Nicholas turns 14

Today my baby boy turned 14.  I don't understand how this keeps happening year after year.  What's going on?1?

The girls made him a birthday crown and all kinds of happy birthday signs and hung them around the house.  It was very cute and I know it made Nicholas so happy!!

He loved their cards!  I could tell by his smile that he felt loved by his sisters...

He picked out a new "Marines" phone case in honor of his cousin Tyler who is a Marine...

Tonight he was asking what time he was born, how much he weighed, etc.  I took out his baby book and found some cards and letters I wrote him on his 1st, 2nd and 3rd birthdays.  We laughed...and I cried...because he was so stinking cute when he was little.

On his 3rd birthday I wrote this..."I was holding you this morning and I told you not to grow anymore.  You fit so perfectly in my arms.  I just love to smother you with hugs and kisses.  I will be so sad the day you won't let me do that anymore. I hope that day never comes but I know it probably will."

And it hasn't yet...even at 14...he still lets me smother him with hugs and kisses...and tonight he actually told me he always will.  That's my baby boy!

The girls bought him candy, gum and a Cumberland Farms gift card...

Summering

We went back to Breezy Acres again...

The kids love it there!  I do too!  I've learned that you have to go there when it is stifling hot because there is a constant breeze coming off the water and it can get a bit chilly!

The girls brought their friend Ava from dance...

Nicholas brought his friend Charlie but Danny said it would be "weird" if I took a picture of them.  I didn't want to embarrass them and be "uncool" so I didn't take their picture.  Oh times are changing.

Then we took a trip up to Ogunquit this weekend...

The weather was perfect...

Someone got a hold of my phone while I was in the house.

Eye...

Love...

You...

Cute...

I think...

No really...these pictures make me laugh...

Happy hour...

My babies will be turning 13 and 14 this month.  Oh my heart...

I love all the beautiful flowers around town...

and I also love the yummy ice cream too...

Crazy amount of flavors!!! We were wondering what happened to the days of just vanilla and chocolate?

My favorite store in Ogunquit...

I've been spending some nice quality time with my boy this summer.  One of the perks I guess of his "friend troubles".  He's home a lot!  Last week he did a cooking camp and loved it!  It was a 20 minute ride each way so we had some time to chat in the car and we spent the afternoons swimming in the pool. It's been so nice.  I'm so happy my boy loves me so much.  He still kisses me goodbye, holds my hand when we walk, sits on my lap a lot (which can hurt a little these days) and always tells me he loves me.  If he's doing this still at 14...then I think there's hope he always will. : )  We're raising an awesome son...

We took our usual trip to the candy store...

On our way back home we stopped at the York Zoo.  I love that place.  We've been going there for years. Julia is still a little freaked out by the butterfly exhibit.  I love that there is a "Julia Butterfly".  Classic!!

Two butterflies landed on me.  I think it's a sign.  Of what?  I have no clue...

I have a little obsession with owls lately.  No idea why.  I just think they're so cute...

We are an odd looking family...

Gianna adores all animals.  That's one big reason why I couldn't resist a visit to the zoo today...

I just love how tender and loving she is with the animals.  Some people were squawking at some birds and the birds were loud and squawking back.  It crossed my mind that maybe they were annoying the birds and didn't Gianna pick up on it too.  It upset her.  I think it's so sweet how compassionate she is.

Dinner tonight consisted of cotton candy...

crazy good fried dough and a churro...