Raising Hands

When you live in a resort community the days and weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day mean staying as far away from the beaches and outlet malls we love. There are super secret beaches where locals go to enjoy the Summer months but unless you're prepared to battle crowds and parking? We just stay away (Don't feel too sorry. We do brave the crowds. It is the beach after all.)  On the Tuesday after Labor Day the locals come crawling out of wherever they've been taking cover and take back the town. We picked up MomMom and PopPop and headed straight to our favorite pizza place followed by a stroll down the boardwalk.  We stopped to take a silly picture in front of a beachfront hotel which holds a bit of personal nostalgia. (Stephen had arranged a surprise engagement party for us after he proposed on the beach. With my parents as surprise guests.  I had left them in Indiana just the day before!)  We had a lovely afternoon and have already made a few more visits to wa...

We've been home for nearly two weeks from our big trip to see my parents. I'm still trying to get back in the groove. It's been a slow process. We had a nice visit with my family I took zero pictures of our trip. I'm not that bummed because we had our pictures professionally taken and they turned out way better than I could have hoped for. P.S. It was 32 degrees that day. I cannot express how proud of the kids I am. they were troopers. Big time! The whole Hand/Kolaskey Clan This is my favorite Bella face. Yes, she's judging you. I love this one

Yes, I'm aware that it is December. Here are a few more pictures from William's birthday. We had Pizza at our favorite spot at the beach followed by the infamous blue iced cupcakes.  Bella just realized she didn't get a cupcake. When these boys are teenagers I'm going to be in trouble!

I had every intention of posting pictures when Bella passed six months but it didn't happen. Since then another month has come and gone so I've mashed them here together. The first three were taken 7-24-12 the last three I took 8-24-12. Do I get points for actually taking pictures?? Is it seriously September already? A whole new meaning to "Crabby Pants" The difference in one short month is the addition of two very sharp teeth! She loves William. Really. She does:-) My three cuties. I really need to work on taking pictures of the three of them. Poor William. Poor middle child;-)

Two weekends ago we attended the Lewes Mariner Days Festival. The weather was beautiful and the ships were large. We went to tour the engine room of the ferry boat but after learning that ladders and tunnels were involved to get to the engine room we decided to wait another year until we were a little older. I will also be enlisting one or more grandparents to assist with the younger kiddos. There was plenty to do and see and it was a Saturday morning well spent! A local museum on hand to teach us about sea life three hundred years ago. Fun with pulleys The Ferry in the background takes vehicles and passengers from Lewes, DE to Cape May, NJ. The Coast Guard on hand with a patrol boat William was not cooperating but he was there;-) We thanked some troops This was a beautiful Navy ship. Very sleek. super fast! Can't wait to go back next year.

Today we made a short trip North to a little town called Milton for the 9th Annual Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival. The festival corresponds with the time each year the crabs make there way to our shores to spawn. They lay there eggs and then, (as with most food chains) shorebirds of various species eat the freshly laid eggs which are very high in protein and a favorite food among the birds. It's all very fascinating but mostly the festival is about fun with a heap of education on the side. Also, Bella was with us but didn't manage to make it in any pictures. She pretty much slept through the whole thing.  Touch Tank  William's turn The business end of a Horseshoe Crab. The local Lions Club operates this little choo choo for special events. Only .25 Cents a ride! Jacob with MomMom (Steve's Mom) William with Dad Fishing for Horseshoe crab shells Cheating at the bean bag toss. He's two. We're working on it;-) Our favorite ...

This kid has the most beautiful eyes Always eager to give Bella hugs and kisses Wanting to be where the action is Off on another adventure William is my second born. He's my laid back little man. At two and a half he is determined and strong willed but very kind. He's our cuddlebug. Where Jacob is thoughtful and analytical. William will act first, think later. He's a funny little guy who marches to beat of his own drummer (often with his eyes closed). Always ready with a hug or a, "Big Squeeze" as he likes to say. He is his big brothers little shadow following him into any situation (sometimes right into trouble) and also like Jacob, William adores his new baby sister.

When I worked at baby gap many moons ago I would occasionally have the opportunity to buy a cute little something for a child that was nothing more than a twinkle in my eye. After my generous employee discount I paid next to nothing. I think I paid $3.00 for this jumper. It is corduroy. It is pink. It has the cutest little bloomers to go underneath and this is the only time she will wear it because soon it will be Summer and corduroy is out of the question. She just couldn't be any sweeter:-) I forgot to mention it's also reversable!

I updated on Bella. I figured I'd better do the same for the boys. I turn on the charm when someone pulls out a camera.  I love help wherever I can Mostly I like digging in the dirt I adore my baby sister Jacob turned four in January. When asked about his personality I say he's Spirited. I think he has a brilliant future as an engineer, musician, or lawyer. He is extremely helpful around the house and loves his brother and sister (most all of the time) He's sweet and funny and loves being outside. He is my first born and I wouldn't trade him for any other kid around!