Good-bye Summer

Having spent my childhood summers on So Cal beaches, I love the sand, sun, boogie boarding, sea shells, salt water, and the smell of coconut suntan lotion.
When a group of friends suggested a beach day for the last day of summer vacation, I was easily on board, but my kids were another matter.  The reason (and there's only one reason): sand in the bathing suit.  No thanks, mom.
I did some coaxing and we ended up going to Salisbury Beach and having a blast with our friends.  The riptide was insane, and I left feeling like I had a full body cleanse, but it was great fun.  It was 97 degrees HOT today, and I'm wishing school didn't start until next week when it's supposed to cool down because we could use a few more of these beach days....

August

A visit from EP...we are so lucky to be friends!

Allison, EP!, Shelley, & moi

Project DONE- cousin Owen's quilt

I had a blast at Leslie Graff's Studio Night.
She's so talented and helped me transfer my idea onto canvas.  My 1st painting!

KIMBALL FARM ICE-CREAM...
choices, choices

Wesley and Thomas on a nail-biting tractor adventure

Giordano, Rebentisch & Menzie kids....it's been a LONG time since they'd seen each other!

Farmer Wes...after a little too much ice-cream past bedtime

me, Nicholas, Joanne, & Becky

LL giving Wes his Preschool haircut.
It's torture getting a handsome haircut.

success.

Impromtu water balloon fight.  Goal: Get SOAKED!

USS Constitution- Old Ironsides

Ama & her east coast babes....

cousins are the best....

me & my big sis....

Back to Uncle Jim's Cabin

deer sitings.exploring along the creek.tracking deer with grandpa

running to greet deer & wondering why they run from "HI, DEER!  HI!!! COME BACK!"

walks with grandpa.picking up a good book .the wood burning hot tub- a favorite

hiking to the fire tower--- almost . burgers & s'mores

playing hide & seek with grandma.snuggles

the "sky deck". Harry Potter & Twilight Zone. swimming & ice-cream at the Inn

....just a few of our favorite things this time around.

Thanks, Uncle Jim!

Happy Birthday to Christina!!!

Our Nina is fourteen!  

Bring on High School,

stake dances,

early morning seminary,

and because she's finished her personal progress already,

she's chosen to earn her

Honor Bee 

and start the personal progress program all over again,

and she has invited me  & Ama to earn
the YW medallion again with her.... fun!

Nina, we are so very proud of you!
You are a star- a beautiful example to all of us.

We wish you a very happy birthday and an exciting year again full of
more great things to come!

Lots of love,

mom, dad, Thomas, Grace, Caroline & Wesley

Fishing with the boys

While the ladies were at the Spa Party, the boys were off fishing, with success. Cousin Michael let us know the contents of the fish stomachs after they were done cleaning the fish....such a natural way to curb the appetite.

We love our grandparents!

sweet Caroline & grandma Ilene

We had such big, full days and evenings that Grace shed some tears of exhaustion at church on Sunday.  She was happy to find some true TLC from grandpa.  His hugs are about the best ever.

Big hugs for big boy, Wesley...

Wesley loved his walks with grandpa

Aprons from Ama, sewn with love

Ama & Caroline