Spending Time in Springfield

My sister Brooke and her family live a short hour's drive from us in Springfield, Massachusetts. It is so wonderful to have family so close! In the month that we have lived here, we have seen each other 7 or 8 different times between them coming down south and us heading up north.

The other day we drove to see them and take the older kids to see Cars2 (Brookie watched the D-man for us). All packed in the Corolla because it's so much cheaper than our gas-guzzler of a minivan. We didn't tell Ike what we were doing until we bought the tickets, just in case they were sold out. 

Our Lightning McQueen fan was pretty excited when he heard the news. 

Brooke and Jeremy don't need any toys to entertain the kids---Homer their turtle and Pee Wee their Chihuahua keep the kids plenty busy...that and their big screen t.v.

D used to be afraid of dogs but all the time with Pee Wee has pretty much cured him of that. Unfortunately I  don't have a pic of the dog. Next trip for sure.

Ike and Homer.

We spent the 4th of July with them as well, eating yummy food, baking red, white, and blueberry cupcakes, watching cartoons, and going to Massachusetts' "best parade." It wasn't.

Playing games and eating treats after the kids went to bed on Sunday night.

Waiting for the parade to start. An hour and a half after the parade was supposed to begin we were still waiting and decided to concede, opting for slurpees and treats from the 7-11 instead. The kids didn't seem to mind. 

Still waiting...

Sisterly love.

Maddie showing her patriotic side.

When we got home we blew up the kiddie pool that Uncle Jeremy gave the kids. It was a hit.

Sunbathing, unaware that anyone is snapping her picture.

We LOVE sharing in our family...

A much more comfortable arrangement.

D loves thinking that he is pushing Ike around.

Hope your 4th was a happy one! Thanks B, J, H, and PW for a great time!