(taking shots of milk)
These two are 2 peas in a pod. They have had a great summer together and will be going to school three days a week in the fall together, BUT now Madeline looks for her brother and asks for him at the playground and in the halls of the school.
In early August, we took our traditional trip to Mt. Washington. We were so lucky to spend Wednesday to Sunday there with family and relax. The time we spent together was filled with non-stop running around, laughing and not much sleep. We got there and the boys choose to take over the basement t.v room and set up their sleeping bags. Madeline was not so great sleeping the 1st night, so we were able to get her her own room to sleep. She stirs a lot at night. The next few days we had a huge house and huge backyard where all the kids were so lucky to run around and play with their nerf guns nana and bampa gave them. It was so much fun to watch the boys play and Madeline keep up. I would gaze over the balcony with Mark and the fam watching them run around be wild was awesome. I would head down there with Madeline and we would be the " bad ninja and chase them. It was so much fun and their laughter was so fun.
(Bampa accidentally threw a ball that hit Dom & daddy recording the moment)
We also took a tour of the horse barn and went to Storyland. Storyland was a lot of fun this year and Madeline was old enough to really enjoy more rides. With both kids, we did not have the opportunity to hit up as many rides as we did last year but we ended up playing more games and painting activities.
We also had a ton of swim time in the pool. We went a few times and Dominic loved to be in the big boy pool and swim with little help. Since Dominic has been taking swim lessons he has been so much more confident in his swimming with out swimmers, diving and open his eyes under water. This year, Madeline was a year and a half and she not just likes water but LOVES the water. Madeline pretty much had the infant pool to herself but she loved it.
At the horse stable, Dominic learned about the horses they have in the stables, how to brush them, feed them and even rode a horse. Riding the horse was his favorite part. Dominic was all smiles and happy to share this fun adventure with his cousin Brendan this year.
The 'Adult Night' where I totally lost it and my BEST FRIEND made made me almost pee my pants from laughing.
The kids and I love to explore and find new parks. A few weeks ago we found a park in Merrimack called Twin Bridges. The play ground is huge and looks like a castle. It is made of wood and there are mountains of tires you can crawl on, a ton of slides, mazes like a castle and even sand. Behind the playground, there is an area that there are picnic benches and a "Giving House" where you can swap books. We have 4 in the car now that Dominic is ready to give four books and take 4 from the house. There are also many beautiful trails we have hiked. Madeline on mommy's back and Dom leading the way. We even found an area where it's about 3-4' deep and the kids can wear their water shoes and fish or catch crawl fish. This is Domincs new favorite thing to do. Last time we were there. A was a nice man with his daughter let Dominic borrow his rod to fish. The kid caught a Salmon and it was huge. The gentlemen admitted he was jealous. Cannot wait to explore more on the trails and find new adventures.
We were also able to fit in one more trip to the beach and it was so much fun. The day that we went feel on the 'solar eclipse'. I made sure that the kids did not look at the sun. By the time it started in NH, we were already in the car (kids passed out) heading home from a full day at the beach. We arrived around 9 am, loaded my cool new blue buggy with the gear and set off. Madeline did great holding my hand then I let her go when we reached the sand. Dominic was a great big brother watching over her and screaming how 'awesome' it's going to be to his sister. When our feet hit the sand it was non-stop running around and jumping in the water. I cannot tell you how many sand castles we built with bridges for Dom's cars to travel under, barring feet in the sand, jumping waves and eating a lot. I also remembered to bring Madeline's small pool and we had that filled with water which was great for both of them to be cleaned off and just have near by.
Early in the morning when we were in the water. I was hoping to find some neat shells to bring home from our trip. I thought I saw one in the water by my feet so I bent over to pick it up. In my delight but fright, it was a crab, a dead baby crab. I picked it up and showed the kids. Dominic was not enthused but Madeline was very curious and did touch it. When we were done I took it over to the sand dunes, away from the birds and other people.
August 30th, Madeline, and Dominic started the new school year at World Academy. Dominic is in Pre-School and Madeline is in Toddler class. I cannot believe how fast time has flown and I don't want to think about kindergarten yet. The first day started with mommy making pancakes in the shape of ninjas. Then we played and made baby flowers (Madeline's baby doll) her breakfast and went to school. We also we so lucky to have daddy home in the morning to take some pics with theses crazy kids. We are so proud of them both and how different they are, but how they respect each other too. When I picked them up, they had great days and were very happy to see mamma. 
Dominic's class is the "Funky Monkeys" and Madeline does not have a theme yet. In Dominic's class. they have the opportunity every few weeks to take a monkey home for a week and take pictures of what you do in your daily activities or trips. You document everything and then share it with your class. They will be focusing on taking responsibility for what you do every day, learn letters, manners, numbers up to 40 + and much more.
Madeline's class will be focusing on manners, colors, shapes, textures, taste and word association. She loves to sing songs and dance like Dominic. So it has been easy to introduce new words and help her extend her vocabulary. She loves the 'hello song' so I have just added new words we use every day and she's really extending her vocab. I also have continued a book like I did with Dominic where every few weeks the teacher can include the fun things Madeline has been doing. We do get daily updates but I know that there is a lot moreI'mm missing.
So much we have done over the summer were sorry to say good bye but ready for Halloween.
We are very lucky to also have Grandma move to NH. Starting in October Grandma will be living with us 100% for a few months until we can find her a lovely place she can call her home. The kids are loving the extra play time and fun activities. We are very excited to have more family around and enjoy these memories were made. Cheers to 2017 adventures.
Running Time with both mu kiddos
