soap box derby camp

 

Ever since we moved to this neighborhood, we would watch for weeks in the summer as boys and girls would gather to design, hammer, build, bend, paint, decorate and test out the soap box race cars they built themselves. Then every September they would close the street and there would be a race down 17th Street.

This Spring, Jackson was finally old enough to participate.

He went for a week over the summer, and was so psyched to learn how to use power tools, saws, hammers, take trips to the hardware store, and choose his paint colors. He loved the actual race, even though Jon had to run next to him and push him when he ran out of speed.

Here is an article in the New York Times about this year's race.

Hoist the main sail.

In August, Jackson, Cade, Sammy, Papi, Bebe, Carmen, Jon, Uncle Darin and Auntie Nikki took a sailing outing around beautiful Newport and Jamestown. I don't think they could've asked for a better day:  

and some classic Cade: 

last days of summer - Cade

We ♥ Fire Island

Friday night, Ferry there: 

Sunday night, Ferry back: 

Excited beyond words to have Jon back home soon! Can't wait to hug him and squeeze him and hold him and be together as a FAMILY again!!!!!!!

Jamestown, wish we were there

Wish were were swimming in the pool right about now.

too hot

Heat wave in NYC. So hot Jackson didn't even want to go in the sprinkler {?}. At least Cade got in there to cool down.

school's out for summer!!

and Dada made them this card. 

the end of summer

Finding it hard to believe that our summer is ending and school starts on Thursday. We were so lucky to be able to do so much - Rhode Island, Fire Island, New Fairfield, Millerton, Sea Cliff ~ every where it just screamed summer with beaches, crab pinchers, kites, hamburgers, corn, blueberries, rum, goggles, bathing suits, ice cream and popsicles. I'm having trouble wrapping my head around the fact that Jackson starts Kindergarten in public school, and Cade, who's been with me more or less for 5 day stretches at a time, will be starting 3 full days as a Butterfly. I always did get a tummy ache when the seasons change, time passes, and we enter a new transitional period. I'm trying to look forward to Fall here in Brooklyn, the leaves changing, maybe some apple picking and making Halloween costumes. And trying to enjoy these last two days with my boys.

Instgram photos here.

milestones

Let this be known as the summer Jackson started eating tomatoes.

And Chicken Parmesan.

jamestown, we miss you

having oh so much cousin fun...

picking flowers...

Spent the last few days at Mimi and Nonno's, enjoying the backyard - riding big-wheels, picking flowers and eating popsicles. Ah, summertime, I love you.

Fire Island is the best.

 

 

A busy weekend coming up, and feeling like we're still recovering from last weekend - an incredible time in Dunewood, Fire Island. Jackson and Cade had such a good time with Calvin and Finn!

swinging

Loving these pictures of Jackson and Cade loving the tire-swing at Uncle David's.