The Podunk Chronicles: August 2009

First Sail

Sunday, August 30, 2009

On Thursday night, we decided to head to the "acht club" for Ike's first official sail with Daddy. He was very excited but still had to have a token swim off the dock before the sailing started. They rigged up the Opti that Ike called Speedy Gonzales (aka Tsu Nami) and within a few minutes they were sailing. Ike loves boats and water so we weren't surprised when he loved to sail in the little Opti. He liked to steer but the main problem is he looks backward instead of forward... oh well many years to practice.

Me and My Daddy

Nilla, Beamer & I watched from the red boat.

out of the harbor

When heading back to the dock we ran into the Petersons with Molly. Molly came with candy so Ike was instantly her best friend. We convinced Molly to come out for a spin in the Opti and she did great! Molly has been a little leary of the boats and water this Summer so we were extra proud of her. They are great buddies and it is incredible to watch them feed off each other.

how cute is that?

Molly loves it!

Whitney & Matt were proud spectators

Do we look like trouble?

it is so fun to play leap frog!

I love Molly's skip in her step, feet off the ground in this shot

Until next time...

Ike & Beamer

Ike's New Class

Ike is moving up at school!! He has moved to the back of the building and into the famous Miss Barbara's class. It is a 3yr old preschool class and we know Ike is going to have a great year! He is with many of his good buddies from Ms. Kim's room... Claire, Aden, Hunter & Patrick. The most pleasant change has been the improved drop-offs. He has been notoriously difficult to drop off for 2.75 yrs- he cried and carried on when I left and I am told he stops as soon as I pull out of the lot (which I totally believe!). Now that he is in his new room, he walks into school with his backpack on and ready to go and without too much of a deal and I think that will only get better and better. He also told us the other night that "Miss Barbara said no I can't play, I have to sit & listen in the circle"... we smiled :-)

"come on!"

cubby & backpack (used for transporting lunch)

the first day they read the book No, No, Yes, Yes and Ike wanted to read it to me when I picked him up, "Mommy you sit with your legs like this [indian style]".

too cool for school

Henry's 4th

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Henry had a big blowout birthday party on Sunday... Peter found an air slide and it was a hit! First it was a hit as it was intended- dry. Then the kids decided to add some super bubbles to make it crazy fun (for the older kids). The party was complete with cake and a pinata....Happy 4th Henry!

Hayden Lai on the bubble slide

Henry at the bottom

After a dip in the neighbor's pool, Ike & Nola had a ball in the outside shower while the older kids lathered in the bubbles on the big slide.

Ike loves, loves, loves a good outside shower.

Ike was very focused on many of Henry's new toys.. this one in particular- he played with it 90% of the party. After being a good boy for a new sitter this week we are now the proud owners of the very same heltatoe.

Hayden is excited for cake

August Vacation

Saturday, August 22, 2009

We boarded the Shelter last Saturday and headed towards Long Island to meet up with Peter, Dempsey & Archer on Dempsey's Dad's boat. As soon as the engine stopped Ike was begging to jump in for a swim- he is a genuine fish. We then hopped on the red boat and spent the afternoon on the beach at East Hampton. We went ashore for an early bird dinner with the kids and down for bed after a long day in the sun. Sunday morning coffee & bagels on the Shelter and then a quick boat ride over to Sag Harbor for lunch. It was about 95 degrees and no wind at Sag Harbor - Harcourt almost had a heatstroke! The heat and not so nice people that we ran into at Sag Harbor made for an easy decision to get back on the boat for a cooling off swim and then straight to Block Island (perfect timing for a nap during the boat ride). After getting settled on a mooring, we went to a little beach in the Great Salt Pond and Ike had a nice swim. The famous Oar restaurant was calling us for dinner and again back to the boats for a good night sleep. Monday morning was the most memorable portion of the trip when Peter told us he had a secret spot to take us. We hopped in a cab and headed for Clayhead Trail--- after a 10 min hike we ended up at paradise. In my book, the beach at Clayhead is only 2nd to Sandy Cay down in Tortola... the sand was soft, the water was clear and the cliffs made for an amazing landscape. We even hiked up the trail to the top of the cliffs for a view of the Atlantic. Ike enjoyed a little body surfing in the waves- he is ready for a boogy board! I was in heaven taking photos on this beach! After an amazing morning it was time to head back to the boat for a little lunch and then time to head back home. Ike slept the entire boat ride home- perfect end to a wonderful 3 day adventure!