More Backyard Guests...

Had another backyard visitor today. We've seen this little guy a few times but he usually doesn't hang around long enough to get his picture taken. Braeden wanted to pet him.

The First Day

Wiley had his first day of school today - he was ready to go! (I think he was the only one in the family that actually wanted him to go... but...)

Here he is with Robbie -



One last hug for Braeden.



I'm not sure what he's thinking here... it's probably that he's annoyed that his bus tag keeps getting tangled. (He's a little OCD that way.)



Waiting for the bus...



Finally, the time has come... and everyone (minus Dad - who was unavoidably detained at work) comes out to watch his departure.



One last glance back at me before he gets on the bus.

Trial Run

I took Wiley to school this morning - to see his classroom, meet the teacher and ride the bus home. He was excited to go. I left the house and Braeden had a "rip-roaring" fit because he wanted to go with us. I just smiled and left him at home with the big kids.

Here's Wiley in the classroom -sitting on the "platform." He's wearing his "bus tag" that he's supposed to wear until the end of September. ("Yeah, right!")



He's lined up with "Lucy" and waves good-bye to me before getting on the bus.



Here he is - getting off the bus at home.



As you can see, Braeden is very happy to have him back!

Let's Go Buy Some Milk...

So, I'm on a kick to support my local dairy farm by purchasing milk that was literally still in the cow a few hours earlier. Why? Oh, I have no idea, really... maybe it's growth hormones, antibiotics or just generally trying to support the "little" guy. The boys enjoying seeing the cows (especially when they do their business!?? - you know... boys will be boys...)

The Heisman Trophy...

In honor of football season starting...

Couldn't help but think of the Heisman Trophy - when I saw this picture of Braeden. If only he had a football in his arms...

Toto, We're Not in New Smyrna Anymore...

In addition to not being able to replicate Dustin's, we're hard-pressed to find a beach in north-central CT. Here are the boys in their first "pond" swimming experience at a park in Simsbury.


Going into the water for the first time and telling me "It's slimy."



After finding their courage, they quickly make a U-turn and run out of the water.



Building a sand (SAND???) castle with some friends.



Playing with Micah and Nathan.



There's nothing better than filling a hole with yucky water and then jumping in it!

Ok... So it's NOT Dustin's, but....

In our quest to find a "northern Dustin's," we ended up at Little Mark's in Vernon. Wasn't quite up to our standards, but that's OK. We enjoyed our time with Bryan and Kate's fam and look forward to our next adventure!

Angelina Jolie Isn't the Only One With Twins This Year...

Last night during supper, Robb spotted a couple of "bambi's" in the backyard playing. They were too quick for my camera, though. This morning, while going to get the newspaper, I felt a pair of eyes looking at me. It was one of the twins - I don't think he/she even knew to be afraid. Their mother was a little further in the back - going about her business of gathering breakfast.

I got my camera and went back outside - hid behind a bush and took a few pictures. They stayed for about 15 minutes and then ran back into the woods.

Let's Hope These Screws Don't Come Loose!

Just returned home from the follow-up doctor visit with Kel's hand surgeon. He was pleased at how everything is progressing. He took the splint off and wants her to start using her hand (which explains the "ahh's" and "ooh's" I keep hearing coming from upstairs.) He wants to see her one more time before Labor Day - but I think she's mending nicely and ready to close this chapter of her life.

Here's a pic of the screws - I'm posting this for Jennifer - ; )

A Little Swim Fun

Kate, Lee and the boys came over yesterday for a little backyard fun.

Wiley and Jack



Cole didn't get to swim in the pool - but he did manage to get wet on the Slip 'N Slide.



I think Jack is thinking about his Uncle Bubba - because it looks like he's practicing for the Air Force.



Jack's impressive cannonball.



Luke going down the Slip 'N Slide on his belly - his favorite position - even tho he scrapes his stomach every time.



I love Braeden's face on this picture!

SummerTime Fun

While Lee's here, the boys have gotten together a couple of times. They were anxious to see each other after spending a week together in FL.


Enjoying lunch at Kate and Bryan's.



Popsicle Time - I think Cole's wondering why he doesn't have one!



Poor Cole. All he could do was stand on his tiptoes and look out the window at the big boys playing.



Finally - he gets outside and is very happy about it!



The boys having a squirt gun fight.



Luke found a preying mantis in their back yard. Braeden was really interested in it - that is until it moved really quickly!