Lucky Layover

On their way to Europe, my parents and youngest sister had an extended layover in Newark. So the kids and I met up with them and we passed the time at the nearby IKEA - food, shopping, entertainment for the kids, and ice cream - what could be better?!

Taking in a show:


The international travelers:


Playing with Nana:








Ellie tries out all the toys:


In Ellie's words: "ICE CREAM!!!!!"


We had such a great time with Nana, Pop, and Auntie Kelly - why don't you fly in every afternoon, and we do this every day?? :)

The Great Swamp

In May, the preschool lessons were about "Meet me at the Pond", so we took one last field trip to The Great Swamp. Apparently, it's a huge swamp (hence the name!), and it's only about 10 minutes away. There are nice boardwalk trails {ie: easy for strollers} and a cute nature center. We were able to see lots of wildlife - birds, fish, chipmunks, a frog, and PLENTY of bugs.

Looking for fish and water striders:


Can you spot the frog?


Lincoln + Raquel (the other kids were sick and/or had moved away)
{I think Linc has a little crush on Raquel -he always says she's cute} :)


Ellie was very interested in this turtle!

Memorial Day Weekend

On Saturday we got up early and drove out to Long Island with some friends for the Jones Beach Air Show. Anyone who knows Lincoln knows that this sounds like HEAVEN to this guy - water, jets, sand...and more jets!! It really was spectacular. The beach was totally packed with people, but the kids could play and we were all able to enjoy a great show. There was even a performance by some WWII aircraft (B-17, B-29, B-24, Mustangs - for all you WWII aircraft buffs) that Linc just LOVED, as he has been reading about all those planes for quite some time. It was perfect weather and so much fun - I think it will become an annual tradition.







These airplane pictures are mainly for Lincoln's benefit:






On Monday our town held its annual Memorial Day Parade. It's a cute little parade down our Main Street of town - mainly consisting of veterans, Boy Scouts, and the middle school marching band. We all got dressed up in our patriotic gear:


Staking out a spot with our friends AND neighbors, the Lovells.


Ellie made a friend - this girl LOVES dogs.


Ellie and Linc honoring the veterans:




Our "Little Miss Firecracker"...so fitting!