Summer has begun

The kids finally finished school on June 23rd...and since then they've been quite busy with all kinds of things like...a week-long driver's ed class for Nicholas, a bunch of end-of-the-year school parties for the girls, the dance recital, a boys trip to Maine for Nicholas, a bunch of sleepovers for the girls, an awesome Drum & Bugle Corps show for me, a new summer babysitting job for Julia and a really fun 4th of July family party!!

And I don't think I've mentioned that my brother has finally moved back up to MA from Florida after being gone for about 25 years. He's back living in our hometown of Norwood with his two boys Justin and Zach.  Nicholas is so thrilled to have his cousins living here.  My brother has been talking about this move for a long time and now it's finally a reality. His other son, Tyler, who is 23 and just finished his time in the Marines, is also up here but just visiting for now. Hopefully he'll move here too!

Cousins all together again after many years...

and Nana with all her grandchildren...

Julia and the two little cuties she's babysitting this summer...



One of Julia's "end of middle school" parties (I don't know why she has that sad face on because I know she had a great time with all her friends)...

Picking out decorations for our 4th of July party...

The boys in Ogunquit...a much needed break for all of them to be away from their devices and spending time go-carting, beaching, feasting on good food and playing games on the porch.  They had so much fun and didn't want to come back home!

We went to the DCI Drum and Bugle Corps competition and it was awesome!! It brought back so many memories of my time spent in the high school marching band...

Gianna at the fireworks with her cute friend, Caitlin...

Our 4th of July party....

It wouldn't be 4th of July without my Dad's flag cake...

Even my Dad came for a special visit playing tricks with the radio!  : )  

It was a very fun 4th of July!!