The kids were scared of the ocean. They must be used to quiet Lake Ontario because the waves were way too much for them. On the last day, Kyle was able to take Cameron in a bit, but Mikaela dug holes into my arm when I walked in with her.


They had a blast digging in the sand and looking for shells.

Our campsite.
The campground had a small waterpark with an awesome kids area. Mikaela went crazy and didn't hesitate.
On our last night, we went out for a traditional Blue Maryland Crab dinner. The first thing Cameron said when we sat down to the server was, "I don't like crab".



Mikaela just had a great time banging the crap out of the crab.

Sleeping was...interesting, non-existent, and really not so bad. The kids naps didn't always happen, but when they finally conked out they were out. Mikaela slept on the ground half the time and just didn't want to stay in her blow up sleeping bag.

Sure there were a few ups and downs. There was even a night where Kyle and I had to each hold up a side of the tent because of a storm. We stayed dry, had a lot of great family time, and were also glad to come home to our own beds.

My cousin, Mike and his family have decided to make a yearly trip to the WNY area every year for the Fourth of July. And when any family rolls into town we make sure that we smother them until they are so sick of us they don't want to see us for another year...or at least a couple weeks. I absolutely LOVE it when my entire family gathers. I have always loved the feeling of a huge family, so when we do it big I am in my glory. Another light in my life--babies. I love me some babies! So, wasn't I tickled pink when I found out that my brother and his newborn baby girl, Misha, were driving in for the fun.

The fun kicked off with my mom flying in for a whole week (!) and Mike arriving the next day. Cameron has been aching for Mike's son Mark (age 5) to get here so we were pretty excited to see everyone. Mom got a super professional big expensive camera for her birthday so I believe all of these shots are compliments of her. I can't say that I picked up a camera even once this week...

We went to the park/beach one day







Lots of playing








It was a busy week and we loved it. We're exhausted, but well worth it.

Now, on to the business of the craziness in my head: I need some EASY, fast, yummy (nutritious?) recipes for camping. Keep in mind we will be camping at the beach, so anything gooey and hot will not make the cut. Throw in some ideas for beach snacks and lunch and I will love you forever. Anything that can be prepared and kept for a few days in advance, I just might marry you. PLEASE, please, PLEASE send some ideas my way!! Any other tips for making life a little bit easier when you are camping and beaching it for 7 days with two toddlers is most certainly appreciated. Except for "don't do it".

First, I have to say that I have good days and bad days. If it's sunny and I'm busy, it's usually a good day and you might hear from me. If it's a bad day, then it's a bad day and it's probably raining or I'm by myself. And you won't hear from me. I've started a few posts on these bad days, but they never really turn into anything useful so I just let them go.

Today is a good day though and it is sunny--cold as heck, but sunny and that's all I need. Have I mentioned that my camera is broken? We only bought the thing 3 years ago when Cameron was born. I know in electronics age that is forever, but we spent a decent amount of money on it so that we could have excellent pictures of our perfect children. Well, the pictures aren't so excellent anymore and the kids aren't perfect. We took it in to get fixed and they said, "you might as well buy a new one." Seriously? That just sucks. So, in the meantime we are using a borrowed camera from my employer--yea perks. Looking at the pics from the weekend I realized that I have not posted anything from Texas either, so you are getting a double whammy today. This camera doesn't have a USB wire so it's arduous to get the pics downloaded. (arduous=word of the day)

Max had his First Communion this weekend, so while we don't have any pictures of him (we do have video) we have some pics of the other cousins in church. Hard to get those kids to stay still! Cameron, Emily, Annie, and Mikaela.



Mikaela and Cameron got tons of attention this weekend. They were loving life.



And now, Texas in random order and absolutely no cropping or red eye fix what-so-ever: Here's Cammie, don't know what he's doing. Lindsay and I are in the background, don't know what we are doing either. This is the only pic of me on the trip, so enjoy. And I can't help but think...as bad and sad as it is to think it...I was pregnant in this picture.



Mike teaching Cam to ride. We weren't very successful. He's only 3!


The zoo! It was a beautiful HOT day. The boys had to have snakes of course, and Mikaela has a giraffe in a purse.

We read to Cameron every night. He has always loved books. Mikaela does, too, but only on her terms. She must turn the pages when she wants to (usually before we can get past the 3rd word). For some reason, she was perfectly content letting Uncle Mike read at his own pace.

Outside again. Told ya it was random order. We were so excited to be able to enjoy warm weather...I can't tell you how good it felt!


We miss all of our cousins all the time. Can't wait until the fourth of July!!