San Juan Capistrano

We started the month out by visiting San Juan Capistrano.  Thor's dear friend Eric Senkbeil, his wife Laura and son, Lucas were visiting from Mexico.  Lucas is 6 months older than Gus.  Eric's parents, Catalina and Ron as always, were incredibly hospitable.  We celebrated Catalina's retirement with them and their whole family.  They know how to throw a wonderful party.  We also got in some beach time.

Happy family tired from playing on the beach all day.

Cold water, Daddy!

No matter how old boys get, they still like to play in the sand with bulldozers!

Catalina and Gus at her retirement party.

Gus and Lucas sharing a hug over the play dough.

Monkey boy!

Jessica and Armando's wedding

This was one of the main reasons we went home this August, the wedding.  We also celebrated my parents 45th anniversary, my Aunt Syl's 70th surprise birthday and the baby shower for my cousin Jason and Holly's little baby boy, Bowen.  It was a full trip to say the least.  These pictures are just from the wedding, but keep scrolling down and you will see the rest of our trip.  Enjoy!

Gus enjoyed the hotel's pool

Gus also enjoyed the queen size bed, which he manged to use all of.

Natalie and Sarah came too.  They watched Gus so we could enjoy the wedding.

What a great looking couple, right?

These two were really the great looking couple!  They looked fantastic!  It was a beautiful wedding.

The Leone Women: (left to right) Aunt Mary Jo ( the bride's grandmother and my aunt), Ann (the bride's mother and my cousin), Jessica (the bride and my cousin, Me, and Rosalie (my mom)

At the Lake

We were very lucky to spend some time on the lake.  Here are just a few pictures.  Thank you Anne, Eddie and Dorothy for your hospitality.  We always enjoy visiting with you and the girls.

Oh Captain our Captain! Dad wouldn't let me drive the boat until I was 22.  I guess things are different when you are the only grandchild.

Cousin Dorothy let us borrow the kayaks for a little family outing.  Gus did great.  He almost fell asleep

The king of chillin'

It was a little chilly on the ride home, so we all snuggled.

Gus figured he had the hang of it, so he wanted to go solo.

Hanging out at the pool

The weather wasn't super great the whole time we were home, but we did get to spend a few days by the pool.  It is hard to believe that 4 years ago, Thor and I got married right there and now we have Gus to share this special place with.

A rare sighting of Nonna actually in the pool.  It is amazing what a grandson can make you do!

Papa Dean came to visit for a few days and Gus showed him how to blow bubbles.

The bubbles wands were a big hit.  Thanks Carrie Ann!

Gus wanted to "kiss" the water goodbye before he went for a nap.

Another rare sighting of my parents actually relaxing and not weeding, deadheading or any of the other million things they do to keep the lawn looking so beautiful.

Just looking cute as a button!

Empire Farm Days

In Seneca Falls, one of the biggest yearly events is the Empire Farm Days.  There is literally millions and millions of dollars of farm equipment all in on place (about 5 minutes from my parents house).  People come from all over the New England area to look, buy and sell equipment.  For a little boy who loves tractors, this is better than Disney Land.

Remember, Thor is 6'3", so that give you an idea of how big this tractor is.

God bless the guys that let these little boys climb all over and in their tractors.  Again, the pure happiness that is on his face is too much.

This tire was one from the "smaller" tractors.  Gus thought it was a perfect place to have a seat.

Even Nonna got a kick out of Farm Days.

Playing with Cousin Natalie

I think the most fun Gus had on our trip was when he was with Natalie.  He still asks about her everyday and we have to explain that she lives in New York with her Mommy, Sarah.  Natalie is a great cousin and Gus loved every minute he got to spend with her.  He can't wait to see her at Christmas.

 

After a few hours with Gus and Natalie, Sarah remembers why she stopped at one.

Nonna surprised Gus with the Thomas the Tank tent.  He loved hiding and playing in it.  It also became his poop tent when he need a little private time.

We are lucky to have a great playground just a block from my parents house. 

Even Daddy and Papa Dean got in on the swinging action

I know this picture is a little out of focus, but I love the pure happiness on his face.

The Rest of our August Trip to New York

Gus loved playing with Uncle Sam almost as much as he loved Uncle Sam's dogs (the next two pictures)

Gus and Dino (Uncle Sam's black lab)

Gus and Fred (Uncle Sam's Beagle)

Poppy's porch pond proved to be hours of entertainment

Just the way Nonna likes her cleaning help; young, cute and naked!  (Just kidding Nonna)

The price of lunch at Aunt Mary Jo's house is a hug and a kiss.  It was worth it!

Stopping to smell the Hibiscas on Aunt Mary Jo's porch before we left

All tuckered out

Good thing Nonna had put the table there or Gus would have been on the floor