Thing 4 had a birthday party for her fourth birthday. It marked our return to Jumping Jack Sports, where we held a joint party for Thing 2 and Thing 3 a few years ago.
Thing 4 was a birthday princess.
There were games like freeze tag and limbo.
Frozen is what all the girls like these days.
Thing 1 and 2 worked on their slam dunk.
Thing 3 and I took a trip to Boston. It was a trip of firsts. We went to meet a new Urban Cousin that just joined the family. It was the first time I went away with only Thing 3 over night. It was the first time flying in an airplane for Thing 3.
Thing 3 was happy to have arrived at our hotel, but not so happy to be wearing his “fancy clothes”
Suburban Grandpa joined us from Florida. He was not happy about the frigid temperatures, and didn’t have the proper clothing.
Urban Cousin was the reason we were all there.
He wouldn’t eat there but liked that the restaurant had his name on it.
Too bad selfie’s weren’t the rage when my Things were little.
Suburban Uncle attempting to break the world record for longest time to change a diaper.
Suburban Aunt enjoyed time with her new nephew.
Lots of cousins.
Thing 3’s favorite part of the trip: a late night snack run.
Eating pretzels in bed! ?Can’t do that at home.
How about a donut for the flight home?
One more selfie on the flight home.
Today was the annual Donuts For Dads event at the elementary school. Kids and Dads have donuts before school. It’s always a big hit. This was the first year for Thing 3.
Our annual week at the beach has evolved considerably from the early years. I have to say, this year’s trip was by far the best so far. And by best, I mean the most relaxing. We still had to deal with the occasional meltdowns of a 3 year old who is used to napping every day. But overall it was a great week.
In a masterful display of packing, we had everything a family of six needs for a week in the trunk of the minivan.
The boys raced go-karts. Thing 3 had to stand on his toes to make the 46 inch height requirement.
SuburbanMommy and Thing 4 were all business at dinner.
On a sunset dolphin cruise we spotted many dolphins. Thing 3 insists he also saw a blue whale even though the water was mostly 3 feet deep.
Thing 3 took part in a July 4th watermelon eating contest.
It rained the first few days but it didn’t slow down Thing 4.
The sun finally came out and we spent plenty of time at the beach.
We were thankful to have an extra pair of hands with us.
Mornings began with a walk to the bakery. Donuts for breakfast.
On very rare occasions everyone will stand still and look at the camera at the same time.
No one was very eager to get back into the car for the long drive home.
On the drive home, Thing 1 was already looking at the catalog of rentals for next year.
This is what 8 years old looks like. Happy Birthday Thing 2!
Today was a milestone of sorts. Our first sporting event with all six of us. Thing 4 and I spent more time walking around the stadium than watching the game. And Thing 3 was more interested in the snow cones. We were glad to have an extra pair of hands from Suburban Uncle.
Thing 2’s team reached the Superbowl of flag football! Against a tough team they lost by a touchdown. But the kids were not too disappointed because it was a great season.
This is the trophy you get for being runner up. It was a really hot day.
And here is a video of Thing 2’s touchdown. With a little NFL film style editing.
Most kids wake up with a lot of energy. They say things like “what are we doing today” or “I want breakfast”.
And then there is Thing 3 who is from another world. The things he says when he wakes up are totally random and unexpected. But you always need to listen close because you just may miss something hilarious. This morning was one of those instances.
Thing 3: I dreamed about a trumpet!
SuburbanDaddy: A trumpet?
Thing 3: Yes. But the solar system wolf keeps stealing my dreams.
SuburbanDaddy: OK. Do you want some breakfast?