The Space Center

We recently drove to Cape Canaveral. The drive went surprisingly well. We stopped in Richmond at Buzz and Neds for a late dinner. Wesley walked in, smelled the barbeque and said, "I want ribs." The food was really good, especially the ribs. Josiah liked them also.

On Friday we went ate at Grills at Port Canaveral. Wesley asked for crab legs. He saw them on the menu. So, we let Wesley and Lydia split an order. It was more than enough food for both of them.
On Saturday we went to Cape Canaveral to tour the space center. Wow, there is a lot to do there. Here is a picture of the launch pad. It makes me sad to think about the shuttle program being over.

Have you seen the HBO miniseries, From the Earth to the Moon.? It is great! I remember in one of the episodes, the astronauts were racing each other in their corvettes.
Josiah practiced his walking.

Another family photo.

Future astronauts.
Josiah didn't want to cooperate for this picture.
We had a great time at the space center. We were there all day but we didn't do everything there.

Minnows and Water Balloons

Last year, Lang took Wesley and John fishing. This year he took the kids to the pond to catch minnows. This was a new experience for Wesley and Lydia and they loved it.

They caught a jelly fish.

They also caught several minnows.

Wesley was so happy.

I love how Lydia is very much a girly girl (she loves dresses, dolls, nail polish, makeup, and princesses) but she also likes exploring nature and doesn't mind getting a little dirt (or pond water in this case) on her dress.

The next morning, Lang filled water balloons for the kids. Notice how all five of the kids are in their pajamas. Josiah was taking a nap and missed out on the water balloons. I managed to get wet tying the water balloons. I accidently squirted myself with several balloons and several popped as I was trying to tie them.

Finally we had filled and tied all the water balloons and the kids were ready to throw them at each other.

It didn't take long to go through all the balloons but it was a lot of fun.

After the kids dried out in the sun, we let them watch a movie or two so the adults could play Rummikub.

Bethany Beach

Last Friday, we went to visit our friends at Bethany Beach. We got there in time for swim lessons then they kids played on the playground and we had a picnic lunch of pizza. Later in the day we went to the beach. Wesley and Lydia learned to boogie board. Wesley and James talked about their boarding. At some point, Joseph wanted to sit on Chris' lap. Josiah even tried the boogie board several times.The boys did a lot of digging. They dug a few very large holes. They also played in the ocean a lot. Lydia liked the boogie board too. We went back to the beach on Saturday afternoon.
Josiah wasn't a big fan of the ocean water. The water was cold!

Here he is a big hole that older kids dug.

John dug a big hole and a made a car ramp.

Michelle and Lang are so much fun.

Lydia and Joseph look like twins.

Here are some videos of Wesley boogie boarding.

Water Play Country Style

We recently visited my mom and dad. We stopped at a Walmart about 30 miles from their house because I forgot to pack the kids' toothbrushes. As soon as we got out of the car Wesley asked, "Are we in the country?"

Wesley loves to go for walks up and down my parents' long driveway.
Here is a picture of Lydia navigating the cattle guard. Josiah also did a little walking outside. In this picture he was taking a break.
The kids played with this big beach ball sprinkler. Notice the look of pure joy on Lydia's face.

Josiah thought it was one big water fountain.

Josiah didn't really want to be held. He wanted in on the action.

The Slipe N Slide was fun!

Uh oh, someone didn't wait her turn.

Josiah crawled up and down the soapy slide.

Saturday night we went out to eat in Mt. Airy, NC. I was so excited to see this little snow cone hut. I keep seeing pictures of snow cone places on facebook and blogs, but I don't think there is one inside the beltway.

Of course, Wesley and Lydia chose to drink most of the syrup with a draw rather than eating the ice.

On Sunday we visited Chris' aunt and uncle. Here is Josiah with Aunt Ieda.

Uncle Mike.

It was quick visit but we all had a good time in the country.

National Night Out

Our neighborhood had a big party for National Night Out. Last year we had an End of Summer Party but the two summers before that we participated in National Night Out.
The local fire department came. All the kids (and adults) liked getting a close look at the fire trucks.

Wesley pretended to drive one of the trucks. Later that night McGruff the Crime Dog showed up but we had already left.

We got a fly by from the police helicopter. It flew over once and then it came down pretty low. Of course, I didn't get a picture until the helicopter was higher. I think it was pretty exciting for the kids and adults when the helicopter flew right over us.

Of course, the moonbounce was a big hit.

Josiah even got to play on the playground.

He also made a new friend.

The ice cream truck was there the entire time but we made the kids eat a cheeseburger before they got ice cream. Lydia got her Astro Pop all over her mouth accidently at first but then she and Wesley purposely smeared it all over the lower half of their faces. Lovely.

We had a great turn out for the party. It was a fun night!