For those who are more visually-centered

Here are the pictures that accompany so many of the stories in previous posts. Including as little explanation as I can get away with. First, the Aug 1st trip to NJ to see Murrays, Lanzas, Kanes/Farrens/Calvys. It was a whirlwind 72 hours, though so much fun. I really tired these two boys out. Some other pix of same trip are already on my FB page. I will not duplicate.

A little bit of TV/Handy Manny watching with C. and K.











What's better than lunch at Friendlys on a rainy Sunday, with a pretty girl? (and her dad, brother sitting at the same table?)









Austin was particularly clingy this weekend, but did have fun with new kids.










I regret that I didn't get any pictures of Graham boys with Lanza boys @ quick stop in central Jersey. I think we'll see them again in November, I'll get some then. Then, onto Ocean City for full day Monday. Such a fun beach and boardwalk day.

Catch the look of pure terror on Logan's face on this ride. You'd think I put him on a massive rollercoaster. Instead, it was a 3 foot (tops) subtle hill in a kiddle log flume. He almost jumped out of the pelican at the earliest chance he could. We found better outlets for his (my) entertainment money with the ball roll, taking after his dad. Then, onto Rita's for a small frozen custard, with sprinkles, Aus and I split a small cherry water ice, and we headed back to the car for the long quiet car ride home. Where they were both asleep well before we hit the bridge to even exit OC. Which was a nice reward for me with no fuss from the backseat.

Now, onto houseguests and local fun:

Logan and buddy N. Reunited after about 2 years (which, if you're keeping track, means they'd really only 'hung out' together for the first year of their lives.) N and his family are former neighbors and the Foreign Service took them to Africa in Spring 2007. They visited during a recent trip through DC, on their way to a new foreign post.

Both families reproduced during that time span, adding 2 more little boys to the mix (also born within weeks of each other)- shown above. One pants-less child who needs no introduction, and the other is N's little brother P. in red. Funny to see Logan and N. reincarnated.

Aus and Baby GFR (initials) playing together with fun activity cube on Aug 8 dinner date. Their dads became good friends at this age, too.

This is from this past weekend's visit from L. family (fantabulous friends from VU days). Logan very much enjoyed time with A and M. Showing us what he feels about their imminent departure Sunday AM.

Yesterday afternoon, Aus was in the pool with his "Safe T. Seal" floaty on. (is a compliment, not substitute for parental hands and supervision.) But he's one heavy kid, even in the water. We need all the help we can, and he does not particularly enjoy sitting in kiddy rafts.

Same pool, yesterday- usual group of 4pm-6pm kid swimmers with 2 dads and the gator. Which is a contrast with similar group from last year's Labor Day pic referenced in the "2008 summer" entry in my previous post.

So, I'm pretty caught up, I'd say. Just in time to clear the slate for this upcoming weekend's trip to DE for celebration of Granddad Graham's bday and other such revelry. Then, finishing off summer and loading up that calendar for fall. Unemployment suits my summer lifestyle quite well!