The Boesens Head South of the Border

Despite International travel warnings, the Boesens (and a whole bunch of Phelpseseses) headed south of the Border for John (Betsy's brother) and Ashley's wedding. The flight was terribly turbulent which caused Griffin to laugh and laugh, but there were no angry drug lords waiting for us on the other end. Both boys had a great time experiencing the ocean for the first time, and were thrilled with the soft-serve machine in one of the snack buffets.


Mommy gets a rare kiss from Griffin. Perhaps it was because I held a very warm towel for this little water baby who was cold.

Griffin wasn't sure what to make of the sand at first. But once Aunt Jenny started burying his toes and playing peek-a-boo, he was hooked.

The Gulf of Mexico? Not a problem for my water baby. He wasn't a bit concerned about the schools of fish swarming around him looking for treats. He called out "Nemo, where are you?" over and over. Silly Nemo never did show up, but his turtle buddy "Crush" did. Mommy even got to touch the creature!

Jack preferred dry land and swimming pool to the ocean, but he did dip in a toe or 10 just to check it out.

Pool time

The boys have enjoyed swimming in Grandpa Tom and Grandma Patty's pool this summer. We've been amazed at how quickly Griffin took to water. He's fearless, which may or may not be a good thing.

During the 4th of July, cousins Johnny and Sofia Natale came for a visit.

Who needs a bathing suit when you look this good?

Look, Mom. No lifejacket! Griffin does own a lifejacket, but prefers waterwings. He's actually a great swimmer and loves to kick his legs.

Jack shows off his water skills. Only recently did he graduate to sticking his face in the water on his own.

Fun at the Pool

We had a good time swimming with friends at the pool on a hot Saturday in July. Jack's buddy Alex is quite a swimmer and got Jack excited about learning how to swim. Also, our friend Bump conquered his fear of alligators by pointing out that if you cover their eyes, they can't attack. Not pictured here somewhere: Amanda Grask floating in the pool during the final days of her pregnancy. We met baby Natalie a few weeks later!

Watch Out for Sharks!

Jack and Griffin have had fun swimming at Grandpa Tom's and Grandma Patty's pool on the weekends.

Arg! Jack Hits the Water Park

On a rainy day in Okoboji, we hit the new indoor water park -- or "pirate park" -- with Sally and Uncle Tom. Jack grew more brave after the first couple of sliedes and had a great time in the water.

Memorial Day Weekend, or the day my parents Buzzed my hair

Obviously, we started this post with shock and awe -- Jack's first buzz cut or "summer cut" as Bryan called it. It'll grow on me, literally. Sally, quit crying, it is just hair. We had a busy day after the haircut: digging for dinosaur bones at the Science Center, lunch at the Cub Club with Cubbie Bear (our new best friend), followed with a quick nap (not pictured) and a dip in Grandma Patty's pool. You can tell by his pool outfit he's a big fish in a small pond.