Second Week of Junior Lifeguards

We started off the week with a bang! This time of year really is our favorite! The traffic coming home from Newport is literally the only bad thing about going to the beach every day. But as the kids get older, we can stay out later and miss traffic.... or maybe we'll finally have our dream beach house! ha ha

On Monday, after we dropped off Parker for his second week of Junior Lifeguard's, we stopped by my parent's house for a little pit stop. We were able to see Sari and Carole and the twins and of course give big hugs to Nanny and Bebo. Then it was off to Scooter's Jungle! Rayleigh LOVED the big slide. Everything we've been doing has been just perfect for her. Jack is still a little too young to appreciate everything and the poor kid needs a nap... But he has fun none the less!

Another picture by Rayleigh of her favorite person.

Waiting for "The Monkey Place" to open. They are playing with ants...

She's also a huge fan of air hockey! Who knew!?

After our morning activities, these babies are pretty pooped. It's nice to have my parent's house to rest and recuperate. (mostly I'M the one who needs the rest these days...) I feed them lunch in the backyard and they play and sometimes settle down with a show (those are special times...)

On Tuesday I had my 32 appointment for baby girl! She is growing perfectly and I'm the picture of health. I have virtually no symptoms aside from all the normal things like heart burn, braxton hicks, leg cramps at night, frequent urination, lack of breath, fatigue.... But all of these things are occasional. I can live with that. For 7 more weeks.... My doctor is super rad and I really like her. And I love that I can plan to be gone an hour or less for these appointments. The check in/waiting process is so fast. It's amazing! Also, I've gained 35 pounds so....  ya. Let's just chalk it up to that summer time water weight shall we?

Jon was sweet enough to watch the babies while I was at the doctor. He took them to the water park and if you can imagine, they thought they'd died and gone to heaven. I don't know how Jon did it with 5 kids. He's extraordinary and I'm sooooo thankful for his willingness to help! I stopped by the Rack on my way out of the doctor and bought him a pair of shorts as a thank you gift and he was super stoked!

As I was leaving, my Dad noticed my windshield and immediately grabbed his step stool and supplies to wash it for me. I'd been "letting my car go" these last 2 weeks because I knew it would have 3 inches of sand in it and who knows what other muck and grime from all the driving and activities. I just didn't want to stress. But the windshield needed some attention and leave it to my super hero Dad to just jump in and take care of it for me. He's the best and I love him so much!

On Wednesday we had plans to meet my friend Lindsey and her cute baby Preston at We Rock the Spectrum. I decided to let the babies out to play for a little bit before we headed that way. Well, next thing I knew they had stripped off their clothes and were skinny dipping in the bay! And I was fully clothed so there was nothing I could do about it! I had to just sit there until they were done. I tried counting to 3, and asking nicely, and even bribing them with all kinds of treats! But those little stinkers just wanted to swim in the nude. They were COVERED in sand when I finally dragged them up to the car and because I didn't want to risk them bolting away from me again, I just threw them in the car completely sandy and naked. The good news is that sand is the easiest thing in the world to clean up. We stopped by my parents' house to clean up before meeting Lindsey.

I had never met her adorable baby boy before! It was so fun to see her and get all caught up! Her parents are selling their amazing house for 10 million dollars and moving to the beach. Sounds like #goals to me! ha ha Rayleigh LOVED the zip line and Jack had a great time playing around on everything. I love that place.

When we got home we, as always, did some swimming before dinner. It's a great little routine we have going!

On Thursday I was prepared to let the kids stay at the bay and swim and play! But would you believe they only lasted about an hour and wanted to leave.

Apparently they were tired. I wonder why? ha ha We have been going non stop. I drove over to Jon's, though, after stopping at my mom's so they could sleep. (I made myself a little picnic in the garage and watched them sleep- my parents were at the temple) I met Jon at a cute little park by his house and met some friends there too! The kids were thrilled to play with cousins again. Rayleigh had to use the bathroom at one point so we had to enter into the pool area and she, once again, stripped off her clothes and jumped into the pool and joined a swimming lesson before I could stop her! I told her to just swim in her clothes but she thought that was ridiculous. ha ha These kids keep me humble. And AS IF she even needs a swimming lesson! Sheesh!

Kim and Kaela being sooooo super sweet with Rayleigh. I  just love this cousin bond!

Friday was bitter sweet. Parker's last day. All the kids gathered on the iconic whale and snapped a group photo. It's a huge group! And Parker has LOVED his time being a Junior Lifeguard. Every time I check him in or out the coaches tell me what a great kid Parker is, how helpful and respectful he is, and how easy it is to talk to him and communicate. I sure am proud of my son! And I'm so grateful for programs like these where he can learn valuable skills, make new friends, and experience so many fun moments!

We stayed and played for a few minutes before heading to Zoomars in San Juan! Rayleigh LOVED the petting zoo and literally would have stayed there all day. Poor Jack was soooo tired. I am so impressed with Rayleigh sensitive, nurturing side. She was so gentle but brave with all the animals. And even with me, she loves to cuddle me up with blankets and pillows, "put me to bed", and she is constantly grabbing her toy stethoscope to "listen" to the baby. She is really such a bright shining star!

Oh and no big deal, but Bruce Willis was there with his wife and kids. He sat right next to me for like 15 minutes. This is a crappy picture because I was too "chicken" to say anything to him (no pun intended) He is one GOOD looking man, though. And that voice of his was undeniable. I wanted to let him have his space and enjoy the petting zoo with his little family. But man, what a cool experience!

After the petting zoo I met Kari over at her pool with lunch. We had the place to ourselves and the kids just played so we could talk. Kari likes the one on one attention and isn't so into it when the kids interrupt. ha ha I didn't take any pictures with her though! We were too busy chatting!

When I picked up Parker at the end of the day, he was so excited to show me the skateboard he won! He got it for being such a stud, for having the best positive attitude, and for being a great helper! That's my boy!!!

Of course we enjoyed extra bad traffic on the way home on our last day. But the kids were great and that's all that matters. Until next year, Newport Dunes! By then I'll have 3 babies to chase around! YIKES!