Outdoor fun

Last weekend we took the kiddoes on a few day trips not far from home. On Sunday we packed a picnic lunch and went on a hike. The trail was along a cliffside overlooking the water with the most spectacular view. I could hardly stand walking a few feet without whipping out the camera (I had to stop at the request of my husband who claimed that I was slowing them down). Who could resist? Just look at that view. The kids didn't want to slow down either since they were so excited to get to the lighthouse at the end of the mile long trail.

When we reached the clearing of trees the kids raced to the lighthouse door and they were SO EXCITED to be able to go inside. Brent and Scott even braved the crazy stairs and got to look out from the top. Check out the picture of the view from the bottom of the stairs and note the ladder that is at the top of the stairs, my little man went up that too. Brave guy. Me, well, I went half way up the stairs while holding Allie and then totally chickened out. I backed down, scared shitless that I was going to drop her.

Anyhoo, here a few more pictures, the last one of the kids sitting on the lighthouse stairs is my favorite. After I downloaded the last picture I noticed both kids had sandals on that Henry, our pup, chewed and Allie has part of her PB&J sandwich on her face. (Makes me love the picture even more 'cause it really reflects who we are.)

*when I get a chance I'll post our another excursion from last weekend to Historic Philadelphia. Cool pics too.

**Well I survived (barely) my first week back to school. So, that's 1 week down and only 15 more to go until winter break. But who's counting?

water babes

Huh, beach blanket? Sand toys? Why bother lugging that stuff. Can't get my little fishes out of the water. They even eat their lunch while standing in the water. Nothing like a PBJ with sand and salt water...yum. I know, there's a rule about waiting 30 minutes after a meal to swim, but try and tell my kids that. No complaining of belly aches all week, so they must have been fine.

There's nothing my kids love more than playing in the ocean (well, the bay, sans strong waves and undertow - much more fun for the kids AND mom). The only draw back to taking kids to the shore is schlepping the 100 pounds of cumbersome beach paraphernalia. Remember J0hn Candy in Summ*r Rental? I always think of that movie as I have a bazillion things in my hands and hanging off my arms & shoulders. So, I'm ordering this today - no more bruised arms for moi.

***Wanna guess what kind of sea creature Scott is holding in the first picture?

(we had no clue, but the 10 yr old hanging out with the kids informed us...nothing like being outsmarted by a 4th grader)

HAKUNA MATATA

Brent and I, along with my friend and her son, went to see Broadway's The LION KING today at the Academy of Music, in Philadelphia. I've wanted to see this play FOR EVER. I was hoping that I didn't regret the expense for my son's ticket, ouch -and the $4 chocolate chip cookie, that was the size of his head (that I finished off), the souvenirs and drinks, double ouch. But, this was an opportunity that I didn't want him (or me) to miss. Oh well, it's only money (ha!) and it was certainly worth every penny. I purchased these tickets a year ago and had nightmares that I forgot about the show and missed it or lost the tickets. I'm much better at buying tickets a month in advance, not a year in advance. I digress.

Anyhoo, I was worried that my son wouldn't get the symbolism in the play, but at one point I said, "Look the fabric is disappearing into the floor" and Brent responded "That's supposed to be the rivers and lakes drying up Mom" - well, DUH, I knew that (NOT). Sometimes our kids are smarter than we realize - and smarter than their parents.

I was Brent's age, almost 7, when I saw my very first 'real' play, Annie, and I still remember getting dressed up, going into the city and sitting in the red velvet seats in the theater. It was exciting for me as a kid and very cool to share this type of experience with my son. It was one of those times when I had to stop, take in the day, and realize the imprint it will have on my son's childhood memories.

One word to describe this play - SPECTACULAR. It totally earned its reputation. LOVED IT! LOVED IT! LOVED IT!

If you haven't seen it and the opportunity presents itself, don't miss it.

(If I figure out my camera glitch, I'll upload a few pics.)