Oh Sweet Summer

I'm a season girl. I love the change in weather and appreciate the differences each season brings. Before having kids, if you'd asked me, I'd probably have said that Fall was my favorite. The adding layers, covering up in blankets, all things pumpkin and nutmeg, and warm orange and red decorations around the house. However, while Fall is still up there on the list, now, nothing is better that sweet summertime!!

As a kid, both houses I lived in, had a pool. No clue why, but I've never been much into swimming. I think its something about the quick and dramatic change in temperature. So, when I was absolutely desperate to cool off, you could find me sitting on the steps. Sunscreen was sticky, smelly and annoying so I'm embarrassed to say, I used it sparingly, if at all. Add to that, I'm not a big fan of the heat.

A little time, lots of growing up and now 2 kids later... my appreciation for summer has new life. I love getting in the water with the kids, playing in the sand, and I love the smell of sunscreen (and sweat, ha!) that comes off the girls when I give them hugs. It's like everyone has a renewed energy, the kids included during the summer. Something about now having kids, and enjoying the season with them, has totally brought out the kid in me. Playground, beach, pool, you name it, we've been having so much F-U-N! I think one significant plus, is the age of our girls, too. My SIL coined it pretty well recently, when she said we're in the sweet spot. They're more independent, they play together and entertain each other, and they just get such joy out of the simplest things. We can pick up and go on a whim, don't need to lug as much around, and I can actually sit on the beach and sunbathe (umm YAY!). So, not only are we having a great summer so far, but I actually have a little glow to prove I've been able to enjoy being outside :)

I'm always wishing for time to slow down a bit, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to more summer fun on the horizon. Hope you're having a great summer, too! Cheers XO

Happy Hour in the backyard!

The circus came to town, and Mimi came to see it with us :) 

BBQ with friends!

Fathers Day by the pool

 Madelyn has turned into a little fish!

Hanging with Gray at Hayes' birthday party!

Wednesday night concert series at the park in town

Vacation over July 4th in MV - morning story time with Aunt Farrell

 Lighthouse beach - our new favorite spot!

High five to Miss M!

Last week, Madelyn had her first swim lesson. At 4.5 and now a lover of the water, it was definitely time to get her used to the pool and learning to swim without any assistance. Underneath the importance of learning to swim, is the fact that going to and completing her first lesson, is a huge deal in our family.

Madelyn is as sweet as they come, and she's very reserved and shy in new situations. She's this beautifully kind and emotional girl, with a strong personality. So she loves big, worries big, gets sad in a big way, and fights big. There were times during the "terrible 2-3-4's" that we were at a total loss as to how to manage/parent her. I don't know what to compare it to, because she is our first one, but her tantrums were exhausting. Little things would set her off, and while they never ruined our days, there were times where it came close. We once went to a birthday party for a friend, that we couldn't participate in for the first 30 minutes, because she got so worked up, and we sat to the side while she was clinging to me and hysterically crying. Because she is shy and sometimes struggled with new experiences, it didn't seem like a good time to sign her up for ballet, or swim, or any organized activity. Certainly not worth paying money for something to have her not participate!

I'm not sure if it was her, or us, or a mix of both, but we worked through those moments together and little by little, the challenging moments lessened. Then we had her Kindergarten orientation. I'm not going to lie, I was nervous. I was sure there would be tears, or clinging... Her new school, with all new people around us, and after only a few minutes inside, she walked away from us so easily, not even flinching. It was the first time I realized just how much we'd all grown, and tears welled my eyes. My sweet, sweet girl was really growing up.

So, we decided it was time for her first activity/lesson... and while it might not have been her first choice, swim safety takes priority. She requested Daddy take her, and I anxiously stared at my phone waiting for the report. It read "it started rough, but we survived" :) She may have kicked and screamed, and had some tears for the first 10 minutes but with the help of a few people, she got in the pool alone and LOVED it. Victory dance all around. She was beaming when they got home, so proud to share what she learned and meeting her teacher and new friends.

It seems so simple, but this is a (big) little victory.  We are so happy to have her involved in something and meeting new people. Obviously, learning to swim is important too ;) There will certainly be challenges to come, but this has given me some mommy-confidence that I didn't know I needed. One of the first things that Madelyn talked about this morning was when her next swim lesson was - she's counting down until Saturday already. Me too sweet girl, me too!

Happy Monday! XO

Busy Bees

We've had a busy few weeks that have included a lot of fun with family and friends! The nicer weather, longer nights and more time outside, have me really looking forward to this summer.  The girls are at such fun ages, where its easy to get up and go, maybe not worry about nap schedules as much, and they are just loving playing together! We're heading off to Boston this weekend for some quality family time - exploring, eating out, swimming and staying in a hotel - the girls think it sounds so neat, and to be honest, I cannot wait!

{Happy Anniversary to us! ;) }

A glimpse at our last few weeks:

  A sunny Saturday at the park

 Madelyn recently surprised us by getting Anna out of the crib by herself one morning. While so cute, I am scared to know how she did it, and can't believe neither one got hurt! Anyway, we said no more to that, and then we find her IN the crib with her :) 

Dinner, drinks and music by the water - all smiles :)

Gray's Baptism

 Family selfie on our trip to MV for Memorial Day

Happy hour with my SIL's at one of the prettiest spots in town!

Cute cousins!

Beach!!

A successful dinner in town (no crying, or whining - they colored, played nicely AND ate their whole dinner - what a win!) obviously called for ice cream!

Memorial Day!

Baby Gray 

A visit to Sparta, NJ to see the Palleschi's!

Love these kids and getting them together <3

Someone had too much fun in NJ :) 

Ready for the 4th of July in the Vineyard - thanks to Vineyard Vines! :)

Happy Thursday ~ Thanks for stopping by! 

XO