Summer days drifting away

We are all enjoying the slower pace of life this week!  Last night we ate dinner at one our old favorites- the Tip Top Grill.  Tucker said, "Mommy, look at this gorgeous view- it's like Mona Lisa gorgeous!"  :)

Our neighborhood pool is open and we love to go after supper when everyone has left and I don't have to worry with sunscreen-

Wiki sticks- I think Marky looks like Harry Potter here-

Tucker went to a karate birthday party on Saturday and was in his element-

Hi-yah!

Right after taking this picture they both got in big trouble.  :)

Troops Camp Out

Last night Marc took Marc and Tucker to a Troops of St. George camp out.  Because it was Memorial Day weekend, most of the boys couldn't come, but they still had a great time.

When they got there they set up and then took out their knives to whittle tree limbs to make sticks for cooking out.

Then they had a lesson on fire making.  They learned how to make a fire and how NOT to make a fire.  They learned about tinder, kindling and fuel and used a little shirt lint to get the fire going.  :)

They took turns using flint to start the fire-

Playing darts-

They prayed a rosary and watched stars and found satellites before going to bed.  It was a great night for my big boys!

Perfect Day

Today the weather was just amazing- low 70s- gentle breeze.  It was the perfect day to go to the shrine for a picnic!  We met our friends and first went to the grotto to lay flowers, sing a hymn and pray the rosary.

Then the children just enjoyed the beautiful day....

We drove over to the picnic area and had lunch.  We brought a few kites and a football and everyone had a  great time.  

 

And of course no visit to the shrine is complete with out stopping to see my baby Michael-

 

After the picnic we stopped by the gift shop for a bit and then headed to the splash pad.  A great way to wind down the day and enjoy the beginning of summer!

 

By the way, in the car today I heard:

Charlie:  Marc, guess which number I'm finking of?
Marc:  I don't know.
Charlie:  I'll give you a hint- it starts wif a "w".
Marc:  ?
Charlie:  It's won hundwed!  :)

Tuck Tuck and Charliebear

Tucker and Charlie are like twins.  They do almost everything together.   On Friday they helped me make four-layer dessert to serve to Zaza when she arrived.  :)

 

My little clean-up crew- :)

They started swim lessons on Monday- they LOVED it.  They ask me every day- is it Monday again?

Saturday while Julia was at the birthday party and Marc was at choir, Marc and Zaza took the two little guys to the science center where they got to see the grand-opening of an awesome children's area.

Meanwhile it's gift-giving season at our home.  This time of year is crazy!

We've had to get gifts in the last month for:

2 Mothers and 1 grandmother for Mothers Day
2 Godchildren's first communions
4 Friends' first communions
5 Birthday parties
4 High school graduates
2 Moms Day Out teachers
2 Moms Day Out directors
3 Sunday school teachers
1 Sunday school director
1 Latin teacher
1 Art teacher
2 Horseback riding instructors
1 Baby gift

That's a lot, wouldn't you say? A lot of wrapping, mailing, thanking.  :)  But we are grateful to have friends and family to celebrate.  Alright- off to schoolwork!