We Have a 1st Grader On Our Hands!

So this morning, Samantha accomplished another milestone in her life:  she not only rode the bus to school, but she is now officially a 1st grader!

We were fortunate to meet and speak with Samantha's teacher yesterday, and got the chance to look at her classroom.  Sarah is very anxious to hear if Samantha chose a pink locker, or a blue one this year.

Summer Vacation 2013

This past weekend, Jeremy, the Madore-ables and I went camping with our friend Jimmy and his daughter Shannon.  (Shannon and Sarah are less than 2 weeks apart and BFF's).  So the girls were happy to have someone to play with.

We had a great time.  The trip didn't start off too well however.  The bad part of the story is my brakes failed after coming off of a stop sign.  The good news is:  (1)  we weren't on the highway, (2) I was able to stop safely, (3) Jimmy was able to get authorization saying that he could borrow his work van to drive up with us.  (Jeremy and Jimmy attempted to fix the breaks before the trip, but to no avail.  Jere was able to fix them after though.)

So, after keeping 3 little girls entertained for four hours while the guys worked on the car, we transferred stuff from my car to Jimmy's van and headed on up to Allenstown, New Hampshire to Bear Brook National State Park.  We set up tent by headlights from the car, and the girls just giggled and ran around the campsite.  We really had a great time.

Bright and early Saturday morning after a good night's sleep.

Sarah and Shannon leading the way!

They called this "The Boardwalk"

(Bear Brook didn't warn us that they renamed it to "The Very Broken Boardwalk"

Jeremy found out what was underneath those broken boards unfortunately : (

"...I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference...."  ~Robert Frost

BFF's

Welcome to Bear Brook State Park!

Sam was excited that she could paddle this Summer.

Saturday night, we cooked steak tips for dinner and for dessert busted out with S'Mores.

Toasting me some marshmallows.

Jeremy woke up very early Sunday morning to capture this

The girls found a caterpillar and named it "Rosie"

Cheap Entertainment

I came to the realization yesterday: it's been 2 years since I last bought the Madore-ables any play-doh since finding a great home made recipe on Pinterest.

It's also been 2 years since I made my last batch.  The girls used it so much that it dried itself out.

The recipe is very simple (not too mention very inexpensive):

1 cup flour             2 tsp cream of tarter
1/2 cup salt           2 Tbsp baby oil
1 cup water         (optional) food coloring

(1) Mix the above ingredients (minus water) in a medium sauce pan.

(2) Add desired food coloring to the water in the saucepan.

(3) Stir ingredients over medium heat until dough forms into a thick ball and no longer sticks to the pan.

(4) Knead dough on a countertop...but be very careful!  The dough will be hot!!!

We store our cooled play-doh in Zip-loc bags.

You can substitute veg oil instead of baby oil, but I learned that veg oil turns rancid where baby oil does not.  (An added bonus: baby oil smells fantastic and softens your hands in the meantime).

Samantha Visits The Pediatrician

Today Samantha visited her pediatrician for her 6 year appointment.  Today was a pretty quiet appointment.  No vaccinations until 11 years.  

So here are Sam's stats for today: 

48.25" tall (97th percentile) 

51.5 lbs (90th percentile) 

Excellent blood pressure of 92/62.

Just for something to compare to appointments in years past:

7/6/2010 (3 years) 41.25" tall 36.5 lbs.

7/7/2011 (4 years) 43.25" tall 40.5 lbs.

7/19/2012 (5 years) 45.5" tall 45.5 lbs.

Consign-mint

Well, it's that time of year again where I attended our local (and did I mention amazing,  fabulous, wonderful) consignment shop for their Summer $10.00 a bag sale. No limits. No rules. Go inside and choose whatever clothing you want for $10.00 a bag. And as many bags as you want! I've only been shopping there for 3 years, but I am still a kid on Christmas morning. 

Here's what I picked up this time around:

- 29 shirts
- 12 shorts
- 3 pairs capris
- 3 dresses
- 1 denim jumper
- 5 infant outfits
- 3 cotton rompers

All for a grand total of $20.00. All brand new or next to brand new clothing.

July 4, 2013

For the first time in 9 years, we celebrated July 4th up in Maine at my Brother in law, and Sister in law's home.  They hosted a cookout complete with food, family, friends and of course:  FIREWORKS!

So we started off the day with some strawberry picking:

Then my sister in law made a Birthday cake for Samantha's Birthday.  (Samantha requested "rainbows")

The Madore-ables were introduced to Sparklers.

(Massachusetts outlaws all pyrotechnic product, so it was fun to try in Maine)

The girls loved playing with most of their cousins all afternoon.

(We were missing 9 cousins on this day)

Once the sun went down, the pyrotechnic fun began!

(photography taken by Captured in Moments)

The following day, we were very fortunate to get to do some things that we don't normally get to do.  First, we went out to breakfast with another brother in law and sister in law.  Then we were in for a big treat.  We were invited out to watch my SIL practice the organ at Saint Peter's Basilica in Lewiston, Maine.  So we were able to spend some time alone in the basilica and listening to the sweet sound of a pipe organ.  Just sent shivers down my spine.  The moment was just so beautiful and wonderful.

After the basilica, we were able to go out with my in laws and play some mini-golf.  My good Lord was it HOT!  Nonetheless, it didn't spoil our fun!

We Have a Birthday Girl! Sam is the BIG 6!

Dear Samantha,

Today, you turn 6 years old.  I know I say this every year, but I still cannot believe it's been a year since we've celebrated your last birthday.  Not only that, but this time six years ago Daddy and I were holding you in our arms at the hospital just marveling at this beautiful little baby with a full head of hair.  We sat there wondering what you going to be like and what your voice would sound like.  Now today, you're very independent, and expressing your opinion about things.

Here are some of the milestones/accomplishments you have achieved in the last year:

• You just completed your first year of school in Kindergarten.  You really enjoyed going to school each day.  Now you are ready to head to 1st Grade in September!
• You're really reading now.  I mean really reading.  Everything from books from the library, to our mail and even signs at the stores.
• You're coloring more inside the lines now.  You're really taking the time to choose your colors and decide how exactly you want to draw and sketch your pictures.
• You no longer need a side bed rail
• This was the first year you actually asked for a Birthday gift:  a scooter.  To which (you don't know it  yet, but...it's sitting inside our closet waiting to be opened.)  Bwah ha ha ha.
• You're already showing signs of being like Daddy.  When a problem comes up, you suggest ways on how to solve the problem.
• There are days where we wonder if you're really listening.  And then, Daddy and I will have a conversation about photography, or talk about our wedding.  Next thing I know, I hear you pretending with your toys and reenacting something Daddy and I talked about the previous day.
• Although you still have them once in awhile, you're actually seeing the value of not throwing a temper tantrum.  Granted, you're getting older and voicing your opinion about things like food, or clothing, but you're actually putting two and two together and trying your best to understand where Mommy and Daddy are coming from.  Now, if we could just work on the no arguing with your sister...

Daddy and I are proud of the person that you've become so far.  You have many years ahead of you, but we love where you are headed.  Now, there are days where it's not all rainbows and sunshine.  We do have our difficult days, but we learn each time, don't we?  God knew we needed you.  To help us learn.  To show us how to laugh.  To know what it's like to sacrifice.  We would not change anything, ever.  We are just so blessed to have you as part of our life.  As part of our family.  Always have that spark and that never lose that smile of yours.

Happy Birthday Sam.  We love you.  Always.

Love, Mommy & Daddy

Here is what you looked like in past Birthdays

And here is what you look like today!

We took a swim in the pool today...

We had dinner at Bertucci's and the waitstaff sang "Happy Birthday"!

After we got home from dinner, we changed into our PJ's, and opened up Birthday cards.  Mamere included a nice surprise in her card to you...