Labor Day Cookout with the Campbells

We headed over to the Campbells for a Labor Day cookout.  The wagon was full of food and beverages so the boys had to walk and did really well with listening.  We can provide landmarks for them to walk to and stop and they know to hesitate in the alleys and to not cross the street without holding hands. It's getting better.

Since we've been over there house many times, it's great to see them know where they are in the alley and locate their house from whichever way we are driving.  It's so nice to see how aware they are of their surrounds.   Jackson letting us know that we are almost there.

Miss Mary set up the pool and water table so that the kids had  plenty to entertain themselves with.

Connor was living it up in the pool.  He spent almost the entire time that we were at their house in the pool.  

Once the purple lips started,  we encouraged him to get out and join Mary Elizabeth and Jackson for dinner.  We were so proud of Jackson for eating a non-Oscar Meyer turkey frank. 

After dinner, the kids indulged in some cupcakes icing.

Mary Elizabet was not feeling well so we missed her normal spunky self and we hope that she gets better soon.  

 

A great way to end the summer and our last technical day of vacation!!!

2013 Family Vacation : Day 6 {Last Hurrah at the Wave Pool}

We headed over to the wave pool after naps to get in a late afternoon swim.

Toes in the sand on a beautiful Friday night.

This is a constant Connor face. I'm sure that there was a lot questioning going on.  There was live music, the sun was setting and it was getting later and we hadn't eaten dinner yet, which obviously relates to a TON of toddler questions.

ALL of my boys participated in a clean up sand toys party.

We didn't get home until after 7:30, which is an hour after the boys typically eat dinner.  They did great and enjoyed their time at the pool.  It was good to break up the normal routine and there was definitely a good night's sleep to be had by all of us after a lot of Fun in the Sun.

2013 Family Vacation : Day 6 {Rehoboth Beach}

We finally made it to the beach.   The boys helped us with carrying things since you have to park at a metered spot and walk to the beach. 

The boys couldn't walk in the sand with their shoes on.  They complained that it was uncomfortable and hot.  It was so funny to listen too.

To say that Jackson was happy to see the large beach would be an understatement.

Connor was a little concerned about the ocean and Jackson was SUPER excited about throwing his sand toys in the water.  He initially didn't realize that the water wasn't see through and that he could loose the toys.

Luckily, we have the daddy sand toy retrieval system in place.  He definitely came in handy and so did others that were kind enough to help us out retrieving the wayward boat.

Jackson really loved the ocean.  After warming up, he would run in and run back without concern of the waves at all. He figured out when the waves were crashing and made sure to get back in enough time.

Connor remained skeptical about the entire ocean and waves crashing. He was more than willing to let everyone get water for the beach pools.  Maybe he just appreciates being in a supervisory role.

Working together on digging the beach pools.

I could have taken hundreds of pictures of Jackson in his gust for the ocean.  It was such a difference in comparison to last year when they would barely let their feet get wet.  He was so happy about the entire experience.

Connor tends to follow Jackson in most things but he wasn't willing to give in on the ocean.  He barely warmed up to the idea of getting his feet wet.

The happiness is just heart melting. 

We'll leave the ocean to Jackson and let Connor be our man in the sand.

2013 Family Vacation : Day 5 {Wave Pool}

We headed out to the wave pool.  On our way out, Jackson was admiring a scissor lift doing some maintenance on the condo.  He was very excited about this lift and wanted to stay and watch them do their work. 

He agreed to join us when the option of helping with the elevator presented itself.

Once we arrived at the pool, the boys were off in separate directions.  Connor went to the water and Jackson was off to the playground AGAIN! 

Connor working the bucket and helping out with water retrieval to help with the sand pools.

The noodle was used for fishing.  Their imaginations are amazing.

Jackson and the serious face working with the sand toys.

This portion of the day is really disturbing to me.  I'm not so certain that he does it because he likes the taste of the chlorine, which doesn't make much sense, or if he does it to make us laugh.  He is kind of silly that way BUT it's so disgusting. 

We were doing everything we could to encourage him to come in to the water but he is obviously happy playing.

Connor heading in once the waves started.  He had finally figured out the noises and the timing and placement so that he wouldn't get knocked over.