Beach Bums

 After each visit up North, I appreciate more and more the enjoyment most Michiganians/Michiganders experience in the great outdoors. Everyone hunkers down in the winter and at the first signs of spring life emerges again. And for most of the summer, residents extend their living quarters to include their front porch and all of the back yard, which I am told is measured in how long it takes you to cut the grass. (Try doing that in Dallas!) So much of daily life happens outside or inside with all the windows open. It is welcomed relief to slow down and enjoy the soft grass under bare feet.

After the wedding, we all recharged at a nearby lake for the day.

Hunting for treasures.

Avery needed some recharging before recharging.

There was an intense game of wiffle ball.

Darn wiffles don't always go where you'd like.

Cousin Anthony joined us as he got "lonely time" at GeeGee and Papa's.

Baseball runs deep in this family so it was only natural that in the end it came down to Anthony and...

Miss Jesica, a collegiate softball player. Not sure who took top honors, but it was a hoot to watch and listen to.

Of coarse there was swimming.

And exploring.

Avery's sudden growth spurt rendered his swim suit too tight so he was sporting a back up pair of PT's undies.

Avery has begun to push the boundaries of his cuteness with orneryness.

This next sequence demonstrates perfectly.

Quick look back to PaPa with a mischievous smile.

A little farther.

Ahhhh, he's going for it.

Papa intervenes all the while wishing he hadn't forgotten his belt.

And now the heavens have come crashing down and one mighty fit is in order.

Since this is a terrible way to leave a post...

a happy picture again.

Michigan Fam

Well we didn't get any pictures with Ruth Ann and Chris while in Michigan, but we did a quick take before we left with grandparents and greats.

Ummm...Maybe looking directly into the sun is not good?

Not sure what PT and Papa are doing.

PT is morphing into a fish here...

He is now a "Kissing Grommie" with GeeGee.

This is a childhood game from Philip which is the best way to get a kiss from little ones!

Avery and Grandma.

T.R.O.U.B.L.E.

A fun one of all four.

And finally...

Uncle Stephen!

Yes, Avery has bear licked hair.

Friday Photo Favorites

From GeeGee

Paul Thomas laugh when looking at these saying, "PT and Avery in the bath, that is silly."

I must say the Blaxton side is brimming in my boys, but how come they didn't get any curls?

Philip is such a cutie pie as in Uncle Stephen!

Thanks GeeGee for these! It is so much fun to see Philip's childhood photos!



Too Much Rain Means...

this.



Which turns into this...

and this.

Finally, resulting in lots of these.

Manic Monday Week #2

Okay, full steam ahead...this week is tough. You've seen both before, but never head-to-head.

First up is, "Just Can't Help It."

The boys cut a rug at Aunt Ruth and Uncle Chris' wedding.

Next is, "Dance, Avery Dance." Need I say more?!

Stars, Stripes and Freedom

To commemorate the 9th anniversary of the attacks against our country perpetrated by members of a religio-ideology contrary to those principles of life and freedom upon which this great polity was founded and now operates, it seems appropriate to consider one symbol which, above all others, signifies for us and all the world this city upon a hill in which the utmost of human greatness can be achieved.


When these brave firefighters hoisted the standard above the remains of towers and men, what was a scene of hate and terror became a source of hope and strength. No enemy would raise its foreign flag, nor terrorist claim this territory.

This past week, another contingent of that same cowardly profession attacked and hijacked a German freight vessel.

(If the following is too difficult to read here, go to the link to see the entire story)

http://cbs4.com/wireapnational/US.Marine.raid.2.1903804.html

The significance of this episode lies not in the overwhelming force of the mere appearance of 24 Marines. Does one expect a different response from 9 amature pirates?

The sailors, justifiably suspicious of attempts to convince them to emerge from their safe room, were persuaded by neither an English speaker nor his words. It was the banner of freedom, worn by these Marines and passed through the barrier that assured the hijacked crew that they were free. Would any other flag have assuaged the fears of Polish, Russian, Ukrainian and Filipino seamen? I submit that, had the flag of the UN been offered to those men, they would even now remain barricaded out of fear.

Disclaimer: the photo above is not that of a Marine, but of a U.S. Soldier. Some may be sensitive to the distinction.

Tool not Toy

While in Pop Pop's garage Paul Thomas learned to distinguish between tools and toys. He got to be co-builder of a bird house, which meant for my little job orientated, overly cautious big boy, staying a safe distance supervising while firmly holding his ear plugs in place with both hands. You never know when a loud nose might happen; best to be prepared.

He did find enough courage to help drill the hole with helping hands.

All hands on deck.

He later informed me that this was the Pop Pop's donut.

Proud co-builder.

The first of many building projects for these two.

The finished product just waiting for an occupant.

After this project Paul Thomas would constantly ask if something was a "tool" or "toy" and if it was put in the tool catergy a long list of Pop Pop's tools would follow, most importantly and impressively being his table saw. Which leads to the question, "Are tools not just toys for Big Boys?"