On the way to the beach we stopped for the night in Tysons Corner, VA. We have never spent a night in a hotel with the boys, but we were excited to do it, knowing we might only get a few hours of sleep. They had so much fun jumping on the beds, taking a bath, etc. While watching the Penguins take the Stanley Cup, Eric fell asleep around 10, Evan around 11. They slept until nearly 7 a.m., which, if you know my boys, is seriously late. The only issue was Benny. The dog rarely, if ever, barks. That isn't the case in a hotel. Every sound or shadow under the door he saw/heard he was barking. At one point, it scared Evan so badly he fell out of bed! Though he never woke up. It wasn't particularly annoying because Rob dealt with the dog and all I heard all night (in a whisper-yell) was "Benny, stop." It was hilarious.
Taking Benny on vacation this year was great. It was so nice having our whole family together. I know, I sound lame, but Benny is still the first baby. He "fell" in the pool one time and that was it for his swimming experience. He swam over to Rob and literally tried to grab onto him. If he was younger, I would have forced it, but I didn't want my eight-year-old dog breaking a hip because I wanted to see him swim. He was on the beach a few times and running through shallow waves, but never really got in. Probably hard since we had him on a leash almost all of the time.
During the week we went down to the beach, flew our kite, played in the sand. Really, it was a wonderful week. The weather wasn't great--only high 70's and fairly overcast most of the time, but warm enough to get in the ocean and the pools. Coming home wasn't too painful and the boys were excellent for the 10-hour car ride that started a 4 a.m.
Now that we are home, life continues to be insane. Rob started his last semester of grad school this week. Three nights a week until mid-august. I know he can't wait for it to be over, but I CAN'T WAIT for him to be done. It's been a long three years and I’m not even the one in school.
The boys had vacation bible school this week at the church where they attend preschool. It only cost $15 per child so, to be totally honest, I wasn't expecting much. I just thought it would buy me some time to catch up on work and errands since we were away for a week (my how those things pile up quickly). To my pleasant surprise, it was AWESOME and the boys LOVED it. It was 2.5 hours every morning for the week. It was fast-moving and set up in 20-30 minute segments of opening ceremonies, crafts, rec time, bible/story time, music, etc. Both of their TSS went with them, which gave me a week of having no one in my house. I really like both of their TSS, but it's nice not having anyone here for a week. Both the TSS seemed impressed with the program and I simply cannot believe how organized it was and how much the boys loved it. It goes through elementary school age so clearly the boys will be going there for years to come!
Next week it is back to our regular schedule :-(. On top of the normal therapies, meetings and general running around, the boys start horseback riding again on Tuesday. I can't wait for that. I think I enjoy it as much as them!
On a totally separate note, I spoke with the boys' nurse practitioner yesterday regarding the blood work we had done a month or so ago. Both boys are doing well. They still have significant immune dysregulation, however, it is slowly beginning to get better. Evan's gluten tolerance has increased and he is now in the normal range, however, we still have to follow the gluten-free diet. It's nice to know that it is getting better, even when we let him cheat! I won't bore you with all of the finer details, but in general, the boys are doing better health-wise...and really in general. A nice, relaxing vacation and some good summer weather does us all some good!
Here are a few photos from vacation and the last few weeks. Enjoy!
The fam down at the beach! My friend Kelley came down for a few days, so she got some of all four (well, five) of us together.
Eric in the pool--where he LOVES to be!
The boys in the water at dusk. 
Boys taking a bath in one of the two huge tubs in the house. I failed to mention the house was entirely too large for our family. We rented soundside this year (won't do it again. The location really wasn't too bad, but the smell was less than desirable). We had four bedrooms, only needed three at the most, and the boys decided our first night there that they were going to share a room! 
More fam on the beach. 
The boys playing Wii.
Rob and Evan flying Evan's Cars kite. They are far bottom left and the kite is far top right.
Evan and I in the "little" pool, a.k.a. the hot tub.
Boys and Daddy going for a walk at the nature preserve.
Eric on the Slip 'N Slide in our backyard.
Evan on the Slip 'N Slide in our backyard.
Evan in the dryer....just don't even ask.