Beach Babies

Last week Melissa, Madeleine, Alicia, Thijs and I went to Plum Island Beach near Newburyport, Ma. It was a warm and sunny day for a change and we all got to enjoy the ocean and the lovely beach. Check out the pictures from our day.

Thijs, sporting his Red Sox cap.

Little darling Madeleine looking pretty in pink.

Enjoying playing in the sand.

Here's Thijs thinking about investigating his
surroundings.

There he goes.

Smiling for the camera.

Standing up without falling down.

"Hey Thijs, do you know how to fold this thing?"

Taking a break from the hot sand.

Madeleine chose a blanket for her respite.

Having a little snack.

Testing out the water. Big waves are a little scary.

The water was a bit cold.

The waves were a little too big for Thijs.

"Après Beach time" minus the sand.

Madeleine's First Birthday Party 8-3-08

On August 3rd. Madeleine and her Daddy celebrated their birthdays. It was Madeleine's 1st birthday and Matthew's 32. Of course, more attention was paid to Madeleine since it was her 1st party. The weather held out for us but the ride home was another story. Torrential rains came down on us as we drove up 495. We arrived home safely and enjoyed ourselves greatly at the birthday celebration. Here are a few pictures from the party.

The beautiful cake everyone got to enjoy.

The two birthday "kids" doing a little celebrating.

Madeleine, patiently waiting for her
cake.

She had her own personal birthday
cake but needed to remove her hat first.

Trying a sample first.

Yum!! This is good. Better use my hands and
fingers.

What a glorious face! Ummm! So good.

A tender moment with Daddy and cousin Thijs.
Madeleine actually leaned her head onto Thijs
to give him a hug. Aww!

Showing off her walking capabilities.

Not to be left out - here's cute little Thijs.

Got to get him with his standard smile. Still cute.

Gathering of family and friends

On Thursday July 17th our friends that we go up to Vermont with in the fall, came for a "cookout". Our children and their families joined us as well. We gathered so that Rita, who was visiting with us at the time, could get to see everyone in one place. We all had a great time and a wonderful meal. Our friends got to meet the little ones, Thijs and Madeleine. Here are some pictures I took on that day.

Rita with Tia

Rita loves Tia and I'm sure Tia loves Rita.

Moe and Ray spending some time together.

Pauline, Moe's wife, shows us a pretty smile.

Paul and Ray share some conversation on the deck.

Matt and Alicia pose for a picture. The 17th was
their 4th wedding anniversary.

Madeleine scooting around the living room floor.

Alicia and Paul

Alicia and Melissa.

Madeleine holding a toy Cairn Terrier.

Thijs and Madeleine enjoying some pool time.

It was a very hot day. The little ones knew how
to keep cool.

Playing with some floating alphabet letters.

Thijs splashes Madeleine but she doesn't seem
to mind.

Matt and Thijs

Here's Madeleine getting an aerial view as her
daddy lifts her up in the air.

The Tague family.

Madeleine and daddy Matthew

Thijs, drying off after his swim.

Tia and Rita.

Ray and Ann.

Matthew and Melissa.

Pauline and Moe and their grandson Jack.

Paul and Lisa (Jack's mother)