Kennywood 2013

The first day of our stay-cation we hit the local amusement park.  We all stood in line for the ride above but Andrew, Michael and  I chickened out before it was our turn.

The carousel is always a favorite.

 

 Riding a kiddie roller coaster

The day we were supposed to board a cruise we boarded the SS Kenny instead.

 

James and I were thrilled that they were big enough to ride most of the dizzying rides by themselves this year. 

 

 This one went so fast I got dizzy just watching.  I was happy to ride the big coasters instead.

We rode the log ride three times.  I love how calm Andrew looks.

 

Mom, I know motorcycles are dangerous but these aren't real.

Since we only go once a year we stayed until the kids were exhausted.

Ten hours!!

We spent the rest of the week with my parents.  The children think Francis's pool is the best.  This year's addition:  inflatable loungers.

We met my friend Jenny at the Clay Center.  Above the children are standing in order of age:  8, 7, 6, 5, 4, and 3.

Thirteen years earlier at our college graduation.

 

We celebrated the June birthdays with ice cream cake.  Rachael, Francis, Sarah, Elizabeth and Matthew (not pictured).

Elizabeth is five!

On one hand it's hard to believe that she is only five, but on the other hand I'm sad that she's growing up so quickly.  She is a spunky, dramatic, and energetic leader.  I love her to the moon and back!

 

After opening her presents in the morning we set about doing the activities she chose for the day.  She was thrilled to receive a Stuffie.

We went swimming, had sushi at the park, watched a movie, ate dessert at a fro-yo bar, went to Build-a-Bear, and had dinner at California Pizza Kitchen.

After a busy day she (and Mary) changed into their new matching nightgowns.

Elizabeth used her birthday money to buy a Barbie Dream House.  James and Michael spent half a day assembling it.  She loves it!

 

Last day of school!

The first grade boys partied after school ended.

 

We had this sign for Michael when he got off the bus.  When we walked home he wrote at the top of the sign:  First Day of 2nd Grade

So happy that he loves school.

With my grandmother's health declining we decided to take a quick trip to visit with her.

 

Four generations of women

 

 My grandmother was remembering how she couldn't believe that I was driving her.  And now twenty years later she is spending time with her great grandchildren.

Elizabeth practiced many songs to sing to Dama.

 

Headphones - check

Movie - check

Snack - check

Drink - check

Makes for happy children on a long drive.