Some people are worth melting for...

On Sunday we traveled up to Chester Springs, PA to celebrate Bryn's 3rd birthday, Frozen-style.  A giant waterslide kept the birthday girl as happy as Olaf in summer. She slid down without any hesitation! 

When JJ arrived, she put on her bathing suit and was game to take the plunge... 

Evie and Ellie preferred the cautious route and watched a little bit before giving it a try.

But it wasn't long until they grabbed hands and took off! 

Look at these cuties: Lydia, Molly and Bryn all conquer the mountain together. 

Uncle Wally takes Bryn and Stanny for a ride!  Whee! 

Bryn dresses like fellow little sis Anna to blow out her candles. 

We all digged into the delicious cake! 

Meanwhile, Molly is looking hip in this Snoopy costume.  Man, does the Pennsylvania branch of the McDonalds know how to party or what? 

Aw, cute picture of big sis showing little sis some love.  

We gather all the cousins for a quick picture to commemorate another wonderful birthday! Evie's showing off her gappy smile from finally loosing her tooth (nothing like a swift knee to the mouth on the water slide to get those babies out!). But she handled it like a real trooper. 

As the party comes to a close, the girls get comfy on Uncle Wally and Aunty Karen's deck, chewing on their Olaf marshmallows.  "I'm relaxin'!" Ellie exclaimed while Mommy took this picture.  What a lovely time with the family - Happy Birthday Bryn! 

And the winner of the President's Race was...

The family got to celebrate the Fourth of July by taking in America's favorite game, baseball. The Nationals took on the Chicago Cubs; despite the home run they made in the first inning, it was a little downhill from there. The girls, amazingly enough, lasted five innings in their seats with the help of some peanuts and ice cream! 

Ellie digs into her swirl ice cream - chocolate and vanilla - who can resist?  She liked asking mommy the names of each player at bat. 

Everyone wants a piece of Mommy's lap.  

The girls were excited to play in the playground and hit the slides. 

Afterwards, we walked by a water spray park and Evie got wet to the bone! Ah, summer. 

Nothing like it!  Oh, and George Washington won the President's race.  

Dragonfly Hunters!

On our last day of vacation, the family head up to the Outer Banks Wildlife Center where we had quite the adventure learning about and hunting dragonflies!  Alas, Ellie fell asleep again so didn't actually get to view the world through these dragonfly eyes. 

After learning the difference between dragonflies, doodlebugs, and damselflies, the kids were let loose with nets. 

Even Mommy and Opa got into the action - It wasn't easy but it was a lot of fun! We quickly learned the best strategy was to wait until the insect landed instead of chasing them. 

Evie took a closer look at one specimen caught in Mommy's net.  She was even brave enough to touch the wings and feel them flutter. 

At the end of the session, Evie caught a blue damselfly in her net!  Then, at night, we had a feast from Steamers of lobster, clams, crabcakes, and steamed shrimp.  What a great way to end an awesome vacation. 

Ahoy Pirates!

Arg! We finished up another great day on the beach on Tuesday at Mutiny Bay.  This is Evie's best impression of a pirate. 

Mommy gets into the act.  Arg! Meanwhile, Daddy was focused on getting another two hole-in-ones!  Maybe his handicap gave him a bit of an advantage this year!  Evie also beat Mom and Dad on many holes.  She was en feugo, or as the pirates would say, "Shiver me timbers!" 

The girls were absolutely delighted when they arrived home to Ba and Opa who had joined us for the remainder of the week. After a fun morning at the beach, we traveled down to the Bowie lighthouse.  Alas, a thunderstorm brewing prevented us from the tour and tackling the steps - maybe next year - but we did get some good pictures in and saw some giant crabs!  (Ellie was sleeping for most of the excursion anyhow)

Daughter and Daddy with some beaming smiles! 

Opa sporting his fedora and Ba at the lookout. 

An artistic shot of our little girl, with the wide world of possibilities in front of her.

Later, Ellie would perk up when we arrived at the playground - she steered the pirate ship with a smile. Look how much she's grown since last year - still the same big smile though. 

Two sisters climbing up and zooming down the slide together! 

Fun vacation?  And how! 

"Come on, guys!" Ellie adopted Mommy's hand on hips to encourage Daddy and Evie to get in the car.