Saturday, July 23, 2011

Rehoboth Beach Vacation



The above picture says it all: The best part about the beach is FAMILY! Mark's grandparents started the tradition of a family vacation in Rehoboth Beach, DE, many years ago, and their legacy continues. Their 4 children now bring their own families, and this year we spread out in 3 beach houses (Absent in the above photo but also at the beach were Bean, Leah, Sara, Nancy & Mickey, Rick, and Bethany.) Our Winterhoff Beach House consisted of 6 young children (5 of whom are age 4 and under), so you can imagine the energy, excitement, and enthusiasm. Poppy and Bean provided another wonderful week for us, and our kids ate up the attention from their cousins, aunts & uncles, and grandparents. Luke has been talking about going to the boardwalk (Funland) since last summer and was thrilled to return to his favorite rides. Leah rode on a playground swing and the merry-go-round for the first time, we stayed busy and the pool and beach, and the Beach Fairy left clues every evening to lead the children on treasure hunts and find prizes. What special memories were made during our Rehoboth week this year! Here are some of our photos:



The Girl Cousins (Maya, Leah, Alexis, and Lauren).



"Baby Gabe is a big boy now!" Luke proclaimed.



One of my favorites...



These children bring us so much joy.



Look how excited Luke is to be driving his favorite Funland car again this year!



Grandfather, Grandson, & Son.



On the bridge at the duck/turtle pond.



At the pool.



Backseat driver.



First carousel ride!


Below is a slideshow of some other favorite pictures from our Rehoboth week:

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Patriotic Pride



Ever since July 4, Luke has really enjoyed waving the American flag and showing off his patriotic pride. His favorite new song is "America the Beautiful" and he has created his own unique words for the tune. Below are the actual lyrics as well as Luke's own rendition, along with a video of our patriotic little man. Enjoy!



America The Beautiful Lyrics:

America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!


Luke's Interpretation:
"Ah-nerica!, Ah-nerica!
God shed his Grace
(Leah's middle name) on Lee (nickname for his baby sister)
And crown da' good with Brotherhood (because he's her big brother)
From C (dramatic pause)...to (another pause)...Shi-Ning (big finish here)... C!!!!!!"


Click here for Luke's patriotic video!


Sunday, July 17, 2011

Topsail Island Beach Vacation



We had a wonderful time at Topsail Island last week, and Leah had her first beach vacation! The weather was beautiful and we loved spending time with our family. Here are some of our favorite pictures from our time at Topsail:





















Leah with her Uncle Jef


Nutty was always smiling for Aunt Molly
















More of our beach pictures (also in our Winterhoff Family Photo Albums ):

Monday, July 11, 2011

Precious Cargo!



Mommy has had a little helper packing for our summer vacation. We certainly don't travel light anymore, but will have a very well-dressed baby on our trip!



Bring on the beach!!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Blueberry Festival



This morning, we went to a Blueberry Festival at Roper Mountain Science Center. There were booths of delicious treats, blueberry-themed games and crafts at the Living History Farm, and the Natural Sciences building was open to the public, featuring lots of exhibits, animals, and educational displays. It was summer at its best, with live music, freshly baked pies & farmers' market stands, and of course the abundant blueberries everywhere = yummy! We all enjoyed the festival, but Luke's favorite part by far was the "city bus" (shuttle ride from the parking lot to the festival). He could have ridden the bus all day long and been perfectly happy. Here are some pictures from our day:


Playing with old-fashioned toys


Blueberry girls


Stamps with blueberry ink


Watermelon snack break

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In other funny 3 year-old news, Luke spotted a bottle of Hershey's Syrup in the refrigerator door last night and asked us, "What is that?"

Daddy poured a little bit into a cup, added milk, and told Luke to say the magic words to make "magical chocolate milk".

Luke shouted, "ABRACADABRA!"

Daddy stirred the milk, transforming it into a delicious chocolate-brown concoction.

Mommy nervously bit her lip, fearful that Luke would never want plain old, boring white milk again once he realized we were able to create such a tasty treat at home.

Daddy handed the cup to Luke.

Luke took a big sip of milk, crinkled up his face in disgust, spit it back out into the cup, and proclaimed, "I DON'T like it! I want PLAIN milk."

Mommy smiled to herself and breathed a big sigh of relief that her little boy is such a creature of habit and routine, and won't know what he's missing for a little while longer!

Monday, July 4, 2011

All-American 4th!



Our Fourth of July Weekend Checklist:

-Baseball Game: Check!









-Pictures with Patriotic Mascots: Check!









-Ice Cream: Check!



-Red, White, and Blue: Check!



-Pool Party with Birthday Cake: Check!




-Fireworks: Check!





Happy Birthday, America!

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Summer Days



Grandpa's visiting and we've been enjoying some hot summer days this week! Here's how we've been spending our time:


Someone is a big boy now and rides down the water slide beside Daddy- no longer on his lap!


Speaking of big, do you think we've outgrown the baby pool?!



Leah and Grandpa staying cool in the shade at the waterpark.



Miss South Carolina Swimsuit Competition, here we come!



It's actually Grandpa's birthday cake, but you wouldn't know it from this picture!


Because two people blowing out the candles is twice as lucky!



Another Friday at the Farm, and Luke spent the class picking and giving flowers to Raquelle instead of participating in the lesson... What a charmer!



The girls relax in the kitchen...


...while Big Brother helps Mommy "cook".



Wearing as much brownie batter as he tasted = 100% Mommy's child!