Farewell to Summer

 Our beach trip was bumped from summer to early fall this year, making it the perfect "farewell to summer" affair. The weather was warm enough for swimming, but it was cool enough to be sure that fall was really on its' way. The misquotes were out in abundance (have you ever seen ones with stripes?) making us think that all the summer abatement programs had, well, already abated.

We spent some time swimming and BBQ-ing at the clubhouse pool.

Another huge hit was the lazy river. 

Joseph could go around and around for hours, just like last year.

Ian and Joseph were the envy of every other boy when Scott threw them repeatedly up over his head and into the water. As soon as they'd spit out all the water they'd sucked up, "Again Daddy, again!"

  But we also got in a lot of time at the beach. I am happy to report that not only does Joseph consider himself a Californian, but now he also refers to any body of water as an "ocean". Even a dried up pond.

 See? The weather was gorgeous in late September.

But there was enough wind for some incredible kite flying.

 Joseph and his special friend Ruby had a roaring good time at every meal. Unfortunately they were a poor influence on each other and lots of food was thrown. Fortunately Ruby is forgiving about Joseph's hitting habit.

 We were sad to bid farewell to Ruby and some of our Texas Family a few weeks later. If they ever decide to move back to Texas, we will take them!

This year Scott added something new that is sure to become tradition: buy a huge chocolate cake, cover it with candles, and let the kids take turns blowing them out. Over and over. It wasn't even anyone's birthday.

It is fun to think about how much has changed since we were there last year. Joseph had only begun walking, and Ian was only about the age Joseph is now. 

2010

2009