Air And Space With Susan

Today we met up with Susan for lunch and a short trip to Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum. Reuben was begging to go yesterday and the weather dictated indoor activities as it was one of those triple H days (hazy, hot, and humid). We also had a cool surprise at lunch when a hail storm opened up dropping dime-sized hail. I think its was the kids first exposure to hail and I don't think I've ever seen hail that big before. Lucky no dents in the car. Anyway then it was off to the museum...
Two favorites: P-40 Warhawk		And the Space Shuttle
We started this time at the old planes (to the left as you come in) as we usually go the other way first leaving little time for these early WWI planes.What I thought was especially interesting was the rapid changes to the airplanes. The above plane was from 1916. By 1918, the planes were starting to take the shape close to WWII airplanes.
Since everyone was good at the museum we stopped for ice cream with Susan on the way home.

Tear Jerker Of The Day

Reuben Cashes In

Reuben cashed in his coupon for "Pick A Restaurant" tonight after filling up his smiley face column. Guess where he picked... The dreaded Chucky Cheese. I say dreaded because its like a germ factory in there and someone always winds up sick shortly after a visit. Anyway we honored his wish and they had a very good time. Chuck Cheese even added some pretty nice new games.






Afterward we hit Woody's for ice cream.

Crazy Hair Day At Camp

Reuben's hair looks pretty much normal for him ;-)

Party Sunday

It was our month to host a group gathering of friends; all with like aged children. That means LOUD!!!

We started the day slowly but built up steam quick. Our family all went to IHOP for breakfast. Afterward the kids and I cleaned up the basement for the party and then it was off to the pool to give Mom some time to prepare. Pool was a nice break. Then 4 o'clock was right upon us when the friends started arriving. Four out of six families came totaling 10 kids most all but one under 7. Despite the heat everyone had a blast.

HOT HOT HOT

It was one of those summer days!

Playful Summer Sunday

Ken and Amanda joined us today for a Sunday Play Day. We met for a hearty breakfast then back to our place for some bike riding and roller skating (Amanda's new thing). The other day I raised and angled Jacob's training wheels such that they hardly touched the ground. He was really whizzing around today when the suggestion was made to try riding without the training wheels. For the first time Jacob agreed. He did really well for his first time, but after a few minutes he lost his focus. All the kids had a good time, but it was very hot.

Training wheel removal process! Fascinating ;-)
Practice run...
Then off to the races!!

After a lunch and during the kids well needed rest time Ken helped pull out my refrigerator that is jammed into built-in cabinets. I knew something with the hose of the icemaker was leaking but needed to pull out the fridge to diagnose. 'Lo and behold the hose was cracked. When Ken touched it it broke right off. During rest time I went to home depot for so new tubing.

Then after rest time it was off to the pool. We spent almost 2 hours at the pool, had lots of fun, and even cooled off a bit.

Finally what better way to finish off the day than with...



Tonight, I finished fixing the fridge and while at it cleaned out about a gallon-sized bucket of dust from inside the coils and behind the fridge. In the process however I must have hit something. Now the ice maker works without a leak, but there now is a quiet, but noticeable, rattle coming from the refrigerator. One more thing to learn to live with ;-)

Mission Complete

Woke up early this morning with my neck and back feeling pretty good. Just the opportunity to finish the backyard walkway only 3 months after I started. About 7:30am I started clearing the area of the stones that I temporarily laid out. The family then went to synagogue and I must say the chairs in the back where we sit (so the kids can get up easily) are far worse for my back then lifting all those stones.

A quick rest after services and puts the day already at 3:00pm!! Better get to work. Karen took the kids to the pool while I then spread out about 2-3 inches of stone dust over the area (maybe 600 lbs). I now have ~200 lbs left if any needs some stone dust.

Finally I started laying the stones, which are just set into the stone dust. I paid some attention to the grade to avoid standing water as well as keeping it somewhat level enough to put a small table and a chair or two on.

By about 5:30pm I was onto the finishing touches.


Overall, I think it came out pretty good. We'll see how water drains after the first rain and I can make some adjustments if necessary. This week I'll pick up a table and chair set. Then we'll pull up or kill off some of the ornamental grass and plant some flowers.

Our butterfly garden is also doing its job! There were four of these tiger swallowtail butterflies feasting this afternoon.


And of course Tipper was enjoying an old bone in the yard while I worked.

Slip 'N Slide

Family Time In NY

We came up for my niece Lena's baby naming. But we also did a lot more...
Bowling (Daddy bowled a 197, guess the Wii has helped my game)
Camp time with Uncle Mark
Fireworks in the backyard (smuggled in from VA)
Baby Naming Party
Playing in Grandma and Grandpa's park

Of course, I'm exhausted!