Out on the Boat!

My parents took us out on the boat today. (George could not join us because was having his own adventure and heading down to Yankee Stadium on a chartered bus tour!)

The weather was perfect for a boat ride. There were a lot of other boats on the river because of the Tall Ships being in port. At one point we encountered a huge wave that sent Ben and I off our seats, up in the air, and then smashing back down again. Okay, it was not that dramatic - but we really were bounced around and I am waiting for the bruises to appear. Ben keeps asking my Dad if he caught the giant wave on camera! Despite the giant wave, we had a great time. Thanks Mom and Dad for taking us!

Here are some pictures from the day:

Out we go!

One of the tall ships.

Jacob and his Grandpa.

Wenworth by the Sea. So nice...

Me and Ben.

Grandma, Ben and Ben's snacks.

Grandpa giving Jacob some lessons.

House Full of Kids

George and I had the Eberhardt kids stay with us this week. (I went to work each day so George was really in charge of all of the kids.) The Eberhardts, Pete and Julie, are good friends of ours. Pete is in the Army and has served in Iraq and will most likely be going back. He has recently been promoted and Julie wanted to go to his Change of Command ceremony in Texas without the kids in tow.

We were very happy to watch the kids for them. It can be so easy to forget and not think about the sacrifices that people like Pete and Julie make in order to serve our country. I don't know how they do it.

Dinner - these kids eat a lot!

Lot's of fun in the pool.

Katie - before doing one of her great dives!

We all went to Benny's last soccer practice.

Being good sports...

Ben in the net.

Hustling off the field.

And having ice cream after practice. (And after that we had pizza for dinner!)

20 Year Class Reunion

Last night was my 20 year high school class reunion. It was also George's birthday so we decided I should be the designated driver so George could have a couple of drinks and enjoy himself (since he only knew 3 people who were attending!). We had a fun time and I caught up with some classmates I had not seen in over 10 years.

One of our classmates is a professional photographer who brought a "photo booth" to the event. George and I took these pictures. We enjoyed using the props he brought!

Should I call him Elton (as in Elton John)! And remember

I was the designated driver so these shots were not white-wine

influenced!

Camping!

My buddy Mike once again set up our yearly camping trip to Pawtuckaway. He really outdid himself this year, getting a great waterfront site with lots of privacy. We all had a great time kayaking, fishing, enjoying the fire and spending time with friends.

Here you can see our tent and kayaks, right on the water!

Within 5 minutes of pulling into the site, Ben fell and opened a large gash in his knee. Thanks for packing bandaids Jen!

The kids quickly found their favorite toy, a tree that had partially fallen into the water...

...and their favorite activity, playing with fire!

Ben enjoys a smore in his own special way.

Jacob found a great spot to pull in the fish.

And of course, it wouldn't be camping without a few beers around the fire with friends!

Fisher Cats

For Father's Day we gave my dad tickets to a Fisher Cats game. The game took place on Monday. We had a nice time at dinner before the game at the Strange Brew and then a fun time at the game. Our seats were in the front row right beside the away team's bullpen. We got sprayed with dirt from pitcher's cleats when they were warming up in front of us. Crazy!

Enjoying ourselves - I think Benny is too!

The boys - with their Yankees hats (not my Dad though -

a native New Yorker who likes the Red Sox!)

My mom and I.

The pitcher who got dirt on us. Will he be a future Yankee star?

Unexpected Visit!

Our good friends, the Eberhardt family, stopped by for a visit during their east coast road trip. We had a great time - relaxing by the pool, a nice cocktail (or two) for the parents, and s'mores and sparklers after dinner. What else do you need?

The kids in the pool.

Go Ben. See you later Alligator.

Jump Mack!

Chef George.

Yummy dinner.

Me and Julie.

Fun with sparklers.

On the Lake

On Sunday morning we went kayaking on the lake and took the whole family this time. George and Benny were in the double. Jacob and I had our own singles. We wore Jacob out but had a good time.

Jacob deciding on his next move...

Jacob and I in the home stretch.

Benny and George.