Block Party

This past weekend, we had a block party on our street. We did it a couple years ago, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. We had intended to make it an annual thing, but somehow, time got away from us last year, and before we knew it, summer had come and gone. We didn't want to make the same mistake this year, so we (Ashley) filled out the appropriate paper work and scheduled our "summer" block party on the last Saturday of spring.

We lucked out and had a wonderful day. The forecast called for thunderstorms, some severe, in the late afternoon. The party was from 4 - 8 pm, so we were plenty worried. Fortunately, the weather forecasters predict the weather almost as poorly as I pick NFL winners against the spread (I was something like 6 - 14 last year). We had rain in the morning, but by early afternoon, the sun was out, there was a gentle breeze, and the humidity was down.

We had a great turn out. Here are some shots of the crowd...well, not really a crowd...a somewhat large group of people is probably a better description.

We set up right in front of our house in the shade granted by some big trees from across the street. Dwight and Mary Helen (Buckeye fans, but still good people) brought a grill, while everyone else brought chairs and treats and good things to eat. There were a number of little ones running around. They spent some quality time checking out each other's roadsters (some are shown in the picture above). However, once they spied the kiddie pool, there was no stopping them. Initially, they were tentative, standing around, making little splashes and waves. This didn't please Isabel...I don't think she liked getting as wet as the boys (yes, she's screaming in the picture below).

The boys splashed so much that Isabel no longer wanted to be by the pool. I tried to explain to the little men that in the future, the last thing they'll want to do is chase the pretty girls away from the pool. They didn't believe me. The little tykes then let loose with a series of running cannonballs and belly flops, proceeding to soak themselves to the bone. Bode loved it, as did Jack, Luke, and Brady.

After the party was over and Mommy was changing Bode, the little guy said, "I had friends in Bode's pool." Very cute.

Finally, here is a picture of Emma. She is 10, and is the granddaughter of our neighbors that live across the street. Emma and her mom live in Cincinnati, and during the summer, Emma makes frequent visits. Bode loves Emma, so we had to get a picture. She is lovely young lady, and quite intelligent.

Pleasant week to all and Happy Father's Day.