The Ocean

Yesterday we kissed Jack goodbye, handed my cousin our house keys, and headed for the Beach.

Tom's mom told me to remember that the drive is half the fun... I hope not because it was not very fun at all. We hit Phillie right at rush hour.

That's a bad thing people.

But we made our way slow and steady and kept our optimism... thanks to our new DVD player and micky mouse.

And the tunnels... the kids thought the tunnels were pretty awesome.

Snacks were very helpful also.

We finally got to Ocean City around seven.... we were aiming for three, then six.... yeah, it was rough.

But oh so worth it....

Bella was here once for a few hours when she was Vivian's age.

 
 

So really it was a first for all of them.

They were awe struck.

Look at the lights!  The sand is so soft! It's getting in my flip flops!

Daniel had a silly grin from the moment his toes hit the sand.

Then they all hit the surf, and for the first time the felt the cool saltwater rush over their feet and around their ankles.

Then they giggled and wobbled as the sand ran out from under them. At some point they all fell down.

Made me miss my Gram, she could never stand in the surf either... at least as long as I knew  her, which was from her seventies on.  Is this a normal thing for the young and elderly? Or is it just our weird gene pool.

After a decent night sleep we are off to hit the sand in the sun and soak up the memories.

“The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” 

--Jacques Cousteau

Fun... Check!

Bella will start kindergarten this fall so up till now summer hasn't meant much in the way of change for us. Life with little ones is always life with little ones.
Life revolves around nap time... skip it and you'll be sorry.
But this summer has been different than the last four or five. We are doing more "summer" things.

 

We are skipping naps in favor of long exhausting days by the pool.

Full of sun and fun... but Exhausting with a capital E.

Its hard work making sure everyone's head stays above water.

We are spending mornings in pajamas in front of the tv, and eating goldfish for breakfast.

Summer is a vacation right? well I'm taking a break from worrying about what they are eating.

But I am worrying more about getting in all the fun we can... squeezing out every last drop of summer so that when it ends we can look back and say we did it right... and enjoy the next thing.

We even made a list of things we want to do! Inspired by this awesome blog and drawn up by Andrea... who is the advocate and overseer of all things summer.

I don't have a picture of it yet but it goes something like this...

...beach...

...night swim...

...outdoor movie...

...s'mores...

...campfire...

...Ice cream on the cow at King Cones....

...visit the aviary...

...first sleepover...

...Hartwood Acres...

...rent a boat...

...go to the zoo...

... it goes on and on just oozing fun!

(and exhaustion... but it's always worth it... I think...)

And of course the un-scripted fun with our cousins at the pool

Adorable Allie Grace, chillin with Vivian Grace.

She was trying to tell her that the hat was just ruining her look.

We had to tell her that function trumps fashion when your only three months old.

She was not in agreement....

But she soon she found a baby she could be in charge of and all was well.

That is her ever doting Nana there... my Aunt Kathy.

It was Vivan's first time in the pool... a milestone akin to walking if your a part of the Morgan family.

She was happy as a clam to chill with Aunt Andrea and Aunt Christi, Allie's Mama.

And Aunt Julie.

And Allie's Dad.... Uncle Nate. 

Don't worry those are not his sun glasses.

We take this very seriously around here. 

If you don't come into this world loving water we see that as a character flaw and set out to "fix" you... isn't that right Aunt Jeanne? We are missing you by the way! Only a few more "sleeps" till we get to see you!!!

Its history and memories in the making... having all the cousins together again by the water... just like when we were growing up but now with the new generation.

Now we are gearing up for another fun, busy weekend, hoping the rain holds off and trying to check a few things off the summer list. 

Sleepover with "the boys" and "Gnomeo and Juliet" on the patio I hope.... seems appropriate right?

Movie about yard Gnomes.... in the yard... HA!

Ok enough with the cheesiness.

I'm off to find some fun with my favorite little people!

Happy Weekend!

First Weekend of Summer.... just a little late.

This post was meant for last weekend but it got CRAZY busy this week... so I will show you now...
Our first weekend of summer!


 

We got Vivian's three month photo's done.
Vivian was three months on June first.... Bella wore this when she was just 6 weeks.
Which means either Bella was a tank, or Vivi is a peanut... I think its a little of both.

.

 We are making a trip to the beach soon and we... ok well I am having a hard enough time with the thought of four little wiggly bodies in a car for seven hours... 

we can't do it without climate control.

This van hasn't had a working ac in the three plus years we have owned it.

We drove it to Tennessee in the heat of summer in 2008 with just two kids.
We drove at night and had the windows down most of the time because it was still hot... it was exhausting having that noise and wind blowing in for six hours.... not this time people... not this time.

So while Daddy labored endlessly we cooled off at the last resort and kicked off the summer right.

With water, sun, food, and family.

And friends who feel like family,  Brian... Isabella only sees him every few months and she always acts shy at first. 

Then by the end of the day they are best buddies.

hu

Tommy acted nuts about getting in the water in anything less than the inner tube he was in last year..

no arm floaties, 

no swimming vest, 

nuts is an understatement. He screamed like a wild child.

Where did I get this kid!? I think I was swimming alone when I was Bella's age.

The seem to forget everything about swimming every winter.

This year though, Bella has taken to it like... well, like a fish to water.

Hardy har har.... anyway she loves it and I am proud and relieved!

There is some unexplainable joy in seeing my kids love the things I love!

I'm especially happy seeing them love each other....

and their Aunt's and Uncle's.

And last but not least we dined on hot dogs, watermelon and baked beans.

                                                                Welcome back summer.

A Living Memorial

Sunshine, warm weather, shorts,

Sandbox fun, flip flops, and lounging in the grass.

Summer is upon us.

Flowers, swimming, cool breezes,

Staying up late, catching lightening bugs, rocking sleeping babies by the campfire.

Watching summer storms with wide eyed little boys, or Aunt Julie giving the swimming lessons.

Getting sticky, sweet post popsicle kisses, watching parades and fireworks,

all while wearing our red, white, and blue.

Sometimes it seems that the meaning of Memorial day has been lost on us.

It's a day off work.

It's  a day for picnicking,

It's when the pool finally gets open.

Don't forget what today is about. There are people who are missing sons, daughters, husbands and wives today. They defended us and gave it all so that we could live in this country.

Beautiful, flawed, diverse, filled with controversy, but forever united.

I will teach my children as they grow that we should never forget, never become complacent.

We should mourn these losses and be grateful to all who serve for our freedom.

But I think with the true meaning always in mind that it is fitting to honor their sacrifice by celebrating life with those we love. Really enjoying time together, good food, funny kids and sweet babies.

Savoring the freedom they gave us to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Not just today, we should everyday try to live our lives to the fullest to honor the fact that we are free.

The Flag still floats unblotted with defeat!
But ah the blood that keeps its ripples red,
The starry lives that keep its field alight.
~Rupert Hughes

Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations, that we have forgotten, as a people, 

the cost of a free and undivided Republic.

  ~John A. Logan