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!

Father's Day, The 4th of July, The OG, and The Ridiculous

Apologizing has become a dominant theme in my entries, so I will do it no more! Sonny seems to be developing at such a rapid rate these days. New words, recognitions, and noises emit from this child each time I turn around. I'll try to get some video up with the next entry, but in the meantime...

Father's day with Uncle Kofi, Cousin Jacob, Mom, and Sonny...

...minus Mom, plus Grandpop Bob and Dad. Shirts with kids faces compliments of the always-creative Uncle Kofi - thanks! Mine has made it to the top of the rotation.

Touring the yard with Mom, relaxing with Grandmom.

For Father's Day, I was given the latest in babysitting technology - very effective for now.

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$300 tricycle?! Keep looking, and don't break it!

Above & below - watching the 4th of July parade in Ridgewood. Since then, Sonny cheers each time he sees the police, fire trucks, or ambulances with their lights on... we should all be so appreciative. Thanks to Grandma Chris for taking the pictures - and for the SpongeBob balloon!
Sonny paid a visit to Ocean Grove, NJ - generously hosted by friends Kieran and Drew, who shared toys, beach tools, and all-around good times. Thanks guys!

The sand engineers, hard at work.

Mom & Sonny at the beach and the fountain.

Americana abound.

Fountain water-sampling above with Drew, playground playtime below with Kieran.

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Backyard dining rage. Outdoor eating must be an acquired taste.

One day, Sonny will ask, "Who dressed me? I looked ridiculous!"
And I will say, "It was me, son. But you picked it out."

My handsome little friend marching across the lawn.

OshKosh!

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Coming soon, Ocean Grove - Round Two, Mowing the Lawn, and much more!

Horse Show, Birthday Party, Carnival, Motorcycle Rally, and around the House

This kid's going to be well-rounded! We'll start slow, build in the middle, and bring you back down nice and easy (arguably saving the cutest for last).

Apparently he's not intimidated by the so-called shoes to fill. I wish I had his confidence sometimes!

At the horse show. Not Horsey, horse.

Super-preppy.

Where did this preppy kid come from?

After the horses, beach playground. Not bad living.

"I found some sand!"

The family arrives at the Freedom Run motorcycle rally! If dad were only a little more manly, he would have ridden.

Learning to drink from the bottle, of water.

Biker friends Allison and Chris

Carnival at KHS! Just a few more years little buddy.

Say cheese.

Happy birthday Aunt Sal!

In the grass with the birthday girl!

and poolside with Grandma.

... as promised.