Bronx Zoo Visit

On a beautiful Thursday in August we fought through rush hour traffic and headed to the Bronx Zoo with Grandma, Grandpa, Brett, and Thomas. This was Ryan's first time into New York City and my first time back to the zoo since I interned there 10 years ago. We enjoyed the sky ride, insect merry-go-round, monorail ride, and all the countless animal exhibits.

Fluke Fishing

Sunday was spent fluke fishing with Captain Ed and Carl on the "Boomer" out of the Atlantic Highlands. Jon, Mike, Dad, and myself all enjoyed a great day of fishing. It’s too bad that Dad and Jon weren’t feeling that well. I think we could have done a little better with everyone at their best. Despite feeling a little green, they hung in there pretty well. We were very pleased with 12 keepers, after reading Captain Ed's email from today, I think we should feel even better about it...

Captain Ed writes "It seems that we did significantly better than most yesterday. We were fortunate enough to find a pattern where there were some fish. 12 keepers out of 35-40 fish was an excellent day yesterday. Most of the people that checked in had goose eggs yesterday. Even my experts came in blanked yesterday."

We didn't get any bragging size fish, but we all went home with enough fish for several dinners...

Chillin With Cousin Mike

Much to Ryan's delight, cousin Mike came from Delaware to spend the weekend with us. We had a BBQ Friday night followed by some intense trivia once we were able to get Ryan to sleep. Saturday morning Mike was happy to get a real Jersey Bagel Sandwich, and Ryan had to have what the we were having so he enjoyed his first porkroll, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel (he loved it). Next we went to Big Brook and scored some shark teeth, picked up Jen at work and headed over to the Monmouth Race Track. We let Ryan pick out some horses, no luck but he really enjoyed the track (he liked the tractors cleaning the track between races the best). Dinner at Chili's (another first for Ryan, cheese quesadilla) and then back home to play. Mike and I were off to go do some fishing on Sunday, after a fresh fluke dinner Ryan was sad to see Mike go, it was a great visit and we hope to do it again sometime soon...

Debbie and Jim's Wedding

The entire family celebrated Deb and Jims' wedding on the River Queen followed by a celebration at Anthony and Jackies house afterwards. It was a beautiful day and a perfect wedding. Best wishes to Deb, Jim, and Ashley...

Great Grandpa's Birthday

The whole family came over on Saturday to celebrate Great Grandpa's Birthday. In between cupcakes, games, and toys we were even able to get all the grandchildren and greatgrandchildren to sit down for some photos. We all had a great time in one of the rare events that everyone can get together.

Jersey Shore Vacation

Jen, Ryan, and I recently returned from Aunt Stef, Uncle Bob, and Roberts house in Cape May Courthouse. The weather last week was perfect, we enjoyed the beach, crabbing, fishing, boating, the wetlands institute, wildwood boardwalk, and time with the family.

Ryan and Aunt Vanessa made the most of their time together and really bonded. Ryan also was very interested in Robert and helped Aunt Stef with bottle feedings, Grandma made us all a great dinner one night and spent most of the week with us on the beach and boardwalk. Aunt Stef and Uncle Jon were down with the boys in Cape May so we met up for rides one night (Ryan liked the "scary ride" the best). And of course, Stef and Bob (and Scooter) were great hosts, thanks again, we can't wait until we do it again...

Please enjoy the slideshow posted to the right (click for the entire album and larger images)...