Today we were all alone at the beach and it was nice and peaceful – until the kids got bored of being with each other.
Kaitlyn
I got a waterproof case for my iPhone and today we tested it out at the beach! Hopefully many more “dock” pictures to come!
I take absolutely no credit for any of this ensemble. She has strong ideas and opinions.
Don’t worry. No animals were harmed in the making of these pictures (and a treat or two might have been given).
Kaitlyn could barely sit still she was so excited to get some of Leah’s makeup.
We have a little problem when it comes to the beach. We can’t seem to stay away. It’s the perfect activity that everyone (Mom included) enjoys and it fills our summer days with lots of fun!
Kaitlyn’s new favorite trick:
New shoes. What more could a girl want for her birthday?
Summer Days.
Picking up Alex from a sleepover always turns into a day of fun. We had planned a morning at the pool, but the weather didn’t cooperate. Instead we played at Amber’s house and the kids ended up in their bathing suits anyway!
She snacks.
Beach Day 21,216.
(There are never too many.)
We got Reggie out to play today and the kids loved it! (I’m not so sure how Reggie felt about it.)
Not only did we have a full day planned yesterday with Kaitlyn’s party, but when Wade took his morning shower, he realized something was wrong with the hot water. He did a little looking and realized the hot water heater wasn’t working. He spent his few free hours working on it and replaced a part, but no hot water. Knowing he was going out of town for an extended period of time, he decided to have someone come install a new one, versus doing it himself. (In case something went wrong and he wasn’t there to correct any issues.) That meant cold showers for most of us and warm sink baths for one lucky little girl.)
Morning milk.
I debated about whether to have a “party” for Kaitlyn and we finally decided to have a few friends and a small party at the beach. We had perfect weather and a lot of fun!
Having a birthday near July 4th is a little crazy so we celebrated with friends a few weeks early!
We are having a little party for Kaitlyn tomorrow and cheese dip is always necessary. The kids are getting better and better when it comes to helping me make the dip.
Mischief maker.
Kaitlyn has discovered our dress up trunk – but our options in her size are limited….
I’m pretty sure Kaitlyn wants to be Teague when she grows up…
I had the cutest dates for lunch today.
Kaitlyn loves to point out everyone she knows on this board.
Kaitlyn was working hard to convince me these guys needed a nap too. She put them so gently on her pillow and snuggled in beside them.
I heard them hit the floor about two seconds after I got downstairs and turned on the monitor.
Of course she wanted to bring a lovey to the beach. And it had to be the white one.
Teague got this V-tech monkey as a gift when we brought him home from Korea. It was played with but only occasionally. Kaitlyn has definitely made me glad we never got rid of it. She loves to dress this monkey.
Today was the FARE Walk in Milwaukee. The kids and I drove up to walk and support Iris. She had a great group!
Then it was back to the Stroud’s house for food and fun. Iris and Kaitlyn shared a plate and tried to feed each other. Teague and Grant rode everything on wheels all afternoon. (Grant wearing his new conductor outfit.) I barely saw Alex or the other big boys.
She was so excited to get her own controller.
I took this picture specially to remind me of her habit of getting a pillow before she lays down on the floor to pitch a fit.
(Comfort first – always.)
We had the beach to ourselves today.
Teague and Kaitlyn were playing upstairs when I heard a “real” cry from Kaitlyn. I went upstairs to check it out. I found her in her room with the door shut and Teague standing outside in the hallway. I asked him what happened and he couldn’t exactly explain it but it was obvious she got hurt and most likely it was his fault. I opened the door to find small drops of blood. I scooped her up and couldn’t immediately find a source of the blood. I opened her mouth thinking that was the most logical place and then realized it was her foot. Oh her poor foot. Evidently she was in the room and Teague was out and they were fighting over an open door versus a closed door. (Which is why in our our house we aren’t allowed to play with doors.) I’m pretty sure she’s going to loose her big toenail.
After Kaitlyn got calmed down she was really excited to get her first bandaid.
We are headed to Sam’s Club, a 20 minute drive away. I was happy to see everyone packed reading material.
Beach Day
(Baby belly.)
Cut. Cut. Cut.
(It’s her favorite thing to do lately and now she realized there are kid knives in the drawer.)
She heard the beeper and before I could get to the kitchen she had my oven mitts on. Thankfully she has no interest in opening the oven.
Kaitlyn can take her shoes off, but can’t put on her shoes. This makes it difficult to change shoes the twenty million times a day she would like. Today she convinced Teague to help her put on a new pair.
I wonder where she got this idea? (see here)
Sunday shenanigans.
Another benefit to having Gram in town is her green thumb. She helped me get my pots planted for the backdeck. (Or rather she helped me pick the plants and the kids helped us plant them.)
Snuggles with Gram.
Today started my three day garage sale. My neighbor coordinated a neighborhood-wide garage sale and it sounded like a great idea to get rid of so many unwanted items. Then I realized there was no way I could have a garage sale and watch Kaitlyn. (I might could have handled the boys.) My Mom was nice enough to agree to come for a visit and watch Kaitlyn while I sold $2 items. Kaitlyn did check out all the items before approving them for sale.
We introduced Gram to the beach today.
The race is on between Madison’s ability to stay and Kaitlyn’s attention span when it comes to cleaning up her mess. (Too bad the spill involves raisins which Madison can’t eat. Otherwise it’d just end up being a nice treat for her.)
Kaitlyn couldn’t wait to help Gram with the replanting.
Napping.
Their mom has a thing for red, white, and blue.
(Stars too.)
We spent the day in Milwaukee with friends. We ate, we laughed, we played. It was a perfect Memorial Day.
I convinced everyone to get together for a group shot this year!
Today’s family activity was bowling. The boys loved it and Kaitlyn was fascinated. It actually makes me miss my one year on a bowling league while I worked at the Patent Office in DC. (Those were the days….)
Monkey see. Monkey do.
Kaitlyn’s first time in the boat. She was just a little excited.
To really get summer going, we convinced Wade to join us at the beach. The boys loved having him and Kaitlyn got her first ride in the boat.