Brooklyn's birthday party

Every year Aiden's friend Brooklyn has a costume birthday party.  This year Aiden wore his pirate costume from last year and Maura wore a princess dress that we got last year after Halloween.  It was a bit small but she wore it the whole time!

 

A princess and a pirate

Cap'n Jack Sparrow vs. 2 ninjas!  (Brooklyn is in the white)

Pinata time!

Weekend beach trip

Both Matt and Aiden had a rare 3 day weekend at the same time, so we took advantage and rented a condo in Destin!  The condo itself was gorgeous, we had a wrap-around balcony with fantastic ocean views, and the pool had cool color-changing lights.  Aiden LOVED getting in the ocean (a far cry from a few years ago when just having sand on his feet caused a meltdown of enormous proportions).  And Maura had a blast wherever we went, but her favorite thing was swimming in the pool.  It was a great, relaxing break that we desperately needed!

Colorful pool

I think the hat strap was bothering her

Pool time!

Jumping off Daddy's shoulders

Up close

Standing by Daddy's "village"

Aiden the destructor!

This was a mural in the garage of the condo

Last day at the pool!

10 grandkids!

Every summer Beth's stepsister Marie brings her 4 girls for a visit to her GA family (they live in Wisconsin), and we all get together one day.  We've added kids to the mix throughout the years, and this year we added my stepsister Becca's baby, Joseph!  Between my mom and my stepdad they have 10 grandkids all together!  This year we went to the bouncy house place, out to lunch and then to a splash pad.  Everyone had a great time and all the kiddos were totally worn out by the end of the day :)

All the grandkids!

Grandkids and their parents (Parents from L-R: Becca, Marie, Kelly, Kublai, Becky, Beth & Matt. Grandkids from L-R: Joseph, Maggie, Annie, Katie, Alice, Linley, Dorie, Theo, Aiden &  Maura)

Grandpa Brian, Gramma Nancy and all their grandkids!

Becca, Brian, Bonnie & Joseph

Daddy helped Maura play basketball

Aiden and Maggie (Marie's youngest)

Aiden attacking Uncle Kublai!

Rainy day balloon fun

First day of first grade for my first baby

Aiden began first grade today!

 

Sister had to pose with him

With his teacher, Mrs Sanders



Standing next to "Herbie"

 

Cousin Linley's 5th birthday party

Cousin Linley (Beth's step-sister Kelly's daughter) had her 5th birthday party and we happened to be in town to attend!  Kelly had craft tables set up, games, a piñata, delicious food and of course cake!  Aiden & Maura had a great time!

 

Painting her butterfly

Game time

Pinata!  Cousin Theo takes a shot

Maura's turn!

Aiden's turn!

Uncle Kublai takes a swing

Candy!

Make a wish, Linley!

Matt explores his sensitive side :)

Aiden @ theater camp

Aiden went to theater camp again this summer at the Springer Opera House, and loved it!  He jumped up and raised his hand to try and be first when the leaders (teens helping out) asked, and really got involved with every scene they performed.  I was so proud!

 

Impromptu photo shoot downtown before Aiden's performance

"Make a silly noise"

Everyone imitated their noises at the same time

Performing a scene

They all signed each other's shirts at the end