Happy Birthday America

Alternatively titled, "Puke Free is the Way to Be." Because, my friends, that is the truth.

We have been treated to temperature surpassing 100 degrees here in the Garden State, and there is only one way to take full advantage. So, we jumped in the car at 7:45 this morning and headed to the shore. We got off the parkway, devoured breakfast at IHOP (that doesn't make us ghetto does it?), and were frolicking in the sand by 9:30.

Tessa, beginning of beach day

Linley began content in the sand, while Ryder and I eeked our way into the water (that's us in the background, eeking).

She is my sun goddess.

Within minutes Ryder was neck-deep, giggling with each wave that he had to swim through. I was obviously a little excited for him. Also obvious, I was feeling patriotic today. I am nothing if not festive.

Soon enough, Linley opted to join us in the water. Never more than shin deep, but that is progress people.

Miss Tessa was back to her perfect form. She stayed completely content in the tent for 5 hours. All she needed was a sippy and her snacks. Not a peep. Sadly, she is not a fan of the sand or the water. As in, guaranteed blood curdling screams will ensue. My goal by end of summer is to have her happy with her butt planted in the ocean. I am not optimistic.

Tessa, end of beach day

We left the beach at 2:15, and arrived home at 3:15, majorly patting ourselves on the back for smartly avoiding any hint of traffic on possibly the busiest beach day of the year. We were then smacked in the face by a smoking hot house and no electricity. Talk about a warm welcome (I am so freaking hilarious).

We hurried and bathed and showered, then headed for air conditioning. At the mall. Naturally. Allen ran around with the kids, while I shopped. Again, naturally. Then we filled up on grease and shakes at Johnny Rockets.

Came home to a still hot house, only this time to the sweet sound of a/c. Now Tess is sleeping, and the kids are watching a movie/resting up for a raucous night of fireworks in town with daddy.

I, however, we will lying by a fan, completely comatose.

I honestly don't think days come better than this. Summer, I love you so much I could marry you.

Note: Allen was at the beach with us. And received equal billing in pictures. He, however, refuses to let me post pictures of him without his shirt on. This the man who works out five days a week on his body of steel. Humble he is. He probably wishes I shared that trait.

Grandparent's Z Visit: Central Park

I fully realize these pictures are all nearly the same, and that is semi-annoying to look at, but I couldn't pick a favorite, so suck it up. Thanks.

Due to the chick who was certain to puke at any given moment, and kids who were sure to meltdown within minutes, we were forced to forgo out planned dining excursion at the Shake Shack. Disappointing, but on top of the list for next time. When I finally get to go row boating through the park without fear of blowing chunks. So unfortunate.

Instead we strolled through the park, stopping to let the kids play at a playground, and the adults (note, I am appropriately not included in that statement) wander around Belvedere Castle.

The day ended looking a little like this. Me gulping down Diet Coke in hopes of surviving the trip home, the girls delirious, and Ryder begging for the opportunity to bite someone's head off.

Luckily the drive home was fast and I was able to go crawl in my covers, while Allen and his wonderful parents took the kids to dinner, bathed them and put them to bed.

Much thanks you fabulous three.

Sunday was a full day of church and relaxing, and then our fun ended. Grandma and Grandpa Z headed out way too early this morning and the kids are already missing them like crazy.

Come back and see us soon!!

And may this nasty bug be gone from this house. Pretty, pretty please.

Grandparent's Z Visit: Natural History Museum

We woke up bright and early Saturday morning to drive into the city for our day of big adventure. Some of us (me) woke up extra bright at early (2 am) feeling the uncontrollable urge to yak. That urge didn't go away until Sunday. Sort of put a damper on my day. But enough about that.

Allen successfully drove us into the city in less than 40 minutes. Well done studly man. We began at the Natural History Museum.

Where Linley seemed unable to force any sort of expression resembling a smile.

I may be the biggest dork I know.

  
 

 
 
 
 
 

The Grandparent's Z Visit: Jersey Shore Style

Grandma and Grandpa Z came for a little visit on Thursday. We were so excited to have them. Especially after Ryder puking his guts out on Wednesday in celebration of his last day of school. I was really looking forward to some fun in the sun.

Allen took Friday off and we all headed down to The Shore. It was a most phenomenally perfect beach day.

Until Tessa puked her guts out. On Allen. Then again. On me. Then again in the Sportzbrella. I had grand plans of fabulous blogworthy pictures of kids in cute suits, family sand castles, waves crashing over unsuspecting heads, and grandparents soaking in the sun. Instead, I spent my time cuddling a nasty stenched baby. Tragic.

Sadly, beach day only lasted three hours. Thanks Tess.

We're Not in College Anymore

..but that doesn't mean we don't like taking unattractive car photos any less than your random coed.

This weekend we hit the temple with some totally cool kids. I was privileged to ride in the same car as them. Sans Allen. It was fun. These two lovebirds are entertaining. You should try getting stuck in two hours of traffic with them. You may never be the same.

The whole crew reunited. Which means, time for more backseat photos. It's been a while since college. We're a little rusty.

Those smiles are authentic. We may have missed our before temple dinner reservations, but our after temple mexican food at Rosa Mexicana was worth the wait. As in, nearly 4 years of living in New Jersey without the joy of tasty mexican goodness pleasing my taste buds, wait.

Happy late father's day fabulous father's in my life. I love you manly men.

Ryder's Kindergarten Graduation

Introducing the 2010 Graduating Class of Wilson Primary Center, Summit, NJ

Can you spot Ryder???

Ryder's Kindergarten class

Congratulations to the studliest, smartest, most loved Kindergartner of all time!!

Ryder with his fab teachers: Miss Curcio and Mrs. Osmulski

She also wears her sunglasses at night. What can I say? That girl's a rockstar.

...and now for the huge, gigantic, buzz kill...

There is still one more week of school left. What a crock.

Happy Birthday Tessa Jane!!!

We celebrated baby girl's birthday on Sunday since daddy won't be getting home until after she is asleep and Ryder has a T-ball game tonight. Neither conducive to a child's first birthday.

Keeping her eye on the prize. This girl knows what she likes!

"Hmmh, is this for me???"

"What's the hold up? I need this in my face now."

"You all keep singing. I am just going to help myself here."

"Mmh, now that's more like it."

This girl was not shy about her cake. She dove right in, completely content to be covered in her own chocolate filth.

She enjoyed her cake so much, in fact, that she insisted hugging each bite before shoving into her mouth. Cutest. Thing. Ever.

I think it's safe to say she liked it.

Really liked it.

This child is the best. She is magnetic and joyful and chub full of fabulousness. Thank you for finally deciding to sleep through the night dear one year old.