Dysfunction Junction 2012

Last week was our annual beach trip with our friends - properly named Dysfunction Junction 2012.  Robert and I felt really fortunate because it was decided by everybody that we would vacation to Garden City Beach this year, which is only 2 1/2 miles away from our house.  We had to miss last year's trip because of Robert's job being so busy in the summer - taking vacation for him during June and July is a no go.  I'm not really sure what we'll do when next year rolls around - I'm hoping everyone had such a fabulous time they might decide to make Garden City the "it" spot :)

It was also decided that this year would be all about the kids.  So we did the water park, Wonder Works (of course), Miracles baseball game VIP style and beach, pool, beach pool...

It was loads of fun and absolutely exhausting all wrapped into one.  This was the first time however that I could've done another day or two.  Until next year, my friends...

Happy 4th Birthday

Happy Birthday to You.

Happy Birthday to You.

Happy Birthday, Dear Evan.

Happy Birthday to You.

And Many, Many More...

We love you - so, so, so much!

Today was an eventful one, as all birthdays should be.  We shared a massive amount of cupcakes and treats with Evan's preschool class then ventured off to the movie theater to take in The Adventures of Spider Man in 3D.  Evan LOVED it.  I was slightly uncomfortable with the gunfire, but Evan's humongous grin every time Spider Man swung across the City from his web made me relax a little.  There was also a part in the movie when Peter Parker and Gwen were making out hot and heavy - Evan looked at me smiling, then puckered up and started continuously kissing me on the cheek.   I'll be sure to keep him away from "R" rated films for a looong time.

We had a family party - just the four of us, Mimi and Grandma Bopp via Skype.  Evan got presents related to his two loves in life, cars and angry birds.  The new Hot Wheels track wins out I think.

This time next year, my little boy will be heading off to Kindergarten!  Ahhh!  I must savor every minute of this next year.

All 8 of Us

The Farrells and the Stinnetts reunited this past weekend, but the Farrells were plus one since our last gathering.  Sarah, Dan and Dylan welcomed Eleanor in late November of last year and she has finally reached the age where traveling and staying over night isn't too chaotic and exhausting.  Not to say she didn't wake up mom and dad in the wee hours of the morning both nights they were here - she wasn't gonna make it that easy.

We did exactly what young families should do in the summer...

Friday night - welcome with big hugs, let kids go nuts, put kids to bed, have adult time on the porch
Saturday - pool, cookout, put kids to bed, have adult time on the porch
Sunday - beach, lunch, say goodbye

There is nothing more special and comforting than old friends, which is why I treasure every picture we take - and we always get some good ones.