Joe and I made a trip north to visit his grandparents last weekend. We had great hosts, ideal weather and lots of local flavor. It was perfect.

We went to the Glenn Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport. A Hammondsport native, Curtiss is one of the most important men in early aviation.

We also went to Prattsburgh’s summer festival, where we listened to some good live music and marveled at the massive tractor show. Grandpa took this great photo.

Speaking of Grandpa, he’s really good at his job.

On the way home we stopped to pay respect to a very important place. Avoca Central School – K-6 downstairs, 7-12 upstairs.

My favorite view – West Creek valley in Wheeler from the top of the hill. I grew up at the bottom of this dirt road.

We went to the Playroom in Chester the other day, where Joe quickly set up shop in a small log cabin.

Mustard sales went through the roof when he brought in a business partner.

Using his condiment fortune, Joe vacationed at the big slide. So ‘new money.’

Not from the same day, but this is an epic picture.

The Colonial Heights Library had pony rides and a petting zoo today. Joe said his next step is to rob a stagecoach.

A short video of our time at Kings Dominion. Enjoy!

Our long Fourth of July weekend ended today with a trip to Kings Dominion, an amusement park just north of Richmond. Joe likes the rides.

Continuing our terrific Fourth of July weekend, Joe and I went to a Richmond Squirrels game, where they trounced the Akron Aeros 15-7.

It was Joe’s first baseball game and he did great!

Joe loves the water. From our Fourth of July visit to the Fort Lee pool.

We had an awesome day yesterday – Fort Lee pool, frozen yogurt, naps and fireworks. Here are some photos. I’ll have a video of the pool up later. As always, click on any of the little photos to the right to go to Flickr for more.

Joe’s “SEAL training” face.

Lia’s “SEAL trainer” face.

My first attempt at photographing fireworks. It went pretty well! Joe was thrilled for the first few, then bored.

Lia’s latest great idea – throw some glow sticks into the bath. Joe loved it. Next time we’ll add some house music.

Today was the Sunshine 5k run to raise money for new playground equipment at the park near us. Team Joe raised nearly $2,000 and was a “Gold” sponsor. Our logo was on the t-shirts, and we were mentioned along with the other sponsors at the start of the race.

Lots of Joe’s friends showed up for the event, many ran the race, and Lia made kick-ass cupcakes to cap off a terrific day.

Thanks one more time to everyone who contributed to Team Joe – we appreciate you all and hope to see you soon on the swings!

Moms & families.

Sparkplugs ready to roll.

My super sister-in-law and neat nephew tearing up the one-miler.