FIRST SWING

I'd say it was a success.

And wait grass is pretty cool too.

FINALLY FIVE

And just like that she is FIVE. 

Bella is five!

Seems like a milestone, true childhood. Goodbye baby, toddler and "preschool" years.
She has been asking when she is five for about 9 months now at least once every week. And finally, finally it came!

Obviously on her birthday she was more than a little thrilled to go to school.

The night before she had opened a package from Grandma and Grandpa Stanger and gotten a few new things; one being a new dress. Which she proudly wanted to wear right away.

At school she got to be the "special helper" (it's a big deal) and cupcakes and got sung to too, it was pretty much a dream come true.

After school she got to play at the park!

That night she picked dinner out at a Japenese Hibachi Grill, Tanzo.

Also known as "the fire place" to the kids. Due to the big fire performance while they cook.

Daddy even spoiled her with a special drink!

Sydney did NOT like the fire,
but Daddy helped her be brave.

When we got home we made marshmallow and strawberry kabobs.

And played with balloons!

And Bella posed for pictures as she anxiously awaited, PRESENT TIME!

And before long it was officially time for the unwrapping!

All Daddy's idea, and she was
head over heals for her music/jewelry box!

Lovin on her new "birdie" puppet.

She was perfectly please with being spoiled with love, attention, and presents!

She was SO HAPPY!

Now it was on to cake time! 

(Thanks for the baking skills MOM! I love living near my Mom!)

It was a perfect celebration for our birthday girl!

And after all the excitement she wrapped up in her new mermaid blanket for a family movie but didn't quite make it.

Ocean City in October

Ocean City off season was always a Martin Family tradition. 

Sometimes the weather works out perfect and sometimes it is just a little too cold, but either way we had tons of fun at the beach. This year we joined the Martin's again for their daycation at the beach. Lots of driving but lots of fun! 

I tried to teach the kids to look for shells and then they would bring me them by the hundreds, mostly broken pieces but it was fun! As a kid I loved searching for shells and there is still  a shell lover in me now.

Bella got sand down her swimsuit and itched so hard that the sand irritated scratches from all that itching (or an itty bitty sand crab may have been involved thats still a mystery), so about five minutes in we successfully had a modest clothing change beachside. 

Just us. 

I love this guy making the most of the cold weather and sporting sandcastle expertise and encouraging my beach loving spirit. We had fun!

Bella was obsessed with this toy! Watching the wind blow this thing round and round made her day!

Chasing my runaway... apparently she decided to try boating for herslf in the baby bath duck I brought for Piper to play in.

The weather was a bit chilly but that didn't bother Connor he was still diving in waves and about ready to surf. 

Sandcastle contesetant 1- Daddy

Filling up a bucket with wet sandcastle sand for Mommy!

Sydney helped me add my finishing touch!

Sandcastle contesetant 2 - Bella and Mommy

Sandcastle Contestant 3 - Connor and Joseph!

Chasing birds.

At least someone got use out of this bathtub duck idea. 

Piper was seriously a dream baby. She perfectly sat on the blanket and didn't even need the baby bathtub idea, she had LOTS to snack on (I knew food was the easiest way to keep her happy and content so I came prepared). And my Mom definitely helped with her lots too!

Sydney's favorite game to play at the beach. "Don't let the water touch my toes?" It's harder than it looks!

Boardwalk

Childhood favorite! This Haunted House was a must when we came here as kids. It's the traditional go around in a cart and have things jump out at you kinda thing. Ryan and  I, especially had good memories here. 

 "It's a great white!" -Connor

He was over the moon to see this shark on the boardwalk. And has been asking to see live sharks soon. Maybe an aquarium visit is in our future. 

LOVE this stroller. I can promise this is the only stroller we will ever buy again! And it comes in so handy when two are approaching bedtime and need a spot to rest. 

We also had dinner out and fresh seafood it was all wonderful, and a little chilly. 

Can't wait for next year.