And the birthday celebration continues...

As my Dad always jokes, birthdays to me do not constitute just one day, but more like a month! And the same applies to Master Eamon, who had not one but FOUR celebrations to mark his second year. We partied at the beach, at Sesame Place, at Leezie's house with ice cream cake, at finally at the Farm on Sunday with 40+ of our family members and friends. What can I say...I seize every opportunity for a good time!

Sissy and I decided to do a joint party for our August babies (Sophie and Lucy turn four today!) and what is a birthday without a bounce house, pinata, dozens of cupcakes, an impressive spread (thanks to Sissy and Stella!) and gallons of ice cream? I was laughing thinking about what Grandpop would say about this colorful contraption being inflated on his field. I have to think that he and Grandmommy might have taken a few jumps themselves on it with their eight great-grandchildren who were in attendance (we were just missing Avery...)! Of course, the ubiquitous chair circle and badminton sets were up, too, making it a traditional Farm affair...with a twist--and a bounce.

I was so happy to be able to spend time with everyone from my college roommates Michelle and Erica (and their husbands and sweet little girls!) to the Kennys to the Kobilinskys to the Flynns and of course all of the extended O'Connell clan. We all had a great time...especially the little ones! It's touching to see the next generation of cousins bond and play just like we all used to do (and still do...).

Here are many, many more photos of the day. Thanks to everyone for making it such a fun one!

Eamon, Sophie and Lucy's party

OBX

At long last, here is the big assortment of photos from our stay in Corolla, NC (click on the photo to get to the album). Thanks again to the Flynns and Gaffneys for such a wonderful time. We can't wait until next year!

The Future Mrs. King

We celebrated the Future Mrs. King (AKA Eileen) and her upcoming wedding to Derrick with a fab bachelorette party on Saturday. Maureen (Mo the MOH) planned it all--from a yummy brunch spread at her new condo to the shuttle that took us out to the beautiful VA wine country to the dinner in Arlington to the late-night partying. About 15 of Eileen's nearest and dearest came out to celebrate, sip wine, laugh a LOT and just get even more excited for the big wedding on October 16.

Given my "state", I didn't really get to experience the vineyards (we went to three) for all that they offer, but I did take some sips during the tastings so all was not lost. :-) I brought home a bottle of the "Classic White" and plan to enjoy it in November!

Oh...one of the funniest moments of the evening was walking out of the bar and through Arlington's Saturday night scene alongside Kristen (9 months pregnant) and Mary (7 months). As you can see in the photo here, we are quite the trio and got some good looks from people...

Celebrating E's Second at Sesame

For Eamon's BIG second birthday, we treated him to an afternoon in the happiest place off the Jersey Turnpike...Sesame Place! This theme park is all about Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie, Abby, Bert, Ernie and Zoe--and absolutely perfect for a two-year-old. We met Leezie, Speed, Sam and Jack there and the boys had a blast. The adults, did, too!

I took TONS of photos, which I'll get into an album soon (along with the beach pics). Here's a sampling of some.

Back from the Beach

We're back from a great 10 days in the Outer Banks. Lots of photos coming soon!

Break Neck Ridge

We took advantage of the beautiful weather on Saturday to check out Break Neck Ridge trail near Cold Springs, NY. We were hoping to run the trail, but quickly realized that this sharply-ascenting climb was not quite friendly for an almost two-year-old (and, uh, me). So we stuck to the flatter parts on the bottom. Eamon loved the "bumpy trail" and climbing over the rocks. After, we popped by a tiny strip of beach on the Hudson--so scenic. Eamon was tired by then, so hitched a ride on Mark's shoulders and proceeded to have the time of his life! Here are some shots.