How do you celebrate your anniversary??

We celebrated in typical fashion our 8 year wedding anniversary, 15 years since we first had started dating the second time, and knowing each other for 20 years....

Tennis for Emmi which ended early due to rain.

Then playing in the rain.

Followed by sushi/chinese and paleo cookies which were a last minute addition after the girls asked if we were having cake.  Of course we ate them all.  Yum yum.

Here was my FB message: August brings 15 years since we officially became a couple for the second time, 21st is our 8th wedding anniversary, and 2012 is 20 years since we first met.

The rest of vacation

We truly had a great vacation this year.  Three weeks spent on the Cape is just what this group needed.  Thanks to everyone who put up with us or came to visit.  Maybe next year we will make it 4 weeks so let me know if you have room to let us crash.

Although thanks are not the right words to Thank my Grandfather who came to spend time with us at the end of our vacation.  Watching my kids play with one of the people who had a big impact on my life growing up since he and my Gram were right there on the sidelines for every sporting event among other things is just priceless.  I am fortunate that he is in great health still so my kids will hopefully have great memories playing with their "Great" Grandfather.  Of course who didnt take out the camera to capture any of those moments.

Here are some pictures from when we went over to Martha's Vineyard to the shark competition.  In the center there are all these houses that look like gingerbread cottages.  The history on them is they all started as tents, then small houses and eventually put on these additions in the back.  Here are a couple

Just off from the houses is a fantastic outdoor theater where a kids band was playing.  I never figured out who they were but Emmi enjoyed it.

While Jacob walked Marli so she would nap.

Then here we are able to see the shark weigh ins.  Couldnt get too close but if you look to the left near the building you can see one which I think was around 200 pounds.  The largest they every caught was 1200 pounds.

Then here are a couple of pictures of the girlies in the last few days of vacation.

Then as I was uploading pics from the camera and found the girls had taken some photos.

Potty training is well under way.  Big girl panties, cloth diaper covers for safety in public or pull ups are where it is at.  She has done really well at preschool and the sitters house without accidents.  Has had a couple accidents at home but the light is at the end of the tunnel.  And of course the naptime poos.  But all is good in the world

The never ending vacation....

We are on a 3 week vacation.  The benefits of being able to work from anywhere although like typical fashion my computer is being temperamental so fingers crossed it lasts until we get back.  More on the work front, Jacob has to travel to VT for work which is why we extended it out by a week as well as he has some exciting developments coming up.  Stay tuned.

My Uncle Alan is known for his sand castles.  This day he wasnt able to go all out as the beach was crowded but we got first hand lessons on the creation.  Here he is setting the rules for Emmi.

Then the finished product pose.

There is a fantastic beach that has a marshy area where the kids go searching for crabs.  The first day Marli would scream if she saw a hermit crab to now she is reaching in to pick them up herself.

The water doesnt get deep so we have to lay down to get wet.

The boogie boards are fun here as well.

Marli is our fish.  She is just in the water the whole time.

Enjoying their ice creams from the ice cream truck at shores edge.

This was Emmi's idea.

The kids dont like to hit the beach every day to we fit in playground time as well.  This was Marli helping Emmi across the balance beam.

Loving on Memere.

G-Vegas

With Jacob's sister headed back up to G-Vegas we all caravan'd back.  Had a great drive as I had all the kids with me but really that just meant extra hands and entertainment for all.  Thanks again Jace and Justin.  We had a quick visit in G-Vegas so didnt get to see everyone we would have liked.  Emmi took us out to breakfast with Great Grandpy one day.  Then we made a stop at the Big Chair which is the classic childhood photo.  Of course we hit Pracillia's candy shop, they make their own candy which is fantastic.  Then I was able to catch dinner with my aunt and uncle.

 Couldn't decide between these two pics so they both made the cut.  :D

We are family......

Jacob's sister and family came down to visit.  The kids had a blast as usual playing with their cousins, Jace and Justin.  I also learned that Jacob and his sister are sooooooooo much alike.  Was so funny to see.  Auntie Jen spoiled the girls completely, from a mani/pedi for Emmi to just over all fun I dont think we could have asked for a better time, I hope they come again sometime.  Here are some pictures from their visit.

The Perry's joined us for the Panthers Stadium tour.

Blackberry/Blueberries

As a mom who isnt good at playing Barbies or Polly Pockets, I hope the adventures we go on will serve as good memories.  Today I took the girls blueberry and blackberry picking.  I grew up going berry picking with my mom and Gram with fond memories.  The blueberries were picked over so as it got hotter the girls were done with it.  We stumbled upon the blackberry place it was much better.  Those bushs grow up trellis's and there were plenty to be had.  We ended up with 2 gallons of blackberries and 3.5 pounds of blueberries.  Think I may try making some jelly if we dont eat them all.

The Christmas present of the jeep has paid off.  Instead of me pushing a kid, holding the hand of another while walking the dog, think 3 ring circus all in one, the girls drive off into the sunset while Murph and I follow along.  It makes it so much easier and enjoyable by all.

Funeral/Family times

On Monday June 11th my Grammy was called to become an angel.  She had a great life which only started to slide in February when her health declined drastically.  The love and life story she lived in the 88 years she was alive and 65 years married is one that many of us can only dream of having.

We packed up and headed up to the services.  Learning Marli gets car sick but otherwise easy travels.  Once up there we were on the go with family, funeral and services.  This time we decided to take Emmi to the funeral where we were part of the services, Jacob pall bearer, E & I brought the gifts to the alter which she did amazing at.  Overall E did amazingly well with all that she experienced.

In typical Cormier fashion the humor prevailed with fun, laughs, and of course tears had by all.  The girls with cousin Will.

Marli bonding with Cousin Beau.

Pigpile on Mommy by the girlies.

Emmi hanging out with Cousin Chloe.

Then Emmi and Uncle Alan had to try to redo the picture they had done just 3 years prior.  Think they did a good job?

It was great to be able to see all my family since we dont get to see everyone on our trips up.  I truly believe that people who have died will give you signs to let you know they are still around.  There have been two incidents in the days since my Gram's death that I feel she has let me know she is still around. One being after dropping off some clothes to get altered we saw the brightest most vibrant rainbow above us going down the highway.  Then the other was on our way back to Charlotte another rainbow appeared just after I was checking out FB and looking at my Gram's photo.  She will definitely be missed but I know she will be keeping an eye on us.