So, it's been a great summer so far. I've had editing and proofreading work coming out my ears, but I'm enjoying a brief lull between projects. Actually, I do have one going, but for quite awhile I've had three or four so I feel like I'm on vacation. Last night I actually got to read a novel before I went to bed--one that I didn't have to correct!

Things our summer has included so far: Jed's birthday (8th); Jed getting baptized; Jed earning his yellow belt in karate (I'm so proud of him!); Jed finally taking the big step of having his training wheels removed, then falling off the bike a few days later and getting a pebble embedded in his forehead (Mommy thought it was cool to remove it with tweezers. No stitches were needed like I thought, just Derma Bond to help it heal). Let's see, other things. Tucker's birthday (4th); a visit to Friendly Farm (see pictures below) followed by a visit with our dear friends D and R (who recently had their first girl after three boys!); VBS at Chestnut Hill Chapel-- It was great to see old friends there. Hearing that our good friends B and C are expecting a baby after eight years has been another highlight!

Chloe is on the brink of learning to read. All she's waiting for is for Mommy to sit down and teach her. All day long you can hear her announcing, "Cuh! Cuh is for cat!" "Tuh! Tuh is for train!" I'm still in awe because I had to force feed the alphabet to Jed until it finally clicked late in first grade. Kindergarten is going to be a breeze this year in the Jones household!

Jack's listening comprehension is finally taking off. Say "basement" (the playroom) or "outside" or "Daddy" or "bottle" or "nap" or "lunch" and he knows exactly what you're talking about. Our baby is growing up!

Here is a boatload of pictures I know some grandparents have been anticipating (so sorry about the delay, Mom!).

Pig pile!

Jed's favorite birthday present this year was his Indiana Jones costume. We won't let him watch the movie but his imagination is captured by the guy's adventures and he does still love to role play.

Our precious boy turns 4!

Have you ever seen a more adorable bunch of pirates?

Tucker spends hours at a time building things with Legos. He also loves to color in his Spiderman coloring book.

Between pirates and soldiers we don't have to worry about any bad guys coming 'round these here parts. (Note the overturned car in the background. Thank God Jack wasn't in it when he had to notion to push it down the hill!)