Beach, Bikes and Mini Golf

We had a wonderful week at the beach. The weather was great, the days were relaxed and we just had a lot of fun! Josh and Katelyn LOVED the beach - both the water and the sand. We got Josh a boogie board - or a "buggie board" as he calls it. He quickly got the hang of it and was staying on by himself. We are already excited for next summer at the shore!

Josh, Daddy and Pop-Pop get hit by a wave!

Katelyn started out enjoying the water this way, but
did make it out with Daddy too!

Snuggling with YiaYia

Katelyn made her mark on Ocean City, NJ!

We went miniature golfing TWICE this week.
Josh and Katelyn just had a really great
time, and it's one of Mommy and Daddy's
favorite dates! 

Our lefty gets some help from her coach.

We went on a bike ride on the boardwalk
one evening. This was the first time that
Katelyn biked on her own the entire time.
She road about a mile total - we were so proud!

I loved seeing all of our bikes lined up!

Happy Birthday Cruise

We were at the shore over Josh's 5th birthday. On his birthday evening, we went on a sunset cruise with YiaYia and Pop-Pop. No dolphins were seen, but we had a really great time. 

The kids really liked being on the boat and it was a fun evening! 

Captain Josh

Captain Katelyn

Cape May Lighthouse

Sweet moment!

See you later alligator...

We hit the zoo with some friends for the first time since the spring. This family doesn't do the zoo in the summer heat. :) We went to a preschool activity about alligators and crocodiles. It was interesting, we learned a few things, did a few little activities...and had sing-a-long. Let's just say it wasn't the best sing-a-long we've ever been to...note the illiterate preschoolers with song sheets. Seriously?! :) But it was a memory and the moms are still laughing about it!

Did you know that the temperature of a croc or alligator
egg determines the sex of the animal? Neither did I.

Josh learning how the babies break through
the eggs. He's almost hatched!

Josh - King of the Jungle with his Pride -
Fletcher, Ania and Katelyn

After exploring Africa we made a quick trip
to the lily pads and nests before heading
home for the afternoon.

A Celebration...Not a Birthday Party

We celebrated Josh's 5th Birthday with friends.

 Since it wasn't his actual birthday, he keeps referring to the party as his celebration, not his birthday party. 

Josh requested a beach birthday party, so we did our best!

It started to rain when the party started, but we still headed outside for water games. 

Then we headed back inside for a beach themed dinner.

Beach Ball Cake Pops

We carved the watermelon shark!

The kids LOVED the octopus hot dogs!

Josh has started noticing boarded up homes in a
section of Baltimore City called Sandtown. We drive
through this part of town fairly often. As we talked about,
he thought it would be a good idea to collect money to
help fix these houses since he has been given so much.
It was really an amazing gesture for an almost 5 year old.
We raised $165 for Sandtown Habitat for Humanity
 from our guests - thank you!

Shark fin cupcakes for our birthday boy!

Yes, Wonder Woman made an appearance!

Water Party Games

Josh requested to play "Duck, Duck, Fish" at his party.
Just like "Duck, Duck, Goose" except that when you
choose your goose, you squirt them with water! 

The slip-n-slide was a HUGE hit!

The slip-n-slide train didn't end well!

Last, but not least - water balloons!
Fortunately, the kids seemed to enjoy
throwing the balloons on the ground.

No Boys Allowed

Katelyn was invited to Macy's 4th Birthday Party. 

It was a tea party and no boys were allowed!

The girls sat at little tables and enjoyed finger
sandwiches and fruit skewers. And tea, of course!
There was lots of pink!

Macy, Katelyn and Molly