This Trip

This afternoon while sitting on the beach I observed a woman reading a book and sipping an iced tea.  I was momentarily jealous of her as I sat, sand covered poking a straw in a juice box.  Then it occurred to me that when I was that woman and had time to sit on the beach and read or relax, the only thing I dreamed of was having kids of my own to bring to the beach. 

This week in Ocean City with just Earl and I and the three kids has been as wonderful as it has been trying.  The highs are high and the lows can be definitely stressful.  I have had to remove Kinley from two restaurants in the span of 3 days because of her behavior, something I thankfully never have worried about at home.   I have washed more sand off of kids and lugged more toys to the beach than I ever have in my life.  I have walked the boardwalk at 6:15am with all three kids in tow in search of coffee while I let Earl get a little more sleep.  One of us should be coherent I suppose.  My body hurts from the force of waves pounding against it all day and walking the boardwalk at night.   But someday soon I won't remember those things.  What I will remember is the time I spent here with my family 

I have shared time jumping waves with Cooper, getting knocked down and coming up giggling.  I have watched the sunrise with McKenna, built sandcastles and  hung out floating on the boogie boards.   

I have loved watching Kinley, sand covering every part of her tiny body, as she diligently digs in the sand and drops shell after shell in her bucket.  

Admittedly, I have missed time with Earl this week.  I had visions of sitting out on the deck watching the waves with him after the kids have gone to sleep.  In reality, when that time finally comes we are both completely exhausted and the option of sleep seems much more appealing.   

So tonight I sit out on the deck by myself, determined to enjoy the cool evening air and the crashing of the waves at least one night.   It wasn't how I pictured it.  Not much in life really is.  But I am thankful for this trip.  Thankful for being too busy with my three beautiful healthy kids to read a book or enjoy a meal for that matter.   I'm here to make memories for them.  So that someday they can say, "Remember that time we went to the beach..."    My books and iced tea will have to wait a few more years and that's okay with me. 

Live From Ocean City

Good Tuesday morning from Ocean City, Md.  I am writing this from my spot on the beach.   We arrived safe and sound yesterday after a fairly uneventful drive.  Thank goodness for portable DVDs, lollipops and coloring books.  

McKenna, Cooper and I wasted no time hitting the beach while Earl stayed back with Kinley so she could nap.   When we got out of the car at the hotel we noticed she had a slight fever.   We are praying that its nothing more than the two year molars that are trying to make an appearance. 

The big kids are loving everything about the water this year.  After last years boogie boarding mishap, we weren't sure what to expect with them in the water this year.   Needless to say, we have  purchased a second board and that seems to be the name of the game this trip.  We will likely have to drag them from the water again today. 

Kinley is doing pretty well considering she is completely off her routine and feeling slightly crappy.  She loves the sand and takes every opportunity to rub it all over her body.  Yuck.  She did it to me too yesterday.  I think we are both completely exfoliated!

Last night we headed to the boardwalk for dinner.  The weather was perfect.  Almost cool enough for a sweatshirt.  We ended up walking the entire length of the boardwalk and by the time we got back to the room the kids were begging to go to bed.   Sounds good to me!   They were up bright and early this morning and raring to go to the beach.   

So far we are having a great time and we are really glad that we decided to make this trip.  We definitely need this time together as a family and intend to squeeze out every ounce of fun we can. 

iPhone photo dump

When I traded in my iPhone and upgraded last month I had over 500 photos on my phone.  I decided that this time I would do a better job managing my pictures.   So here goes...

My Facebook friends might have seen a picture similar to this earlier in the week.  Kinley has decided that she has to take six million and one things with her when we leave the house.   She probably afraid we are going to yet another camp or sports practice where she will be bored to tears without a bunch of toys.

On Friday the kids and I made an express trip to Geisinger to pick up my new glasses.  The walk from the parking garage to the clinic took more time than Getting the glasses.   As a result of not wanting to load the kids right back in the car, we stopped at the Atrium for a cookie.  

As if that wasn't treat enough, we also got to visit for a few minutes with Daddy.  This was a huge hit with the kids because they virtually never get to see Earl at work unless they are having surgery - which is not a good way to go see your dad!!

I haven't had new glasses since Earl started anesthesia school.  That was 8 years ago!   Luckily I don't wear them much.    I like this style a lot better so you might actually see me wear them outside the house! 

What post would be complete without a picture of Earl mowing the lawn in his bike helmet?  This is the kind of stuff that goes on at our house.

Saturday morning the girls and I went to spring Bandit from the kennel.  Not the best picture but after having spent the week at the kennel it was kind of hard to get him to stand still long enough for a picture. 

The kids a I set up camp in my bedroom the other night and watched tv for awhile.  Why we ended up in the bedroom I have no clue.  But it was fun.  I love how Kinley used McKenna as a nice place to rest her back. 

All of that brings us to the present where you can find this little one sleeping.   It is the best possible scenario as we have just over an hour left in our five hour drive to the beach.   We finally broke down and bought a roof top carrier for the car which has already proved worth its weight in gold.  We are all enjoying the extra room in the car.  We have only had to stop once so far and with any luck will finish out the drive with no major meltdowns.  We will see.   I'm sure I just jinxed us somehow! 

Lessons

I've recently been at battle with eight pounds that I would still like to shed from my body.   It's not much but it's not going anywhere.   At all.   Earl has been reminding me that when I'm working out I can't quit when I get tired because that's when the really good stuff happens.     He reminds me that when I want to give up is when it's really important that I keep pushing on.   I've decided that advice extends to just about all areas of my life.    This week, this summer, this season of raising small kids.   When I want to give up,  give in, raise the white flag -I just have to keep moving forward.  That's where the good stuff is.
If anyone were to ask what the theme of our week was we would all answer by saying, "CAMP".   We had not just one, but two camps this week - golf and field hockey.  Luckily (or perhaps not) one was first thing in the morning and the other over the supper hour.  Our days went something like this : breakfast, golf, lunch, field hockey, supper, bed.   Throw in there a birthday party, an unplanned trip to the doctor, a trip to Geisinger,  packing for the beach and the fact that every single one of our babysitters is away this week and I'm just about toast.    Keep moving forward, I remind myself.


This week was Cooper's last round of golf school.   The kids had the chance to go over to the course and try our their skills on one hole.   Here's Cooper reading the green!   We weren't even off campus before he was asking when the next lessons started.  Ummm...next summer?   Wrong answer apparently.   Later that day I found myself playing "golf school" in the backyard a number of times.   It was hot, I was tired and playing caddy wasn't on my to do list.   But over and over I dug bright yellow balls out of the thick brush beside our house and watched Cooper beam.  He was so proud and so was I.   Keep moving forward.  This is where the good stuff happens.
Wednesday evening McKenna was in her gear and ready for field hockey mini camp.   Cooper was even invited to participate this year.   Keep in mind,  mens field hockey is a big deal in Europe.   Earl and I didn't mind him participating if it meant he would burn off some energy and not sit for an hour and play ipad while we waited for McKenna. 

 

It was fun to watch them out on the field together.  I think I'll cherish this picture because it's probably the only time I'll ever see them both on the turf at the same time.  But what was really neat was watching the way McKenna took her little brother under her wing.   She had him all dressed and ready to go a half our before we left for camp.    I worried a little that as soon as we got to the field she would join her friends and let him fend for himself.   How wrong I was.   She stayed with him virtually the whole time.   She was his partner for drills and even stopped at one point to help him tie his shoe.    Cooper did his part and listened to the coaches instructions and participated in every single drill.   They both did this mama proud!

 

And Kinley, well God bless her, she was a trooper as she was shuttled from one activity to the next where her only directive was to wait patiently on the other kids.   The poor girl spent more time in the car this week in the name of her brother and sister than I care to think about.   If she was bothered by it you could never tell.  Keep moving forward - this is good stuff.    I think she would agree.

And in keeping with the camp theme,  I'm thinking maybe I should just start my own day camp since this is what my house tends to look like on days that we are home for more than an hour at a time.

Legos on the porch.  Crafts in the yard.   Neighborhood kids everywhere.   Laundry that needs done for the beach trip.  Dishes that are piled in the sink.   Dinner that has yet to be made.

Sand and water side by side.   I'll take it!

I read an article today that talked about being "in the sweet spot".  The author referred to the period of raising kids where life doesn't revolve around bottle feedings and changing diapers.   Where the kids can play together with a little less supervision and leaving the house doesn't require three years worth of planning.   I'm starting to realize that I'm almost there.   Almost at the sweet spot and I want to enjoy it.   So even though I'm bone tired and sometimes want to quit - I'm going to do what Earl says.  I'm going to keep pushing through the hard part because I can see the pay off is so worth it.

Quick Trip

This morning the kids and I packed up and headed to Lewistown for the day to visit Mom-mom and Pappy Landis.   I say "pack up for the day" because honestly it feels like we can't go anywhere without a car full of stuff anymore.   We figured that with two more days of record heat ahead of us, we would make the hour long drive and share their air conditioning for the day!  

 

The kids spent some time coloring before lunch.  It was Cooper's idea to take lots of crayons and coloring books because he remembered that Mom-mom loves to color.

We had a yummy lunch at the OIP and then returned to the house for some relaxation and visiting.   Kinley was loving on everyone today and even jumped down off my lap at one point and headed straight for Mom-mom's lap for a cuddle.    We watched some Nick Jr.  had a snack and then loaded up to come home.    

 

I love this picture of Mom-mom with the girls.  She had a rough time this spring and it's so good to see her smiling and back to her self.
We arrived back home shortly before dinner time and I was spent.  I don't know why that drive seems to drain me.   When we pulled in the driveway I had a headache the size of Texas and the beginnings of a sore throat.    Lucky for me, Earl was home and he let me take a quick nap.  That, coupled with some motrin  (and a Tastey Cake) seemed to do the trick and I'm feeling much better!
Tomorrow is supposed to be the last day of the heat wave that has been sweeping through.  I cannot wait until it's over.   I don't even care if it rains all day Saturday as long as next week is cooler (as in 80's) and we can be outside.

Almost Back In Businesss

I got the call today that my laptop was finished with it's "check up" and I'm excited to go pick it up.   In the meantime, I've decided to bite the bullet and embrace the Macbook and all it has to offer.   Sort of.  My goal is to edit and keep all my pictures in one place but I wanted to get these off the camera sooner rather than later.
They are really just a mish mash showing what we have been up to lately.  The summer is really flying by and starting to get away from me.  I can't believe that the start of school and Kinley's second birthday (gasp) are just around the corner.
During the week of Bible school I purposely scheduled next to nothing.   It was a nice time to spend with the kids here at home.   McKenna and Kinley had a picnic for the American Girls, we made a new stepping stone for our flower beds and the kids spent some 1:1 time with Mimi doing something special.

Cooper had his date with Mimi first.  He was so excited that he decided to keep watch for her on the front porch.  

After posing for a picture, they headed off to Country Cupboard for breakfast (Cooper's idea).   He had an iced sticky bun - taking full advantage of being with Mimi and not Mommy when he placed his order!

Later that week Mimi was back and this time to take McKenna out for a few hours.  These two love to browse the Street of Shops and the indoor flea market downtown.   They were gone for hours, learned a thing or two and had a nice lunch together.

 

 I thought it was important to include this picture to prove that I am trying desperately to curb my OCD tendencies this summer.   On this particular rainy day (which one I can't remember - they all blend together at this point) I indulged them and let them build a fort in the office.    The look on Earl's face when he walked in the door from work was priceless.   Yes, definitely out of the norm for me to still have the fort standing after 5pm.    It was cleaned up shortly thereafter (hey, I'm only human).

I think that should bring me up to date with all things important (or not) that I wanted to blog about.    Now on to tackling the other things on my list for the evening. 

Happy

Yesterday a bunch of us met up at Mom and Dad's.   Shane, Tighe, Kyle, Cady, mom and dad and Mom-Mom and Pappy Landis.  Some of us enjoyed time spent in the pool as we attempted to stay cool in the 90+ degree weather.   Others enjoyed the air conditioned house.  But we all enjoyed the food and the company.  This is the last weekend we will all be in town for a few weeks.  We have vacations and other commitments coming up that will make it difficult to get together.     The kids (and their mom) were exhausted after a week of Bible school and a weekend camping with the neighbors but we were glad we took time to spend with family yesterday.   We walked in the door around 7:30 with sleepy, dirty kids who still needed baths and tucked into bed.   There were bags to unpack and wet beach towels that needed to go into the laundry, none of which I felt like doing.   Then I said to Kinley, "Did you have a fun day?"   She lifted her head off my shoulder and smiled and said, "uh huh.  I'm happy."

Well, then , what more can I say?  I'm happy, too.  

Blogging Break

I've been forced to take a bit of a blogging break as of late for a few reasons.  Number one, and probably the biggest reason is that my preferred laptop where I keep all my pictures is in the shop.   I've been toying around with my blog settings for a few weeks,  making it private from time to time, because I was getting blog traffic from Russia and Canada.  I've learned this is most likely some kind of spam software and not strangers actually reading my blog, but it still makes me nervous.    Then early in the week I suspected I had a virus.  So, a local company is now doing some work to hopefully remedy all the problems.  The second reason for my lack of posting is that we were extremely busy with Bible school this week.   I helped to teach the preschool section and found that it was more efficient to prep a lot of the activities at home each day.  Some days we had to make runs for extra supplies and throw two golf lessons in there and the day quickly got away from us.   

Kinley was able to tag along to VBS and loved it.   She did better with the crafts and following of directions than I could have hoped.   And we ran.that.girl.ragged!   After watching her interact with the other kids,  jam certain the we made the right choice in enrolling her in daycare a few days a week.   

McKenna and I took a much needed break on Wednesday for some girl time.  We got our toes done, had lunch and did some swim suit shopping.  She is such a good kid, always willing to help with kinley or whatever else I need and rarely complains.   She tends to be so serious, especially throughout the school year, so my goal this summer has been to get her to have fun!   I think it's working!

In other news, our little garden has been fairly successful.   We have eaten all the lettuce and are working our way through the cucumbers.  We have LOTS of cucumbers and not many cucumber eaters in the family so we have been giving them to anyone and everyone.  Pickles may be in our future!  We are still patiently waiting on our peppers and our cantaloupes are finally starting to grow! 

The summer is over half over and we are not so excited about that.  With VBS behind us, we are starting to get things prepared for our trip to the beach.  Though I was initially reluctant, I am now really excited!

Happy 4th of July From the Mowry's!

 

Happy July 4th!