Arrrggghh Mateys!!

One of the best parts of the Summer so far is that Pat and I have off on Mondays together. I'm starting work next week but I've arranged my schedule so that we can always have a family day on Mondays. We took advantage of that today and took the kids down the shore for a few different things!
The first activity of the day was a Pirate Adventure Cruise! Nicholas and Addison had a BALL! They got dressed up as pirates and then we boarded and started hunting for some treasure. The kids had the opportunity to use a pirate treasure map, utilize the ship's water cannons, blast Pirate Pete and find the buried treasure! They even tried some Grog! The kids really got into it and their grown-ups, as we were called, had a wonderful time watching them and enjoying the day out on the water!!

After the Pirate Ship we headed out for lunch and then over to Aunt Jen and Uncle Geoff's. The kids played outside and cooled off in the sprinkler while we waited for Aunt Jen to come home from work. Once Aunt Jen got home and we had relaxed a bit we headed to the beach!! We had dinner on the beach at the Tiki Bar and it was PERFECT! We ate right on the sand so that the kids could play in the sand while the adults enjoyed each other's company.

Finally, we wrapped up the day on the boardwalk! We played some arcade games and then had some delicious ice cream while we walked the boardwalk just a bit!

We piled into the car and Addison was asleep instantaneously! Nicholas held out the entire way home, watching movies with Daddy. Once we got home he conked right out (Nicholas, not Daddy) from all of the day's activities!!

Arrrgghhh! Get ready to walk the plank!

Almost ready to hunt for treasure

ALL SET!

Gathering all the Mates together

Meeting Captain Scurvy before boarding

On Deck

Checking out the Treasure Map

Daddy anf His Favorite Pirates

Getting a little weary from the hunt

Waiting for the Treasure to be dispersed!

Addie sampling some Grog

Most of the Mates

Our pirate Vessel

Hanging in the Sand

Addie decided to separate from the group

Uncle Geoff and Addie cooling down

Waiting on the Ladies at the bar

Boardwalk games to end the evening

Summer

Summer has begun!
I have been on Summer Vacation for almost a week, now, and it's been lovely!
This past week we went to the Farmer's Market with grandma and then enjoyed some ice cream. Then, this weekend, Nicholas and I took a cooking class together at the Kings' Cooking studio. Nicholas had a GREAT time learning to make popcorn chicken, firecracker cupcakes and red, white and blue vanilla shakes!
Today, the kids enjoyed some time with Aunt Jessica and played in the pool at grandma and pop-pop's. Summer has started off on a great foot and we are looking forward to a lot more wonderfully fun Summer days!

Mmmmm...Ice Cream!

Making Milk Shakes

Enjoying his Firecracker Cupcake!

Father's Day

We hope everyone had a very lovely Father's Day and all of the dads, grandpas, godfathers, etc., spent the day relaxing and enjoying it with those that gave them those roles!
Sunday morning the kids and I let Daddy sleep in while we headed out to do some Father's Day Celebration prep. We picked up Daddy's favorite breakfast and some breakfast for everyone else and then headed back to "gently" rouse daddy from his deep sleep. We enjoyed breakfast and some presents and then headed out for a family run!
All of us went down to grandma and pop-pop's for the afternoon for some fun before daddy headed to the restaurant for the evening. Nicholas and Daddy showed off their biking skills with a few races in the street and by the time it was all done it was time for Daddy to head to work.
The kids and I spent the remainder of the afternoon celebrating at my parents' house and enjoying some delicious food and fun company!
We'd like to wish everyone a very Happy Father's Day and We, again, hope it was enjoyed!!

Waiting for the Races

At the Starting Line

And They're Off....

Who's Going to Win?

Nicholas by a Mile!!

Graduation

Congratulations to my cousin Michelle!!
Michelle graduated from High School earlier this week and today we all gathered to celebrate this momentous achievement!!
Michelle will be attending Centenary College in the Fall and we are super excited because she will MUCH closer to us and much more available to come and spend time with us and the kids.
Congratulations Michelle!

Addie and Uncle Timmy
That headband made it 45 seconds

Kaes contemplating his next move

Kaes and Our Favorite Graduate!

Addison and Michelle

Nicholas and Ed discussing World Events

The Afternoon begins to wind down, aka completely break down!

Last Shots on the way out the door...

Making Our Way to the Car with the Princess Umbrella!

George Washington Bridge Challenge

This morning I ran my very first 5k!
I've been running for a few months now and specifically training for this particular run. This morning was the George Washington Bridge Challenge to benefit the American Cancer Society. We ran across the GWB into NY and then back again! It was actually quite cool to run across the bridge and have it closed down just for us!
As part of the run I raised roughly $650 for the American Cancer Society! I have to thank each and every single person that supported me through this run! I cannot tell you how many people donated and gave me their support, both monetarily and emotionally. It was wonderful to be reminded of how many people support me and support this awesome cause!
I ran today in honor of my grandfather, a three time cancer survivor, and my mother in law who lost her battle with breast cancer when she was in her 40s. I also ran for every single person who has ever been touched by cancer in the hopes that no one else will have to suffer through the horrible consequences of cancer!
Pat, my mom, and the kids came up to Fort Lee to support me and watch the race. Pat tried to take a few pictures but the weather was pretty crappy and for some reason the camera wasn't working correctly! Here are a few shots from the day! I only wish I had been able to stop on the bridge and take a few shots- the views were INCREDIBLE!!
Thank you, again, to every single person that supported me in some way, shape or form! Each of you was with me this morning and I ran for each of you! THANK YOU!!

Waiting For Mommy at the Finish

In the Hot Pink....Almost There!

Finished!
Success!