The Big 5th Birthday: Daniel Edition

Well Daniel is five. That went fast.

The birthday boy partied Saturday night and got to spend the night on the boat.

Not a bad birthday, waking up on a boat and having cake for breakfast. He may look unsure, but rest assured, he tucked right into the cake as soon as "Happy Birthday" was done.

Daniel is very exited about his new Gotham village, and was equally excited for his requested birthday dessert--second of the day, for those counting: "Family Dessert". (Smores in a bowl for the uninitiated.)

He continues to make us laugh and push our buttons, sometimes in the same minute. He is loving and caring and super smart. Here's to the next year!

Hot Times in Nashville

We made the drive from Terre Haute to Nashville for more family fun. Hot family fun.

Thankfully Kyle had all the accoutrements to entertain and cool off the kiddos. Starting with a water slide.

And a zip line.

And a tire swing.

There was also birthday cake to celebrate the June/July birthday babies.

The adult cousins got to escape for a civilized, kid-free dinner out in Nashville.

Sunday we dressed in as few layers as possible and headed back downtown to explore.

Cowboy boots, cowboy hats and Elvis. Doing Nashville right.

Just hanging by the river.

Kyle took us to see the Nashville Sound play Sunday night.

Before heading to the airport, Loveless Cafe was on the docket. The biscuits and pork were as good as billed.

Back Home Again....In Indiana....

Lest we let our suitcases get any sort of break, we hit the road again last week to visit with family in Indiana. We rendezvoused with the California Totaros, and enjoyed popsicles on Aun Dot's swing.

The next morning we spent some time with our Mamaw, who turns 98 this year. She was tickled to have young visitors. She loves her grandkids....great-grandkids....great-great-grandkids....

Daniel and Uncle Eric performed for the crowd, sorry about my video skills. Clearly I need to brush up.

Next stop: Nashville. Stay tuned for that update. Still processing all the fun!

Hola, Mexico!

The kids and I escaped to Mexico after the 4th of July.

The pools were a hit, especially the one with the swim up bar. The kids quickly learned to love all inclusive packages. No need to ask mom for money? Score.

The resort, Dreams, had a great program for kids and an epic trampoline.

Kacy approved.

Daniel was ready for his turn.

 The beaches of Cancun are being inundated with large amounts of sea grass. Therefore, there wasn't  much beach swimming this go around.

Iguana hunting was another fun activity.

Alas, we had to leave the shade of the palapa on the beach and head home. It was a great trip.

Water slides and Fireworks: One Pretty Decent July 4th

We took a ride up to the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania to check out a new resort, Kalahari.

It's biggest attraction is its super large water park. Plenty to do for kids of all ages.

A photo opp with the hotel mascot.

Enjoying some yummy dessert before bed.

We headed back home for a fun 4th of July celebration at the club. It was overcast and chilly. Very un-July like for Maryland. But the fireworks went off and it was a great day.

Our friends the Manners joined us for the festivities.

Fun with sparklers pre-show.