August a month full of Natural Disasters!

Mr. Cool

"I'm proud that I stacked a TWO little cars on a truck!"

Serious concentration!

Rounding out the end of the month we took a last trip to the Wackerles neighborhood pool. Kids stuffing their faces with snacks.

After the party we drove down south to Prince Frederick, MD area for an engagement party for Joanna Bailey and Jared Brenner. By time we got there the rains were raging! Irene was just getting started. We stayed for about an hour then headed home. The picture of the road with all the lights is a power company truck working to remove a branch, we originally thought it was a road block. We drove across the Benedict Bridge and the "seas" were angry. White cap city where we normally see gentle waves if that. We did make it home safe, our power flickered a little. School was canceled for me on Monday, Aunt Anna's flight was canceled so we got an extra day with her. CJ came with us into DC to visit the Smithsonian National Muesuem of Natural History.

That afternoon we went to Pump It Up to celebrate Vivienne's 5th Birthday! Everyone bounced around, all the parents raced against each other in the obstacle course.

Attempting to "fix" some structural issues.

Colin the site manager, checking the work of others.

St. Louis Arch

Falling Water, FLW house

Hancock and Empire State Buildings
The main reason we went ot the National Building Museum was to see the Lego Exhibit, we had a lot of fun looking at all the buildings. (There were 5 from Chicago)

There were displays of various objects made out of canned goods, clear tape and cardboard.

Liberty Bell, Smurf Villiage, Up! Theme, Food Truck, Watermelon, and IPhone were just a few.

Saturday we went to the Building Museum and they were setting up for the Canstruction
so if you want to see all of the items check out the website. Plus they have better pictures than I took.

Aunt Anna came for a visit and with her she brought the full force of Hurrican Irene with her. In case any one was keeping count this is the 2nd Hurrican she brought with her. These shots are of the view from Solomons Island where we ate dinner at Stoneys, our favorite!

My school year began the next week after the beach trip with the Garcias. The second week for staff, first week for students we had an Earthquake. Many buildings in the area sustained damage. The Washington Monument suffered a crack to the roof, and the National Cathedral had roof and spire damages. (After the Hurricane Irene and rains from Hurricane Katia a crane fixing the damage fell, thankfully no one was hurt) Our only damage was our green monkey from Barbados. Another sign we need to return ASAP!

Wanted to document his tan lines from the summer, looks like he has Eric's color.

First attempt at the Balance Bike, he was extrememly interested in "riding" the bike but was annoyed with not being able to pick up the bike. We have put CJ on a push up regiment.

Surfin'!

Taking a beach walk all by himself, really he was going after Daddy and Rufus.

Muscle Man Meyer

Arianna Garcia

We met up with the Garcias at Flag Ponds Beach and had a lot of fun in the sun and the kiddos swam a little too! CJ loved using his Puddle Jumper and figured out how to ride the waves.

The month started with a Blue Crabs ballgame with the Estocins! The Blue Crabs lost, CJ got to meet Pinch, and he was a little frightened. Daddy was able to console him!