take any pictures...and Madeline didn't nap...and I spent a week making cookies and cakes. But we just didn't find it necessary this time around.I don't  have time to clean every room in our house, make the perfect cake, and assemble the finger foods. And it's exhausting. Birthdays should be fun with a side of relaxing. 

For Amelia's first birthday, we didn't pull out all the stops. Instead, we opted for a small, quiet, and fun celebration. Amelia's favorite people are her family, and we are awfully fond of her. So carving out time to shower her with attention was a perfect way to celebrate her first year of life. 

We were going to set everything up while the girls napped, but Amelia decided that she only wanted a 30 minute nap instead of a 3 hour one. So we put her to work as our cheerleader. When we were setting up the ribbons on the ceiling, she gave us the biggest surprised grin I've ever seen her give. It was priceless. 

Andy set up a small ball pit we have and I wrapped all the presents she received from us, Madeline, and in the mail from family. 

Then we changed into our birthday best, slipped on the traditional birthday crown, and waited for Madeline to wake up. 

Madeline was ecstatic with the party atmosphere, but we started right away with the cake. We ate yummy strawberry muffins sans frosting, so it wasn't exactly cake. But we shoved them in our mouths without complaining. And then it was time to open the gifts!!

"Hello?"

Her face in print, entitled "Amelia Goes to Florida." It was made with Pint Size Productions. We love making and giving these books. 

Gifts from Madeline...love it! The ribbon and wooden beads are a necklace Madeline made. The stacking rings were something we already own, but Madeline picked them out weeks ago to give to Amelia for her birthday. The tape we found in our "stuff" basket when we were gift hunting. Madeline decided it would be a perfect Amelia present. 

When the birthday girl was so tired she couldn't sit up, we quickly wrapped things up for an afternoon nap. All in all, we had a lovely, low key time. That little girl was spoiled with time and attention...a gift I hope to give her every birthday. 

A morning

A typical morning for us during the weekday is hectic and highly choreographed. Andy wakes up at 5:50, finds Madeline awake in the living room, and throws her some cereal and milk. Amelia is more then likely awake too, so he takes her in the bathroom to play while he takes a shower. Then they come wake me up (lucky me gets to sleep in!). We all get dressed, do our hair, I might have time to brush my teeth, we pack our lunches, use the potty, and we are out the door by 7:30 at the latest. Whew, I'm exhausted already. 

I rarely get to eat breakfast, but I get to do Madeline's hair. Today she wanted a butterfly :)

And then we played with snowman...it can't be all work and no play.  

Amelia and I get some cuddles in. 

And in the rare morning, we might have time to do housework! Go Andy!

Around here, July 4th

For 4th of July, we went to a parade nearby. They throw ice cream, hotdogs, and k-cups along with the traditional dum dums and tootsie rolls...so you have to go...for the children. After the music, old, cars, fire trucks, and pushy parents trying to grab candy, we went to lunch and for a swing. 

It's a simple life with simple pleasures, especially with a pocket full of parade candy. 

We also spent some time at a near by watering hole, Lake Willoughby. It was absolutely georgous. We didn't know exactly where to go, but it is attached to a state forest. We stopped at a trailhead near the lake and walked up a bit to see if there was a beach we could swim at with kids. There was a beach! And a naked man! Coming into this, we knew there was a clothing optional section of the lake, and now I'm glad we know where it is. Just a quick hop over a few rocks and we arrived at the family beach, a much friendlier option for us right now...at least there would be fewer question from our curious Madeline. 

The clear, shallow water was surrounded by beautiful, rocky mountains.  We'd go again, but in August when the water is warmer.