Andrew's Super 4th Birthday

There was just too much to squeeze into one post for our whole trip home to PA, so I'll start with the "reason" (at least according to Andrew) for our trip - Andrew turned 4!  For his birthday, Andrew wanted a trip to PA and a Super Hero birthday party... and since we are always looking for an excuse to see everyone when we head back to the east coast, this worked out perfectly. We are so very lucky that Andrew can be surrounded by so many people he loves on his birthday. (Insert Mommy guilt here since Addison didn't even get a 1st birthday party and Andrew has had a party EVERY year.) 

Super Family!!

Andrew's 4 year old check-up was today and he weighed in at 36 pounds and was 41 1/4 inches tall.  This means he's had a growth spurt and is in the 70th percentile for height but a skinny kid and only 41st percentile for weight! This was the first year he's had a hearing and vision test, and his hearing is perfect (could've fooled me with how he listens at home!), and his eye-sight was perfect in left, and 20/25 in right. They assured me this is to be expected at this age. If you've never seen a 4 year old take a vision test, it's pretty cute. It's pictures instead of letters, and when the nurse pointed to the top picture (a sailboat), Andrew exclaimed "A Pirate Ship!" The poor kid got 3 shots - two in the leg and one in the arm, a finger prick, and a pee test! It was quite the eventful visit. He took the shots like a champ though and after only about 5 minutes of crying, he cheered up just in time for some ice cream.

Some other fun facts about Andrew at 4... as told by Andrew:
Favorite Colors - Pink and Purple (this was news to me.)
Favorite Super Hero - Green Lantern, and Superman, and Hulk Smash. (He calls Hulk "Hulk Smash" because the Hulk toys all have Hulk saying, "Hulk smash!")
Favorite Books - Magic School House books
Favorite Food - Pasta and meatballs
Favorite Toys - Trucks, tractors, trains and cars
Favorite thing to do - Ride my bike to the park

Shots from Andrew's Super Hero Birthday Party:

Thor, Captain America and Hulk showed up for the party!!

Batman joined the crew!
The best part about taking these pictures was how hard everyone was laughing... and the worst part is you can't tell!

The Spread

Hulk Rice Krispies by Aunt Amanda

Captain America Fruit/Marshmallow Shield by Gram



Captain America Pretzel Shields by Aunt Amanda
Missing: All the rest of the food by Grammy/Cyndie/Barb/Mom-Mom

Other Super Guests:



Pin the Spider on the Spider Man Web

  

 Spidey-Spray!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

And Andrew's favorite part - the Bouncy House!

(Maybe Mommy and Aunt Amanda's favorite part, too?)

 

 

 

With the light up balloons in the Bounce House after the party... making memories.

 

Super Hero Cupcakes!

 

 

Here's hoping your wishes come true, buddy. 

July Visitors!

We had an amazing July.  First, our camping trip with the Russells, then a visit from a former co-worker, then a visit from the Schneiders, and finally our anniversary. It was busy, but so wonderful to see friends and family who we don't get to see enough.

Jillian (my former co-worker at Prudential) quickly won over both children, and we were not ready to let her go home because she was so amazing with them. Andrew is still talking about her, weeks later. 

We also had time for our CA friends too... and thank goodness, they made time for us! The Gonczs (our neighbors) watched our kiddos so we could go out for dinner on our anniversary. The pics below are from a concert at Central Park that we all went to - a Bob Seeger Tribute Band. Yep, I know you're jealous.

How you're supposed to sit in the wagon...

How Addison decided to sit.

 

 

 

 

And, the prize for most excitement in the house goes to the visit from the Atlanta Schneiders. We were over the moon that they were able to squeeze us into their California Adventure, and we loved having them here... Andrew was super excited for his new "friends", which Zoey corrected him, "We're not friends, we're cousins."  Paul quickly corrected her that cousins can be friends too, and I couldn't agree more.  :)  I love our family so much.

The first night... vegging after a long day of travelling. But Addison was quickly enamored with Zoey.

On our way to Muir Woods!

We have arrived!

Notice that Spencer and Andrew are the only ones not looking at what the Ranger is pointing at...

 

"Where'd my shoes go?"  Oh, that's right. Mommy left them back home. #parentingfail

Addison and Zoey were besties. (And yes, we let her walk around without shoes.)

Zoey tried her best with these two maniacs.

Spencer with his John Muir coin in front of John Muir.

The Ranger asked Andrew what noises he heard in the forest.  Andrew told her in complete seriousness, "A lion."

Lining up in was tricky.

Taking their Oath.

The newest Junior Park Rangers!

Muir Woods is the only park to have a wooden badge.



Addison completely zonked out.

 

Just down the road at Muir Beach

The sun is BRIGHT!

An unplanned jump shot!

"Hurry, the wave's coming!"

"... aaaand, we're wet."

 

As soon as we hit the car into San Fran.
He and Spencer completely missed driving over the Golden Gate Bridge.

 

Tuesday was a "relax close to home" day. The kids had fun at the Splash Park...



... and at Wente Winery later that afternoon. (Again, Andrew and Spencer slept right through Wente.)



 

Saying good-bye on Wednesday morning.

 



We spent our anniversary (6 years), playing Mexican Train with our neighbors, Sue (my yoga teacher) and Brian.

 

The day after our anniversary, the Gonczs watched the kids, while we went to Wente's Nth Degree Lounge - no kids allowed, free tasting for club members. Wine was amazing as usual, but the rest wasn't as great as we built it up to be in our heads.

 

The "cheese plate" - this would cost you $16.  My recommendation - don't bother,
and head to Concannon and get a REAL cheese plate that is worth every penny.

 

Altamont was jamming with a reggae band.

 I will update this blog with some group shots of the Foster/Schneider clans as soon as I coordinate with the Schneiders!