Just playing around

A really great part of our trips to NY is to see the kids play with their cousin, Rachael.  They all love her and follow her around pretty much the entire time.  When we first arrived, we found that Rachael had created a little playroom in the garage so that the kids could have fun and stay out of the sun.  It was a great idea!

Rosie hopped in the car to take advantage of the many goldfish crackers and pretzel sticks that hit the floor as we made the long drive out to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

 Grandma had some great surprises for the kids, including these great trucks for the boys.  One is a fire truck, and one is a tow truck.  These were perfect gifts because Dave's dad was a firefighter and owned a garage, so he used to drive both of those vehicles.  The boys loved them.  In fact, they insist that these trucks go to bed with them every night.

Later in the day, Dave and I took the kids to a nearby playground where they had a great time.  It's a pretty awesome playground with a huge climbing structure, tons of slides, and plenty of other things to do.  It was great for all ages.

Yes, that is Ben, climbing the rock wall.

And yes, that is him climbing a ladder to the very top of the VERY high structure.  This kid has NO fear.  He climbed up like he had done it a million times.  Other parents kept looking at me like, "Is she going to stop him?"  As he made it to the top and then came down the slide, they were laughing about how fearless he is.  I'm glad he has fun and that he is so strong and so confident, but I foresee a LOT of ER visits in our future...

There he goes again.

Jack was NOT in jail and he WAS having fun, even though it doesn't appear that way.

I still have so many more pictures to post-- I am so behind!  We have been having such a great and busy summer that I can't keep up!  We have about 3 weeks until Mairead goes back to school, and we are hoping and praying that Dave will be going back even before that.  He has not been hired yet but we hope that these last two weeks before schools open will lead him to something great.  Please wish us luck!