Wanted to get these posted before we leave to meet the Kreiling family for the annual camping vacation! We had lots of fun fishing with GpaZ and of course enjoyed our visit with Nana as well. So, doesn't it look like they actually caught something????? :)

We had a great time in Chicago visiting with family and hanging out with Dan and Andy (and Uncle Chris & Aunt Julie) over the holiday weekend. We got to go boating and enjoy a good swim in the lake. We also visited the 4th of July carnival in Palatine - I would have to say the kids are too big for this ride anymore! :) And a big thank you to Aunt Julie who took us horseback riding - even though she couldn't join us with her dislocated knee cap....

Here are some pictures of the girls enjoying some time with Grandma Dooley. She had some special pieces of jewelry that she gave to them for their birthdays. The girls loved the jewelry as you can see!

This weekend was the big dance recital. We were thrilled to have Grandma and Grandpa Little come for the show. Maddy performed a piece from Swan Lake and Katie's class did a high energy hip hop number. Both girls did a great job and had lots of fun performing in the special costumes!

Although we miss Chicago, I have to say we love living in Philadelphia. We are studying the early 1600's in history and just started a chapter about Jamestown when I heard that the Godspeed was going to be in Philadelphia as part of the Jamestown 400th anniversary. It was really neat to be able to go on a replica of the actual ship that brought the first colonists to our country. They also had a cute play (from the animal's perspective) what it was like when the colonists first arrived and these pictures are of Maddy and Katie participating in the play.

The girls never tire of showing visitors the Liberty Bell - so if you come to visit, expect a trip to see the famous bell! :)
Here we are enjoying a visit to the Bell with Grandpa.

THE SUMMER HAIRCUTS!!!!




BEFORE...





DURING...


AFTER!

On our first day at Nana & Grandpa Z's, the boys did everything life at Nana's is known for - swimming in the pool, badmitton, driving the tractor, and GOLF! Here are some pictures from golfing - I'm pretty sure Nicky beat me this round! Joey had some great shots, too. Everyone had a lot of fun!!

While in Chicago for our first weekend in Illinois, cousin Mark showed us his fire station with all the cool engines and the living quarters of the fire fighters. Did you see Dad get his heartbeat checked out? The boys really enjoyed the trip! Thanks, Mark!

Here are the first pictures from the Kreiling boys' vacation with Nana and Grandpa Z. Note the two pictures - who's the adult in charge?

The girls (and our friend Zoe) made some beautiful stepping stones last weekend. I had to find a place of honor for them, so we created this garden yesterday - dug out all the weeds and old scraggly grass. The girls decided they wanted flowers in their garden, so we planted some impatients. We have to figure out a border for the garden so we can put some mulch down as well... Dad and the dogs supervised as you can see! :)

Okay, okay, Laura - here are the pictures! *grin*

The birthday cake had a beautiful picture of horses, which tasted good, too! We had to take the cake into the camper to get the candles to stay lit long enough for Katie to make a big wish!

Here's Kate opening her gifts, one of which was a giant red snake!!!!

It was two tired boys who drove back home over the Cheasapeake Bay Tunnel Bridge.

Here are some pictures of Katie enjoying her 7th birthday with Grandpa. We had a fantastic weekend camping at Assateague - lots of ponies and one even walked through the campsite! I unfortunately forgot my camera, so hopefully Amy will post some pictures.

Thank you Nana and Grandpa Z!

The much awaited house pictures!




The outside of our home - yes that is the extent of the yard!









The family room - with an art/play area for the girls. Yes, that is Craig's new TV.










The living room - sorry the camera doesn't like to be inside. The dark blob is the fireplace.









The teeny tiny kitchen - Craig wants to double the size in a remodel, I want to keep it nice and cozy! He is trying to entice me with making room to move the washer and dryer upstairs - he might win! :)








The patio on the garage.

The cousins are together again - a quick trip south by Laura and the girls to collect "Poppie" the pop-up camper.

It was a beautiful afternoon - highs in the mid 80s. So how did the kids amuse themselves? Playing poker!!! It was high stakes, too - jewelry made it into the pot during one hand!

Hope you all are enjoying your Spring!

The girls got a bit of spring fever the other day, but we still needed to finish school. I agreed to allow reading time outside and when I went to check on them this is what I found! Can you do that in public school???

We had an exciting Sunday - while scootering with our new friend Zoey, Maddy hit a bump. I think that the scooter won! Our dentist was kind enough to put her all back together again....