Grands visit and day at the park

We had a great visit with grandma and grandpa Shirk. We showed them around Aberdeen and took a day trip to the highlands.  Despite the rain we managed to fit i some sightseeing.  We borrowed a hiking backpack and Thomas decided it is best if he try to ride it like a horse!  We had to make sure he was strapped in.  Thomas loved playing with grandma and grandpa and would lift his shirt up just so grandpa could get his belly.  We also got to celebrate my dad's 70th birthday with him.  I hope I am in as good of shape as he is at 70!

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Amsterdam, Marc's Birthday and Firestation

August was a busy month.  We met up with Kelsey, Will, Abbe (Will's sister) and our friend Jamie in for the weekend.  The weather was amazing and Thomas was a total trooper.  The highlight for him was dancing to the band at the Van Gogh museum.  We also celebrated Marc's birthday in August.  Thomas was a big fan of the chocolate cake.  We got to see a real fire station and life boat station at the Aberdeen open doors day.  Thomas loved his fire helmet and wears it all the time around the house.
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Balmedie Beach

It was a nice day today (i.e. it wasn't raining) so we went to Balmedie Beach.  It is this beautiful beach about 40 minutes from our house.  It is surrounded by big dunes and practically deserted.  The water is freezing and the wind was blowing so there was no swimming at the beach but it was still a lovely day to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.  Thomas was not too sure of the sand and didn't want to venture off the towel without his crocs on... always needs to be prepared.
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Kelsey and Will's visit

Two weekends ago we had a great visit with Kelsey and Will (who are living in Rotterdam, NL).  It was wonderful to spend time with family and relax together.  I am not sure what the highlight of the visit was, the orange clogs they brought for Thomas or the amazing tex mex meal we made.... both win.  It was sweet because Thomas was clearly happy to see them too and insisted that Kelsey read 45 stories to him to show it.
We went to Dunator Castle on Saturday and spent a lazy rainy Sunday in our pajamas reading and feeding horses.  We love you guys and can't wait to see you again!

The orange clogs (he doesn't seem happy here but believe me, for a week all he could say was, clogs)

Yarrrr!

At the end of July we went to Marc's company picnic.  Much to Thomas' delight, it was a pirate theme!  He had already become quite proficient at his "yarrr" because of his awesome pirate ship from aunt Kels.  Now he had the real deal.  The real deal complete with adults dressed like pirates, plastic eye patches, a life size poster of Johnny Depp (ala Captain Jack), jumpy houses and baked beans.