A Winning Weekend

After watching Alabama destroy Michigan, we celebrated Sophie's

new found joy of performing hand stands (gotta be good for upper arm strength)

Chef Hannah's sandwiches were a hit!

Noah is prepared to score seven goals in a row.

Samuel says the big winner is "Monkey Preschool Lunchbox"

(app of the year according to all two year olds in my house)

Finally, we celebrated labor day with our mystery friends, with delicious grilled fish, hot dogs,

slaw, broccoli salad, potato salad, pasta salad, beans, and coney sauce. But the best was kept

for last, a massive apple cobbler with ice cream on top. Yummy!

Wearing Too Many Hats

Even in Virginia, we can't agree on everything.

Just sweet tea, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the dominance of SEC football.

I prefer the Crimson Tide.

Noah, on the stairs, with way too many hats.

Martha, in the kitchen, realizing where her hat went.

Everyone practiced their toothless smiles. Yes, they were bored.

Noah is not sure which team to support.

Joshua's Sixteenth Birthday!

Joshua celebrated his birthday in style in beautiful Guntersville, Alabama.

He was born in the Chinese Year of the Mouse, explaining the mice on his cake.

He will get more gifts when he returns to Virginia but he did manage t get a few

nice things including a new wallet, candy, and a sweet underwater video camera.

He also seems to have grown a large mustache; he has been gone a while...

Meanwhile, in Guntersville

After spending their days on the water (and up in the air), Zarina and Sholpan

challenged their minds indoors by working on their zillion piece puzzle.

Living the dream in Guntersville, Alabama

Nice Hat, Jacob!

Looking stylish in new hats during a short visit to his real bed

at the Ronald McDonald House

Jacob is hoping to be home in late September but will cheer for

Alabama football regardless of his location. Roll Tide!

Believe it or not, these are the medicines Jacob needed for his

four hour jaunt to the Ronald McDonald House earlier today

Jacob wanted to wear his Auburn hat also. War Eagle!

Fresh Water Thompsons

Zarina, fishing for something...

Sholpan the bass master

The big one got away

Hauling in the fish

Zarina and Sholpan have fun on the Sea Doo

Luke, carving donuts in the lake

Joshua, making a splash

Luke, Zarina, Joshua, and Sholpan flew to Huntsville last Sunday and are spending the rest of the summer at my parents' lake house in Guntersville, Alabama. They are having a great time riding Sea Doos, swimming, fishing, and eating. Joshua is liking the spicy Chinese rice and was like a kid in a candy store when he caught some fish (something ha had apparently never done). Meanwhile, back in Virginia, Matthew is working at a kayak camp and seeing some beautiful sights. He took these photos at sunset, not sure where but probably Back Creek, a tributary of the York River. 

Chesapeake Experience, Yorktown, Virginia