Oh Brother, Who Art Thou?

Aaaaahhh. I don't remember what this display was all about, but you cannot deny it's a funny picture. Was it worth the 2 month wait? I think so.

Sonny's friend Ocean was in from the west coast for a visit. Next time, we go to So Cal.

A duck?! That's right, and an adorable duck at that. Happy belated Halloween to all.

The annual costume parade around the daycare building. It's not the west village, but it has it's charms. Quack.

"Quack. Thanks for the candy mister."

Quack.

The happy family on our way to the Thanksgiving feast!

Grandpop Bob and Sonny, halfway down the stairs.

You wouldn't know it from this picture, but Sonny bumped his face on the edge of a table and got a fat lip at Thanksgiving. He needed many hugs from Mommy, but he survived and managed to act like a pretty big boy about the whole thing.

"Hey! We're going to have another baby soon!!"

Sonny will be a great big brother, no doubt - for he has set the bar pretty high.

Wow, that was quick.

Just kidding! From left to right: Sonny, Dad, Jacob (Sonny's first, first cousin). Pretty handsome bunch if I do say so myself.

Sonny turned two years old recently and we had a small family gathering. It was just about perfect, although we missed those who couldn't make it. Thanks to all for their presence and presents!

Aunt Meg (gift-giver extraordinaire) getting ready for a big hug.

For a very brief period, tissue paper appeared to be the highlight of the day.

Then there were the balloons, which he still loves.

Testing out the new toys before the supportive onlookers.

Cupcake eater and assistant. It's hard to tell which was which.

Mr. Frostingmouth telling anyone who would listen how old he is.

Someone managed to capture the moment right before I decided to change my shirt.

Happy Birthday, little buddy. Our lives have never been better.

Pumpkin Drublic

I couldn't help myself. Great picture, great album. Fun day with Daddy.

The pumpkins were for visiting friends Thijs and Rui, although we never got to carve them... the day turned out to be so nice we hit the beach for some grilling! It was great to catch up with Kees & Kaya too... we lose touch with too many solid people when the kids take over! Thanks to all four for making the trip.

Meat is dinner.

Clear!

Mmmm... cookie.

I'm still not sure what game this apparatus is for, but the kids fit in it perfectly.

"So, Sonny, ever been to Amsterdam?"
"No, and I'm not allowed to go until Daddy checks it out first."

Sonny also enjoyed a reunion with long-time friend Max, who has cooler toys than Sonny.

Shamefully, we hit a local pizza / siren / buzzer / game / brat hangout when we found ourselves with nothing to do on a rainy Sunday. Sonny loved the pizza, oddly enough, and the rides. We probably won't go back soon.

Other recent activities include drumming, running, burying the dog, and mowing the lawn. This kid's busy!

What we need these days is a leaf-blower!

The Dog Days... of Summer

It would seem that summer is past us now, or at least it will be soon. Per my usual intro, apologies for the inconsistent frequency with which I post photos. Perhaps now that we're into Fall, our schedule will allow for more regularity.

Anyway, it was a great summer indeed. Sonny made several trips to the Jersey Shore, swam in the pool, swam in the lake, and got to visit with his grandparents on many occasions. A good time was had by all.

"I want to go outside and play!"

Well, his vocabulary is not quite there yet, but it grows each day... it's the repeating that will get you. Hmm, swear jar? $5 / incident? Hellooooo college education!

Poolside hugs.

Island Beach State Park with Grandmom Barb & Mom.

Mom goes bowling at a Rock-N-Bowl wedding in Asbury Park, NJ - so cool, so pretty.

Sonny learns to run, spot his reflection in the fireplace, and say 'cheese' at nearly the same time.

The insanity hits a new level of complexity.

Helmet, bike, Dad, fun.

Grampa Bill, Grandma Joni, & Sonny at the lake. We love visitors from Michigan.

Mom and Sonny listening to the band warm up.

In the tent, there was rock-n-roll... Sonny's first live rock-n-roll.

Who's got a wet diaper?

Grandmom Barb spoils the boy... this time with a root beer float.

Sonny makes a sock-monkey grab. Cousin Jacob grabs back...

... and then grabs hair.

Thanks for coming Grampa Bill & Grandma Joni - we miss you!