Fair Frenzy

This summer we went to three county fairs in 4 weeks! That was approaching the number of fairs REO Speedwagon probably went to this year. That's Henry piloting his first helicopter at the Loudon County Fair.

Sliding into home at the Arlington County Fair.

Fairs are a great diversion for big kids (like us) and little kids (like we've got). Every fair had animals and arts and crafts. At the Montgomery County Fair there was a 500-pound wheel of cheese. So cheesy!
"Outta' the way, ma'am. I'm en route to an emergency."
CHIPS circa 2007
This isn't the first time Henry has climbed a wall. But it's the first time he climbed one that was MEANT to be climbed.
Me and Loretta were there too. Enjoying the funnel cakes and the carnies. Hopefully Tricia will post her photos from the fair we went to together. There was a teen Christian play there that was SO BAD and earnest that Trish was transfixed by it. Like a car accident you can't help but gawk at. I had to physically pull her away.

And just in case you weren't entirely clear on how the fire-truck ride operates...

Cooling Off Inner City Style

I don't know what it's like where you live...but DC has had a bunch of 100+ degree days. (Al Gore may be onto something people.)

On the very hottest day of the summer, the Metro DC Police held their National Night Out celebration and opened the hydrant at the top of our street! We had no idea it was in the plans. Henry, Loretta and I just happened to see a torrent of water coming down our street. We followed it to its source and saw that the Police had done it and closed off the street so children could play. And boy did they!

Henry really thought he had died and gone to heaven. Woo-hoo!
Then Papa joined in on the act.
And many of our friends and neighbors.

That blues band you hear jamming in the background are all D.C. Police musicians. And they gave out popsicles, ice cream, balloons, and prizes. Hell, I ain't afraid to say it...Yay Police!

Good Times

Hug Time.
Snooze Time.
Drool Time. Story Time.
Party Time. Muffin Time.
Swing Time.

More Snooze Time.
Box Time.
Mama Time.
Papa Time.

Dog Days of Summer Hi y'all! Welcome back to our lil' ol' blog!

It's mid-August already??!! D'oh! How'd that happen? We've been having a fun and active summer. Lots of adventures and craziness. And that's usually before lunch. Todd has Mondays off now, so he gets TWO WHOLE DAYS OFF A WEEK! And it only took him working 6 days a week for 4 years!

Having that day off means we've been traveling a bit more and doing some road trips. We were in Philly a couple of weeks back. Everyone in my immediate family met there to celebrate Richie and Gabriella's good news. (see more pix on Tricia's Live Journal, link is at right)

Todd on a Philly Playground. He's king of the world! (Henry and Nico think it's funny, but my dad is unimpressed. Click to enlarge.)
The grandpeeps and the lil' bo peeps. (Cora and Loretta) Hanging with Uncle Richie.
Tricia and Tim looking super-model fierce. Work it, girls!

Nonno and his brunette beauties.

Cousin cuties.

Cousin cuties, the sequel.

Deep ThoughtsSadie: "Henry, do you ever feel, I don't know...wisftul for our childhood?"

Henry: "No. Mostly I feel wistful for snack time."

Loretta: "So help me God, if that toddler comes by here and tries to grab my monkey again, I will END him."

photos courtesy of Peter J. Orvetti