First Camping Trip

Every summer we talk about camping, and never quite get there.  This year we finally made it!  The kids had a fantastic time, and while we didn't get much sleep, it was worth it.  We went to a super local camp site in North Andover at Harold Parker State Forest.

Our little campsite!

Testing out the tent.

Showing the boys how to make a campfire.

Sitting around the campfire.

Running off some energy.

Nathan and his "torch".

Enjoying the fire.

Alex enjoying camping.

Walking to the bathroom in the morning :)

Our attempt at breakfast burritos over the campfire.

Breakfast didn't work so well, so we ended up at a great local cafe.  Mommy and Daddy needed their (extra large) coffees.

Alex's 4th Birthday!

Happy birthday to our crazy, wiggly and goofy little Alex!  This is the first year that he really "got" having a birthday party, and was so excited to have his Lego party!  He wanted something small so that he wouldn't lose Nathan (he lost Nathan in the craziness of last year's joint birthday party). Aww!!

Thank you Pinterest for giving lots of easy cool ideas for a Lego party!

Ready for our friends...

Table ready for food...

Roller coaster set up for the kids to build their own Lego cars and race them.

Lots of drinks on a hot day...

Alex's "2 by 3" Lego cake.

Lego books and candy for favors (you can actually build with the Lego candies).

Friends are here!  Coloring their minifigures or building a Lego mask...

Emmet!  Thanks Carrie for bringing the Lego head :)

All lined up for pin the mouth on the Lego head.

Alex is up first!

Zoe is next...

Elizabeth patiently waiting her turn...

Blond little cousins :)

Good shot Tyler!

Alex with the very mouthy Lego head.

Enjoying snacks and pizza.

Then it was cake time!

Afterwards the kids changed into swimsuits and had a great time playing with "water balloons" and the sprinkler.

I hope you had a great 4th birthday party Alex, we can't wait to see what your 5th year of life brings!

End of the School Year - Soccer and Concert

The end of the school year bring some special events.  This past week included the soccer Jamboree and awards ceremony and Nathan's kindergarten concert.  Nathan has really stepped up his soccer game this season, and it is fun to see his team grow!

Our #7!

Goofing with his team before the games start.

Alex stepping in front of the camera :)

Nathan and his buddy Brady, Maroon Team forever!!

Waiting for the awards ceremony.

Very proud of his medal!

Nathan and his class have been practicing very hard for their concert, and he was so excited to show us the results.  Is there anything more cute than 80 kindergartners singing together?!

Ready to sing!

Smiling for Mom and Dad.

With gusto!

 Videos of a couple of their songs, because nothing captures it quite like video...

Nathan is 6!

Happy birthday to Nathan!  He has grown up so much this year being in kindergarten, and just constantly amazes us with his knowledge of the solar system.  So naturally that was his pick for his theme this year :)

6 looks good on you Nathan!

Alex showing Nathan the card he made him.

Present time!  Nathan knew instantly it was his very own copy of his favorite book (checked out 7 times from the library).

Star Wars Legos!!!

Learning all about building circuits with his Snap Circuits.

For his birthday dinner, Nathan requested to go to Beanstalk, a ropes course at Jordan's Furniture.  There is a lower area for the younger kids, nice and close to the ground.  And then a second and third level way high up for those feeling daring, along with a zip line.  Nathan did it all!!

Getting on the harnesses.

Ready to go!

First step out...

High above the Liquid Fireworks.

So high up, eek!

So relaxed on the zip line...

Alex rocking the lower ropes course.

Looks awfully comfortable in climbing gear :)

On Saturday it was time for his friend party.  Nathan has a super awesome class, and so he wanted to invite them all and play his favorite sport, dodgeball!

"Space is my place" perfectly describes our little astrophysicist.

The kids are all lined up to play dodgeball!

Alex right there with the big guys.

And GO!!!

Don't mess with Zoe and Avery!

When dodgeball gets boring, the mats are always popular (this was Alex's favorite spot when he did indoor soccer too).

Plotting his move...

And shoots!

Wearing out the kids...

To wrap up the gym time, there was some open gym.  Nathan and Brady have fun on the scooters...

Party time!!

Nathan's tasty cake (no chocolate to be seen).

Rocket ship crackers from TJs were Nathan's brilliant idea to go with the theme.

Only got a photo after the favors were pillaged, but Astronaut ice cream and a selection of space/planet books were on hand to say Thank You for coming!

And finally, singing happy birthday to the birthday boy!