back from the beach and ready to sniff the petunias with aunt hoolie.

riley directs, mimi kicks.

kale enjoys a lofty perch.

does anyone else remember when he wouldn't even go near the ocean?

the pied piper of quonnie.

either the shovel is very big or the baby is surprisingly far away.

uncle dean is so tasty who wouldn't want to take a bite?

6:45 am. surprisingly we have the beach to ourselves.

tide pool surfing is totally the next big thing.

no horseshoe crabs were harmed in the making of this photo.

lis and david join the kiddos for a spot of wrasslin on the couch.

this ocean has a lot of nooks and crannies.

colby and kale demonstrate a little maxin and relaxin.

enjoying the ocean, for real.

a panny breakfast really fortifies you for a day at the beach.

despite the unseasonable chill, it took the kids less than two minutes to shed all their clothing.

kale would like to direct your attention to the giant ocean over there.

time for a siesta.

"we are a couple of fix-it men fixing the fire engine."

beatific bathing beauties.

same dessert (u-pick strawbs and whipped cream) different hilarious faces.

after the zoo we took a ride on the truck-train. all in all a pretty good day.

extra tall and surefooted, this one.

kale did not learn his lesson, but at least the pigs don't bite.

snapped 10 seconds before kale stuck his finger through the fence and got bitten by an emu.

riley is serious about climbing and also about his police officer hat.

most of the family spade on a bicycle built for 3.

sometimes popcorn and a movie is just the thing for a rainy day, even if one of your children is under two.

hugging techniques often improve with time.

proper eye wear is key when you are taking off into outer space.

a large beet green looks great as a clutch - oversized bags are totally 2009.

a band of brothers.

austin and riley have the outfield covered.

sitting on mommy's shoulders pinching mommy's cheeks.

kale cannot tell a lie, he loves the fruits of our cherry tree.

riley gets some serious air off the frog's head.

who needs a fancy drip irrigation system?

nobody felt daring enough to touch the cat, but looking at it was a pretty good time.

apparently bath time is over.

the littlest guitar hero.

kale kicks ass at twister.

a new way to ride the curvy slide.

sometimes you gotta stop and sniff the calendula (and put a little bit in your mouth - you know, just to sort of test it out).

what's up, tandem bicycle riders?

kale tests out his new bike seat and hat-helmet combo.

breakfast outside makes everyone squint.

our lovely loiterer.

no shoes = better traction on the climbing wall.