Cousins Come To Visit

In mid-July, my brother and his family came to stay for a few days.  The kids all had a lot of fun together.

Showing cousins the chickens.

One hot evening we hung out down by the pond.  The kids all took turns kayaking.

They had a blast.

Everyone was glad for a popsicle break.

All of the cousins together.

Anthony got to go alone in the kayak for the first time.

Joseph and his little cousin compare popsicles.

Anne and Emily went together.

The girls got to have a "sleepover."

These pictures were the best I could manage to get. :)

Hula hoop time!

Fun to watch all the activity.

Kayaking Fun

Towards the end of May, Dan bought a kayak so we'd have two (the red one is on loan from his brother).  It is mostly for one person, although two small kids can fit.

Action on the pond.

Joseph in the new kayak.

Anne, Dominic, and Joseph.

Lounging!

Anthony was ready to do some work.

Catherine lightened the moment.

A little video of some of our kayakers:

A few days later, they were at it again.  It was much warmer, hence the shorts.

A wave from Catherine, while Anthony did something to the tree.

It was very muddy, as you can tell looking at Dominic.

While Anthony and the girls were kayaking...

...Dominic and Joseph were busy making mud balls...

...to throw at the kayaks.

Kayaking in the Fall

Saturday after Thanksgiving was a beautiful day.

Perfect for kayaking.

Anne waited for her turn.

Joseph out on the pond.

The kids watch.

Exploring along the bank.

 

 

Anne and Anthony spotted something.

Anthony close-up!

Dominic in action.

The rope is attached to the kayak to help pull it back up on the shore.

Anthony likes to play with the rope.  :)

Catherine

Joseph climbed trees while waiting.

Catherine checked her pictures on her new camera.

Of Friends, Kayaking, and Hay Bales

One Saturday in November, our good friends came for a visit.  It was a beautiful day, so much of the afternoon was spent outside.

Catherine and Chiara in the kayak.

Having a good time on the pond.

Anne and Michaela.

The other kids have fun while waiting.

Joseph and Mr. Grumpy Face.

Okay, much better.

Beautiful fall colors.

Dominic and Dimitri.

Friends since they were babies!

No one wanted to stop kayaking...

...until it was time for the wild wagon ride!

Whee!

Off to play on the giant hay bales.

Daring boys.

Girls were more cautious.

All smiles!

Anne got brave at the end!