Frankenstein's Monster

Skipping Stones

For some reason, Rudy recently became interested in skipping stones. He talked about wanting to do it for days - he tried in his pool, talked about it while camping, asked all the time to go somewhere - so Paul finally took him to the local park. Apparently Rudy was not very successful (although he hasn't mentioned it since, so I guess it got it out of his mind), but he had fun with the birds at the pond.

No More Monkeys

There is a CD we borrow frequently from the library called Animal Playground by Putamayo Kids (there is a whole series of albums by Putamayo Kids that have lots of songs from around the world in various languages - they are really good and a lot of fun). One of Rudy's favorites is an island version of No More Monkeys. So the other morning, he got out Paul's yoga mat, for his stage and his guitar and put on a little show for me.

Chaos

Some pictures of the crazy cousins at it again. We went to Chris and Patti's to celebrate the June birthdays (Paul and Lucy) and Father’s Day. It was a rainy day so the kids had fun inside. Max had requested we bring the superhero costumes, and a show ensued – quite chaotic and crazy to be honest.

I love the matching slippers!

Lucy deciding on which shoes fit her outfit best.

Batman striking a pose.

We were all called downstairs for the show. It consisted of the superheroes rescuing the princess. I will post the video (about a minute and a half before I realized there would be no logical conclusion and just stopped recording) but it was complete chaos. And the audience loved every minute of it.

The audience - Bill and Patti

Renee

Bill & Renee

Dad

Chris and Paul

And the princess

Paul's birthday

Saturday was Paul's birthday. We started the day with pancakes and sausages at Paul's request. We had a lazy morning at home, and after lunch Paul decided we should go walk around Smithville.
Rudy practiced being a cowboy.

We saw a bird and her babies. (I don't know what this bird is called but Paul and I named it a "chicken duck" because they look like a cross between a chicken and a duck. We used to see a lot of them by the bay at our other house.)

And Rudy rode an elephant. I think this was the first time he went on this carousel completely alone without one of us standing with us. He was a little wary at first, but he made it.

And of course, no trip to Smithville is complete without a ride on the train!

After Smithville we went home and had birthday cake. Rudy chose a vanilla cake with vanilla icing since Paul likes vanilla. We decorated it with a few chocolate chips and sprinkles.

Then we sang "Happy Birthday" - well, I sang and Rudy conducted.

The birthday boy. I won't reveal his age except to say he's older than me - by a lot. ;)

One Fashionable Boy

Our boy has been showing his sense of fashion lately. Look out ladies, he's a keeper!

Mismatch is the style du jour.

And black socks pulled all the way up - I think he's copying Grandpa's style! (Sorry, Dad!)

A Rainbow

Rocket Launcher

Rudy received this gift from Paul's aunt, uncle and cousins because we fed their cats while they were away. It's a foam rocket attached to a foot pump. If you step on the air pump hard enough, the rocket launches into the air. Rudy loved it instantly. We even took it camping with us, and it was a hit with all the kids.

Camping, Part 4 - Day 3

We woke up well-rested on Sunday and had a lazy morning around camp before breakfast (eggs and sausage - we ate really well the whole time!).

Liliana and Lily hanging out with Olav.





Rudy snuggling with Kim.


After breakfast we started packing everything up. Here Lily and Liliana play in an empty tent.

Before we took the tent down, we had a family picture taken.

Kim occupied the kids with a story.

A butterfly landed on Liliana's sandal and stayed there for a few seconds.

The whole gang - one last picture before leaving our site.

Then the kids - our gorgeous Guatemalans. Rudy is the oldest and Lily is the youngest but there are only 5 months between them. You can really see how tall Rudy is in comparison to the girls. I'm guessing he'd be off the charts in Guatemala.

And not to be left out, Charlotte poses for her picture.

After packing everything up, Kim, Olav, Lily, Paul, Rudy and I headed for a trail that led to a lighthouse. Here we are overlooking the Chesapeake Bay (I think).

It was a beautiful walk. Lily and I are way ahead trying to hide from everyone.

Taking a rest.

Now Rudy and I walk ahead of everyone.

Lily and Rudy got in the habit of running ahead and finding the next bench to hide under. Then we had to pretend we couldn't find them and they'd jump out at us.

The lighthouse - it is high p on the cliffs, so it didn't have to be very tall. There was a very narrow windy staircase to climb up and look out.

After walking up the lighthouse, we took little rest on the lawn.

Once again, walking back the kids were behind us, instead of in front. Lily running to catch up.

Paul and Olav encouraging Rudy and Lily to walk, not be carried.

Such a cool picture of the dads and kids.

Paul and Lily running ahead - at the end at last!

Olav and Rudy taking one last look at the view.

One of the nice things about this trip was how well the kids all got along (yes, there were some squabbles but they were minor and easily overcome). It was also neat the way the kids got along with the other parents and would hang out, talk to, or walk with, someone else's mom or dad, even if their own was nearby.

On the way home, Rudy (delirious since he wouldn't sleep) said, "Look at my thumb. Take a picture of it. " So Paul did. We made great time going home. We really enjoyed our first camping experience (although is till say it is a lot of work - not exactly a vacation!) and had a BLAST with our friends. Maybe we can get together sooner than a year, but either way, we're doing it again next year!