Yo, Afternoon BBQ with the Deaners and Holts!

We were graciously invited down to Providence to spend a fun filled afternoon with the Deaners. Who else happens to show up? The Holts! On tap, grilled pizzas, t-ball, and kicking bombs!

Released from his car seat, Ben loosened up and started kicking bombs around the yard.

Then he showed Josh how to coach people in t-ball.

The disappearing ball trick.

Noah was bothered all day by paparazzi.

Ben paid a visit to Santa taking a break from the cold north (Berlin, NH).

I lost my hair.

Allergy boy isn't normally allowed to play with ketchup. Tiny tyke ketchup is hypoallergenic.

Touche'

Sarah enjoyed the sun in the garden.

A second rare Kreg Holt photo! (thanks for the borrowed flash)

The boys showed some luv to Kate.

They were getting hungry.

Ben and Julian teamed up to push Noah's car.

Gotcha!

Cute bat boy.

Welcome to The School of Kicking Bombs!

Um yaaaaaah, find another goalie. I think I'm going over there,



Yup, out of the net Charest!

Boooooooooo0000000000000000m!

Swish! Goal!



Little boooooom!

Bath time! Splash time!

Thomas time!

Time to go. What a great day.

Charest Family Growth Status Update

Soooo, our family is growing. Likewise so is Sarah's baby bump. Here's some tracking shots. He'll be coming out sometime in September. We're not exactly sure when because the doc and the ultrasound tech aren't friends. Nonetheless, on with the pics.

Easter Weekend walking through the woods at 16 weeks.



Riding the subway at 17 weeks.



BBQ at 23 weeks.

Right before dinner with Heather and Jill, 25 weeks.

At the Duffy wedding, 27 weeks.

Story Land, 29 weeks.

Davis Farmland, 31 weeks.

Granite Point Beach, 33 weeks.

The Deaner's, 34 weeks.



Can't wait to post pictures of our new little boy!

Thunderstorm

In the past few weeks, New England has had some crazy weather and lots of Boomers! One surprised Ben while eating his fishies. But the good thing is he's not afraid.

Nana and Pepere's Camp

For a quick weekend away, we headed up to Errol to visit Nana and Pepere's camp. We expected rain all weekend but ended up with beautiful weather...and lupine.





Ben is starting to really love camp. With all the possiblities to see moose.



And wear fun moose hats.



There's lots of room outside to run around and no cars except his.




He took time to see and touch everything. I'm not sure if he liked these flowers.




We'll be back soon.

Pals Morgan and Navin

On a beautiful evening (before sitting 4.5 hours on the couch for the Lost finale) we had some great times and dinner with Morgan's and Navin's families.

All smiles on the swingset.





Morgan loves pretzels.



Even sliding doesn't stop her.



Eventually Ben's small pink car broke down and he was left waiting for the service vehicle to arrive. He was told to wait with the hood up but eventually flagged down some help.



Mom came to the rescue, cash only of course.





Ben gave Navin a pedicab ride around the yard. It's an easy way to get people around with low environmental impact.



He was paid in hugs of course right before we had to head home.

Bubble Mower Running Hot!

This guy could have a career in mowing lawns. Hopefully he'll do mine anyway. He runs his bubble mower so fast that the bubbles don't even have a chance to pop before he runs them over on a second pass.

Neither the camera or cameraman were harmed in this video.

Bubble Mower Running Hot from Mark Charest on Vimeo.

2nd Birthday Bash

The birthday boy was surrounded by friends and family to celebrate birthday number 2. It was a gorgeous day and everyone enjoyed the weather.



Julian looked dapper in his collared shirt. We'll see him in a few weeks for his party.



Steph was a big help getting this party off the ground prepping skewers until 1 am. I encouraged her with wine. Ben was also happy to have his Auntie at the party.



And there were presents galore and this singing bear!



Navin did some heavy lifting moving the pile of toys around for us.





Ben read every card attached to his gifts to send out thank you's later.



Bubble patrol with Jill.



Papu and Matt were our comic relief.



Mimi was happy to see everyone together.



Young and old, it was a great party.



Nemo was something I whipped up.




Ben was the party animal throughout.



Until naptime hit.



Happy Birthday Buddy!