Summer Recap

What a wonderful summer we had! After our trip to the Cape and celebrating the big 3, here are some other highlights:

Niva started her 3rd summer of swim lessons with her homie Lizzie!

Even though Niva was top in the class, she was still very scared of leaving the steps. Things sure did change by the end of the summer!

A fun visit to the McKenna Children's Museum in New Braunfels...

with the Friday Fun Bunch

And then we surprised Gammy in Katy for her 60th birthday. What a fun time!

We went to the Blanton several times this summer (Free Thursdays!). This Art Lab that they provided for free was amazing!

Then, Niva officially said goodbye to Ms. Delores, Ms. Maria, and the Monkeys class

And was on her way to the Bears class with Ms. Nichole and Ms. Ghada!

Finally, Niva proved she could swim on her own.  Here, she wears floaties because it's deep. However, we spent so much time practicing at the YMCA where it's a lot more shallow so that is where she gained her confidence!

Hooray for a productive summer!!

The Big 3!!!!

Birthday Week is finally coming to an end! Let's review all the highlights of the first week of Niva's 3rd year of life...

We presented Niva with her new 3 story dollhouse on Birthday Eve (it includes an elevator and a toilet that flushes!)

July 8th, Birthday Morning, Niva busts through the balloons to a new year!

Birthday Breakfast: waffles with sprinkles and that expensive kefir yogurt she always asks for since some bougie kids in her Chinese class have it...I splurged since it's her birthday!

Niva celebrated with cupcakes in her preschool class

She enjoyed a cake pop on the way home from preschool

 Niva makes a wish as she blows out all 3 candles on 3 fancy cupcakes

Then, Gammy and Poppa come to town in anticipation of Birthday Party Weekend...bearing tons of gifts of course!

Today July 14th on our 6th wedding anniversary,  we celebrated with the most fun party with all of Niva's best buddies.

At Dick Nichols Park, there was splashing with the dolphin, hanging at the playground, swimming, and an ice cream social!

Autumn and Kalla check out all the goodie bag swag

Look really closely at these cuties

My immaculate (:/) Rice Krispie ice cream cones

Our flower centerpiece

Ice cream cone cupcakes!

And back on the dolphin...Niva's crew of friends are so fun!

At the end of the party, Poor baby got stung by a bee on her arm! Fortunately, she had presents to look forward to and take the pain off her mind.

Thanks for the crazy glasses, Leo!

And then our Annual Pinterest Photo shoot (check out last year's: http://nivajosephine.blogspot.com/2012/07/aging-gracefully.html)

Oh my Bear, I love you so much!!!!!!!!

Vacation 2013 Recap

We just got back from Bonzek Family Vacation 2013 and wow, was it wonderful!! We traveled to Cape Cod, New York City, and Aunt Anne's farm in Berryville, Virginia. Check it out...

Totally Pinterest!

Niva's first walk down to the beach this year. Ahhhh, East Sandwich beach, we love you!

Happy Father's Day! That would be the remains of chocolate chip pancakes around Niva's mouth. 

Niva was absolutely engrossed by the beach.

Airborne frolic!

We were all so happy to have Niva's 90 year great grandma in attendance too! Party never stopped at Grandma's cottage.

We always make it a point to visit the candy shop in Falmouth. Cookie Monster was the lucky friend to accompany Niva.

Picnic at Nobska Lighthouse

Are you familiar with the "How Wonderful!" pose?

Grandpa Mike's cottage was just a stone's throw away. Niva loved running over there to solicit chips, pudding, and giggles.

Grandma taught Niva how to catch a ball.

Up in the loft in our tiny cottage

Since we went on a seal watching trip, Niva got a little seal friend as a memento.

Love this pic of my tiny little bundle! Yes, the mornings could get chilly.

But the afternoons were warm...and who is that lovely lady peeking in the background? Why, it's Fufu!

The whole Spring Break gang paid us a visit

Niva adored Cousin Sammie and her friend Maddie!

So, fast forward to NYC...we were there for less than 24 hours. At least Niva got to check out the carousel in Central Park. 

And now, we're at Aunt Anne's and Uncle David's farm house. As you can see, Niva was delighted to be on the farm!

Uncle David raises cows! So cool to see it first hand.

Niva loved picking flower bouquets from Aunt Anne's garden.

We even made it to Washington DC. First, the Smithsonian...

Then, the Lincoln Memorial

What do you think the caption of this one is?

Got to take a ride around the farm in this awesome ride!

Another random place we went to...perfect for tots!

Lil Pardner saw Aunt Anne in action at work!

Ahhh! Life on the farm is so peaceful!

Aside from the sporadic toddler fits, vacation went almost perfectly! I will say that Dora the Explorer saved us in a pinch when we needed some P & Q around Niva. She watched the same 2 episodes about a hundred times each. Unfortunately, she would turn into a zombie with oatmeal for brains while she was watching her stories. When we needed to take the iPad away, she would flip out in a scary way! I didn't like it one bit. No more Dora until next family vacation next year!!