Thursday, July 29

Rehobeth Bay on my way back from the beach. I got back right before the thunder storm hit.

This is the new bridge going over Indian River inlet, we cross under it to get to the beach. Luke enjoyed watching Bob the builders.

The jetty at the beach. This afternoon there were sanderlings picking through the rocks at low tide.

This morning I didn't get up until 8:30, guess I was more tired than I realized. We had a late breakfast and even Mr. B mentioned how quiet it was without Luke there to liven things up. We still were without hot water so we thought we would attempt to drain the hot water heater. Then we realized that we needed a socket breaker bar to get the drain plug out. I know we have no less than 5 socket sets at home but I didn't even think about putting one in the camper. We spent the morning looking for a hardware store and finally 2 hours later had located one west of Bethany Beach. A breaker bar was $25 so we opted to buy a complete socket set for $31. Had a great lunch at the Sea Side Grill next to the campground and long story short, even after we drained the tank we still have no water coming out of the hot water tap. I give up! Going to the beach!!!! Tomorrow we head back to Dover for a couple days before we head back home.

Wednesday eve, July 28

Our high-flying kite

This is a pretty sweet set up, when you drive onto the beach!

Luke trying to wrestle a kite.

Playing in the surf.

We got the camper moved fairly easily, or so it seemed. Luke fell asleep in the truck during the short move to our new site directly behind us. If I had felt a little more confident about my backing skills, I could have easily just backed straight into our new site. I opted to go around and drive thru. After lunch we came home to a kitchen floor covered with water. A water pipe evidently worked loose. I could not find an RV service department that made "camper" calls so we started taking screws out, removed the stove and oven to get to the water lines. I replaced the line that had worked loose, tightened the clamp and we got the water turned back on. Feeling a little too proud of myself I realized that there was no water coming out of the hot water line. I don't know what on earth the problem could be. Guess it will have to wait until we get back home. Trish came down this afternoon and we went to the beach to fly our kite. Luke went home with his mommy this evening which created quite the meltdown. Between not having hot water and missing Luke, I am a little depressed. It sure is quite since he is gone.

Wednesday, July 28

Luke playing in front of the camper. Our own sand box.

Getting ready to take a dip.

Luke holding his sand crab, I think they are mole crabs.

Luke finally smiling for a picture!

Getting ready to take a nap!

Yesterday we had planned to go seining in the bay with the park rangers but when I called to reserve a spot they had already filled the program. I inquired about the boat tour on Thursday, a tour of Rehobeth Bay, and she said that had been canceled because the boat had broken down. So plan B was to spend some morning time at the playground, eat lunch and then head to the beach. We had a nice time and even Mr. B made it into the water. Luke fell asleep in his wagon and slept there for about 2 hours. We went to Bethany Beach for supper, visited the Candy Kitchen for a sucker and came back to the camper around 8:30 pm. Very relaxing day and Luke was a very good boy.

Today we have to move to a different camp site and maybe we will try to go seining at today's program if they haven't filled up yet. Hope everyone is having a great summer. At least it has cooled down a little out here.

Tuesday, July 27

The picture is of Luke leaving the beach on Sunday, a big storm blew in and we had to run for cover. Grandma had to carry him piggy-back about 400 yards, she still hasn't fully recovered.

We arrived at Delaware Seashore State Park on Sunday around 1:30. Trish, Lily, Luke and I came down to set up and Mr. B and Chad will join us after they finish up at the barn. It is hotter than #@** about 107. Took forever for the trailer to cool down and Lily is not happy at all. Luke loves every minute. I have so busy with Luke that I haven't taken too many pictures other than on my phone. Today we are hoping to go seining in the bay so possibly I will post some pictures tonight when Luke gets to sleep. Unfortunately, I usually fall asleep before he does. Yesterday, Trish and Chad came down and we drove out on the beach which was really nice. Having a great time! Mr. B is out walking the campground this morning, and that is a really good thing!!

Thursday, July 22

This climing maze was the center piece of the museum and was Luke's favorite.

Rowing down the Christina River and measuring your heart rate.

The water table was complete with boats and a lock system.

A river habitat complete with pop-up animals and birds.

The arts and crafts room, Luke made several paintings.

We've been having a great time. Luke keeps me pretty busy playing with his soldier guys and playing outside when it isn't too hot. It has been upper 90's with a heat index in the 100's. We drove up to Wilmington to the Delaware Children's Museum today. It just opened in April was a great place for Luke. A smaller version of COSI it had some great interactive exhibits. I couldn't believe that it wasn't more crowded but that made it even more inviting. We spent about 3 hours there and left with minimal crying. Luke, not Lily. Lily is such a good baby and spends her days eating, sleeping and smiling in her swing. Luke and I went to the pool yesterday to cool off in the evening. We stayed until it closed at 8. It was great!! Mr B has been spending his mornings at the farm wandering from barn to barn chatting with everyone. My guess is he keeps on the move to avoid working. He does really seem to enjoy hanging out with Chad and the hired help. Next week we are heading to the beach for some camping in our 5th wheel. It is supposed to be the hottest week yet. Hope there is a nice breeze off the ocean!

Monday, July 19

Luke loves his guns, just a little scary.

This has to be one of my favorite pics, and Lily loves her big brother, he makes her smile.

We got away this morning at 6:20 am. I was shooting for 6 but as always didn't quite make it. We made 3 stops. Breakfast just before Wheeling, fuel right before Cumberland, Maryland and another stop for lunch and we topped off the tank so that we pulled into Dover around 3:45. Not bad and it was an easy trip not much traffic and we hit Baltimore before rush hour. Luke and Lily are still just as cute as can be.

Saturday, July 17

Congratulations, Cathy, on 35 years in education! Now it is time to have fun!!

Could that be Mrs. Phillips behind those "teacher" hands?? Why so shy Kay?

This week we spent some time catching up with friends. On Tuesday we met at Montgomery Inn to surprise Cathy Chitty with a retirement celebration. It was a great chance to see many that we have not seen in quite a while. Once again, Mr. Bichler and I ate way too much but thoroughly enjoyed every bite. Then on Thursday, I met many of the same friends for a "Girl's Breakfast Out" at First Watch in Mill Run. It was very relaxing and a wonderful opportunity to catch up on every one's life.

I have renewed my war on unwanted rodents. I spent Thursday afternoon re-stringing electric fence around our garden. I had salvaged about 6 green bean plants but I think when I weeded around them it made it easier for the ground hogs to find. They are leafless! I'm hoping the new fence, which I tested the old fashioned way, laying a blade of grass on the wire while holding it, will keeps the raccoons out of our nearly mature sweet corn.

The 5th wheel is about ready for a test run. I have de-winterized all the water lines and will sanitize the water tank today. This will be the first we have been camping since the accident. I am excited and a little fearful but also sure that we will have a good time.

Our sympathies go out to the Dotson family during the loss of Matt and Andy's father.

Friday, July 9

Yesterday, I picked up Luke after spending the morning with my sister-in-law. She had gall bladder surgery and needed someone to help her, mainly taking care of Brady, their new Golden retriever puppy. Luke and I spent most of the afternoon playing and going on treasure hunts. He also loves to have someone read to him. We went to Wal-Mart in search of Star Wars action figures and ended up with a lego kit instead. We stopped by to see Grandma and Grandpa Great at the Madison House and Luke seemed to enjoy his visit. We assembled his Star Wars men and star ships while we were there. We were up pretty late which translated into sleeping in this morning. Finally at 10 am we were having some mini blueberry pancakes and turkey bacon for breakfast. By 11:30 we were on our way to COSI for some fun. Maybe it was the rain, but COSI was pretty crowded and we had to park in the farthest parking lot. Once inside, we had to wait for about 15 minutes to pay for admission (and it is about twice the price of going to the zoo!!) Finally with tickets in hand we got on the elevator and headed to the top floor in search of the Kid Zone. We had a great time playing and also watched the 3D Whale and Dolphin movie. After the movie we played some more and went to the Gadget room and walked through the Yester-Year Exhibit. As we left, we stopped at the gift shop and left about 15 minutes before COSI closed. Needless to say, he was asleep soon after we left the parking lot. I think he really enjoyed his day. Tomorrow he is going with Aunt Amanda and Uncle Brett and will also be watching fireworks in Mechanicsburg. Sunday morning Grandma and PopPop Foulk will be driving Luke back to Dover. He has been a very good little guy and it was so much fun spending time with him.

Monday, July 5

Goats in the barnyard.

Pony ride.

Cousin Mylie, in the saddle again.

About now we all wish we were in the pool with the polar bears.

The polar frontier playground.

Have you heard the country western song "What was I thinking"? It could be applied to making shish kabobs and going to the zoo on a day when the temperatures were at 96 degrees. We arrived at the zoo at 9:30 and by the time we got to the front gate we were exhausted. We had Luke's cousin Mylie with us and I have decided that a wagon with seats that face each other is a terrible idea. Mylie is one year and one week younger than Luke and she did not want to be touched. This, of course, meant that Luke was going to touch her every chance he got. He poked her, stepped on her feet and tormented her and she just screamed, "no, no, no, no, no". We did have a few good moments, like when we went into the air conditioned restrooms! We did have a good time but it was so very hot we really didn't realize it until we were home and soaking in the swimming pool. We ended our day with dinner at Out Back. Luke promptly fell asleep as we pulled into the parking lot and slept through dinner. Mylie did a little better since she fell asleep in the wagon at the zoo for a little bit. Lily, who did not go to the zoo was the perfect baby like always. Tomorrow, Trish, Chad & Lily will be heading back to Dover. Luke is going to stay with Grandmas and Pop Pops here in Ohio. I'm not sure how happy he will be when he realizes what that means. It's only until Sunday when Grandma and Pop Pop Foulk are driving him back home.

Sunday, July 4

Asher holding little Lily Marie. He's experienced, having 2 younger sisters.

The slip and slide was a big hit.

Or maybe we should call it a slip and fall!!!!

3 out of 4 looking at the camera, the best I could get! Lillie, Luke, Asher and Olive in the back looking else where.

Up early this morning and thank goodness my sister is in town. She has been helping to get everything ready for our Fourth of July cookout. It has been great to have everyone in for the holiday. Wish Sara and Matt could be here but Hawaii is just a little too far to come for the week end. The weather has been wonderful even though the humidity is a little high today, at least it isn't raining. At 2 o'clock Judy and I are still trying to assemble beef and chicken shish-kabobs. If I ever think of having them in the future, just slap me. They are way too much work! We had plenty of food and even home-made ice cream by Daniel. It was AWESOME!! We had fun in the pool, on the slip and slide and even went on a Treasure Hunt. Thanks to everyone for coming and making the day so special.

Saturday, July 3

Luke, and yes he is out of control! Look out, here he comes!!

Luke yelling, "Gotcha" as he throws whatever is handy!

Do I detect terror in the eyes of Mylie and Ozzie?

Luke and cousin, Mylie. He does have a softer side. You just don't see it much.

Luke and Logan, having a bite of icing from his donut cake

Today was the Foulk Picnic, lots of fun !

Friday, July 2

Luke with his wagon, said he was going to trap a monster down by the creek.

Aunt Judy holding Lily Marie. She was quite possessive and didn't want to share her with anyone else.

Been working for the last 2 weeks to be ready for our guests that came in yesterday and today. My sister, Judy drove in yesterday from Atlanta and our daughter Trish flew in today with Chad, Luke and Lily and Luke's friend Logan. It is just great seeing everyone again. I can't believe how big Lily has gotten in the 6 weeks since we last saw her. We have lots of fun planned all week end with our family and Chad's family. Will have pictures in the upcoming posts. Hope everyone has a wonderful week end.