Of the many things I love about Shane

How he sounds out his words

How he is a rock star bed maker!

based on the tornado type positions he sleeps in at night - its pretty tough to pull it all back together again.

Summer VBS and swim team starts!

We got home and hit the ground running the cousin time VBS and pool time.  We took this photo as EVERYONE want to get rid of donald duck - 

It scares the kiddos

But there is one lady that would like to hold onto Donald - You know her name??

Next up my youngest swimmer on his first day at swim team - clearly bashful for the camera.

Not sure if he was the join right in type.

Nor was he the jump right in type either.

they all made it in eventually

I would call this guy the unsung hero - got in every morning - did what was asked and got out - they awesome thing was, along the summer he also got much better too!  Practice pays off Shane!

With my sis her, we had a night of snuggling and watching a Sally Fields movie - 

And these are the breakfast tables I just love

I even got to dye their hair blue this time.

Trying to get the right angles to capture it.  We added quite a bit to Riley

Stacie even went for it too

the blue crew.

Maybe more next time?!?!

We were able to add in an afternoon of hot tub time with the Brinks!

love these kid tables!

not just one head in this photo, but 2!!  Cute to watch these dudes toddle around after each other 

we had to run early for Nick's all star game - Love the enthusiasm this little guy played with.  Much bigger and older kiddos and I know he missed the phillies, but still played with all he had.

Last game coaches chat.

The baby girls are just starting to get let out to roam the yard and I just love how pretty the flock is.

The white ones have such straight tails - so cute - for some they also have really big combs which had the boys worried they were roosters - thankfully not since they are laying eggs!!

One more swimming photo for now - can you see Drew making his start?!?!

Kingdom trails VT

The moment school ended we hopped in the car and headed to Kingdom trails in Burke VT - loaded the kiddos up bikes and all.  The Briggs had been there twice before and I remember her raving about it.  She was worried inviting us worried that we may not see the charm.  We INSTANTLY saw the charm.  This place was charming 100%.  I couldn't stop snapping photos.  And with school over and our new summer schedule, this was to be supremely appreciated. 

The sun was setting as they were playing on this playground. 

Chris and I had a picnic dinner while we waited for the Briggs and the Izzos to finish their dinner.

Rolling lush hills and BEAUTIFUL clouds.  Loved seeing the church off in the distance.  The land reminded me of Germany.

Even capturing the flowers

These are the memories I want for my kids childhood.

The next morning's breakfast was included and made to order!  meaning my kids could look at the menu and just choose - MIND BLOWN.  only took one kiddo to order hot chocolate before they all did.  Look at this VERY happy waffle eater.

They did pretty good as their own table

Drew was even the last one down and still in his PJs

Drew and Andrew - this photo really make me wonder what the photo of them will look like in 10 years.

Little rainy for the first morning so we kinda toured all together.

We didn't need to share the track with the cows, they clearly had their own space.

Next step was a little chillaxing by the pool

Summer photos like this never get old.  Ashley wins for most enthusiastic!

Erin wins for Rock star mom - this twin babies are 6 months old!

She had lots of helpers - I was shocked by how much the boys wanted to hold the babies.  Drew was great Celia clearly a natural.

Imagine THIS photo in 10 years!

Shane got some snuggle time too.

Another night of childhood awesomeness

While the adults had some time of their own too.

Rocket retrieval

What my flower pots should look like next year - noted.

plenty of coffee at this breakfast table!

Such sweetness.  Erin really soaks in the time with them.  Such an amazing mom fully appreciating their littleness 

The kiddos had a morning of camp and I LOVED walking in to hear what kind of animal they would all like to be - 

Nick - a chicken because he makes eggs to give to others

Shane - a gecko

Drew - a lion

so let me be real - I am writing this blog in September and this happened in June - I completely remember Nick's, but am already a bit hazy on the others....  But want to remember, it was super cute.

This, I will not forget.

This was exhausting,

Hills, tiny bridges, roller coaster ramps and a MASSIVE hill to climb at the end.

The kids were at camp from 9-1 and I honestly thought we would ride for a few hours and than come home to chill by the pool kidless.  Not with this crew - we BARELY made it back in time to get the kids and were completely exhausted.  At least I was...

Slave drivers - 

Made it, but barely

Beautiful night - MUST TAKE photo!

Not always a fan when trips like this have to end - however we made a pact to come back next year!