3rd Annual Play Date 4th of July Party

When Addison was 9 months, and Damien was home taking care of her while I worked full time I gave them a gift of weekly Gymboree classes. The classes focused on bonding time with Daddy-baby. They worked on rolling over, flash light peek-a-boo play and singing songs. Daddy really perfected his singing voice during these weekly visits. The classes become more advanced to match the development of the kids. We advanced to jumping, sliding, bending, hopping, rolling, dancing, and running all over the place. Addison still sings the songs and talks about Gymbo the clown. We stopped going to Gymboree a few months after Greyson was born and he was no longer content to sit in the car seat and watch. During our time in Gymboree we met wonderful families and have grown to love these children as if there where our own. We have spent many days together playing at each others houses and meeting at the Zoo. Our latest play date was to celebrate the 4th of July. The kids loved seeing each other all dressed in red, white and blue.

Mary and Addison, twins in their adorable dresses.

The Gang, the big ones first: Gabby, Liam, Ellie, Mary, Addison, down in front Matthew and not pictured Jacob.The Middle kids are: Riley and Baby Joe. Then there are the babies; Greyson, Dante' and Alice.
We even had a 4th of July parade with bikes,trikes and wagons oh my. It was adorable. We decorated a wagon for Greyson but once he saw all the big kids on their bikes and trikes there was no way he wanted to ride in his wagon. She borrowed a trike and let baby Alice use his wagon.

Baby Alice having a ride in Greyson's wagon.

To end the wonderful celebration the kids all enjoyed Firecracker, red, white and blue Popsicles. It was a great day.

Grandpa's Hat

A day over at Grandpa and Mimi's in the backyard. I brought Addison and Greyson's sun hats but Addison had her eye on the prize. Grandpa's new sun hat. She loved it. She had to have the strings just right under her chin and the brim just low enough that she could barely see. A perfect fit.

Fun

Jumping in the Jumpy House at the birthday party for Mimi, Papa and Aunt Mandy. The 60,60, 40 celebration. Addison and Greyson loved the new discovery of jumping.

Tug of War with cousin Molly. It was boys against the girls.

Jumping on the Trampoline with Shannon!
We have been outside alot enjoying the weather and working in the yard. Every once in awhile familiar music would play through the streets. I would smile and remember the memories of running to the curb to get some ice cream from the ice cream man. While I finally broke down the other day and told Addison and Greyson what that music meant. As soon as I told her she smiled and said the "ice cream man." I said yes as I scooped my babies up and walked to the curb to flag the ice cream man down. There were more choices then I remembered included the one Addison picked out... Dora the Explorer Popsicle. Wow! Greyson and I shared a Super Pop and he loved. (Sorry no pictures of that, he was too busy eating for me to break out the camera. I took Addison's before I showed Greyson our popsicle.)

A little play-date dress up party with Finley, too precious. She arrived in jammies which was great because Addison and Greyson were also in jammies but in minutes she was transformed into a Princess. A girl after my own heart, always wanting to change their clothes and upgrade!
Tea Party for Three!

Playing

A recent Tea Party that even Dot was invited to. They were enjoying rice cakes and delicious water. Artist extraordinaire is ready. Crayons of many colors are ready at her fingertips to decorate what ever needs to be beautified. Notice the shoes... yes we are 3 now and do everything ourself.

Another Tea Party with our fuzzy friends. Mama Puppy, Stuffed Kitty and Baby Kitty.

Greyson enjoys a game of Peek-a-boo.

Mommy and Addison doing a little dressing up.

Father's Day Surprise

This year we decided to do something different for Damien. I took the kids to the craft store and yes we ended up in the painting area. They love to paint so it was only fitting. We picked out some white canvas squares and some acrylic paint and headed home. Each child painted their own picture but on different days, I wasn't sure how fast I could clean up a mess if they were both painting. Addison went first. She loved using the brush, dipping the brush and mixing the new colors. I had to provide a little assistance because she was mixing so much that I was afraid everything was soon going to turn brown. Greyson enjoyed finger painting on the canvas. He was much messier and a little more cautious. He was more into smearing the paint all over.

Going on a trip

There is something magical about a suitcase, that is according to Greyson. Every week he loves to help Damien un-pack his bag and his most favorite thing to do is climb in and have a seat. As you can see he is on cloud 9 enjoying his time in dad's bag!

Cruzin' the bus

The weather was nice on Memorial Day so we went to Steilacoom to enjoy the beach. Wow, we felt like we were in California. It was awesome. We all enjoyed a picnic and playing in the sand. Damien taught the kids how to build "drip sand castles" and cover themselves in sand. Even though the day was packed with smiles I would have to say the highlight of the day was being out and about in the 1967 VW Bus. Addison and Greyson love it. We had the rag top open and all the windows. Fresh air was abundant. The joy of sunshine.