the sweetest place on earth

We went to Hershey Park last Thursday and Friday.  It was the only trip we took this summer because of Carl’s crazy work schedule and even though it was only two days, it was perfect.  I loved the drive, the weather, the chocolate, the Hershey Lodge, the shuttle to the park, the chocolate, the rides, the shopping, the chocolate and most of all…us spending quality time together. 

Our room

Eating in ‘The Bear Den’ at the Hershey Lodge

One of the rides during our park preview the night before

Dunkin’ Donuts breakfast in the park

Our fun

A much needed nap on a Hershey Park bench

Characters (a.k.a. Hershey Guys according to Camryn)

Showing their ‘Hershey Height’ for the rides

Family picture on the ‘Coal Cracker’ flume

goodbye

Kids are supposed to have whole milk until age two.  The ‘experts’ say they are supposed to transition from bottle to cup at age one and of course, drink the whole milk in the cup.  I know this because I had this.  Once.  Connor went from bottle to cup when I transitioned him from formula to milk.  Age one.  No problem.  Emily and Camryn wanted nothing to do with milk in a cup.  So…since I wasn’t so ‘by the book’ with the second and third, I kept the bottle around until age two.  Yes I did.  I feel like I should be stating my name and standing up at a twelve step Parents’ Anonymous meeting. 

So, since Camryn turned two this month, this is goodbye.  Bottles, you have served me well.  You have held a special place in my life for the last three years and five months.  We’ve laughed, we’ve cried.  Mouths, floors, diaper bags, toy bins, minivan floors, strollers and car seats…you have seen it all.  You’ve helped calm my children and helped fill their bellies.  I will miss cleaning you and your bottle parts daily and I will miss seeing you in the bottle rack on the side of the sink.  And bottle warmer, I can’t forget you.  We’ve been through good times and bad.  Late nights, around the clock feedings, early mornings.  And you’ve worked like a charm through it all.  Your job is now done.  Enjoy your rest.

;)

birthday number two

Camryn turned two years old on August 8th.  I swear the day she turned two she went from baby to preschooler in a matter of minutes.  She starts each day with a smile.  She plays, talks and laughs all day.  She will play anything her big brother and sister are playing but will also sit by herself and quietly look through books.  She can also be rough-around-the-edges…physically tough and man can she make some mean faces.  She loves her blankie, my chapstick and lollipops.  We are so fortunate that she was given to us and we thank God for her everyday.

We celebrated her birthday with a party at home.  Camryn wanted a “batman party” so that’s what she got.  It was a beautiful summer day spent with family and friends and the kids had a blast on the waterslide.  Pics are below…

 

It’s amazing how this 7 pound, completely dependent infant turned into a 32 pound, fiercely independent funny little girl in just two short years.  It was the fastest two years of my life. 

the highlights of our week

Practicing picture-taking skills on the cats

Toe touches at the first soccer practice for the fall season

Walks on the path at the park

Goofy faces

Beating mom at air hockey