Vacation 6/15/2013-6/17/2013

So, we're going to take these vacation photos in bits because I was not kidding when I said there was 1000 pictures to choose from.  We had a lot of adventures and narrowing it down without taking away from the story just wasn't going to work.  So, we'll start with the first three days of pictures and go from there.  The plan was to have an overnight stay in Ocean City, Maryland instead of risking everyone's sanity with a drive straight through to the Outer Banks.  As it worked out, we didn't get on the road until early evening and as per usual, the kids started to meltdown about 40 minutes before we got there.  So, we took a break to stretch our legs at a gas station before continuing on.  Even with the break, Ani Rose started screaming "Wanna Go Home!!!" and Todd and I thought it was both funny and a little bit heartbreaking.  It was about 9 pm by the time we got there, we walked on the boardwalk and got some pizza.  The kids didn't get to bed until 11:30, but nothing messes with sleep schedules more than vacation.  The next day, Norrin and I were the early risers and got to the beach before anyone else.  Ani and Todd joined us after we brought them warm donuts for breakfast (Happy Father's Day, Da!).  Then, we went back to the boardwalk to really wear them out before driving to the Outer Banks.  The house we rented had two hammocks, rocking chairs on the deck and was the perfect little getaway.

Ani Rose taking a break from the car. Outfit compliments of Grandmom Jump...its all I want to dress her in.

 Norrin, obviously losing his mind from being trapped in the car so long :).

 Ocean City, MD around 7 am. 

 Norrin's giant footprint in the sand.

 Our beach baby with the kitty she dragged everywhere during this vacation.

 Da and Ani in front of the kites at the Kite Shop.

 Our model, Norrin Radd, working the camera like a rockstar.

 Another hermit crab...we'll see how long this one survives our neglect.

 The rocking chairs on the deck at the house we rented in the Outer Banks.

 Serious hammock love.

End of Year Show 2013

Before we get knee deep in vacation photos, we have a little performance to document.  Every year in June, the Y has an end of the year show.  This was the first time Ani Rose was happy, singing, clapping and just taking it all in.  Of course, I stayed just out of her view because she does have a habit of crying the second she sees me :).  Norrin officially graduated to kindergarten. He was his usual dancing self, but I thought I would just show his animated acceptance of his diploma.  We had him take a picture with the lovely Miss Jenn.  She has been a constant support to us as we navigated our way through Norrin's rough patches and Norrin's biggest cheerleader in all his achievements.  I cried during pretty much the whole show.  My babies are so grown up now and I'm such a proud mama.  These two bring me more joy than I ever experienced.  They are strong, beautiful, stubborn, funny little individuals and they are a blessing that I'm still in awe of every single day. 

We're Back From Vacation...

...But you'll have to give me a minute to go though all 1000...yes, 1000 pictures that were taken over the week.  Here's a taste of the cuteness to come.

Grounds For Sculpture...Again...With A Lot of Pictures

Between my beautiful children, the perfect weather and the amazing landscape that is Grounds For Sculpture, its a miracle I was ever able to scale down the pictures to these select few.  I think this pretty much summarizes our day.  This place is absolutely stunning.  I can almost literally open the car door and let them run free.  The landscaping is a lovely compliment to the variety of sculptures, there's plenty of open fields to run through, plenty of trees to climb, little bits of wildlife for the kids to spy and plenty of places to sit down, rest your feet and enjoy the day. So, here we go.

Surprise, surprise...Norrin started his day by climbing a tree.

 Climbing the sculpture with a little help from her Mommy.

 Ani Rose trying to decide if she can climb this sculpture...hmmmm.

 As usual, Norrin spotted a toad and snatched it up quick as a flash.  For a city boy, he really can catch any animal that he wants. Surprisingly, he did not try to take this one home.

 Showing Ani Rose his caterpillar...which he did take home.

 Uncle came along with us.  Probably the most relaxing part of his whole visit :).

 Stopping to smell the flowers.

 Look, Mommy, a duck!

 Of course, there was a nursing break.

 Ani Rose was completely fascinated by this sculpture.  Not sure if she wanted to hold its hand or help it up.

And that's it.  Another perfect day.  Afterwards, our dear friends, Maren, Khyber and their daughter, Juniper came over for a BBQ.  Norrin and Ani were so worn out from a full day outside that they slept until 8:30 the next morning.

Just a Little Bit of Cuteness

Yesterday we went to Grounds for Sculpture and Todd took a lot of pictures.  As usual, so many came out so beautiful that I'm going to have to go through them at a later date when I have more time to myself. Since its been awhile and I know ya'll are jonesing for some Milligan children cuteness, here's some random pictures taken throughout our days.  I feel like I must have blinked and my baby girl has turned into a full grown child.  I can't believe how tall my Norrin is now.  How is it possible that I have a child starting kindergarten in the fall?  Most days of the week, they play so nicely together.  Ani Rose copies her brother and if she succeeds at the smaller task, Norrin tries to teach her a more challenging activity, much to my dismay.  Together, they yell louder, climb higher, make bigger messes and I have no doubt will rule the world.  So, here's a sample of our days. 

Watching Elmo on the computer with Da...not sure what has her so concerned...probably because its almost time to say "night,night" to Elmo.

 Ani Rose loves nudity.  It takes major negotiations to get her back in clothing.

 Norrin and his new fish, Thunderboomer.

 Our beautiful girl...even with dirt on her face.

 The lion fountain at Mason Mills playground.

 Swinging on the tire swing at Shadybrook Farms.

 Pretending to be a surgeon.

Mitchell playground.

I Like You

All weekend, Ani Rose has been singing a song from one of her favorite cartoons.  The words are "I like you, I like you, I like you, just the way you are".  She just likes to focus on the I like you part.

Sorry its sideways.  Todd took the video with his cell phone and I can't figure out how to turn it upright.