Finding Dory

We still love to watch Finding Nemo and were eagerly awaiting the release of Finding Dory. It took us a little bit to get there and we had to coordinate with Michael, but today was the day.

Connor was finishing up his afternoon snack of a pretzel before walking in.

There were previews of the next Disney film, Moana, which looks amazing and has beautiful music, and Secret Life of Pets, which is is definitely on our list of must sees this summer.

Prior to any Pixar film, there is a short release that typically has no words but tells a terrific story. The story was titled Piper and showed how difficult it is for a baby bird to learn how to function near the water.  Piper is pummeled by some surf and becomes afraid of her habitat.  She eventually learns how to negotiate the water by an unlikely source, a hermit crab.

It was time for the main feature, Finding Dory. There was a little bit of a flashback but we were introduced to Baby Dory, a/k/a kelpcake to her parents, Jenny and Charlie.

It was on a trip to the drop off that Dory determined that he needed to find her parents because she knew they were alive.

Marlin and Nemo followed but after a confrontation, they were separated.  They summoned their friend, Crush, and got a ride to the Jewel of Morrow Bay, CA.  This is where Dory had gone to find her parents.

After a long journey,  Marlin and Nemo arrived at the Institute and were greeted by Fluke and Rudder, the seas lions in charge of the shallow bay area. They expressed a need for help and were directed to Becky.  A skeptical Marlin gave in and there were some really funny moments that ensued.

While Marlin and Nemo were getting carted around by Becky,

Dory had found a disgruntled septopus that just wanted to go to Cleveland of all places.  Hank, the septopus, didn't really want to interact with people or other animals and Dory taught him the benefit of being friends.

We finally met Dory's pipe pals, Bailey and Destiney, who did in fact teach her how to speak whale!!! 

A lot of blue tangs but still not Jenny and Charlie.  During this time, Connor encouraged Dory by stating "you can do it" and Jackson confirmed "I never wanna loose my family."

There was an exciting scene full of adventure that involved an octopus driving a delivery vehicle, that vehicle crashing into the bay, a cuddle party performed by some otters to distract drivers by and an escape that eventually gave Dory enough memories to figure out how to find her parents. Without Hank, none of it would have been possible

During their adventures, Marlin realizes that sometimes you just need to ask "what would Dory do" when you are stuck and can't find your way.   After getting reunited with Marlin and Nemo, Dory remembers the seashell path is what would lead her back to her family and it does.

There was a lot of buzz about staying for the credits and I'm so happy that we did despite how hungry we all were (it was a really long movie) because all of the aquarium fish from the dentist's office made an appearance. Apparently, they are still trying to figure out where they want to live.  They did make it a long way from Sydney, Australia.

Towson 4th of July Fireworks on the 5th

After a rain out on the 4th, we headed over to Calvert Hall to get a good spot for some fireworks.  We had never been out of concern for crowds but thought it wouldn't be so bad since it had to be rescheduled and was on a weekday.

Once we arrived, Connor and Michael started playing catch and there was lots of running around and playing soccer and baseball with other kids.

The boys found Joshua from Connor's Rodgers Forge class.  Connor was not happy with the way that the boys from his class were divided out.  He gets Beck but looses Joshua, Gus and most importantly, Luke.  So, he was very happy to see Josh.

Josh shared glow bracelets with the boys after they played some soccer and baseball.

The sky was amazing as we waited for the sun to go down.   The fireworks show was amazing and we were able to easily leave the spot we were parked in.  This could definitely become a yearly event.

Celebrating the 4th of July

The weather forecast for the actual 4th of July wasn't all that good so Gina and Tony changed their get together to July 3rd.  After fun at the zoo in the morning, we were off to their house in the late afternoon as we knew it could be a potentially late night.

Connor had picked his hot dog race shirt and was adamant about getting it claiming that he could wear it for all the red white and blues day holidays.  He paired it with a hat as his wound from the stitches needed to be protected from the direct sun. It was overcast but he was adamant that he was wearing a hat to be safe.

In preparation of the fireworks display, the kids were all given sprinklers.  It was our boys' first time and they loved it.  Jackson was a little hesitant but Connor kept going back for more and more. Jackson is a really good jude of things that could be dangerous and despite liking it, he didn't want to run the risk of  possibly hurting himself.

While we waited for the sun to go down, we were treated to a beautiful view of the sunset. It was amazing.  We've encouraged the boys to become aware of the beauty that is out there and I've focused a lot on the sun setting. Both of them came up to me to point it out.

Once the sun finally set, the boys decided on a blanket and got ready for the fireworks to begin.  It was a great day with family celebrating the 4th.

Tony was definitely displaying some firework envy. Apparently, his neighbors knew a better place to go or had a bigger budget.  Apparently, there is an unlimited budget next year.  It is really nice that you can see all the other fireworks but if you are hosting, I could see there being a lot of envy.

Anoki Up and more fun with the penguins

It was a semi bearable day with the heat and with Michael home, we decided to get him to the zoo. We happened upon the keepers working with the polar bear, Anoki.  Earlier this year, we had been to the zoo and the keepers were trying to cue Anoki to go up and she wasn't really responded.

When we first arrived, Anoki was in the pool after getting a reward.  So, we stayed awhile.

And, we finally got to see Anoki go UP to earn her reward and go splashing into the pool and get it.

After spending a considerable amount of time  with the polar bears, we moved on to the penguins.

The penguins were active and were swimming in and out of the viewing area by the penguin education center, which is our favorite part of the exhibit.

The videos and pictures that you can get in the education center are amazing. It's as if the boys are actually part of the exhibit.  We spend a lot of time in this area when we can find the penguins.  Often times, we will skip the penguin exhibit during feeding time as they are not very active in the education center  until later in the day, which is what we've noticed.  We always make sure to stop by on our way out.

The pink backed pelicans were a recent addition to the exhibit and are great to watch too.  For a little while that is, until a penguin goes swimming by..

Anytime that you can get a picture of your 1st born like this, you stay as long as it takes.

Celebrating Nils

The boys were very excited that the day had finally arrived to celebrate Nils.  They were very excited to receive the invitation and were looking forward to the day of the party.

Caden, Connor and the birthday boy Nils (our favorite Swede).

Before the pizza, there was an insane consumption of fruit by the kids attending the party. It was so nice to see them eating fruit.  Connor actually was willing to try to the watermelon probably because of peer pressure.  Now, we know that we can try it at home.

After pizza, there was an awesome treasure hunt organized by Esther, Nils' older sister. The kids really enjoyed themselves.

Before we left, there was ice cream cake and some cupcakes.  The ice cream cake was from Coldstone and lost on the boys but definitely not the parents that were arriving to pick up their kids. Jackson had the best time sitting next to Emma, who put away a serious amount of food.

Since we walk past Nils' house on the way home, we will often walk with his family on the way home. Jackson LOVES himself some Emma and tries to hug her and let her know how fond he is of her.  These feelings are definitely not reciprocated.  In his defense, Cecilia often has to wake Emma up from her nap for school pick up.

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY NILS.

We are going to miss you and your infections laugh when you leave us next year but we won't talk about it.  We will enjoy all the time we have left with you before you and your family return to Sweden.