York's Wild Kindom

A week or so ago we took the kids up to Maine to visit York's Wild Animal Kingdom. The park was made up of half zoo and half amusement rides. Seeing as Arianna likes a little more laid back atmosphere, we thought that she would just be interested in the zoo and not the fast rides. We thought that Rylan, who is more of a dare devil, would be the opposite. It goes to show how much children constantly change as Arianna ended up wanting to just zip through the zoo to get to the ride portion of the park. Rylan, on the other hand, seemed as if he wanted to soak in everything the zoo had to offer. He loved checking out all of the animals and really wanted to just take his time and relax. By the time we reached the rides, Arianna enthusiastically jumped on as many rip roaring rides as she could while Rylan screamed his little lungs out in protest of doing anything that seemed risky. We seemed to be at the park for the entire day and I think that Ryan and I were more exhausted than the kids were. All in all, it was a great day and we can't wait to go back when we have a bit more energy.

Rylan pushes Arianna through the zoo.

White Tiger

And on the ride portion of the park...

House of Mirrors

Family

I am trying to play catch-up by posting photos that I have taken over the past few weeks. Summer is definitely a time to spend with family. Here are some pictures from when Candace, Quinn and Lowell were visiting from Maryland, along with a few shots of the kids going on their nature walk with Gramps.

Just Another Day at the Beach

Yes, I am now a mature woman of thirty and for my birthday my ever loving husband took the day off and brought us to beautiful Plum Island Beach in Newburyport. The day was absolutely gorgeous with not a cloud in the sky and the temps in the high 80's... okay, the humidity made it a bit of a drag but I am not complaining.

The kids loved the beach. Rylan acted like a crazy man while running after the seagulls and diving into the waves. Unfortunately the beach flies got a bit out of hand with the biting so we packed up our belongings and headed over to my parents place in downtown Newburyport.

Ryan and I had the opportunity for my parents to babysit the kids while we grabbed a bite to eat at one of the local cafes. The night was followed by dinner and cake with family. I had a wonderful birthday and I am grateful that I was able to spend it with the ones that mean the most to me. I am truly happy to be dirty thirty!

Rylan's Party Pics

I wanted to post a few pictures from Rylan's B-day party at our house. This year we wanted just a intimate gathering of family members to celebrate his big day.

Dallie and Rylan

The gang

Arianna thought it was her party

My sister Heidi and I

Rylan, Arianna and Dani