The Guard, Gardens, & Golf

Hey everyone. How was/is your summer? Of course it's still 100 degrees here and the neighborhood pools close on Labor Day. Boo hoo. But seriously, no complaints here. It's that time of year where lots of changes are happening. Last night I went to Robin's Preschool Parent Orientation. It seems so silly in a way, but also important, especially for those of us new to the whole thing. Even though I spent years as a preschool and elementary art teacher, I'm still feeling a little nervous as a parent, but very excited for Robin. I know he is going to have a blast. Plus, it's a co-op, so I'll be volunteering once a month anyway. Also, our first family vacation is coming up. We've gone to visit family before, but haven't actually gone site specific to relax and play. Kind of hard to do when you live right next to Busch Gardens and Water Country...where's the need? But still, we are spending a little time on an island with our friends.
Happy 220th Birthday, Coast Guard (8/4/10)! CG Station Yorktown definitely up-ed their game this year. They had tons for the kids to do in addition to live music and food. Take a peek at just a few events...
Laser Tag!

Ship-driving

Ship "passenger-ing"

Dunking Coasties

Getting harnessed up for bungy-ing

This wasn't near as high as he actually went.

And then off to Yorktown Beach to play some more. Check out the sand in mid-air.

Summer wouldn't be summer without meeting Kyle at the Botanical Gardens. Oh, who's the cutie in the back? Kyle's brother Hayden.


Kudos, Norfolk Botanical Gardens! They have a wonderful new exhibit where playhouses are set up around the outside gardens for kids to play in. Each house has its own theme and fun things to do in and outside of it. I'm sure you can guess them all, but here is "Alice in Wonderland"...


"The three little pigs"


"There was an old woman who lived in a shoe"


"Little Red Riding Hood"


Robin's first time mini golfing. These photos were from our 2nd time that week. He loves it.




I hope everyone is happy & healthy.

Wedding Bliss!

My dear brother-in-law Eric and his new bride Annmarie got married on Saturday! Now I have another sister through marraige, yay! Since Joe was the best man, we flew up a week early so he could torture Eric with a bachelor party. I think it went well. They had a road trip to "Little Fenway"(www.littlefenway.com). During the week, Joe attended leadership training for work and I hung out with family.

Robin and Uncle Justin in Becky's pool

Robin & Cousin Norah eating breakfast

Trampolining


Hanging out

Robin is quite the photographer lately.

Bodhi, Robin & Nico at the rehearsal dinner.

Silly cousins

A blast with Abuela

The wedding day has arrived...

The boys helping Eric get ready.


"Bad boys, bad boys..."

Sweet as pie.


Joe & Rish
Gorgeous newlyweds. Eric & Annmarie: We are so lucky to have you as family. Love you.

Big sis and little bro

Big sis and littlest bro

The wedding party

Me, Jenn, Laurie & Heather

Me & my hubby...so handsome.

A week of Celebrations!

Photo: July 2000, honeymoon
Photo: July 2010, date night. Happy 10th Anniversary to me & my husband! I think we are both pretty lucky to have one another. Thank you, Grammy, for visiting us so we could go out to eat! Raspberry Collins, Lobster, and Creme Brulee! While looking at our wedding photos, Joe asked Robin who the picture was of. He answered, "Dad, with your hair on."
And R is pretty lucky to have a Dad ready and willing to dress up as Batman and play the role.
Happy 4th of July. Our neighborhood had a parade.

Goodbye, Daewoo...
...hello, SmartCar!
It's a convertible too!
We were lucky to have Grammy visit for a couple days. Missing her already.