At the beginning of October we celebrated Kathy’s birthday with a small celebration at our house. Gotta love the low key COVID birthdays. The weather was beautiful so we ate outside and I made chocolate peanut butter brownies. I was a lovely family evening.
Our planned August vacation this year was supposed to be Alaska, but since that couldn’t happen, we decided to do another week on the boat on the Chesapeake. We didn’t travel quite as far as we did the first go round, but did stay in a new spot each night. This time we also met up with our friends the Townsends, who were supposed to be in St. Maarten the same week, but obviously couldn’t go. They chartered a boat out of Rock Hall and we met up 4 of our 7 nights out. At one point we also met up with a family we had met down in Tangier the last time we were on the boat. A dad and twin 7 year olds who have been on their boat nonstop since the spring.
We spent a few days with the Sharps in Rock Hall before heading out.
We always travel with sea kayaks, which are the best way to get around into little coves and shallow rivers. The Townsends up the game with inflatable standing paddle boards, which were pretty cool. Sophie in particular loved them and was really good getting around on it.
The Townsends also brought along a huge pink blowup unicorn, which was of course a hit with all the girls.
It was another amazing week on the boat!
On September 9th Dave’s cousin Danielle and her husband Mike got married (again!). They were married by a Justice of the Peace a few years ago, but wanted to have a big wedding too.
Danielle with Kathy – what a proud aunt!
I love this picture. Sophie & Danielle sharing a special moment. 
Sophie and Shannon, Danielle & Mike’s daughter, had a blast! They ran around and danced all night. I dont’ think Sophie has gone to sleep so quickly once she was in her car seat. Here it looks like the hug might be a bit too tight…
Shannon helped show her the ropes all night
We spent the last 4 days with the Sharp’s on their boat in the Chesapeake. It was a wonderful, relaxing vacation. We met them in Rock Hall, MD, sailed to Annapolis, then Lankford Creek, and then back to Rock Hall. The first night was really hot, but it got better after that – and we were able to sit out under the stars at night and do some swimming during the day.
Sophie enjoyed being on the boat. She spent most of the timing laying back with her hair blowing in the breeze. 
She also had a chance to do a little swimming. Although she wasn’t a huge fan of the life vest, she didn’t seem to mind the water. She floated around for a few minutes before she wanted to get out. Luckily the water felt just like bath water. We’ll have her swimming like an olympian in no time!
Zoe had her 15th birthday on Monday and we celebrated with cake and ice cream. 
This weekend we spent Saturday in Long Beach Island – Dave had a regatta and I took Sophie to the beach (for a short time… it’s going to be easier when I have a little help). On Sunday, which was Father’s Day, we went sailing with the Sharps in Cape May. It was a gorgeous day for a sail!
Sophie enjoyed chilling on Mom mom’s lap for most of the day
Benson & Rudy also enjoyed laying out in the cockpit
I think Dave enjoyed his first Father’s Day thoroughly
And I got some quality time in with Mr. B.
Mom Mom is here for the week to take care of Sophie – and give some very needed help around the house!
