Six for a Day

Emily is a child that thoroughly enjoys her birthday.  This year, it was on a school day, so she really lived it up.  I baked and frosted cupcakes to her exact specifications which Lee brought in to school for her for her birthday celebration.  She also wore a brand new outfit to school.  She was so, so happy to celebrate with all of her friends and even more happy to be the center of attention all day!!

The girls helped me accessorize Emily's cupcakes. 

She wanted an Angry Birds theme but iParty only had Tinkerbell, Hello Kitty and Barbie, so Barbie won out. 

New top, skirt and headband for school. 

Working on thank you notes wearing her birthday crown from school.  Three days later, she was still wearing it around the house.

Emily is Six!

Our baby girl is six today and this year, like all of the others, I am stunned by how quickly the time goes.  Emily has grown by leaps and bounds these last twelve months.  She marched through kindergarten with determination and has done a terrific job, making Lee and I so proud of all of her hard work and accomplishments.  She is both fiercely independent and amazingly clingy, depending on the circumstances.  We are always surprised by the things that she says and she always makes us laugh.  She is generous with her kisses, loving and nurturing, and kind to others (most of the time).  Over the last year, she started playing soccer; learned to swim without a bubble; is just about ready to read on her own; can do simple math; went on her first, all-by-herself-no-mommy-needed play date; and became a very responsible little girl.  We are very proud of the little person she is growing into and cannot wait to see what the next year will bring!!  Happy birthday sweet little baby Emily!!!  We love you.

Harkness Memorial State Park

The (previously mentioned) car show was held at Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, which we had never been to before, so after the show, we spent some time exploring it.  The beach area was relatively small (a lot of it was closed off due to bird nesting) and it wasn't even clear that you could swim there, but we enjoyed walking around and loved the views.

Searching for rocks, sea glass, shells and other treasures. 

Walking on the beach.

British Car Show

On Sunday, Grammy and Grampy entered their two classic cars in a Bristish car show held in Waterford, Connecticut.  The day-long show featured several hundred cars and although we only caught the tail end of it, we were there in time to see many of them - and to see Grammy and Grampy each win first place for their cars!!  I think that the girls have caught a glimpse of the cars over the years, but this was the first time that they got to sit in them and they loved it!

Grampy's beloved 58 Austin Healey, which he built from scratch over the course of ten years, ordering parts from all over the world (pre-internet days!).

Elizabeth "driving" the Austin Healey. 

Grampy and the girls. 

Grampy driving the Austin Healey.

Grampy, the girls and his first place glass. 

Grammy show the girls the '71 MG Midget.

Grampy bought this MG before he and Grammy were married and they drove it to Nova Scotia on their honeymoon.  It's so tiny, I can't even imagine that trip. 

Elizabeth "drove" the MG too! 

Grammy and the girls.

Grammy, the girls and her first place glass. 

Showing off their glassware!! 

Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, our annual tradition is to take in the local parade on Main Street.  This year, we met up with a bunch of friends to watch the parade together - it was great fun for the kids and adults alike, but the best part is seeing all of our friends marching in the parade.  The kids really love it!!!

My patriotic girls!! 

We decked out our house in patriotic bunting again. 

Lounging around, waiting for the parade to begin. 

The girls. 

Megan, wearing her dad's lieutenant's hat after he finished marching with the local police.

Bri and Erin, playing flute.

Connor (above) and Justin (below) march with their little league teams.

It was hot.....

Buddies!!!

Field Day - Elizabeth

Elizabeth's school also had Field Day last week, our first at SMS.  All 10 grades (pre-K through 8) participate in Field Day together, and do all of the same events - depending on the grade, the event is either painful, hilarious or incredibly competitive.  After the lunch break, there is a class versus class tug 'o war competition (that is very competitive), a teacher competition (with plenty of pushing and shoving), and then the day ends with the 8th Grade Challenge, which is the beginning of school's week-long 8th grade send off.  It was pretty neat to spend the day there and watch all of the events, as well as the school spirit and camaraderie involved in the post-lunch events.

Elizabeth and Faith, before opening ceremonies started. 

Elisabeth and Elizabeth doing the kangaroo hop. 

Wheelbarrow races. 

Elizabeth and Isabella

Soccer 

Leap frog.

Hoola hoop challenge. 

Sack race. 

Field hockey. 

Tug 'o war - second grade kicked the first graders' butts! 

2nd Grade