Summer Is Not Over Yet!

We have two weeks of summer break before school starts, and the kids have been taking advantage of summer being outdoors. The weather hasn't had any rain in the forecast lately which has been perfect for the past couple days!  Our interest in watching the total eclipse yesterday went from a ten to a three when we realized that Lexie had plans after tennis practice to do some volunteer work until 2pm, and we didn't have any eclipse glasses. I'm sure we could have made some with a cereal box, and Reynolds wrap, but in all honesty I'm not sure if they would have worked.

Day Trip To Doylestown & The Kids Castle!

If I ever moved to Pennsylvania where I wanted some major peace and quiet the one place I would probably choose to live would be in Bucks County. There have been many, many times we have driven to Easton whether it's to go to the Crayola factory, or eat at Cici's pizza, and driven past Doylestown, but never stopped. Like Mystc in Connecticut, there are many quaint shops to shop at, and great restaurants to eat in. 

Wake Up. Explore. Repeat.

The weather has been absolutely agreeing with summer this whole week, and have been keeping our days low key lately. The past two days has consisted of somewhat doing the same routine which in all honesty is okay! Sure it's nice to be able to get away and venture to unknown territory, but sometimes cruising along highway130, and finding various parks you can venture out to can be quite the adventure. Which is why I am happy to have found Noah a t-shirt that reads "wake up. explore. repeat." Every time he wears it I am reminded that it's okay for us to repeat the same things especially during the summertime. 

We Call This Park, Our Jersey Street Playground.

I treasure these days where I still have one small child who loves the park. Whether it's 100 degrees, or 30 degrees nothing stops us from being cooped up in the house to go outside and enjoy some brisk cold weather with a little bit of sunshine, and just look at that unfiltered blue sky! Absolutely a gorgeous day! If it wasn't for the sun shining we may not have stayed as long as we did, but the feeling of being outdoors in an area where there is nothing but highway, and farm land surrounding me brings me comfort. And I am grateful for those nearby playgrounds that are within walking distance. Especially when your vehicle is out of commission! 

AUGUST & OUR SUMMER SO FAR...

Our summer so far has consisted of the simplest outings from going to the orchard, to playing chess, and venturing out to places that our closer to home. And even though I'm excited for the crisp smell of fall, sweater wearing, apple picking, wrapping my neck with scarves I'm just not ready for summer to end. I am loving the time spent with the kids especially my two youngest. I have done more recreational things with them than I have ever done with my two oldest daughters, let alone my own childhood! Times sure have changed since before Chelsea, and Noah were born, and I'm so grateful for the time I make, and energy that I have to be able to do such things! We have spent endless hours at the beach, and have lived in the playground since spring began. I don't think that'll ever end anytime soon...especially when I have such an active boy! I have never been so active before in my life (except when i was in my teens, and 20's) when it comes to sports and my second home has been on the tennis courts. Noah definitely is my "gym" and keeps me active these days with all the running around we do when it's just me and him. It certainly saves me money on those gym memberships which I just can't justify paying no matter how cheap it is! I know that when school starts I'm going to spend my mornings easing back into yoga with a side of cardio which will include walking and/or biking on the bike trail (which reminds me I need to buy new sneakers because these one's are so yesterday!) I sure do count my blessings for living near a bike trail! No matter how hot summer can be she knows that as long as I have water in hand that I can endure the heat and tolerate the outdoors with all the critters, and humidity that it brings. 

Why, because i have my favorite people with me, and because they bring out the best in me, and the good in every season. And if you have a Snapchat you can see us live snapping away on a daily basis.  

Just take a look and see...

And now...I'm off to girls camp, and driving with a few tweens! yikes!!

Happy Tuesday, and I'll blog back in a few days! 

SIMPLICITY AT ITS BEST.

Ever had one of those perfect summer days where the day was just picture perfect. I've had more than my share when it was just Noah & I alone, during the day, but when you add a sassy sister the days can be a struggle...especially when they nitpick on each other. Today was different though. Different in many ways. 

First of all I woke up determined that in spite of the forecast calling for rain, and the way these two behave when they're cooped up in the house especially in the summer time that I was going to make this day fun for them. The kind of fun that doesn't require money, but my time, and appreciation executed with love and attention.  

Living in my neck of the woods it's real easy to be entertained by theme parks, going to the beach, venturing out to Philly, D.C., and New York City. And as much as I LOVE venturing out to those places, and being entertained by those worldly things, sometimes you need to invent your own entertainment. 

And today we did. 

One that didn't involve any noise from any piece of technology. 

Noah has been showing interest to play the piano for quite some time now, and this morning after breakfast Chelsea began to play the piano. 

While Noah was playing with his Legos, I told Chelsea that it might be easier if we put stickers on the keys so that it would be more easier for him to learn to play, and to keep him interested. She, and Lexie have taught him the basic keys in the past, but like i said...today was different, and those stickers really made a difference! Not only did he last longer than 10 minutes, he actually paid attention, played Mary had a little lamb in its entirety,  and Chelsea's patience has come a long way with him. There was no frustration involved! 

I was in heaven! 

She continued to teach him for about 20 minutes, and got along so well. We had lunch, and then made bottle cap necklaces, and drew a picture for grandpa. Since it didn't rain very much we decided to go to the park. We were figuring out which park to go to that doesn't have wood chips, and decided to go to the one where it's always crowded on the first day of spring. The perks of living in a township where everyone seems to stay in their comfort zone! 

We haven't been to this park in a long while, and we are so glad we came. They installed a new playground set, and it is really nice! I'm not sure when they replaced the old one, but boy am I glad we came. Even in this 100 percent humidity the kids had all kinds of fun. These kids handle the heat, and humidity pretty well. Better than most adults I know!  

They stayed in the newer part of the playground the whole time sliding down the slide, climbing, and messing around with all the gadgets. 

 ^^^ the swings are a favorite! ^^^

He still hasn't mastered the monkey bars. I think he prefers us giving him a helping hand. More like a helping body! 

Today was so simple, and if I could have days like this every day (minus the humidity) I'll take them. Really loved seeing these two getting along so well, and being kind to one another. 

I told them to get used to it because before we know it Lexie will be leaving the nest too, and they are going to be the only two left to entertain each other so they better need to get along! 

And according to these two...piggyback rides are the best! 

Happy 8th of July! 

Imagination Kingdom Playground.

Spring fever kicked in our hearts, and home weeks ago, and with the weather being a mild 50 degrees we took ourselves to this really cool park I heard about via The Family Penny Pincher. It didn't matter if the slides were a little wet from the rain we had yesterday Noah went to town experimenting all the gadgets that this really cool park had to offer. I can see why they call it an imagination kingdom playground! We could have been here for hours! There were two other dads with their kids at the park and being that they are locals (I asked them if they were) one of theme mentioned that this park has been around for at least six years. No wonder it was such in good condition. Whoever designed this park really knew what he was doing because look at all the cool things Noah got to play in...

Noah was "imagining"he was spiderman while crawling on this rope. Even though this rope was super sturdy it was a bit tricky for him crawling across. Nonetheless he loved it and did it three more times! I also included a photo from my snapchat where he almost slipped and fell, but caught himself! Whoa, and thank you God!! 

Noah was in heaven when he saw this big old rock. It's hollow inside so it's kid safe. He climbed up on it, and I can't even "imagine" what he's thinking while being on the top of the rock! All I know is that I was "imagining" being in Moab! 

I think there's a huge part where I know Noah is ready for school because every time we want to go out during the day he always want to have Chelsea tagalong when before he didn't mind being alone. The fact that he's getting older, and sees other kids in the playground manifests to me that he is definitely ready. He wanted Chelsea to come along with us, but I told him that we weren't going to wait until 3 o'clock to go to the park, and that we are leaving now. Resiliency is a blessing, and there were no tantrums involved. The kids that were at the park earlier had already left so when Noah discovered the seesaws the look on his face was a bit melancholy. Even though I got on the seesaw with him it wasn't as fun. He kept telling me, "Mommy, you can't be on this you're too heavy!" He was right, but I was stubborn and stayed on it anyway! ha!ha! He didn't mind either he just kept laughing the whole time saying, "oh my gosh, oh my gosh mom stop...you're going to break it!" When his laughing was too much for me to handle I jumped off. 

Yep...the look on his face is just painful! I definitely have to bring his sister next time so that she can and Noah can "imagine" together! That painful look went away real quick when I asked if he wanted some ice cream! Because when ice cream and root beer are involved he's all smiles! 

Imagine that!

On the way to the park I found this really cool mom and pop shop. I used to be fearful of trying out new places to eat, but if there is a sign that reads opened since 1952 then it's gotta be good food. White Dotte is a family owned business, and the atmosphere was super friendly. I love eating at these small diners because everything is prepared fresh. The burger was delicious, and I didn't even finish the fries! That burger basket was a biggie!

Since I don't have a mini tripod for my iPhone, selfies have now become an official part our life, and daily routine when it's just the two of us! 

Sometimes you just have to drive out of your comfort zone into unknown territory to go to the coolest playgrounds. I thank my lucky stars for having a kid who loves car rides, and loves venturing out to unknown territory...even if it's a simple place as a playground!