Festivities and Fathers

Last Saturday, our dear friends invited us to their daughter's baptism at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.  It was an experience for the whole family.  The kids did a great job overall as the service was about an hour long and foreign in both language and in the deed itself.  

Freedom!

It's so fun to see these girls together even after spending a year apart in different school systems.  Phoebe had a shamrock tattoo from cheer camp and really didn't want to wash it off for Thea's "party."

Since it was such a pretty day and we were all dressed up, we attempted a family photo...

I think "attempt" is a fair word...

Cheering with Hadley!

We then headed downtown for the lunch reception.  The kids did fabulous considering we spent about three and a half hours in a fancy restaurant.  They had coloring, movies, etc. to keep them entertained but here they are playing on the stairs!  There was a multitude of festivals going on downtown that weekend, by far, the biggest and brightest was the Indy Pride Festival.  We passed it on our way and saw rainbows, parade floats, bounce houses and cross dressers.  The kids thought for sure that the Pride Fest was the "party" we were headed to...I'm certain they had more fun at Prime 47 - just not sure they'd agree!

Sunday was Father's Day so we started the day off with breakfast in bed!  No pictures will be shared to protect the innocent.  After church and a quick trip home to pick up some food and change clothes, we headed to YiaYia and Papou's to continue the celebrating.  Auntie Kate was there to sword fight.

The kids got Papou a card that said, "Frankly speaking, weenie more grandpas like you..." and Phoebe copied the picture and words on the inside of the card again - it was a big hit to say the least!

Maverick assisted Papou in the gift opening.

Phoebe filled out a questionnaire about Papou - answering questions about his nickname for her (Phoebster), how tall he is (40 feet) and his favorite movie (Frozen, obviously).  He told her that if their house caught on fire, he'd make sure that this piece of paper got out safely.  It may have made his day, but it really made mine.  I'm SO grateful our kids have such great grandparents!

Maverick waiting patiently while Phoebe helps Ryan open his cards.

Of course there was a fish card.

These kids LOVE their daddy!

After presents, everyone watched Phoebe's cheer performance videos (which I'll try to post soon)!

Later that evening, Ryan went fishing with a buddy and we went out to meet them.

It wasn't as successful as the last time they went fishing but they still had fun together.

We've had a lot of rain this week and have been unable to play outside in the evenings so we've played a lot of games.  Last night's game of choice: Angelina Ballerina.

Keeping Tradition

Friday we officially switched pediatricians (only a year and a half after we moved north).  Since it was our first appointment and their 3-year and 6-year well visits, they got to strip down and wear these fancy gowns which they loved!  Turns out we have two very healthy kids, right on track and as happy as clams.

After our visit, we headed out for lunch and some Father's Day shopping.  While out and about, we stopped at one of last summer's favorite fountains.

And for a cookie, because let's be honest, has anyone in our family ever turned down a cookie!?

After some shopping, we headed to Spencer's Farm for some strawberries.  It wasn't nearly as hot as last year but we probably lasted just as long.  

Maverick only picked white ones and on the rare occasion he picked a red one, he'd throw it into our basket thus smushing it.  He had more fun moving our marker flag up and down our aisle.

We ended up just a few ounces shy of 10 pounds.  We ate some at dinner that night and Phoebe thought they were pretty gross.  I don't think we've ever seen redder strawberries than these but they weren't nearly as sweet as one would expect.  

I ended up rinsing, hulling and freezing the rest.  They'll make great smoothies!

We gave Daddy a couple of early Father's Day gifts to use on his kayaking adventure the next day.

Saturday Ryan left before the kids were up but we were out the door before 9:00.  We were on a mission!

First stop, the farmers' market!  We made a trek to this same one last year when Ryan went fishing.  

This time we were in search of breakfast!

But had to first stop and pose with the giant gorilla!

After making more purchases than planned, all of them unnecessary and most of them containing empty calories, we headed to the same park we hit last year.  It was close to 10:30 when we arrived and Phoebe clarified that we were indeed eating brunch instead of breakfast!  

Mack picked something with chocolate.  Unfortunately for him, it also had almonds and coconut so it didn't go over well with our crowd.  Chocolate can sometimes be deceiving like that...luckily I'd also packed bananas and yogurt!

Then it was a mad dash to the playground!  

Showing off our balancing skills.

Maverick could have stayed in the sand all day long!

Recreating last year's picture (we also went strawberry picking on this day the year before - I'm glad we spread it out over two days this time!)

Then it was off to the second playground at the park.  Geared towards bigger kids, Phoebe loved it!

Monkey see, monkey do!

She finally figured it out!

Most of their time was spent climbing.

And spinning.

And hanging...

Our kids were exceptionally photogenic last weekend!

And since we'd already done the strawberries and made a quick stop at the library to return some books, we headed to a nearby park to cool down.  I think it barely hit 80 so it was a bit on the cool side, but the splash park was pretty empty which meant the kiddos played to their hearts content!

So glad we get to create some traditions and fun memories along the way.