The end of summer

I haven't been great about taking pictures. And I have been even worse about blogging. But, we're back! About a week after returning home, we set out for a few days camping with our dear, dear friends. It was awesome. There's something about the "hanging out" while you're camping. It revived our souls! Oops . . . . I didn't take pictures. 

The next week, we headed to Boston for a wedding of a couple who met on WWSP '11. Woo-hoo. Our good friends were super hospitable and generous, and our children loved, loved, loved spending time with them (and their dog, Jenny). Oops . . . . I didn't take pictures. 

Then, the kids and I headed to El Paso, Texas, to visit family. At least this time my parents were there to help with the picture taking. In El Paso, we mostly eat, drink, and swim. It's quite a life! I soaked up the 100 weather, the mountains, the big blue sky, and the sun, as well as some incredibly precious time with my sisters, their kids, my parents and Emilie and Eliza, and some old friends. It was a busy couple of weeks, and we missed Dave terribly. But we had a fabulous time! Here are just a few pics 

Will loved the pool and became quite fearless. We even had a day where he swam without floaties or any help. He was all boy in the pool and loved getting everyone's attention. 

 His older cousin, Maddy took great care of him (and the girls!)

 It was a full house for most meals and for most of the time!

 Lucy learned to swim earlier this summer in Wildwood, and she became a much stronger swimmer at Gramma's!

 Samantha learned to swim at Gramma's! She is a strong swimmer already!

 Will loved playing basketball, which required a tireless workout from the adult involved! This time, it was Aunt Heather.

 Lots of time just hangin' with cousins.

 Perhaps a highlight for Will was cousin Emmy's guitars! He has fallen in love with guitars and she has two he could play with. This heart one with wings quickly became "his."

 Time with Eliza was super precious. Anna Kate even passed up an afternoon at the movies for some alone time with this one. She jumped right in to the chaos and noise and was so much fun!

Anna Kate made these yummy meringues one night (Aunt Kelly's birthday night - celebration in spirit, if not in presence!) for dessert.