Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July!!!!

Splish Splash-- This is the best kind of bath!!!

After tons of more rain, doom and gloom with the weather, we finally got a break for the 4th of July weekend. Wim's Uncle Martin and Aunt Ceil always host an annual Clam Bake for the family on the 4th of July. This is always a fun family event and everyone has a great time.

This was Josie Dong Dong's 2nd time attending the 4th of July party and she really made a splash to say the least! She showed no fear in keeping up with her older cousin Ethan. The were two water bugs all day long. Jumping in the pool and being very silly with each other.

Even Little Cousin Emily got in on some of the splash action.

This picture pretty much sums up the whole day.

A few brave adults (besides the water bug parents) also hung out around the kiddie pool and took in few good splashes (wanted or not!).

Brad, Barbara, and Terry Chase and Judy Emma and Marie Chase

We manage to get Josie out of the pool for a little while-- to eat and hang out with some of the other guests. This is Josie, cousin Abbie, and Gabrielle.

Abbie was very impressive with her bubble blowing skills. Josie still hasn't quite figured out how to do it.

The Chase and Van Hof Men tried to keep to their own circle for most of the day. But hey, they made a good fire and baked a heck of a lot of clams so who cares!

Xavier had a great time *working* the fire after the clam baking part was over. He was very proud of the fire he got started from the embers that were left.

Josie, being the perfect little sister that she is-- Cheered him on from the side lines. She is very proud of her Guh Guh and all that he does.

After all of this it was time for . . . . . . . .

More Pool Action!

Josie was chanting "swim like a fwoggy."

Cousin Nate and his little sister Emily wanted to bounce on the side of the pool.

Their older second cousin Emma was helping.

The crazy loon you see leaping in the background is Josie Dong Dong-- flying through the air into the water of her own accord.

Awe! Ethan and Josie took time out from splashing to give each other a hug.

Wim's Brother surprised him with an offer to go see the Red Sox play today. So he is off doing the baseball thing.

It is finally nice out so this morning Josie and I decided to hit the beach.

Josie wanted to cruise the seashore before we settled in. Here she is chasing a "birdie."

For most the week leading up to the 4th, and for most of June, we've simply been trying to keep dry.

Last weekend we went to a fun party at Josie's friend's Grace's house. It was a super fun party with three different bounce houses, all kinds of bubbles, a toddler roller coaster and tons of food.

Once we got past the monsoon that hit early evening-- everyone had a great time and the bounce houses were like water rides at a theme park.

Josie and her friend Callie playing with bubbles.

Josie trying to blow bubbles.

Josie, Callie and Callie's Mommy, Laurie playing with the bubbles. Behind is the mother of all bounce houses that Josie Dong Dong was determined to go in!

Lucky for Josie Dong Dong-- her Jie Jie and Guh Guh were willing to take her to the top of the big slide and slide down with her.

We topped off the night with several rides on the toddler roller coaster. We were all amazed at how well the girls took turns. I think it was Gabrielle's influence as a big girl helping them all get on and off take turns.


Here is Baby Grace-- zipping down the coaster.

Josie Dong Dong shared well, but was always ready for when it was her turn!

Here is a picture of Josie and Gabrielle. Gabrielle was sitting in one of Josie's chairs. Josie got the other chair and put it next to Gabrielle. Then she "Ordered" Wim, "Daddy! Picture NOW!"

I think Josie Dong Dong Loves her Jie Jie A LOT!