Two Family Visits

Last weekend we traveled to Allaire State Park to have fun with Jim, Sheryl, Trenton and Oliver. The weather was gorgeous, just right for camping and outdoor activities. We like site 5 which is adjacent to the field where we play as much wiffle ball as time permits! You should see Trenton hit, he's going to be a fantastic baseball player. Friday evening we celebrated my birthday with a wonderful dinner at Fins in Belmar followed by the most incredible Italian ice ever at Strollo's. They should go nationwide, it's that good. Saturday Sheryl was visiting her friends in Maryland and we missed her very much. Check out her blog, too.
Oliver loves this big blue ball. In fact, he loves all balls and wants to play baseball all the time. He can hit the wiffle ball with the big red bat!
Trenton had his first soccer game on Saturday morning. Can you believe it, he's already in organized sports?! He was quite good and seemed to be enjoying himself. Uncle Jay kept Oliver busy on the sidelines and then we went to the nearby baseball field to play and then eventually to the playground equipment. It was heartwarming to see hundreds of families and kids at the big sports complex. The space between the soccer fields was only about 5 feet wide because there are so many fields.

Kick it, kick it!

Get it, Trenton!

Here he is getting instructions on how to be the goalie.

Way to go Trenton! He chose jersey #12 from the pile of shirts on the ground. He enjoyed putting on his brand new shin guards.

The nice coaches have lots of enthusiasm and most of all, patience.

Jim, Jason, Trenton and Oliver joined us at the campground after naptime (ours - in the camper - was much needed and appreciated). Have you ever seen a walking stick? This unusual bug stayed on this post all evening. It's facing down.

I had premade some v. parm. which we all enjoyed with lots of freshly cooked pasta and raw organic bell peppers. Since campfires are banned due to the severe drought we ate our marshmallows raw!

Thanks for a wonderful, fun weekend everyone. On Sunday I joined Sheryl, Trenton and Oliver for church (while Jim ran 20 miles on a treadmill at the gym) and then headed home, tired and happy.

Since we arrived home from our summer travels a few days early, we were able to spend Labor Day in Howell. Have you ever seen such cuties?! Look at those little faces......... Oh, and the big guys are lookin' good, too.

Jim, Jason, Trenton, John and I went to the Lakewood Blueclaws 1:00 PM game. It was warm and sunny with a nice breeze - excellent baseball weather. We had lawn seats but the picnic areas were open to all so we were able to be right on the field! The big guys protected us from foul balls but none came scarily close.

We won! The Blueclaws have had an excellent season. Oliver woke up from his nap soon after we arrived back at the house. We had plenty of time to play outside before dinner. Sheryl cooked us a delicious, nutritious dinner and we headed home. We missed everyone tremendously while we were away this summer and family reunions such as these are greatly enjoyed and appreciated.