Yeah, yeah, yeah...

I told you all from the start that this blog wasn't going to be updated regularly. I'm just proud to get most of the summer pics up before Madelyn starts Kindergarten next month!
Not much has changed since I last wrote... we're still on the Cape and having an absolute blast this summer! Both Maddy and Nolan are getting to experience camps, classes, and activities that are completely unique to this area...events that they'll remember throughout their childhood and beyond. And, if not, they can always look at this blog. :-)
The postings pretty much speak for themselves, so without further ado...here is the mid-summer blog of the Young trio.

Country Fest

A bunch of friends and I decided to get together for the Kenny Chesney Poets and Pirates Tour at Gillette Stadium. Despite hitting TONS of traffic (5 1/2 hours to be exact!) both getting off the Cape and near the stadium, we all ended up having an amazing time. I remember going to Country Fest 10 years ago back when it was Foxboro Stadium. George Strait headlined and Chesney was just one of the early afternoon opening acts! Crazy how time flies...


For all you Kenny Chesney fans...

...and Keith Urban ones!

Toe Jam Puppet Band!

Ok, I'll admit it. We are official groupies of the Toe Jam Puppet Band. My kids will drop everything to go see them, no matter how long the drive or what else is going on during that timeframe. They've been called onstage a couple of times in the past, but this was the first time that both got invited up for the same song, "Don't Scare the Aliens".
They played in Sandwich, on the bandstand at Shawme Pond. It was a perfect evening with beautiful weather, and we all had a blast!

Madelyn's Nightly Ballet?? Performance

What started out as Madelyn putting on a nightly ballet performance in our living room has turned into an all-out variey show which has me cracking up and in tears every evening. Here's what happened when graceful Nolan insisted on joining the show...

Heritage Museums and Gardens

One of my favorite local places to visit is Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich, especially this time of year. The hydrangeas and lilies are in full bloom...so pretty! There are so many exhibits and activities for the kids to enjoy, one of which is the century-old carousel in the Art Museum. The kids go on at least 3 times whenever we visit!
Madelyn is currently attending a 4 week camp at Heritage, which she adores. They totally immerse the kids in learning while still having fun, and it's great practice for her upcoming full days at Kindergarten and away from Mommy... :-(


Madelyn, Nolan and Maeve (one of the cuties I babysit for)



Madelyn got called on stage to perform with Wayne from Maine!



Bird watching...



Nothing says cool like fresh ink on a 3, 4, and 5 year old...

I need one of these in my living room...

Provincetown Getaway

While Chris was home, we took a quick getaway (sans kids)to Provincetown for a night. We stayed at the Crowne Pointe Inn, a cozy little hideaway on Bradford Street. My only regret is that we spent so much time away from the room that we didn't get to enjoy all the amazing amenities the inn had to offer! The room and grounds were gorgeous, though, and we were treated to a yummy breakfast the next day.
We forgot our camera the first night out, which was a bummer because what a crazy night it was! After dinner, we went to Drag Queen Karaoke hosted by the lovely Thirsty Burlington (who does a KILLER Cher impersonation, I might add!), and you bet I was up there singing my heart out! Twice, actually...haha. Pictures would have been fun....
BUT...at least I can provide these:





Gardens and fountain at the Inn




Pilgrim Monument



Me looking very angry at the ocean :-)

Boston Children's Museum

Nolan's 15 minutes of fame...playing a rat in a play about the Chinese Zodiac



Nolan was killing me in this race until Madelyn gave me a boost!



Nolan following in Papa's shoes...

4th Of July

Our family tries to get together every year at McCoy Stadium for their 4th of July PawSox game and fireworks. I've been coming to see these fireworks since I was a baby, and it's so amazing to be able to experience it now with my own children. Chris was home on leave this year, so it made the night so much more special. We had a record turnout for 2008...26 of us!!







Nolan and his cousin Caiden



Corbyn's first PawSox game!!

Hangin' Out With Dad

Spring Soccer!

Even though our attempt at soccer last fall was nothing short of a disaster, Madelyn was adamant that she was ready to tackle it this spring. Guess what? She was right! I was so proud of the way she got out there every game and gave it her all. Most memorable moment: When Coach Phil handed her her medal at the end of the season, and said he hoped to see her in the fall, Madelyn replied, "Ummm...no thanks. I want to take ballet instead. " Haha!





Star Goalie!

Summer Solstice Beach Party

The Sandwich Mom's Club got together at Town Neck Beach to celebrate the arrival of the Summer Solstice. The kids all had a blast running through the creek, searching for crabs, and walking along the boardwalk.








Forever Young :-)

Touch-A-Truck

I spent a special day alone with Nolan at the annual Touch-A-Truck event at a local school. He had a blast pretending to drive each and every truck and vehicle in the lot! There were fire trucks, 18 wheelers, construction vehicles, military trucks, even a school bus, all available for the kids (and some adults!) to climb in and explore.