this was supposed to be fun

I love school supplies. I love shopping. School doesn't start until September, and it's only July. School Supply List in hand, I marched confidently into Target, certain I would check items off in an orderly fashion and return home with the goods.

Instead I ended up at Walmart and Staples too, and lots of compromises. Take for example item # 9 on the list - 2 polyplastic folders (one purple, one yellow) (trust me that objects appearing blue on your screen ARE in fact purple, much to Harrison's horror. "PURPLE???!!!! I HATE purple! Purple is a girl color. If no one else has purple, you are going to be in big trouble mom"

What I needed was simple, what I found were folders in legal size, folders with fasteners in the middle and folders that are 3 hole punched. NO "regular" folders. None. In 3 stores.

Also no boxes of "16 count" crayons. Everywhere I went, it was the same thing - Crayola box of TWENTY FOUR. In desperation I called my friend Lisa, who was in even worse shape then me "Oh Jan, I emailed Crayola today!" She lamented. "16 count only comes in washable or the chubby kind for preschoolers"

You think teachers would know this stuff!

Item #6 - Dry Erase Markers (pack of 4 or more)....Are those for my son or the teacher, because if they are for Harrison I want a fine tip, if they are for the teacher to use in the front of the classroom I want broad tip.

Also, what happened to binders with designs on the front? Is a Transformer or Star Wars too much to ask for? Apparently, if you need 1.5" hard binding, yes, it is.

Sigh.

Scream.

I know whatever I bought will be "fine"

But what is the fun in that?

he's no benjamin button

I had Harrison and Sawyer make cards for Jonathan's birthday last week, and Harrison proudly decorated his with "41" after I told him that's how old his dad would be.

Turns out, Jonathan is actually 42 this year. And since he's not aging backwards, I'm forced to accept the fact that my pregnancy brain has betrayed me again! Whoopsies!

My SIL Karen (visiting from California) was actually staying with us for a few days, so Jonathan took the day off from work on his b-day and we headed to the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia.

The boys had a great time exploring all the exhibits.

We quick gobbled up some ice cream cake when we got home, since we had to head off to VBS that night.

It was great getting to spend the whole day with the birthday boy - and hey, he looks younger then 42 - right? Anyone could make the same mistake ;)

down on the bayou

The boys are having a great time at "Crocodile Dock" VBS this week.

Last year, our missions project was to raise money for wheelchairs. This year? The money collected is going towards room and board for "all God's creatures" including this snake, a tarantula, and bearded dragon from Australia. It's odd. Very odd.

And really, really creepy. Shudder.

swim lessons

Sawyer was super excited to participate in swim lessons this year! "There might be some kids crying" I warned him on the first day. "Yeah, 'cause you're in the baby pool" Harrison added. I quickly corrected him "Sawyer is in the turtle pool" Turns out, I am the only one who remembers to refer to his area correctly, and I had to assure Sawyer multiple times that he is a BIG BOY - of course he is! Only big boys go to swimming lessons, right ;)

Harrison & Ashleigh have been friends since they were only a couple of months old - it was fun having them in class together - especially so us mom's could chat poolside during the lessons!

It is very hard to get more then the "after" splash when taking diving board pictures.

It's even harder to get an action shot when they go down the slide

Report cards were handed out at the end of our first two week session. We are signed up for the next session as well! Sawyer had some private tutorials in our backyard on how to put his head under the water and blow bubbles. "My brother taught me!" He explained to his teacher - so sweet!

Harrison was practically in tears when he showed me his. "Mom, I only did good in one thing" he moaned. "Everything else has X's" I had to set him straight that the X's meant he had accomplished the skill. He did so well, he moves up to Level 3 next week!

Way to go Harrison!

beach boys

Ocean City, NJ

Our first year with boogie boards

Let's just say that I was not the parent in charge of packing the beach toys, because we arrived with ONE bucket. Miraculously, my boys shared it!

All that riding the waves and digging in the sand wore Sawyer out. Jonathan thinks I only like this pictures because it displays my new beach bags - ha!

After his snooze we got changed and headed up to the boardwalk for dinner and rides.

Harrison and Sawyer thought this was the BEST ride ever!

I thought Harrison looked scared, Jonathan thought he looked sick....but the first words out of his mouth were "I want to go again!!!"

You shouldn't actually add up what these rides cost at $2 a ticket, and each ride running 3-4 tickets. I guess in the end, it saved us some money that they weren't recommended for pregnant riders ;) Of course, pregnant beach-goers will cost you extra in ice cream, though!

you're a grand old flag

at the parade



This afternoon Harrison found a frog in his inflatable pool. Since it wasn't moving, we assumed it was just a leaf. At his insistence, we gave a closer inspection, and discovered it was in fact a frog...a dead one. We didn't have time for a proper burial, so he was brought out to the field, where...he sprung back to life!

A happy ending, and no appetites were lost over the incident!

Also, Sawyer's decorating didn't keep anyone from enjoying the strawberry pie. YUM!

Happy 4th of July