Firsts

Isn't parenting FULL of firsts?  We had some of those recently, and since I'm a bit behind on my blog, I'll lump them all into one giant post :)

CAMPING

Yep, we camp.  We're campers.  A bunch of friends decided to go camping over Memorial Day, and we never turn down a good time with friends!  We borrowed a friend's tent, filled our mini-van to the roof, and had a great time for not one, but two nights.  

 It was a bit "toasty" out, but we had such fun with our friends (14 other adults plus 9 other kids?) & the girls.  Overall, they did great.  It was definitely a good experience.  Jordan and I ended up with more bug bites than we've had in years.  That part was not fun!  

Elyse related everything to her story of Curious George going camping.  

Elyse loved the s'mores and Em loved the dirt.  I think my favorite comment from that trip was from my nephew, Eli.  He was watching Jordan crack lots of eggs to scramble, and he said, "Look!  They're playing ring-around-the-rosie!"  There they were, in a neat circle :)  You almost feel grimy looking at those pictures, don't you???  Be honest!!

BEACH

We took Emily to the beach for the first time today!  It was a hit.  It's hard to say what I love more: kids covered in sand OR incredibly long afternoon naps after time in the sand.  I think I'd have to say that I love kids covered in sand.  I love it more because I can join them in the fun.  There's no way Mommy can sleep for three hours and feel NORMAL when that nap is over.  The beach today was wonderful.  Jordan and I were semi-dreading this first trip to sand-land for quite some time, and, yet again, we were pleasantly surprised at what a wonderful morning we had out there today.  

Our anniversary present to each other was a nice pair of beach chairs & a lovely umbrella.  Can you tell we were convincing ourselves that we were about to embark on a summer of time at the beach?  My predictions of our trip were: Emily braves ALL, and Elyse enjoys the blanket & stash of sand.  I was right about both.  Emily loved crawling in the surf & Elyse loved watching her.  

 Okay, how does Elyse's wedgie NOT make you laugh???

Elyse was a bit terrified of the waves, and I'm hoping she will get more comfortable the more we go.  This picture sums it up quite well.

But, I do understand her fear of water (as I went through my days as a child), so we let her play in the sand all morning.  

It was such a fun morning, we might just try it again soon :)  

KIDDIE POOL

There are no words, just a couple of pictures.  Emily's first time in this pool & she treats it like a party every time.  Elyse loves the fact that there are no waves.