Back to the beach

We went to Oneida Shores today. It was a totally perfect day - the water was warm and the weather was ideal - sunny with a nice breeze.















Matt built a sand castle with a big moat, then Caleb helped him fill it with water (during a brief break from swimming).















Alana played in the sand most of the time, but got in the water with Caleb for awhile toward the end.



These photos are from my cell phone, since I forgot the camera yet again.

This week's flowers

The Pony Game

Larry's teenage son, Matthew, returned with us from NJ (where he lives) - he'll be spending the month of August with us in Liverpool. Alana got everyone involved in this adorable board game that she got from Gma Jeannie and Gpa Jerry last year.

Weekend photos

I took the kids and drove down to NJ on Friday night, so we could spend the weekend with Gma and Gpa, and help Gpa celebrate his 70th BD on Sunday. The weather was fine on Saturday (despite a rainy forecast) so we went to the local pool (see separate entry of Caleb jumping into the pool). I gave Alana a piggyback ride around the pool and then Caleb wanted to do it too. After about an hour, Alana was beat, but Caleb stayed in the water for another hour+.















Alana spent some time playing the piano at Gma and Gpa's house. Maybe she'll get lessons when she gets a little older.
And Caleb enjoyed a game of chess with Gma Bobbie's sister, Karen (Caleb won!)

Caleb into the pool in Old Bridge

YMCA Sweetheart Daycare Anniversary

Alana's daycare celebrated their 10-year anniversary this week, so today they had a little ceremony and the kids sang a couple of songs. Here the kids in the classroom wait to go "on" and below, they get ready to sing.

Beach day

Wonderful day at our favorite beach (Oneida Shores), and I actually remembered to bring the camera.

A family near us buried one of their kids in the sand like a mermaid so Alana wanted that too - complete with accurate anatomy, and then Caleb wanted to be buried too.

Next to Alana the mermaid is her sand castle, decorated with seagull feathers.

Caleb found a dead fish and carried it around for ages; of course Alana wanted one too and, miracle of miracles, I actually found a tiny one floating nearby, so there's a photo of them with these trophies (they were a lot more excited than they appear in this photo). Despite dead fish, it was a great day.