Back to Jersey (part 3)

We drove back to New Jersey on Friday (6/12) and went to this restaurant in search of zuppe de clams. Apparently, that was the only good thing on the menu. Perhaps we are spoiled living in south LA, but I thought that this was the WORST seafood restaurant I've ever been to.



Carl and MJ used to go to this restaurant in their younger days.



Kirstyn tried her hardest to keep Anna entertained.



Luckily, the restaurant was nearly empty (which should have told us something...)



Things went downhill quickly...



On Saturday, Becky, Michael, and Brooks came to visit (Becky is Shaun's half-sister).



Carl had fun with two of his grandchildren.



This was the first time he had met 11-month-old Brooks.



Anna and Brooks had a great time splashing in the tub.




We had not seen Becky and Michael since our wedding, so we really enjoyed visiting with them.



On Sunday, we dressed the girls in similar red, white, and blue outfits with the intention of having their picture professionally taken at the mall. While we waited for our appointment, they played on the rides.



I think that Anna and Kirstyn had the most fun.




We also tried going on the carousel again. Anna was very happy riding on a horse before the ride started.


Unfortunately, once the ride started, she wasn't so happy anymore.



We quickly moved to a stable seat, where she was much happier.

Unfortunately, we waited so long that Anna got tired and refused to take a picture once it was our turn. Sydni, Mackenzie, and Kirstyn were very patient with her and tried everything, but what Anna really needed was a nap!

On Monday, we hung around and went to the park. Tuesday morning came early, and we couldn't wait to be home.



From this spot, Anna could see the planes taking off and landing, though it didn't keep her from getting a little grumpy.



All in all, it was a fantastic trip! We LOVED seeing our family and hope that we will see them again soon!

Meet Me in St. Louis!

This past weekend we went to St. Louis for the crawfish boil, chauffeuring the guests of honor. We were so busy having a good time at the party that I didn't bother to take pictures. However, on Monday, Grandma came with us to the zoo.

It was really hot, but Anna held out long enough to see the elephants.


No, I'm not preggo, just fat.



Then we went to Mike and Amy's house for dinner.



Anna was having a ball playing with Amy's exercise ball.



Next, we went down into the basement and played on Uncle Mike's drums.



Anna liked the cymbals the best because they made the most noise!




Then she got mad because we told her that the drums had to go "night-night".



So, Uncle Mike played the guitar for us to help the drums go to sleep.



Yay Uncle Mike!!

So, we're back for one day, and on Thursday, we're off to the east coast to visit our cousins in New Jersey and New York! We'll update again when we get back in two weeks.

Uncle Mike and Aunt Amy's Party!

Here's Anna on my last day of school. She even got to sleep in because I didn't have to report until 8 am!


On Sunday, Edmund and Kathy had a garden brunch for Uncle Mike and Aunt Amy. Here are Grandma and Anna.


Anna had a good time playing the piano.



Uncle Stephen imparted some of his music knowledge on Anna.


I'm hoping she inherited more music ability than I did. Even her random plunking sounded better than my 6 years of lessons at times.


We climbed up and down the stairs A LOT!


Here is Uncle Brad with Anna. Since he is practically related to us, he gets the title of "uncle" along with Michael and Stephen.


Michael, Anna, me, and Amy.


The members of the wedding party who were there, with the exception of Shaun. Michael and Amy have some really wonderful friends- they drove 11 hours to get here on Friday night, just to turn around and drive back on Monday.


It was pretty warm, so of course, Anna started stripping down. Yes, she did swim in a bathing suit, but I didn't get a picture of that.


Sorry, I couldn't resist!


Anna LOVES Dingo!


Anna feeding Dingo once I wrangled her into wearing some clothes.

For Grandma and Grandpa

As you may know, Anna REALLY likes dogs. She said "Mitty" (Smitty) before "Grandma" or "Grandpa". This makes them feel VERY important. I guess it's all relative, because Anna said, "Fritzie" before "Mommy" or "Daddy".

Final Countdown

We're in the final days of school, and cannot wait until we don't have to blast Anna out of bed at 5:45 in the morning. Luckily, since it is close to the longest day of the year, it gets light fairly early now! Here she is on a particularly good morning. She even chose a dress and a bow to wear!


This dress was mine when I was little. Notice the Cinderella shoes that Anna chose to match.


I just like this picture of her. I had just told her that she had to wear "real" shoes. Cinderella shoes are not allowed at school.


Now that it's finals week, we are finished a little earlier and have more time and energy to play in the afternoons with Anna. Do you see the drool coming out of her mouth?? Shaun hasn't noticed this yet. Hopefully he won't reach up in his hair and get a wet surprise...


What a goof!