Yook! A way-yo!

Kaeleb certainly knew what this play sculpture was, as he told us over and over again...from a distance. Although he may have known this was a "Way-yo", I don't think knew this whale was not real. He refused to be anywhere near this gentle giant.
The older girls, on the other hand, thought this whale duo was "awesome"!

Parkin' it on the Island

With the weather in the mid 80's, we took the family to the Island for some warm weather fun.
Much to our surprise, there was a new playground on the water front. WAHOO!

We usually visit the park on Jekyll, but I think we may have found a new spot. Ashlyn was diggin' the big kid equipment.

There was a little something for everyone, even for those who dance to the beat of a very different drum.
Lots of new places to "chill."

New heights to climb.

Much more for the older girls to do.

Do you think Abbi likes it?

Monkeys certainly approve.

The weather was bearable, the rain was only a sprinkle, and the Christan band playing in the back ground just made our day. What a fun afternoon!

MOSH Fun

For Labor Day, we took the family down to the Museum of Science and History in Jacksonville, FL. What an awesome place to visit!
My whole crew takes center stage.
And one of the pack really likes being the star!

We explored the history exhibits. This was the deck of an old ferry boat. I think that Aoife and Kaedence mistook it for a jungle gym!

In the Spanish monk exhibit, Abbi asks me with a distorted look upon her face: "Mommy, why are they using dead people? That's so gross!" LOL!

We walked on the deck over the St. Johns river. They were able to see turtles, fish, and frogs.

Back inside, they looked at river inhabitants close up. Notice that Kaeleb is no where to be found. The sign on the door said "SHHHHH...live animals." He lasted 0.5 seconds, then he and daddy went back out again.

The aquarium exhibits were a big hit with everyone.

Wow, those fish were awesome!

The human body display was fantastic! Unfortunately, the loud beating heart and all the bodily noises was just too much for Kaeleb and Kaedence to stomach. We flew through that exhibit with flames on our heels. Ashlyn did manage to stop and smell the roses a bit.

In the kids zone, this huge tree made of a very fun game of hide and seek.

But perhaps the most fun to be had was at the water table. All my children, big and small, LOVED this! Ashlyn was busy directing the flow of water.

Kaelyn and Kaeleb loved the boats.

Seriously, this kid would have been content to stay here all day!

The trio just had a blast.

Even daddy got his feet wet with this water playground. Anyone surprised? LOL!

We now have an annual pass so that we can enjoy MOSH many times in the future. Next time though, the big kids can go exploring the exhibits without the little ones in tow. The kids zone is about all they can handle!

Endless Summer Nights

What better way to close out the summer season then by enjoying pool before it's closed again. It's still so hot that we have to wait until the sun is setting.

The walk to the pool is great exercise and it sure does help to wear out those monkeys!
Cheese!

Ashlyn and Kaelyn getting ready to "hot dog roll" into the pool.

Hang on Ashlyn! LOL!

Catch in the pool becomes a little more competitive then necessary.
Aoife has discovered that she is not able to breathe underwater. What a shocker!

After an entire summer of working on tummy floating, Kaedence finally allows Ashlyn to help her swim around. Go Kaedence!

But she prefers to chill with Tutter in the shallow end.

Kaelyn has perfected back and front flips without holding her nose.

Abbi still refuses to jump in. Even into Daddy's arms. Ahhhh...maybe next season.

Check out this awesome diver!

Kaedence and Kaeleb dismantle the pool furniture.

Is this water yoga?

Aoife takes a trip to the deep end via an Ashlyn boat.

The Lord's Prayer

For the first week of Kindergarten, Abbi needed to memorize the Lord's prayer. This was a tremendous struggle. We worked on it, and worked on it, and worked on it. But, she just didn't quite get the hang of it.

This was our last attempt before bed last night. There is some improvement, right?

Today is her test. I am not feeling confident that she'll pass! LOL! I wonder if perhaps extra points are awarded for being so darn cute?

A Visit from Vegas

Grandmom and Grandpop McCarthy came to Georgia to see all of their grand kids. We went to the beach, watched movies, and splashed at the pool. What a wonderful end to our summer.
It's the whole McCarthy Clan. (Well...minus the photographer, of course!)
Aoife wants Grandmom to fetch that ring at the bottom of the pool!

Grandmom and the other redhead!

Awww, look at lovey grandmom and all her snuggly girls.

Now that's a full couch! I think Jo is asking Grandpop to scoot on over. Surely there is room for a fat dog too, LOL!

Grandmom and Grandpop are on their way back home now. It was a great visit and they are very missed.

Back in Session

The first day of school is upon us again. Let the craziness and Monster drink consumption begin!

Five o'clock wake up.
Mad dash around the house for uniform pieces.
Four girls pushing and shoving around the one mirror in my bathroom. Preschooler with faces plastered against the window searchin' for signs of the school bus.
Busy, busy, busy!!!

Kaeleb walked right up to that school bus without any concerns! He was so very ready for school.
The girls are so excited to get on the bus that they are literally competing for space on the steps! What a difference from the beginning of last year, right?
The older three are attending a private Christian academy. I love the uniforms! After a year of homeschooling, Ashlyn and Kaelyn were so excited to be back at an actual school!

Kaelyn and Abbi are patiently waiting for their classes to begin. Oh, my children are growing up so fast!

And the Killer Tomato is in Kindergarten!!!! Where does the time go?

Okay, someone pass me the tissue.