cousins, friends, nature

I think these three words just about wrap up our life as of late. Last week Paul's sister was down in St. Augustine at the beach so we went down one day to see them. We had a great time. Vinnie (their 3 year old) and Adele (our almost 3 year old) had a blast together while Calvin and Lincoln (6 weeks apart in age) also had a fun time playing in the ocean and sand. This brings to mind a story...A few weeks ago (Labor Day weekend, actually) our family went to the beach. Now you have to understand that pretty much wherever we go there's at least one cousin we will see. So, we walk down to the beach and set up our chairs and stuff and Adele immediately spies another family next to us and says to me, "Mommy, come, let's go meet my cousins!!!" So, she thinks we're related to everyone..I guess that's what happens when you have 17 first cousins in all. (we're not even going to count 2nd cousins!!!)

PJ has been practicing on his cast net throwing skills and just like Daddy, he takes this stuff seriously. He has caught several tadpoles and some small bait fish. Paul took him shrimping a few weeks back and he got onto it then. We're preparing him for Thailand. I have visions of him and Calvin on some Thai boat working as boat boys...using their English and Thai skills to bring tourists and Thais together on excursions. (I know, my goals are a bit lofty, but hey, I can dream, can't I?!) PJ is often found outside chasing butterflies and other bugs. He thoroughly enjoys Grammy and Grampy's place...and he's a little sad about leaving. It's a great place for a young boy to explore creation...and his 2 boy cousins have made it a lot of fun too!

Calvin, Adele and I made a butterfly house last week one day. You can almost see it there in the background between them. I wrote "welcome butterflies" on it they drew flowers and butterflies on the sides. I don't think any of our winged friends made it their home but it was fun all the same. (I know that it looks like Calvin is half wai-ing (Thai greeting) but I think he was doing a karate chop....)
And, lastly, but not least, we had friends over the other day. It rained for 2 days (with a few breaks) but as a result we had some mega mud puddles and these guys had so much fun running through them. You can see Aaron (19 months) had the most fun. Baths and a change of clothes were needed before they piled in the car to go home!!! We had a great
time with our friends even if it was a little messy!