Mark's first slumber party

Somehow I forgot to tell you all about Mark's first slumber party. His friend, J, was turning 9, and he wanted to have a slumber party, just like his big brother. I dropped off Mr. Mark at the party at 4 PM. Birthday boy was waiting eagerly outside his out. Brought up the gear (sleeping bag, pillow and backpack containing PJ's, underwear, two pairs of shorts and shirts, toothbrush, toothpaste). Mark was wearing his bathing suit. Once the party members were all there, they did water balloon fights, etc. Then pizza for dinner, and Cabots Ice Cream Cake for dessert. Then movie night. The boys fell asleep between 9:30 PM and 10 PM.

The boys were awake by 6 AM the next morning, and the hostess made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast! I was called to pick up Mark . . . and when I arrived he was there with all his stuff, except his sandals. Long story short, another child wore home Mark's sandals, and had his own in his bag. Sooo at 8:00 AM on a Sunday morning, I had to drive with Mark to another family's house and get the sandals back.

Mark had an a super time at his sleepover. And would do it again.

Naomi during the time, was brought to Johnny's for dinner, where she had her favorite dish there - mac and cheese. We then went to JP Licks. . . . and as she was eating her ice cream announced loud enough for others to hear "Cabots has the best ice cream."

I pointed out that we were at JP Licks, and she said "I know. Cabots has the best ice cream."

Point taken . . . . I love both ice cream places (heck, I like every ice cream I eat), but the girl likes her Cabots.

Captain Bill and Sons - Whale Watch

So, the four of us, plus my parents went on the whale watch yesterday, which was FOUR hours long. On a SUPER hot day, it was a great activity. The kids learned so much about whales and their behaviors. Our boat had two naturalists on board, who talked first about Gloucester Harbor, and then about the whales. What types of whales are up here, their feeding habits, their mating habits. It was very interesting. For instance, the female whales teach the calves how to feed, and where to find the food. So if the dad is from Norway and the mom is from New England, the calf will learn how to eat and migrate to Stellwagen bank. Female whales are larger than male whales. Baby whales are not named until their second season at Stellwagen.

At first we saw LUKOS the whale and her baby, and then we traveled to see Cosmos, where we watched him gather his fish and then eat it.

I highly recommend this whale watch. There was no reason to take a jacket, since it was 90+ degrees at the coast. It was about 70 degrees out at the bank.

Movie Time

Adam and I really enjoy NETFLIX. This week we watched two movies.

Movie #1 - IRON MAN. Yes, it was the classic, BIG explosions and well, you know the drill. We saw IRON MAN 2 in the theater this year, and we both wanted to see the first one. The sub woofer got a real work out.

Move #2- MILK. Another great movie. Sean Penn was unbelievable. . . . so unbelievable though that I forgot it was him! It was definately worth the rental. Did not need the big screen for this one.

Too hot to bake

The last few weeks made my kitchen TOO hot. It was closed for baking. Tonight it re-opened. I have a bread in the bread machine for the family. Then at work, two guys, have really helped me out, and to say thank you, I am making them a plate of goodies. The goodies are blueberry muffins, chocolate cinnamon brownies and rice krispie treats.

What did these two do?

First, one of them, helped my boss design a new report for our quarterly reports. Not only that, but he is there to trouble shoot when the spreadsheet doesn't do what I want it to do. He is very patient, and kind, and well, I want him to know that I appreciate it.

The second one of them found out what I was doing to publish our monthly FLASH REPORT. He volunteered to build something that would save me 90 minutes when doing this monthly project, along with 75 sheets of paper. Again, he did not have to do it. . . . he volunteered, and I want him to know that I appreciate it.

And, it doesn't hurt that others will see the baked goods and hopefully one day want to help me out!

DS

So, Mark last year requested a DS. We wanted to teach Mark that money does not grow on trees. We had been giving him an allowance of $2/week, plus the soda bottle money. After a long time, Mark has SAVED up for not only the DS, but the "bundle" that comes with an accessory pack and 2 games. It arrived today. It is charging, and then Mark can use his new toy.

Now he wants to save up for a Charm City Cake, which is over $1,000, plus $175/hr for delivery (from Baltimore). He might need a real job for that!

Summer Update

Summer is going well. Mark is loving camp, and I am loving that he is exhausted when he comes home. (BONUS) Naomi is enjoying summer also. Over the Fourth of July, we went to Marblehead - my brother was in town. The four kids really enjoy each other. They had a great time at the JCC pool and on the Marblehead Festival of Arts Trolley. I really enjoyed the church's lobsta' roll (best one EVER). We went to the Newton Fireworks, and all had a blast. Naomi fell asleep on the car ride home. Mark stayed up to watch the Boston Fireworks on TV.

Next week Mark will be doing a tennis clinic after camp, so he should come home extra sweaty and extra tired.