sandwiches state side

It was my birthday this week. Thirty-three years old. 

I know! Yikes! 

But my kids assure me it's not THAT old.

I was sitting here trying to remember what we did last year for my birthday and, drawing a blank, I decided to check back on my blog. Blogs are great for remembering details like that... if you actually use them and write regularly. Which I didn't. And I haven't been.

The day after my birthday, I sat down a wrote out some goals for this year. Goals related to family life, fitness, business, and our home. It's still a work in progress, but it's a good start. Sort of mid-year resolutions. 

One of my goals is to be better at recording my family's stories here. 

Cause my memory ain't as good as it used to be.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Early July, we loaded the van and set out for NY state. South out of Ottawa, across the boarder, and on to Rochester. To avoid a long stop at some restaurant (never fun with four little ones... even less so when you've got someplace to get to), we packed a lunch and found a little picnic area to spread out at.

Liam even looked up from his book a couple of times to talk to us.

Simon really wasn't mad at anything, but he likes to play his cards close to his chest at all times. Wouldn't want us to think he's enjoying himself TOO MUCH, but he did tell me I make the best sandwiches EVER. Win.

Andrew finds most things funny. Even sandwiches.
 

Eloise, true to form, walked around eating. Sometimes actual food that we gave her, but mostly rocks and sticks. We joke that she's part goat. 

I'm going to be sad when she outgrows these pants.

And no family photo opt would be complete without be setting up the camera and timer (my remote was dead) and forcing everyone to stand nearish each other for picture. These are important memories, folks. They've figured out that it's better to just go along with it, rather than have me pout about it afterwards. I rewarded them by letting Liam pretend to punch me in the face in the following frame. Hopefully Eloise will get in the game soon.

I have so many pictures from this trip and I'm REALLY going to be mad at myself if I don't get them up and blogged. Feel free to send me threatening letters if you think I need the motivation.

I've missed you all!