Summer Break: Week Five!

The week which always has the most pictures, the most fun, the most memories, the most smiles and the most exhaustion... haha!  I absolutely love our annual beach trips with my family.  Seven years ago (when Zander was just three months old), we started going to the beach with my family sometime during the month of July.  Since that first trip, we have added two more kids (and one more on the way)!  With the added kids, we have had to account for different schedules, different personalities and different interests.  Regardless of the changes in the family dynamic, we always manage to make it a week that is fun and memorable for the whole family..... young and old!  We always seem to plan the meals just right where the kids are full, but we make sure we don't have too many leftovers so we are ready for the next meal!  The Bakewell ladies go grocery shopping the first night, and I'm pleased to say that for the first time, we didn't have to go back to the grocery store the entire week!  We planned to eat in for breakfast, lunch and three dinners.  We had cereal, pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage and two different breakfast casseroles for breakfast.  For lunch, we alternated between sandwiches and leftovers from previous nights' dinners.  For dinner, we ordered pizza the first night.  Then, we cooked tacos, spaghetti and hot dogs for our other three nights at "home".  We ate out three different evenings...... returning to Dockside and Inlet View while also trying a new restaurant, Clark's Seafood and Chophouse.  I tried crab dip at two of the three locations we went to..... making me think I could start to be a food critic, commenting on my seafood favorites! haha At Clark's Seafood and Chophouse, I opted for the she crab soup instead.  We were able to meet up with family friends, the Shorrs, which made the evening even more special.  During the day, I managed to fit in a run each morning before heading to the beach with the family.  We would get to the beach by 10:00 a.m. each day after a leisurely breakfast.  (The boys were up before 6:00 a.m. each morning so it was definitely an extended period of time taking it easy at the house before heading out the door!)  At the beach, the boys loved going in the waves with daddy!!  Zander would practice "surfing" the waves with his Paw Patrol kick board (thank you Grammy and Grandpa!) while Maddox was content "jumping the waves" with daddy.  The water was rather rough the few days that Zack was with us.  Fortunately, I got the calmer seas after he left.  I was able to brave the ocean (thanks to Grammy's help), ensuring the boys were still able to swim each day.  Both boys loved going under the waves and practicing their swimming skills (with an adult within arm's reach, since I was terrified of them getting swept out to sea! haha)  The boys also played baseball, fed the birds, threw the frisbee, built sandcastles (Emmy's favorite part of the beach), kicked a soccer ball, threw a football, got buried in sand and sprayed water at any adult needing to be cooled off!  Around lunch time, we would head back to the house and the boys would cleanup in the outdoor shower.  We would eat lunch (options mentioned above ;)) and then the kids would nap.  I fit in a nap on a couple days and also relaxed and watched some TV on the couch.... both these things rarely happen at home!  We fit in ice cream a few evenings.  We also took the boys to the pier and arcade one night.  Before Zack had to leave on Wednesday, we played our first round of putt putt as a family.  The weather was cloudy and cool so it was perfect to opt for an activity other than the beach for his last morning.  We met my parents, Linds and Emerson at the park on Zack's way out of town which was equally enjoyable due to the milder temperatures.  On our way back home on Saturday, we went to Kalawi Farms, a favorite of the Kennedys.  We got some yummy ice cream, and I was able to grab one more cute picture of the cousins!  Enjoy way too many pictures of a week that always flies by way too fast!  Of course, I had to include the comparison collages of our annual beach adventures!

Zack met us at the beach since he had to be in Atlanta the day before our trip.  The boys and I were able to ride with my parents to the beach and back this year.  We were loaded down with stuff for sure!  Since we couldn't get into our house until 4:00 p.m., we opted to get down there early and have an extra day at the beach!

Until next year......

Summer Break 2019: Week Four!

We've had a wonderful fourth week of summer!! First, we took the boys to see the new Spiderman movie on Sunday ..... it was the first non-animated movie we have been able to see in the theaters!! Of course, my Marvel-loving hubby was excited that we could all go together to see one of his all time favorite superheroes!  The boys were wonderful through the whole movie and I feel like we have just entered a new stage with them.  We might have less date nights because of this but I think we are going to enjoy going to the movies more often as a family of four!

 Also, we have had Vacation Bible School at our church this week!  It is always one of my favorite weeks of the year.  It is just so fun to be a part of such an awesome experience for children (this year had over 600 kids coming through VBS).  I have been helping in the teacher role for the elementary kids for three years now.  This was the first year that I got to see one of my own kids come through my room!! Zander loved seeing mommy in "character".  Each year we have a different theme, and I am amazed at how our church members work together to transform our church into whatever the theme is.  This year's theme was "Monumental- God is Good!"  We are celebrating 25 years of VBS at our church, and five of the favorite themes over the years made up the rooms that the kids would rotate between.  Our room was called "Knight's Quest", where as a princess, I talked about the role of a knight and compared that to the story in the bible where King Jehoshaphat waited on God before going into battle against three armies.  We talked about how both situations showed patience (it takes 13 years to train to be a knight) and Jehoshaphat prayed and fasted before heading into battle.  He didn't even have to fight the battle because God already defeated the three armies, leaving no one left for the kingdom of Judah to fight.  This connected nicely with our bible verse: "Lead me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art the God of my salvation, on thee do I wait all the day". (Psalm 25:5) After this, our youth minister would jump in with a fun little skit using the sword and the stone mentioning that the "one who is worthy to remove the sword must have faith"...... not faith in themselves but in God.  After this, he talks about the armor of God and how this armor can protect us today against our enemy, the devil.  It has been so much fun to work with a different group of students each day.  The younger kids especially liked my princess costume! haha  In reality, it is so great to be involved in this ministry.  I feel like I can focus on sharing God's love and message to these children while also being "mom" and interacting with Z and M before and after each VBS session.  Here are some pictures from the room I am in and some pictures of the boys (the boys and girls compete to see who can bring in the most pennies.... hence why they are trading dollars for coins to go in the boys' container.... the losing gender gets "decorated" on Friday with crazy items to match the 25th birthday celebration)...... you can tell in the last picture of Maddox that he really loves VBS.... his smile makes me literally laugh out loud!

VBS has been each morning.  So in the afternoons/evenings, we have had fun as well.  On Tuesday, we drove to Durham to catch up with Sam and her kids at the Museum of Life and Science.  With her living in Georgia, I love these yearly visits when she is in NC visiting family.  It is crazy to think I've known her 18 years at this point, exactly half my life!  God definitely blessed me with her as my college roommate freshman year.  Its crazy to think about all we have experienced since then.  I love that we are still so close in spite of the physical distance between where we live now.

On Wednesday, we went swimming in our neighbor's pool after naps.  The boys are doing so great swimming without any puddle jumpers!! I truly cannot believe I have two swimmers this summer (and that Maddox has never taken a swimming lesson... I guess that's the 2nd child for ya!)!! I love that they can get the extra practice next door where it is easy to watch them and have them swim to me!  Tonight, I am going out to dinner with the ladies I work with!  We always have the best time and I'm looking forward to catching up on everyone's summers!! Tomorrow is our last day of VBS! We love the closing ceremonies!!  Then, I guess its off to week five of summer break.... stay tuned.....

Summer Break 2019: Week Three!

We had a pretty laid back week!  I have been recovering from some sort of head cold so it felt great to have a little extra relaxation built into our week of fun!! On Monday, we went to the lake with the Williams family again!  The boys loved having their hair spiky so the next day Maddox requested it when he woke up! He is such a cutie!!  I cleaned the house Monday afternoon while both boys rested.

 On Tuesday, we went to see Great Grandma and take her to visit Great Grandpa.  We also went to play at the park and pick out some library books at our local library.  I went to church on Tuesday night to help set up for bible school which is next week.  On Wednesday, we went to the movies with Emerson.  We were able to take advantage of a $1 movie theater that was playing "How to Train  Your Dragon: Hidden World".  We bought a large popcorn that had one free refill so we ate our weight in popcorn and enjoyed the comfy recliner seats!  We ate lunch at Chickfila afterwards.

 On Thursday, we went back to the library and the park.  While we were at the park, the boys wanted to bring tennis rackets.  Of course, the only ones I had were mine and Zack's from high school so they haven't been used in awhile! Check out Zander's hands and face after playing tennis for a bit! haha  It looks like I might need to re-wrap the handle on my racket!  We also fit in bike rides that morning!

Thursday afternoon, we went with Grammy and Grandpa to see Toy Story 4 in the theaters!! Two movies in one week!! We are feeling pretty special!

 On Friday, we went to Mia's house to swim at her neighborhood pool.  Maddox decided to try swimming without his puddle jumper and didn't look back! I think we have another swimmer in our house! He is so fearless!  I continue to pray for safety for the kiddos around water as they are discovering their abilities and limitations.  After naps, we went for scooter rides and took Burke for a walk!

 Today, we went to the science center with the White family!! The boys loved spending time with Seph and Sophie!! We had a great day, and I am happy to report that my boys took a nap!  I got to fit one in too!  Daddy has been hard at work in the yard while we have relaxed this afternoon.  He has been so busy at work this week and he helped take care of Grannie who had knee replacement surgery on Wednesday.  Fortunately, Grannie is home recovering and Daddy got to enjoy a day with our crazy crew at the science center! :)

Grandpa and Grammy dropped off rackets for the kids to use when we go to the tennis courts in the future.  It cracks me up that Zander fell asleep with his during nap time today! haha

Summer Break 2019: Week Two!

We have been busy yet again!  I am finding that I am going to have to schedule in some rest time these upcoming weeks because I don't think I'll be able to keep up this pace! haha  Of course, I have tried to be extra productive each day and by the end of week two I had some sort of sickness.  For our entire drive to Atlanta on Thursday my stomach was killing me and on Friday I felt like I had some sort of head cold.  Fortunately, I am starting to feel better but I can tell that my body is telling me its time to take a break!  Hopefully my third weekly summer break post will reflect some needed relaxation.  Until then.... here is our week two! 

On Monday, we went to the lake with the Williams family!  I water skied for the first time since high school (and was a little sore for a few days afterward.... apparently I am not as young as I used to be! haha).  The boys got to tube off the back of the boat and swim around in a little beach area.  Zander continues to impress me with his swimming abilities and Maddox follows right behind him... just as fearless.... but still with his puddle jumper safely in place!  I didn't take any pictures because I really have to watch my little explorers the entire time we are near the water!  Safety first! :) 

  

We went to the science center on Tuesday.  The boys did such a great job attending to some of the academic tasks they have available.... putting together some pretty tricky puzzles, creating their own puppet shows, listening to the entire shark tank presentation and creating some pretty impressive block structures. We had a picnic lunch at the lake/park area that is connected to the science center.  I went to work for the afternoon for a couple meetings (thank you Grammy for watching the boys).  Then, with the boys in tow, we met up with one of my best friends, Ginny, for an ice cream snack as she was passing through our town.  

On Wednesday, we stayed home. I got everything packed for our Atlanta adventure to see the Stanwoods, including our favorite nephew. :) We cuddled and watched some movies and tried to enjoy some down time. 
Thursday morning, we got an early start south.  Uncle Jay shot off some fireworks at their house that night, and we had a pretty low key Independence Day celebration since I was not feeling well at all!  You can see our only "family picture" from the holiday was in the car as we first pulled away from our home.

On Friday, we took the MARTA to downtown Atlanta.  The kids loved taking a train ride.  We were going to try the Centennial Olympic Park splash pad (hence the boys in their bathing suits) but it was closed due to the fireworks display the night before.  So we took a picture in front of the CNN building and walked around a bit before heading back to a splash pad closer to Aunt A and Uncle Jay's house.  You can also see how close we were to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium (home of the Atlanta Falcons) in one of the collages below.

 On Saturday, we went to Hippo Hop in the morning.  The boys got to bounce, slide and climb for a couple hours.  We planned for early naps for the little boys before heading to the Atlanta Braves stadium for the boys' first Major League Baseball game!  We made it to the 7th inning stretch.  It was so exciting walking around such a large stadium.  There really isn't a bad seat in the whole place!  Unfortunately, the Braves did not bring home a win.  They lost to the Miami Marlins, 5-4.  We did get to see each of the runs scored before we left.  The most exciting thing for us was that the first Braves' player up to bat hit a home run off the first pitch from the Marlins!  Fireworks went off and the crowd went crazy!! Since we didn't get to see many fireworks on the 4th, it was fun to see some after each run scored or after each strikeout!

We headed home on Sunday.  We are all pretty tired from our adventures.... we can't wait to see what week three has in store! ;)