4th of July

Jebby and Jason (and Lola and Lolo) came to visit for the 4th. We had a very full house, but we had lots of fun. We did miss the Arnolds (in the Hamptons) and the Mixons (in Arkansas) this year, and our float was a bit lame, but we still had a wonderful day! We even went in and saw the Liberty Bell--clearly that's festive, right?

Another Day at the Beach!

On July 3rd, we took a quick trip down to the beach. It was, as always, fabulous! It was also great watching all the traffic heading to the beach as we were leaving---made us feel nice and smug!

Mike got bit by this crab, so we kept him for a little while as a pet. After about 10 minutes, Oliver wanted to let him go so he could go be with his mommy.

The Next American Idol!

Smart Boy!

He just finished War & Peace and is now moving on to a lighter, summer read.

Where did Kiernan go?

Woo-Hoo Uncle Sam!

In this house of die-hard Red Sox fans, we have suddenly started rooting for the Cubs with much vigor. Why, you may ask? Sam got called up this weekend and played two innings on Monday night---it was awesome! Keep it up Sam-we are so excited for you!

Beach with Uncle John

On Sunday we went to the beach with Uncle John (Silson). It was so much fun-we dug some big holes and played in the water.

Kiernan really enjoyed chasing Oliver around the beach. It's a lot easier to climb sand hills when you can walk.

Kiernan and dad are applauding my sand creation (it was a turtle, until it was sat on).

Here's John, planning Ambassador Holbrooke's upcoming trip to Egypt. Yes, it was planned from the beach in Ocean City.

Nap Time?

Apparently Oliver was REALLY tired. We were getting ready to go to the zoo on Saturday and he leaned over the chair and fell asleep, feet dangling. He actually slept like this for 45 minutes-and finally woke because Kiernan and I started tickling him!

Ap

Sarah and Sam Get Married: A Few Really Good (Borrowed) Photos

Since our camera was "in use" for the last two days of the festivities, we didn't get any really good photos of the wedding. I borrowed these from Sarah and Sam's wedding photographer (so please don't duplicate or turn me in for copyright infringement).

Sarah looked absolutely beautiful on the big day---and both she and Sam are clearly very happy. We are so excited for them, and excited to add Sam to the Kolodner family!

Sarah and Sam Get Married: Oliver Takes Over Photography, The Wedding

Sarah and Sam got married on Monday, June 22nd. The wedding was in a beautiful old church in downtown Des Moines. Mike and Peter were both ushers---here is Mike, with a view of the church behind him.

A self portrait---we had a few of these.

The ceiling---I thought it was so pretty--glad Oliver thought so too and decided to capture it!

Kiernan and I, right at the end of the ceremony.

Sarah and Sam (and maid of honor Emily) with a view of the church.

Grandpa and Aunt Vanessa at the reception. The reception was at a beautiful old estate on the outskirts of the city. It was a lot of fun to mingle with everyone at the wedding, although it was easily 100 degrees out, so we didn't move very far or fast.

Here is Sam's Aunt Millie, posing for the camera. She really liked Oliver-and he loved her too. We met up with her again at 6 am on Tuesday for our flight home and the two of them played baseball until our plane took off. Thanks Aunt Millie!