Soccer Camp

It is nearing the end of summer and the boys are heading off to soccer camp for a week.  As you can see, they are all suited up in the shin guards and cleats.

 

They are very excited to try something new.

Friday, the last day of soccer camp, the boys were representing team Sweden in their yellow and blue. 

As you can see, it was a very hot day and they played their hearts out.

Here is the entire camp together.

Connor and Garrett with their coaches (who are soccer players from around the world).

The boys had a fantastic time.

Brooklyn Bound

Brian and I had a very important place to be today, the courthouse.  Thank goodness it was for a good reason.  We traveled from Boston to Brooklyn to see Kevin sworn in as a lawyer.  What an accomplishment!

After the ceremony, we went out to a steakhouse to celebrate such a huge milestone.  Congrats to Uncle Kevin!

Track Stars

From June to July the boys participate in the Needham Track Club, which proves to be great exercise and fun. This summer proved to be tough because the heat was unbelievable.  There were days where the boys were running and it was close to 90 degrees.  Honestly, I was sweating just standing on the side lines.  Towards the end of track, they hold the Olympics.  They competed in many events:  hurdles, long jump, 50 yard dash, 400m run and many others.

Here is Garrett completing his long run which was close to 400m.  He is as speedy as a little bullet.

Connor's age group was put onto teams and competed in a long relay race.  Connor was a good sport when his team finished third.  Connor, as always, ran his heart out.

Here is the hurdles relay race.  The kids are so competitive but really do have fun.  Especially when they get an ice pop after every night of hard work.  Good Work Boys!!

Emily's 2nd Birthday!

I say this all the time but I don't know what happened to the last 2 years.  How is our little princess 2 already?  Emily is such a special little lady.  Emily can wrestle with the boys one minute and then pop around the corner in her princess dress or tutu the next.  One minute she will be doing ballet and the next minute running past you with a football and two brothers trailing behind her.  She is full of personality, including attitude at times, but how did we get so lucky to have such a beautiful, smart and fun-filled daughter.

It is almost time to open presents but first Emily had to make sure she put her brothers in place.  After a quick tackle, they understood that she is in charge today.

Look at the love amongst our munchkins.

It was present time and Emily has the coordination to tackle any wrapping or card.  Emily can open a card properly and not rip anything. 

What is in here? 

The boys loved being involved and helping Emily understand everything.

Aunt Laura, Sydney and Izzy called to wish Emily a Happy Birthday.  When Emily heard their voices, she laid down on the couch and then sang Happy Birthday to them.  I little backwards but it made her happy.  It is her day after all.

Can you see that someone likes cake as much as her brothers?

Yes, we will all smile together if you give us cake. 

There was no interrupting her determination to eat her cake.  No help needed since Emily is a master at all utensils and is very independent.

I had to take advantage of having a moment to take a picture with my angel.  I love you!

Emily calls Grandma - "Mema!"  It is the cutest thing in the world and they are two peas in a pod.  The bond between these two girls is unbreakable and everyday when I see it, I can't help but smile.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!  We love you!

Bike Lesson

Since I had a work outing at Yankee stadium to attend on Sunday, we brought the whole crew down to Long Island for a weekend of some fun.  As soon as we arrived, we were informed that Papa had a plan and was ready to execute.  First thing Saturday morning, he had us out of bed and off to the local bike shop.  He bought Connor and Garrett their very own bikes for Long Island. 

At home, Connor still used training wheels but Papa was determined to teach Connor how to ride his bike. 

Off to the school field we went.  Connor got on his bike and Papa held the seat and off they went.  A little unsteady at first but once Connor realized Papa was holding on he gained more confidence.  Suddenly, Papa let go and Connor was officially riding his bike.  Of course, Papa was never too far behind.  I believe by the end of the weekend that Papa ran approximately 10 miles, give or take an inch. It will be a lesson that Connor will never forget. 

Thank you Papa!

Aruba Adventures

During this year's trip and since the kids are getting older, we decided to try some new adventures.  First, we went on the underwater boat to see the sea life and the submerged cargo ship.

The trip out to the underwater vessel was fun because as we cruised along the open water we could see the entire coast line, the lighthouse and all the other boats.

As soon as we were underwater, we were glued to our windows checking out the sea life.

We all enjoyed looking at the coral, the fishes and all the underwater sea life.  My favorite part was torturing Grandpa (sorry).  Grandpa would be busy on one side of the boat looking at fish and we would pretend to go crazy about something we could see on our side.  Grandpa would quickly come over and would be so disappointed to see nothing - poor Grandpa.

On the way back to the pier, the Captain of the boat took a liking to our family.  They allowed the boys to try their hand at steering the boat.  Garrett took his job very seriously.

Connor did a great job steering and even had to dodge some boats and windsurfers.  Thank goodness we made it back to shore safely.

Our second new adventure occurred close to home.  The boys learned to snorkel thanks to Grandpa and Nana bringing the boys some new gear. Even Emily had to get into the action.

Before the snorkel, Garrett would not put his face in the water. 

Once the snorkel was on and the boys learned how to breath, we couldn't get them out of the water.  They barely even looked up.

Emily found a way to get their attention...a water gun will always do the trick.

After a full day of snorkeling, we were all hungry and it was time to take this tower of Falahees for some food.  We are so lucky to be surrounded by such cuteness.

Of course, we had to make sure we stopped off with our feathered friends.  Amazing what a year can do because the boys could both hold the birds with no assistance.

Emily was fascinated.

Rock a Bye Baby

Garrett wanted some snuggle time too.

Daddy has been working hard at getting into incredible shape, so yes I had to include a picture to show the results.

Emily loves everything the boys use...she out on the floaties and was ready to go swimming in the ocean.

I just think this is the sweetest pose.

Connor and I worked very hard on this baseball stadium...we called it Fenway.

Our last night out!!!

What a wonderful trip and I think we were all able to relax and have fun!  After reading over this post, I realized I left out a key component of this trip.  The glue that keeps us all sane and makes sure everyone is safe - NANA!  Nana spends her time in Aruba making sure the kids are always happy - Connor playing Bing Bango Bongo, making sure Garrett doesn't have sand on his feet, Emily has her sunglasses and of course, that everyone has their sunscreen applied.  I left myself out - of course when we hear the Happy Hour Bell, Nana always makes sure the girls go get our milkshakes, wink wink!  Thank you Nana for keeping us all in line and always being selfless.  I hope you know it doesn't go unnoticed and we are extremely grateful. 

Aruba

Another year has passed which brings us to our annual tropical paradise trip to Aruba. As the children get older, the flights are getting a little bit easier so we are thankful for all the in-flight entertainment and for our children who were very well behaved.  Once we landed, it didn't take us long to change into our bathing suits and hit the pool. 

Emily demanded that she get into her pretty pink suit and couldn't wait to get in the water.

In the blink of an eye, everyone was hopping into the pool.

Emily loves the water and especially all the tricks she does with her daddy.  Look at that smile.

The boys couldn't get enough of jumping into the water to Daddy and Grandpa.

All dressed up and ready to hit the town for an early dinner.

As soon as the kids crossed the street from the resort, they saw their usual posts and had to see who could hang the longest.

It is amazing how strong they are all getting.

Of course, if the boys can do it, so can Emily.  No one was going to stop her and boy can she hang.

The next morning brought us to our usual breakfast spot, Gilligan's Restaurant, and the kids were anxious to get to the cabana.

The one thing we don't have to teach our children is how to relax and enjoy the moment.

After a day of fun in the sun, pool and at the beach, it was time for dinner and a quick photo op.

Seriously how can I not include these pictures.  Connor is such a handsome young man and Emily is the cutest thing ever in this bathing suit.  Look at those thighs - I want to kiss them.

Ways to chill by the pool - water gun fight against the adults and then hanging out on the S.S Minnow.

I have so many great pictures I just can't stop here.  Our Aruba trip to be continued in the next post.