Go, Go, July

My cousin Stacey and her family drove in from Illinois. We got the six boys together for an afternoon on the boardwalk in Point. Most of them ended up with some fancy spray painted tattoos. Above, Trenton tries to organize a picture. Tough being the one giving directions multiple times, and still not having folks understand. (!)

Successful day for Mikey and Frankie... Mikey hit the 500 ticket jackpot, which was insane. Trenton got a Creeper (Minecraft, people) from a grabber machine and was on cloud nine all evening.

 

Here is a personal accomplishment. I decided months ago that I wanted to start a summer reading book club for the boys, and invited other kids around the same age to participate. They've met twice, reading the book "Freddie Ramos Takes Off", and will meet again this week to read "The Stories Julian Tells". I was completely impressed. Nine boys, all pointing out things that they knew/questioned/connected to/predicted, discussing plot and resolutions, and generally enjoying a social engagement focused on reading. Yes, immediately after this picture was taken, there was sheer madness/Nerf gun fights/running around like zebras in the house.

Someone had decided that he was going to write a graphic novel this summer. I am not allowed to look closely. Will update with finished product soon, hopefully.

For now, you have this picture and mask, inspired by Creeper.

THAT is Manasquan.
If they had easier parking, that'd be my beach of choice. I was lucky enough to hang out there, solo, for a few mornings while the boys were swimming.

 Third place Oliver! Below, he and Tyler smile with their teachers, Hailey and Meryl. Good instructors, good lessons, good fun. Hey! Let's go back for another week in August! OK! ;)

 

Random trip to the mall results in a Leonardo Ninja Turtle mask created by T. First (and largest) summer squash/zucchini (what is the difference?) from our garden.

SOOO happy to see my TCNJ girls and their little ones. Awesome morning at the beach with them.

 

This would be photo evidence that we finally got to attend the Monmouth County Fair. Either we are too busy, out of town, or it has rained for the past few summers... I love looking at the award-winning plants & artwork. Trenton and Oliver both tried to hit the target at the dunk tank (eventually, they just hand-smacked it), and below, T makes a "text to world" connection as he poses in a Charlotte's Web-themed frame.

 

Betcha didn't know that you could shear a sheep, dye the wool with sugar-free Kool Aid, roll it up into a ball with some soap and water, and then end up with your own personal WOOL BALL TO KEEP FOR EVAH.

Watchin' The Nerds. 'Nuff said.

Why touch a truck when you can get in a helicopter?

Today was Grandma Lacina's birthday. We all met up in Keansburg for the afternoon. The boys found a  particularly loose machine and both scored with Curious George dolls. 

 

T and Aunt Arlene watch Grandma and Oliver on the beautiful Keansburg carousel.
 Happy 59th, Mom ;)

Oliver & Trenton Swim at Silton

Oliver Swims Freestyle 20140717 from Sheryl K. on Vimeo.

Trenton Swims Freestyle 20140717 from Sheryl K. on Vimeo.



Trenton Swims Freestyle 20140809 from Sheryl K. on Vimeo.

Oliver Swims half pool 20140809 from Sheryl K. on Vimeo.

July Routines

The boys began two weeks of swim lessons in early July. Every morning, they're eager to get there, and every afternoon, they still somehow have energy to go and do more...

Above, Trenton, Harrison, Jonathan, and Oliver explore the cove in Avon.

 Below, I had to take  a shot of the way we 'walk back' to the car... Idea is, if you can carry your board, do it, but if not, drag it in the grassy lawns so that the sand is off of it before it's time to pack up.

 

The two shots above are from the Manasquan Inlet this week. I decided that, rather than drive back and forth to Howell again, I'd make the best of a beautiful morning.
Below, evidence that it was wicked hot on the afternoon we went to Great Adventure with friends!

 Final pictures are from a night at Tyler and Nicholas's house, roasting marshmallows over the fire pit, collecting lightening bugs, and playing goofy faces with glowing glasses.

Boatin'

Look at that happy chappy.

Yup. We were invited to spend the day out on the boat with our friends... and of course we can't say no!!!

Below, Kendall, Pop, and Ollie smile for the waterproof camera. 

Oliver buried in the sand... Gabe and Trenton, below.

We absolutely love boating through the Barnegat Bay over to Tices Shoal, and playing in the shallow area there. Then, we walk across the sandbar to Island Beach State Park, and cross the land to the ocean side. That's where the sand is beautiful and the water is warm!

The kids get a kick out of these kayaks. And the adults LOVED the portable Margarita machine. Thanks, Rodney!!!

Independence Day Party, 2014

This year, it decided to rain on the Fourth of July. So, we had to use the rain date... But Nora and Alary and Cathy and Zak came for an early visit. It was so nice to spend time with them and the girls. They'll be moving back to NJ this fall!

 

When the party started, though, it was actually quite reasonable, weather-wise. I was told that it was the 'coolest Fourth of July party we've ever had'. Ha!

Kids still enjoy throwing eggs. 

Adults, too. (Adults need much prodding, though)

 Google enhances my photos like this all the time. Kinda cool, eh?

 

Da winnahs of de egg toss... Desi & Jillian making fruit sticks... Baby Averie enjoying some strawberries... and Trenton and Justin hamming it up.