The Spencers: Wrapping up July

The Spencers finished July with a flurry of activity! We had a visit from the Sasso Clan (Nana, Papa, Cousin Michael, and Cousin Vincent). We did so much fun stuff...and even managed to check most of the items off Brenda's "To do" list. Our friend Beth visited with her little brood...the kids loved that. Brenda also had a Change-of-Command to attend. The week ended with a fun pool party.

As if anticipating the upcoming action, Gianni takes a nap to gear himself up.

We begin, as we always do with a visit to Cows and Cones. Here, Gianni enjoys his ice cream cone.

Michael, Vincent and Sophia pose with Papa in front of some scrumptious veggie plants.

The kids are forced to pose for a picture before running off down the hill. Gianni had other plans as he was preparing to poop himself.

Nana and Papa take this scenic photo in front of the pig pen. How romantic!

I forgot to rotate this picture before I uploaded it...it may or may not ever get fixed. Just tilt your head.

The next two days were spent at Esker Point Beach, about 5 minutes from the house. Nana and the kids enjoy some water fun.

Gianni digs in the sand, I believe with the sole purpose of getting dirty.

Mommy and the kids play in the sand.

The next day we went berry picking at Maple Lane Farm in Preston. Here, the children are more eager to get on with the picking than smiling for a photo.

Nana has bucket in hand and is ready to tackle the blueberries.

Vincent finds the biggest blueberry ever!

Vincent and Sophia keep trucking along...those berries aren't going to pick themselves.

Mom (aka Auntie Brenda) and the kids finish the morning by picking lots of rip red rasberries.
Editor's note: Gianni only ate the berries and did not actively contribute to the cause.

Papa and Nana with all of the grandkids.

After a tough morning, we hit another fine ice cream establishment...Buttonwoods. We have decided that ice cream can be officially called lunch if you eat enough of it.

Gianni, are you enjoying your cone?

We know Sophia has never met an ice cream she has not liked.

We had to say good-bye to Nana, Papa, Michael and Vin. However, our next visitors came the next day. Beth visited and we went to...where else...Cows and Cones.

The Ledyard Police department was on-hand to give a great K-9 demonstration.

However, the kids were more interested in goofing off. Gianni and Sophia are joined by Alexander, Madeline, and Rebecca.

The next day, Brenda attended the Change of Command for the USS Texas. Though it was a rainy day, it was a great ceremony. Mrs. Laura Bush is the ship's sponsor and was part of the ceremony. She gave a great speech.