A Friendly Summer

SO here we have three Bluesteens and two Konopacks. And one gorgeous beach morning.

 

This will forever be remembered as the summer of The Ice Bucket Challenge. Kudos to Jim for coming up with a novel way to record himself!

Spent some time at a local library. Above, with an old friend's two kids... below, with playing chess with Nicholas.

Ollie makes friends with EVERYONE ;)

Pool playdate with Christian and Logan:

 

Grandma Lacina bought some neat bubble wands, created out of bent wires. Boys totally enjoyed it.

 

Big boys playing in the sand... and on the lifeguard stand... and enjoying ice cream on the last...day...before...school...

About a year ago, we made a donation to Belmar in support of their boardwalk rebuilding effort. Above, Oliver points out where his name is on the plaque!

Next time you're at Tenth Avenue... freeze out, and then look for us on this sign ;)

 

And Nora turns five! It was great to be able to celebrate with her and family at the local ice cream shop!

Our Trip to Liberty Island and Ellis Island

Yay! This was THE YEAR! We finally took a combined family trip to the Statue of Liberty!

In the background, there, you see the Freedom Tower. Neat-o.

The packaged tour takes you first from Jersey City to Ellis Island via ferry. There was a very informative video, followed by an interesting audio tour. 

 

Back on the ferry, bound for Liberty Island

 

That's one of the original torches... the new one is one solid piece. The cast above and below are amazing!

 

We climbed the stairs to the pedestal. This made for a great view of NYC... but a strange one of the actual statue. I don't think I realized that we'd be so restricted in seeing her in all of her glory.

 

That's an interesting angle....

 

School's Out for August!

SO! My class finished last week... which means no more Tues/Thurs excursions up to Monmouth. And LOTS of grading to be done! As you can see, the boys are also doing some 'work'. Keeping their skills sharp. 

And now, we have more time to go to the beach with friends!

 

 

That's T, Justin, Ollie, Alex, Ellie, and Lucas. In a GIGANTIC HOLE that they dug. Niiiiice.