catching up

this guy has been the star of the summer...he just up and decided he was done with diapers. and only a handful of accidents in the last few weeks.

 sometimes not yet ready for undies either though.

sweet j likes to sit on the potty but...

..also to pee in his "unnies." so little bro still wears the diaper.
he's not happy about it one bit.

this giant has been gearing up for kindergarten...by acting like a three year old! i think someone would do very well with military school. maybe next year.

we celebrated 9 year anniversary with a giant cupcake. and some milk. and some wine.

and of course the elm bank car show. huge hit in our world.

this year matt brought a buddy who thankfully prefered to zip through rather than read each of the nine hundred signs. matt thinks uncle vic would like to come to the car show next year

we had a busy visit with mema and cheetah.

and a trek up to uncle vic and aunt joan's new lake house. we will be back for sure! mama didn't even have to go in the lake!!

we spent the 4th in newport. we always assume this will be the trip the kids cooperate with the car ride, sleeping in hotels, behaving in restaurants. not the case this time. but they did love the beach, our "boat hotel" and the fireworks.

throwing rocks and shells at third beach

being cute at third beach

thankfully we did not get removed from the concierge lounge because the view was great.

sometimes ben likes to dine alone.

and never likes to share his ice cream.

these guys are mostly the bestest of pals. as long as there are two of the same toys to play with. the exact same.

my sweet buddies.

"hey matt, go rinse off again so we can leave"

 seriously. they choose the swings on their own.  

 a visit to the aquarium with the most adorable cousins maddie and katelyn

was fun street show, but hot.