House Guests

Nai Nai and Ye Ye--new Sudoku addicts














Shelby and Rocky--BFF



















Aunt Abby and Uncle Albert

We had some serious visitors the past couple weeks! Nai Nai and Ye Ye came for 10 days, Shelby Hagins came for one last visit before moving to Orlando, and Abby and Albert got to be here for several days, too. Ethan had a great time showing off his new tricks--and even started walking! He's still getting his legs, but improves every day.

4th of July Fun

The Chen Family--even Rocky!

























As new Windyrush members, we had a great time at the Fourth of July bike parade. Everyone decorates bikes, scooters, strollers and walks around the block. Usually a firetruck leads the way, but this year it was a little late. Ethan enjoyed the festivities, and so did Rocky! (You'll notice I have a slight pooch in my belly--#2 is on the way! Due January 15, and we are delighted.)

Swim Season

Cass and Martha-Grace were star swimmers on the Windyrush swim team this year. Dennis even made it to a meet! (probably his first since swimming himself in high school) His parents were here for one, too. Cass swam in the 8 and under group, and was up to 4 or 5 events by the end of the season. Ethan and I loved to go cheer on the cousins, but could never stay the whole time because of bed time.

3016 Christopher Avenue

For 60 years, someone in my mom's family has lived in the house on Christopher Avenue in Baltimore, MD. My mom's parents owned it first, and she lived there as a little girl. Then they sold it to my grandmother's brother (my Great Uncle Alvin) and his wife, who have lived there ever since until recently moving to live with my cousins north of the city. My entire life we've gone back to visit Mom's family in Baltimore, and each visit has included special memories (and yummy meals!) in this home. Last weekend we gathered for the final time on Christopher Ave. for brunch and fellowship before a concert honoring my Great Uncle Alvin and his wife Virginia. It was a special weekend, as our extended family came together and shared the different musical gifts we have in a recital at the church where generations of my mother's family attended. There were vocalists, pianists (including little Cass!), violinists, a flute, cello, viola, oboe, trombone...it was quite a mixture of amazing talent! We had a great time capped off with Uncle Alvin singing the first verse of "How Great Thou Art"...it was very touching and a wonderful weekend.




















the traditional "kids" picture

Learning to Relax...

Ethan's never had much trouble with this, actually. He's a pretty chill little man. I thought these pictures were particularly telling of his ability to kick back and enjoy himself...

(daddy always forgets to snap the onesie before the pants! ha!)

More fun beach pics...

I couldn't help myself! These last few pics make me smile and laugh. Can you guess how long Ethan's sunglasses actually stayed on his face? (about 2 seconds)

Beachin' It

Uncle Dennis is covered!

Big tummy after big meal--lobster mac 'n cheese!

I was a little worried about Ethan's reaction to the beach this year, because he doesn't always like textures and being dirty. Well, these worries were unfounded because he LOVED every minute of it! He loved being covered in sand, eating sand, digging in the sand, throwing sand...and he loved the ocean as well. He would crawl straight in, so we had to watch him carefully! He loved all things beach--putt putt golf, riding bikes (he had a great seat behind daddy!), swimming in the pool, eating lots of food, playing with his cousins. We had a wonderful time as a family! (as you can see by the pictures, Ethan got some serious daddy time!)