Swinging with the Thompson girls

After the ND crew left on Sunday, we met Elsie, Kit, Beth, David and Grammy for dinner in Bluffton. The kids loved racing around the restaurant, while we were able to enjoy the seafood dinner and catching up with Beth, David and Grammy. Happy 4th Birthday to Elsie! We were disappointed that we couldn't make it to her birthday party the day before, but loved hearing about the cowgirl themed party and pony. Yeehaw!

Cookie Monster

We spent last weekend at Hilton Head with my roommates from Notre Dame and seven children! Unfortunately, the Martin family wasn't able to make it because of Erin's September due date. The decision not to come was a wise one as Daniel "Danny" Martin arrived on Saturday, September 18th! Danny is in good hands with sweet big brother, Tommy, and Tad can't wait to hang out with his Denver buddies. Congratulations, Erin & Mike!

The reunion was great and more pictures will follow, but here are a few I snapped with my phone while at The Salty Dog. We treated Tad to ice cream for dessert and ordered a small cup of "Cookie Monster", advertised as the flavor of the week. It should have come with a warning - blue food dye. Despite much scrubbing, Tad was a mess and blue for the next two days. He, of course, loved the ice cream and was determined to eat it on his own. All grown up.

Labor Day Fun

We had some technical difficulties inflating the pool. Johnny was determined and the shop vac did the trick.

The First Annual Jacksons Creek Boat Parade.

Tad's favorite seat (poor Abby). Hanging with Claire at a Labor Day BBQ.

Tad enjoyed cooling off in his deluxe baby pool, a gift from Joseph & Erica that Tad has loved this summer. This Labor Day Weekend, we participated in the First Annual Jacksons Creek Boat Parade, organized by our neighbors that live on the lake across the street. We won "Most Imaginative" with our Luau theme boat. The parade was followed by a fun BBQ and we look forward to this event in years to come.

August in New England

Enjoying the summer breeze.

Lounging with Pop.

Playing with Grammy.

Hanging out with the Eastman crew. Thanks for meeting us at the beach!

Sneak attack.

My mug has a few scratches from my adventures.

Tad meets the alpacas. He wanted to bring one home for the frenchies, along with the nice alpaca farmer he befriended.

Aunt Jeannie and Tad ride the train. Choo choo!

Pat the bunny. Live.

Watching the mowers with Pop.

Petting the friendly goose. They have a lot of fake animals at this place...

The golfers.

We headed north to Grammy & Pop's house the first week of August and had a wonderful time, complete with trips to the beach and local fair, as well as catching up with Aunt Jeannemarie. Tad adores Aunt Jeannie and, as usual, she spoiled him rotten. The weather was perfect and it was non-stop excitement for Tad, from the early morning trips to watch the mowers with Pop to rides on the golf cart. Grammy taught Tad how to say "uh oh" (frequently pronounced "oh uh" by Tad) and cockadoodledoo. We had to purchase a rooster for our kitchen upon returning home and are still working on explaining that "oh uh" isn't an appropriate response when Tad intentionally launches food from his highchair (the frenchies have been packing on the pounds much to their delight). Grammy spoiled the rest of us with several gourmet meals, including a farewell feast of lobster and corn - one of the many things I miss about New England summers. Thank you for a great trip.