Vacation?

So the wonderful 8 weeks of camp had to end sometime...Both Julia and Libi had excellent summer experiences at the JCC this year.
The day that camp ended our family trekked to NY for a short stopover on our way to New Hampshire with the Warmund "Clan". We had no idea what we were in for...Let me explain.

Marigold developed a fever when we arrived at the resort (White Mountain Resort at Bretton Hills). We brought tylenol with us, but no thermometer. Her fever kept coming back every 3 hours and she was burning up. We finally bought a thermometer on Sunday afternoon and her fever was 103.8 (underarm)! So on Sunday evening I went with Marigold and Jillian to the closest ER. Even though she had taken tylenol just 2 hours earlier, Marigold's temperature was 40 degrees celsius at the hospital. That's 104 farenheit. I was dying inside for her. She was diagnosed with an ear infection, tonsilitis, and possible strep throat. They gave us antibiotics and told us to call back in an hour for the strep results. Jillian was freaking out because she didn't want Shoshi and Evie to get strep on the first week of school. Luckily, Marigold didn't have strep. But she did have the Roseola virus. The fever didn't really break until late Tuesday or Wednesday and she then developed a rash on her face, chest, torso, and back that lasted 2 days. Poor Marigold.

We lengthened our stay at the resort because we didn't want to travel with our sick baby. Oh, and Libi also didn't feel well. But at least she didn't have a fever. And did I mention that it was FREEZING in New Hampshire? Why would it be freezing cold in August? I certainly didn't pack for cold weather. Luckily, one of our main purposes for this trip was outlet shopping with Solange and Joram! So we were able to buy some warmer clothes.

The scenery was absolutely lovely in the White Mountain area. We were totally surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests. I went for a short hike with Marigold on Wednesday. We went off the trail to check out a small stream and took off our shoes to explore. Marigold was having fun playing in the water and I was so happy that she was able to feel good for a while that I lost my good judgment for a moment. She slipped and fell in the water and got all wet. I had to take off her pants and top and walk back to the hotel as quickly as possible. At least the weather was a little warmer that day (about 70 degrees).

Julia and Libi had a great time with Shoshi and Evie! They never get to spend such uninterrupted time with their cousins. We had most meals with them and the four girls usually sat at a separate table from the adults. On the last day of our trip, Solange & Joram took us to Chutters which is an amazing candy store. Julia and Libi were enthralled by the sheer volume and choice of the candy. Julia chose slowly and carefully, picking a couple of candies from specific jars and placing them in her bag. Libi, on the other hand, took a handful from each jar! She revelled in the freedom that her grandparents allowed her. Now, 4 days later I'm almost ready to get rid of all that candy...but I can't bring myself to throw it out. Too much fun. Too delicious.

We've been Simpsonized!

This is hysterical!

Breaking Free

As we prepare for High School Musical 2's debut on August 17, I wanted to make sure that I got some tape of our girls singing songs from the 1st CD. Here's Libi singing "Breaking Free". This girl has got talent!!

By the way, camp is going really well, as is the rest of the summer. Marigold and I just finished up 2 weeks of Aqua Tots swimming classes at our Township pool. On the last day of the program she proudly blew bubbles in the water, showed us her "scoops" with her hands, and kicked her legs behind her! It took 2 weeks, but it was great fun! She is talking up a storm and adding new words everyday.
Julia is getting ready to go to her new school. We already bought some school supplies and had fun printing name labels for each item. She has met so many new girls from her school this summer. I am so excited for her, and we're trying to make this an easy transition.
Libi has just shone this summer! She has loved camp so much. Every day when we drive away from the carpool line she opens her window and shouts people's names as she sees them (counselors and kids!). She is also looking forward to starting new afterschool activities this year: drama and gymnastics.