Take me out to the ballgame....

Hard to believe the summer is almost over and this was our first time to a ballgame with the girls.  Each time we had intended to go, something else came up or the weather wasn't cooperating.  But last night was "the night".  We headed to the Trenton Thunder game to watch the Thunder (NY Yankees minor league team) vs. the Akron Aeros (Cleveland Indians minor league team).  The night was perfect baseball weather.  The Thunder started off the game with a homerun, and just kept it going from there.  The girls had soo much fun watching for fly balls, cheering on Boomer and Strike, and getting their baseballs autographed.  It was fun for all!!!

here fishy fishy fishy....

Today we went to the girls' first fishing derby with Grandmom Reedell. This was their first time EVER fishing and they had a GREAT time. The girls were all ready with their princess poles in hand... and fed MANY fish the worms from their hooks... but unfortunately, they didn't catch a thing... besides some seaweed! We were totally surprised that they made it almost 2 hours and Angela wanted to continue even longer. So, it was a VERY successful first fishing trip and they can't wait to go again!!! Thanks grandmom for inviting us and hope we can go again next year!!

here is a link to the entire album:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2074376&id=1287618449&l=6a75aeac39

A Goodbye Visit with Megan...

Although it was a GREAT day with Megan, Alex, and Gabe... it was also VERY sad. This would be our last visit since they are moving to Massachussets early next week. We wish them luck in their new adventure... but will miss them greatly! But we were VERY fortunate to be able to fit a trip to Longwood Gardens in before they left. The day was PERFECT! The girls LOVED to play in the children's garden, then off to the treehouses. They even found a "kitty" (yes, a real one!) in amongst the vegetation... and he was VERY nice and let the girls pet him.... So, it was a great visit and we will miss the entire Varness family!!!

and here is the link to the entire album...

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2074376&id=1287618449&l=6a75aeac39

Dutch Wonderland

After a fun day at the girl's triathlon, we packed up and headed to Lancaster, Pa. It rained off and on all the way out, so we decided to grab dinner and see what it was like when we were all done. It was misting lightly, so we decided to head to the park. We got there and the place was almost deserted! The girls got to do ALOT of rides in the two hours we were there, and even finished off the night was ice cream and listening to the band as we headed out to our car. We checked into our hotel and the girls LOVED having their "own room". We got adjoining rooms, so they could each have their own beds... they thought they were ALL grown up and slept GREAT! The next morning we had breakfast and then headed out to the pool for some swimming fun. We then checked out of the hotel and were on our way to Dutch Wonderland. We got there and the girls rode rides non-stop until lunchtime. We ate lunch at the waterpark, then hit the sprinklers and waterslides. The girls LOVED the huge waterslide... the one was totally black until you hit the bottom, and they couldn't wait to go on it again! Then back to the rides... we LOVED doing the bumpercars. It was fun to ram into each other... the girls had a blast... LOTS of laughing occured here. Angela went on EVERY ride in the park... even the BIG rollercoaster and LOVED every second of it. By 6pm, the girls were pooped... so were we, so we packed up and headed for home... it was a fun day, but all good things must come to an end... And we are SURE we'll go to DW again...

Oh yeah, we were AMAZED by the aquatic shows at Dutch Wonderland. They had "professional divers" diving from 20' to 70' above the waters surface. It was sooo cool to watch. And even more fun since we sat in the "splash zone" and were soaked after every show. We saw two "aquatic plays" and one diving exhibition... they were EXCELLENT!! Can't wait to see them again!!!

and here is the link to see the whole album:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2073858&id=1287618449&l=829d2070d9

Dog Days of Summer Kids Triathlon

The girls BOTH competed in the Doylestown YMCA's Dog Days of Summer Triathlon this morning (8.15.10). The day was perfect... overcast and almost cool (which is much different than the REST of this summer so far...). The girls were super excited for the race. This was Angela's second and Elyse's first. They were in the same group called the "weebees"... which is for children 5 years and under. They both did GREAT... and can't wait for next year. The race consisted of: 15 yard swim, 1/2 mile bike ride (that included a few small hills), and then a 1/4 mile run. They crossed the finish line with big smiles on their face and proudly showed off their finisher awards. Angela is even more excited because next year she'll get to do it ALL on her own... she'll now be in the 6 and 7 year age group... wow... where has the time gone? We are soo proud of both of the girls and hope they continue to lead such a healthy lifestyle!!!

to see the full sized pictures in this collage click on this link:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2073702&id=1287618449&l=9c26f3a661

Bensalem MOMS take over the Wildwoods!!

We had just gotten back on monday afternoon from Brigantine, tuesday morning I taught spin class at 5:45am, then came home and packed up to head to the Wildwoods! It was a whirlwind trip to say the least!

We got down to our friend Noelle's place on tuesday late morning, got settled, then headed to Jen's house for swimming. The kids were totally waterlogged after a few hours in a pool... and so were the moms too - and this was just the beginning of all of the "fun"! We went back, showered and changed, then headed to the boardwalk to eat at Sam's Pizza then go to Morey's Pier for rides. The kids had a blast. We had a wide age range, so some went for the bigger rides, and some just watched... but everyone had a blast. They were sooo tired by the time we got back to the house... it was bedtime!!

We woke up on wednesday morning to another great day in the Wildwoods. Noelle actually had to "scooters" at her house and asked if I wanted to take a ride. I figured why not, how tough could it be? Well, after I got comfy on the bike, it was ALOT of fun! We "scooted" all over the Wildwoods and had a great time. We then got back and I went for a run on the seawall, then the beach... what a perfect morning!! We then packed up all the kiddos and headed to Jen's house, then the beach for the majority of the day. After the kiddos were FULLY crustified by sand, we went back for a swim and cookout for dinner. Then it was time to head back, pack up and head home...

Yeah, it was constant activity... and alot constant fun!! Thanks Noelle and Jen for making this trip a great one!! Can't wait to do it again!!!

if you want to check out the entire album of pics, click here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2073421&id=1287618449&l=5ea85194d1

Brigantine Triathlon + LOTS of fun in the sun!

So, we've been doing the Brigantine Triathlon for the past 7 years now... hard to believe it's been that long already! It was our first multi-sport race and we still absolutely LOVE it!! And with that race comes enjoying the beach at the same time.

This year we headed down on thursday afternoon to Aunt Gerry's house and then went to Ocean City, NJ on friday. We all enjoyed the boardwalk, the yummy food and of course the rides. We never go on the beaches there, since we are REALLY used to Brigantine, which is much less crowded!! The girls also got new hermit crabs... Angela named hers "heart" and Elyse insisted on naming her "Bob"... eventhough he's in a pink shell... guess he's in touch with his feminine side!

here is a link to the album from OC: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2073186&id=1287618449&l=5946f128a2

We had a nice dinner out with Aunt Gerry, we headed to Brigantine to pick up our race packets and go to the beach there. We are truely in love with Brigantine. The town, the beaches, just everything about it is perfect. The girls enjoyed running on a deserted beach and couldn't wait to "dive in"... although the water was only 63 degrees.... brrrrr....

link to the Brig. Beach pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2073184&id=1287618449&l=b52f48af5b

Saturday was race day! The weather was PERFECT. The highs were in the low 80's and bright sunshine. The race was one of our best. Megan even got a PR (personal record) after all of these years!! The toughest part of the race this year was the swim. The current was VERY tough and they actually "rerouted" the swimmers to a "more safe area" to swim in... so we had to swim about 2/3 of the way against the current. Tough, but still a GREAT race. Oh yeah, the distances were as follows: 1/4 mile swim, 11 mile bike, 4 mile run... And of course HUGE thanks to Grandmom Reedell and Aunt Gerry for watching the girls, taking pictures, and cheering us on through the entire race!!!

link to the Brig. Tri Pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2073178&id=1287618449&l=8d79708a6f

Saturday afternoon we headed to Smithville for some shopping, carousel rides, and then everyone took naps. When we awoke it was time for dinner... so we headed to a Habachi. We enjoyed delicious food and entertainment... and no one left hungry! We then piled into the car and went to Atlantic City. Grandmom had never been to the Pier at Ceasars, so this is where we went. We visited "It's Sugar" then shopped around the levels. We then took a rest on the third floor where they have adirondack chairs set up on an "indoor beach" and the girls played while we rested our feet. Then it was time for the water show. If you have never seen this, it's REALLY great. Great coreography, great music, VERY entertaining!!! We then headed home... it was late and everyone was pooped for a BIG day!!

link to the AC pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2073173&id=1287618449&l=81374b8593

Sunday we headed to Brigantine for the day on the beach. The girls were happy to be splashing around in the ocean... no matter how cold it was! They had a blast. We stopped at a local restraunt for lunch, then a snack, then it was time to put 2 little girls down for naps... ALOT of fun in the sun = sleepy kiddos. That evening we enjoyed Aunt Gerry's company (as well as Oliver's), the girls showed off their scooter riding talents, and then it was to bed at a "normal hour"....

link to the Brigantine Beach Pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2073185&id=1287618449&l=f3a6de2d92

Just a few pics of the "fun" the girls had at Aunt Gerry's house... of course it's ALWAYS a fun time there!

Monday we relaxed in the morning, then headed home... it was fun being at the beach, but it was also VERY nice to be home.... and to catch our breath before our next trip to the beach - which was the NEXT day!!! Thanks Aunt Gerry for your hospitality and we look forward to seeing you again soon!!