a life beyond running shoes.

friday night was our latest book club. while i thought it was going to be a bust discussion-wise, i knew we would all find the read delightful. i would not constitute our discussion as riveting but more discovery. we all learned little things about this clever and witty book from each other. such as character names: braxton hicks victor analogy liz bennett jack schitt bowden cable (reference to a bike cable) mycroft (sherlock holmes' brother) and much more......there were laugh-out-loud moments. we all loved our heroine (thursday next). it really is a book that compiles all genres.... and wittingly. i highly recommend for a fun, quick read. and who doesn't love the idea of actually meeting mr. rochester from jane eyre ?!

i can't believe that the boys are getting this big.... this is our street.... that is a pedal-less bike, yes, the little one is riding a scooter.

here are some of the cute pics that we got from our visit with cousins.

with the departure of mom & dennis.... the arrival of four cousins.... we had a full couple of days. day 1: south street seaport times square, toys 'r us, museum of natural history. day 2: staten island ferry, battery park playground (they kept going and did top of the rock, american girl store, and rockeller plaza) day 3: new york historical society, central park (rocks, lakes, playgrounds, picnic), pizza and sparklers. day 4: everyone leaves and we build stairs.

...that ended with a date. we got to go out for our anniversary two weeks early taking full advantage of free babysitting. but more of from the homestead. windows... primed & painted. washed. living room windows washed with new screens.... a fabulous house warming gift from mr. denny. more light fixtures. a ceiling fan in the boys room. more paint. i love this color! they leave tomorrow but more visitors arrive tonight. we will have a FULL house tonight. in total: six kids and six adults.