Ocean City, New Jersey

Our recent family vacation to the New Jersey shore at Ocean City was very fun.  We began with an overnight in South Bend, then a quick stop in Sturgis.  We visited the Augsburger Tennis Courts, toured 435 Edka!, and visited Dad's grave.  Everything looked good.

We stopped at Patty & Luke's for a bed & breakfast and then headed off across Pennsylvania early Saturday morning.

Ocean City, New Jersey is a barrier island about 20 miles south of Atlantic City.  It is about 3 miles long and, at times, only 6 blocks wide; jam packed with houses, most of them duplexes like ours.   Our house was right on the beach with 2 decks to enjoy the ocean breezes.  It was nicely updated with four bedrooms, 3 baths, and a beautiful kitchen.  We spent much of our time out on the beach, letting the waves splash us, building sand castles, collecting shells and learning about the tides.  

On Tuesday, we drove into Philadelphia to tour Independence Hall and see the Liberty Bell.  We had lunch at the City Tavern, where much of the "after-hours" meetings went on during the Revolutionary time period.

On Thursday, we visited the aquarium in Atlantic City and the Cape May Lighthouse.  We even climbed the 199 steps to the top of the lighthouse to look out over the Delaware Bay.

      

On Saturday, June 7, we had to pack it all up early and begin the sad trip home.  But, first there was Valley Forge to quickly check out - very interesting to see George Washington's house.  Then, the Hershey factory to tour - the sights and especially the smells leave you begging for CHOCOLATE!!!  Finally, another fun stop in Columbus to actually spend time with the Woods and Grandma Cronley.  Thanks for the cookout, the pool time and the trip to the ice cream shop!

Overall, we had a wonderfully relaxing vacation.  I highly recommend the trip as it was a nice combination of beach and historical touring.  There are definitely more vacations such as this on the horizon for the Greening Family.  

Many More Activities

Last weekend was a big one for the Greening Family -- 

These videos are from the dress rehearsal for Annie's jazz and hip hop dances.  I apologize for the quality or lack thereof.  (1) Jazz - Annie is in the front; (2) Hip Hop - Annie is in the back on the right side (then I move and she's more prominent.)

On Sunday, May 18th, we had Annie's 2 dance recitals and a piano recital for John & Annie.

Here are some videos from piano recital: (1) Duet with John on Sax, Annie on Piano, (2) Annie's solo, (3) John's solo. 

We finished up the Spring time activities with John's Band Concert on May 21.  Here is one more clip for your enjoyment.  Note that the band invited parents to join for this piece; sadly, neither Kyle nor I could find our trumpets.  

                

Backwards to the Baptism

So many fun memories of our time in St. Louis.

 The Greening kids loved playing with Kate and seeing her smile.
Kate pretty much always has a smile ready.  

Grandma enjoyed spending time with 6 of the Grandkids.  

We swam at the YMCA on Saturday morning.  Then, during naps, we toured the Soulard Market, buying a few items for that evening's dinner.  The Greening kids had fun playing on the swing set and chasing Uncle John and Clare (& Maggie) around the backyard.  

Sunday, of course, was Kate's Baptism.  She was wonderful and the Greening kids really enjoyed being present.  After lunch, we headed to Faust Park for a carousel ride and climbing all over the playground equipment.  We finished off a wonderful day with ice cream from Slippery's.  Delicious!  Thanks to John & Suzanne for a fun weekend.  We look forward to many more in the Chicago area. 

Baptism, Track, Singing...

Well, I still need to post about our wonderful weekend in St. Louis with John, Suzanne, Clare, Kate and Grandma Cronley.  The problem lies in the fact that I didn't have a charged camera battery and so I am waiting for some photos.  For now, suffice it to say, we had a great time.  It was wonderful to be together.  The kids absolutely loved playing with Clare and Kate, in addition to the Wii!  Plus, Kate was baptized!  What a blessing!

Back to the normal insanity of life:  Last Wednesday, John ran in the Catholic League Championship Track Meet.  He ran the 400M in 1:19, cutting 17 seconds off his previous person best.  

Today, Katie lead the singing at the school Mass.  As you can see, she's literally head & shoulders above her classmates - yes, those 3 other girls are 1st graders with Katie!  I've attached a clip, but will need to have Boog teach me how to edit these videos.  As you'll see, I attempted to change the view from horizontal to vertical while taping the song.  It doesn't work like a still camera.  OOPS!!  Enjoy, her song anyway. (The video has been "processing" for 45 minutes so I'll have to try tomorrow.  I'm going to bed!)

Lastly, this Thursday John is in the St. Pius X Middle School Musical - Guys & Dolls, Jr.  He is in the chorus and so he doesn't have a role, but supports the cast in the musical numbers.  The girls, meanwhile, were discussing the musical and, Erin, in typical form, called it "Grooms & Brides."  We all had a good laugh.  Erin often gets the main idea and doesn't bother with the finer details.  

We're down to 11 days of school, including field day.  We are beginning to focus on our road trip to New Jersey, with stops at Notre Dame, Sturgis, & Columbus.  More on that to come!  

More Birthdays

Last week, we celebrated a couple of big days - John's 12th and Erin's 6th birthdays!  They had pretty good days as you can see by these pictures.  

John received an 'over/under' shotgun.  Now, he can join Kyle this Fall for pheasant hunting.  That is, after a gun safety class!  Additionally, Kyle took John to the Home Opener of the Kansas City Royals where they saw the Royals beat the Yankees.  

Erin received some doll clothes, a swimsuit & cover up, a messenger bag that she can decorate herself, and some pool toys for this summer's fun.  

They kindly decided to share a cake.  John's half was a walk down memory lane in the "Candles from Birthday Cakes Past."  Erin just wanted a flower cake.  

Happy Easter!!

We have had a wonderfully relaxing day.  Here is a video of the kids finding their Easter basket and a quick family photo.  I realize that I'm not yet as fancy a videographer as Boog, but it's here. 

      

So What's Happening?!?!?!?

Well, lots in the Greening household!  Last Friday, Annie's class put on a series of plays.  She was Wanda Whereabout in The Fairytale News.  I laughed so hard when she told me her role simply because I often mistakenly call her Patty and now she could even be called Patty's nickname - Wanda!  

Of course, we celebrated Katie's 7th birthday yesterday.  She had requested a shamrock cake, noting the close proximity of her big day to St. Patrick's Day.  So, with some help from my newest kitchen assistant, John, we made a beautiful shamrock cake and amazingly, there is very little left over.  Katie received many wonderful gifts, including the pink tennis racquet and pink tennis balls shown here.  You may also note that Katie is missing a third tooth in as many months.  Luckily, one of the front uppers is slowly coming in.  

Lastly, just this morning, another monumental event occurred - Erin lost her first tooth!  She refused any assistance from me; bound and determined as a mule to show everyone that she could handle it all.  She is very excited that the tooth fairy will finally be visiting her.  At this rate, with all of the Greening girls losing teeth, (yes, Annie lost another over the weekend as well) the tooth fairy will be going bankrupt.