I’ll admit I felt a little like the Clampetts in the Beverly Hillbillies as we packed up for home today.
We made it home. Now our summer in Grafton can begin.
New Hampshire is gorgeous!
New Hampshire is gorgeous!
Wade, Emily, and the big boys spent the morning hiking. Wade came in afterwards super excited to get the kids in swimsuits and take us back for some swimming. We pulled into the parking area just as a freak thunderstorm hit. We watched tons of people run for their cars. We decided to wait it out and ended up with a gorgeous afternoon and very few people! We have thoroughly enjoyed our week and the area is gorgeous. I love that hiking is everywhere you turn and easy enough for the kids.
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Ben has persisted in his early mornings during this vacation. We are limited in our activity choices at 5 am. He seems to be content with Wade’s left over late night snacks and shoes.
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The Burch men.
These two snuck off to do a little reading.
This boy is determined to be mobile. Last week he started crawling. This week he began pulling up.
It turns out New Hampshire has some wonderful hiking/swimming areas everywhere you turn! Ben hung out in his stroller while everyone else had a little fun in the water.
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S’mores!
S’mores!
S’mores!
A little morning time with Pop.
Rollercoasters were a hit with everyone this trip.
This boy loved every ride that moved. We caught him sneaking back on roller coasters by himself and he convinced Pop to ride everything that moved.
Kaitlyn rode most everything once but was content to wait for the boys to ride the same roller coaster over and over.
We wore this boy out today at Storyland.
It looks like a shiny apple doesn’t it? Alex is actually eating an everlasting gobstopper. We’ll see how long it really lasts.
When Monkey wants a ride and there are no extra seats…
This girl loves jelly beans. She was quite annoyed when her Daddy threw away the jelly beans in the game Bean Boozled. In the game you spin to pick a color and then have to eat that color jelly bean. The game tells you that the flavor will be one of two – such as chocolate or dog poop. Wade incorrectly assumed no one would actually eat the jelly beans in the game. Kaitlyn had been steadily making her way through all the flavors – having only found a single flavor she didn’t like. Ever since she talks about the game her Daddy threw away all the time. We saw the game today in a candy store and you better believe we bought it.
Ben has this vacation thing down!
Today’s big adventure was a train ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad.
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Then Pop bribed the boys to spend some time across the street at the pond hunting for frogs. He offered to pay them each a $1 if they caught a frog. Alex was by far the most motivated.
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Then we wrapped up the evening by grilling dinner and enjoying the outdoors. Wade and Alex created a new version of baseball – pineball. Using the materials on hand they played baseball with a large stick and a pinecone.
We are vacationing with Wade’s family in Conway, NH. It was a little hectic to leave immediately after school was over, but it was only a 3 hour drive from our house! We took both cars, Madison, and all sorts of extra things we thought we might need. Ben, however, doesn’t quite get a full understanding of vacation. My normal baby that sleeps all night (until almost 7 am) has been waking up at 3 or 4 and then is up for good at 5:30. Wade and I are tag teaming it, but it’s a challenge to keep him quiet so the rest of the house can sleep.
Early morning reading while the adults fix breakfast.
The best big brother – always ready to help her turn around and offer advice on all things car related.
The smallest, cutest go kart driver.
I find random things taped to my walls all the time. Today I found Alex’s summer bucket list.
Vacation means boardgames.
Kaitlyn wanted a bath the minute she saw the bathtub. It was vacation and there were lots of adults to help with Ben so she got a bath.
Madison was pretty excited to join us on vacation this year.
(The perks of vacationing only 3 hours away.)
Finally! School’s out!!
Finally! School’s out!!
She wore these boots all winter but I didn’t realize they would be a summer staple too. Somehow she rocks them in warm weather too.
(Where am I going to find another pair?!)
Smiles for days.
It’s the last day of school. (This school year has seemed much longer than most!) Here’s a side-by-side of the boys from their first day and their last. Now excuse us while we go have some celebratory ice cream.
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The Burch Family has now experienced our first belt test. Teague tested as a white belt for his yellow belt. There was a fairly large group of kiddos but they’ve been together from the beginning and they all did a great job and will now move on together to the yellow belt class (which includes sparring)! We are so proud of Teague for finding something he enjoys and can call his own.
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Due to some crazy behavior, Alex has been sleeping in his own room these last few days. He isn’t a fan, but the behavior has improved!
Proudest Mom Moment – Teague’s latest black stripe.
Teague was sitting in board breaking class tonight and was doing a great job of sitting patiently throughout each student’s turn. He was clapping for every student and paying attention. He wasn’t fidgeting and had his back straight the entire time. Master Kim even commented on his good example several times. At the end of class, it was announced there was a gold medal for the student who had sat patiently, cheered for their friends, etc. I wondered if it might be Teague so I know he had to be thinking the same thing. Instead they called the little boy’s name that was sitting beside Teague. The minute the boy sat down with the medal, Teague leans over and gives him a high five. I was so proud of Teague because I knew he was a little disappointed. I couldn’t wait till class was over and I could tell him I noticed his behavior and was impressed that he made the choice to act as he did. Master Kim also saw Teague’s behavior and called him up in front of the entire class to hand out the black stripe. Awesome.
Playing in the car in the driveway at her friend’s house and determined that we will not leave.
Ben and Kaitlyn are at the perfect ages to share lunch. Neither one can finish an entire peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
We are nearing the end of the school year and today was Teague’s End of Year Party. It’s been a great year but I won’t be sorry to relinquish my duties as room mom. I couldn’t find child care for Ben today so he tagged along with me. I was hoping he would be content being worn but that didn’t quite go according to plan. Thankfully the teacher was understanding and the kiddos were enthralled. He ended up being serving as an extra activity with all the attention he got from the kiddos. Ben’s used to kids and chaos in general so he was fine with all the extra love. (I had one teaching aid amazed that he was fine with 5 kids all trying to hold and talk to him at the same time. I just laughed and thought of our normal day.)
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Wade is the best when it comes to early morning bus stop walks.
Teague still needs someone to tie his belt. Normally he puts on his uniform and comes to me with belt in hand. Today he came to me with belt on head?
New short haircut for summer – we were just waiting for her dance recital (and the needed bun) to be over.
Crawling around under the table.
Boys are gross.
Deep discussions with Dad.