Weekend in Rochester

We went up to Rochester the first weekend in June.  Ben had just graduated from Marine Boot Camp and it was going to be his first weekend home since he left in March.  While he was in boot camp, he was only allowed to write letters - no phone calls, emails, facebook, etc.  Everyone was very excited to see him.

We arrived at lunch time and Ben wasn't going to get there until later in the day, so we had some time to hang out and play before the party.  Amanda came down to Omi's to play with the kids.

Aaron hanging out

Amanda and Leah play with the little bricks that every child who has been at Omi's over the last 50 years plays with!

This is a good example of why we call her Struwwelpeter!!

This is what I get when I ask her to make a funny face!

Yep, Aaron really does not enjoy tummy time.

Amanda holding her newest cousin (well, if we want to be technically correct, it is her newest first cousin once removed... but let's not get crazy)

Aaron is out cold on the shoulder of Opa the Baby Whisperer

Since it was a warm-ish day, Amanda invited the kids down to swim in their pool.  The pool was only around 68 degrees, but everyone thought that was warm enough.  We walked down to the Mantione's house from Omi's.

Leah swimming with Daddy

Cam can swim on his own, of course!  He was a little bit surprised about how chilly the water was though!!

Cam swims with Daddy while Amanda helps Leah

Daddy going down the slide

SPLASH!!!!

Now it is Cameron's turn

Leah in a float

And now it's Cam's turn

Jump in!

Cam goes down the slide again

Leah and Amanda being silly

Leah wanted to go down the slide but was too small to go on her own.  First she went with Daddy.

Wheeeee!  Check out her face, she is loving it!

Swimming with Amanda

Next up, Leah sliding with Amanda

Cam loved this float.  Probably because the water was freezing!

Walking back to Omi's house after a great swim.

They are just so cute when they are loving each other.

I love these two!

They realized Tim was taking pictures of them and decided to be goof balls.

Back at Omi and Opa's house, Matt and Gina had arrived.  Here are Matt and Amanda goofing around.

Aunt Gina with Aaron

Opa and Aaron

Aunt Cathy and Aaron

Jason holding Matt like a baby

The others thought it was a good idea to pile on too!

After that, Ben arrived.  He wore his uniform so that we could get some nice pictures.  Here is Ben with Omi and Opa.

Cameron and Ben

Cameron asked Ben if he could wear his hat.  Ben let him and Cam was SOOOOO excited, as you can tell in this picture.

Ben, Leah and Amanda

Leah's turn with Ben's hat

Aunt Linda and Aaron

Aunt Susi and sleepy Aaron

Gina, Ben and Matt

Ben and Aaron

Joey and Ben

Mom and Dad with Ben

Aunt Cathy and Ben

Amanda, Aunt Cathy, Ben, Flat Randy and Joey

Joey, Ben and Mike

Uncle Chris, Ben and Aunt Linda

It was great to see Ben and hear about his time in boot camp.  We also got to see pictures and videos from his boot camp graduation weekend, which was awesome.  And of course, it is always nice to spend time with all of the family!