Skipping rocks is free

When I was kid we did not have a lot of money. I don't think most people did. The world itself was a completely different place. Every kid did not have hand held gaming systems and two systems in their house. We didn't have a TV in our car, or even in our room, no ipods, no cellphones. Oddly enough we still managed to be happy. We played, ALL DAY LONG! Riding our bikes, rollerskating, tag, and manhunt. My mom could not, and did not spend tons of money every day trying to entertain us. I long for the same for my kids. So I packed them, and a few friends, into my van (with no TV in it!), some homemade sandwiches, and headed out to the Delaware Water Gap. We hiked, ate lunch, played a little soccer, and skipped rocks. They would have skipped those rocks all day long! And the only money I had to spend was for gas.

A good old-fashion game of who can throw the furthest!

The bear had quite a technique going

The monkey being cool

The turtle searched for shells

The day was wonderful! I personally love to be outside, and LOVE to have my kids all to myself without the distractions their world provides.

Happy Fourth of July!

It was the week before Fourth of July that our little turtle went into the hospital. I will remember those days FOREVER. I remember how sick she got, and how difficult it was for them to get an IV in her because she was so dehydrated. I remember that moment the nurse took her out of my arms and brought her into the surgery room. I remember waiting for her to return, and the tube in her nose, the IV in her neck, how little and weak she looked. I remember every second of it. But my most vivid memory was days later when we were standing by the window in the hospital with her finally back in my arms, on the Fourth of July, watching fireworks that were going on in Philadelphia somewhere. I remember her pointing and gasping a little in excitement. I could see my little girl returning back to herself and I cried through the whole fireworks show, LOL. So there is a part of me that will always have some sentimental attachment to the Fourth of July.


It is also the weekend my mother and stepfather have their annual BBQ. The kids look forward to this party all year long, as does my stepfather. My mom cooks tons of food and mudslides are blended all day long. We play volleyball, bounce on the trampoline, roast marshmallows, and catch fireflies. It is always a good time. This year was actually the first time it ever rained, but it cleared up by late afternoon. The festivities went on, and everyone had a good time as usual.
I hope you all enjoyed your weekend. Here is a few pictures...

Enjoy your summer!