Hello August!

Life has been busy!  We've played in the rain, had a few fun dinners in town, attended a great music camp show (Lily), spent time at the beach for Pia's 2nd birthday party, shopped for school, went to soccer camp and got a big haircut! Life is good!

A big storm rolled through and we all sat on the front porch watching and eventually playing in it!

Next up, we took our overly picky eaters to a "new" restaurant in town.  Johnny gobbled down his spaghetti and giant meatball and Lily tried and really liked the angel hair pasta with butter, cheese and salt.  For trying a new place and eating their food, they earned a gelato at the restaurant.  Messy, cute and delicious! 

On to Lily's music show after a week at music camp.  She really enjoyed it and was one of the loudest singers (and most animated!).  We were so proud. 

Right after the music camp show, we picked up Johnny and headed to the beach for the weekend.  We quickly stopped at Pia and Joey's house to drop off our stuff and headed right out to get in some beach wading and arcade fun on the boardwalk.  The kids LOVED the ocean.  They ran, they laughed, they screamed, they had fun!  

Finally, we made it to the boardwalk and the arcade.  Johnny loved all of the car, sports and shooting games while Lily enjoyed them too, in addition to playing several claw games.  She won Pia a pink owl...she was SO EXCITED that she won.  She kept trying for it, almost gave up but on her last try, she nailed it!!  Pia liked the owl. It squeaks so I am positive that Briana and Tony do not.  :P 

WINNER!!!!

 Back to the Mitchell compound for an evening swim before the kids went to bed.

Saturday was Pia's party.  The weather was great, the pool was nice and cool and everyone had a fun day.  

Sunday, I finally snagged a picture of Lily holding Joey.  She just loves him so much! Lily also held court with the other kids, having a "candy shop" and blowing bubbles outside while we packed up.  

Per request as we were leaving, the kids asked to squeeze in a quick game of soccer. Of course!!

Back to reality at home and Lily started soccer camp 1/2 days for the week. With school fast approaching, Lily and Mom went shopping on Monday for a few necessities at the best store ever, Justice.  Lily picked out a few new outfits and stylish boots.  She was so excited she asked if she could wear the outfit after we bought it.  How could I say no?  

For a few weeks now, Lily has been asking to get her hair cut.  She knew exactly what she wanted, showing us pictures and supporting her reasons for wanting a new cut.  The day of her appointment (Tuesday), she could not wait for soccer to be over and to go to the salon.  She even brought her best buddy, Maddie, along for the epic event.  She chopped off 4-5" and from the pictures below, could not be happier.  

Friday was the last day of soccer camp. Lily's team got 2nd place in the "world cup".  She was so happy to be with old team mates and some school friends as well.  What a fun week!