Slippery Slope

Getting a blackjack lesson from Dad....

Canobie Lake Park

Squeaked in one of our summer bucket list adventures before the park closes for the season.  (Yeah, yeah - we know summer is over....) It was perfect day, and the crowds weren't too bad either.

Atop the ferris wheel.

Aiden couldn't get enough of the Pirate Ship.  He went on it twice - the second time by himself!  He's in the middle row, all the way on the left.

Bree braving one of the smaller coasters solo.

There's something strange in the neighborhood.

 If Prince wasn't dead, I'd have thought this guy was the real deal!

NINE!

This guy's NINE years old today!

Amused by a collection of cartoon strips that Nan put together for him.

Today was Aiden's first strings practice.  He's playing the viola.  They haven't been taught how to use the bow yet.  That will be next week.....

Present time before we leave for birthday dinner.

Evviva Cucina.  A family favorite.

Happy birthday, Aiden!  We love you so much!!  xoxoxoxoxoxo

Bottle Rockets

Aiden's bottle rocket taking off at the first Pack Meeting of the year.

Family Time

Our friends had to leave today, but the kids were very understanding and said "That's okay.  Now we have some family time." I thought that was very mature of them.

Quiet time reading after a busy and exhausting day.

Nature girl, taking care of her pet caterpillar.  

Mesmerized by the campfire. 

What a fantastic weekend!  We can't wait until our next camping adventure!

Camping Adventures

On Saturday morning we did a 6 mile hike up the Firetower Trail.  The kids were troopers, and the views from the summit were spectacular on this crystal clear day.

Tired legs get a little help from Dad, but not until the last half mile or so of the 6 mile hike.  

After lunch back at the campsite, we went to check out the lake.  It was a little coolish for swimming (plus I forgot Bree's swimsuit -- oops!), but we had fun exploring.

Chilling out after a busy morning & afternoon with a game of Story Cubes in the tent.

Our campsite...

Pawtuckaway Camping Trip

In lieu of a birthday party, Aiden asked to go camping.  So here we are, the weekend before his birthday at Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham, NH.   Our besties joined us for the first night, and we had so much fun!!

  

Roasting weenies for dinner.....

Make a wish.  Aiden's favorite - lemon cake - for dessert.

Self Portrait

It's curriculum night at Crisafulli.  This is Aiden's self portrait that greeted me on his desk.

The Gap Keeps Widening!

Lost another tooth last night....  That face! <3

Crazy Hair

Learning how to braid!

Cub Scout Camp Out

Aiden & Dad are breaking in the new tent this evening at the Cub Scout campout at East Boston Camps.  This will be a test run for our family camping adventure next weekend.

The boys are camping, and the girls are "glamping"  Sweet dreams my little princess.

Toothless

This tough little cookie just yanked out her wigglier this morning.  If you ask me, it wasn't even that loose yet.  But she was determined to get rid of it.  It was the tooth that was damaged 2 1/2 years ago when she was pushed and fell at an indoor playground.  She's soooooo happy that it's gone!  And that cute little gap-tooth-grin just got even cuter.  xoxo

Sleepover!

On her way to her first friend sleepover, sans Mom & Dad.  She was sooooo excited!  My baby is growing up.

Bike Ride on the Bruce Freeman Trail

Toasting Their Friendship

Sweet girls!