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 ;)
