Rhode Island Trip

We had a wonderful a week in Rhode Island. They weather was great! I will have to say, that Aaron and I probably came home more tired than when we left, but it was definitely all worth it. Every morning we would be down on the beach by 8:30, right around low tide. The boys had a wonderful time walking around on the rocks and looking for/catching starfish, horse shoe crabs, snails, lobsters, and hermit crabs! We tried to teach the importance of returning all creatures back into the ocean.

Connor had a wonderful time walking on the beach. He loved that sand and the waves. Connor really enjoyed putting water in his pail and then dumping it on the sand and returning to get more (the amazement of cause and effect!) He also was interested in the birds on the beach and chased them until they would finally fly away. Connor also took great afternoon naps everyday!

Here is a picture of Ryan relaxing on the couch in the beach house. Ryan played hard all day long. He loved looking for starfish, building sand castles, and jumping in the waves. The water was warm in the low 70's. We bought the boys body boards that practiced riding the waves. Ryan had fun chasing cousin Hannah as well as trying to kiss both her and baby Jacob!

Matthew really enjoyed playing in the sand this year. He was even able to write his name using his finger in the sand! You can sure tell that he is getting ready to start kindergarten!

Brotherly love collecting items at low tide.

Our beautiful family. I can't wait until next year, when we have our new bundle of joy with us too!

Daddy's Birthday

We had a quiet day celebrating Aaron's 32nd birthday, as we were packing up and getting ready to go to Rhode Island for the week. We bought Aaron some new athletic shorts and shirts, which his was excited to be able to bring on the trip.

Every year Aaron requests cherry chip cake with cherry frosting, but ever since we moved to Massachusetts, we have been unable to find. So, this year we tried Strawberry cake with stawberry frosting and fresh cut strawberries on top. The boys had a great time just keeping the stawberries off the top!

The perfect birthday day ending with a beautiful rainbow in the sky!

Matthew's new accomplishments!

At the 4th of July party this year, Matthew was excited watching his older cousins swimming. They were jumping off the diving board and putting their faces under the water while wearing goggles. Matthew got up on the diving board and with much hesitation, he jump and his head went under the water. Everyone clapped and Matthew was so proud of himself. Matthew has been wearing swimming wings on his arms, rather than the "nemo suit" this summer and can swim across the whole length of Auntie Chickie and Uncle John's pool. After Nana saw that Matthew was more confident in the water and his eagerness to learn how to swim, she took Matthew for two private swimming lessons. A woman that Nana knows, who lives in Hampden, teaches swimming lessons in her indoor pool. Matthew did a great job listening to the teacher and tried everthing that she asked him to. After his last lesson, the teacher stated, "Matthew, you can swim!"
Matthew has also been doing well in Tae Wando Do. He has received a red and a green stripe on his white belt related to his accomplishments!

Happy 4th of July

4th of July was a busy day.......... After quiet time we attend the Annual 4th of July party at Auntie Chickie, Uncle John, and GG's house. We had a great time seeing relatives and swimming in the pool. Matthew and Ryan enjoyed watching the older girl cousins, jumping off the diving board and going down the slide. By the end of the party, both boys were having fun doing both!

The East Longmeadow fireworks did not start until 10pm. Surprisingly,we were able to keep the boys awake (as bedtime is usually right around 7pm). Matthew and Ryan had a great time, and even met some "friends" while waiting for the fireworks to start. Connor was a little fussy, we forgot to back the pacifier!

All 3 boys fell asleep on the way home! What a beautiful sight......

Matthew's 1st Yankees game

Matthew and Aaron ventured to the Yankee Stadium for a game. Matthew's favorite part was his chocolate ice cream out of a Yankee helmet bowl!!!

Tae Kwando!

Matthew and Ryan started Tae Kwando this week at US Tae Kwando Center right here in Wilbraham. They are in the same class "Little Dragons" which is for children 3-5 years old and meets every Tuesday/Thursday from 6-6:30pm. This was Ryan's first experience in a "classroom" setting. At the beginning of class they were asked to get in a single file line. Matthew was last with Ryan right in front of him. As the line began to move forward, Ryan very quickly was walking around (not in the line). Matthew was saying to Ryan "Over here, get back in line." Master soon began to say multiple times, "Ryan get back in line. Matthew stop talking." Matthew quickly listened better to keep him mouth shut and let Ryan fend for himself. Matthew really enjoyed the lesson and did a great job following directions. Ryan on the other hand, being the youngest in the class, got a special helper to try to keep him in line. We are paying for the classes by the month, so we will see how Ryan does after 8 classes, as to whether or not he will continue, or have to wait until he is a little older. Needless to say, they are adorable in their uniforms!!!!