Sands Point Preserve

We visited the Exotic Animals exhibit at Sands Point Preserve with our friends Mary Jo and her sons Matthew and John. The three boys made more noise than the animals, while the girls read every piece of information.

Last Camping Trip of the Summer

We packed up all our gear and the dog and drove out to the far end of the north fork of long island to the 'Eastern Long Island Kampgrounds.' What it didn't offer in wilderness it made up for in kid's activities. Plus there was a pool. (They act like we don't have one in our backyard.)
There were firetruck rides, a bubblegum blowing contest that we didn't enter cuz we can't blow bubbles, a balloon toss Mackenzie couldn't miss but was first one out, a bouncy house, a DJ on Saturday night, and a pancake breakfast Sunday morning.
Camping is a friendly pastime. Matthew ran wild and befriended every boy in the camp, and Toby barked hello to every passing dog. Courtney's friend Delaney and her family came camping, too, and we made s'mores and jiffy pop popcorn after dancing Saturday night. Christina met a friend from her Magnet class. We always find someone from Massapequa when we're camping.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration

The first day all summer that we didn't have any other plans, so we decided to go to Old Bethpage. We saw the Conklin house, the schoolhouse, the blacksmith, the general store, and a few other old houses, all relocated from different places on long island.

Rock Climbing

It was a rainy day with nothing to do, when Christina suggested rock climbing. Matthew had a playdate with a friend, so he missed out on the fun.

Massapequa Merchant Mile

I ran the mile race Saturday, joined by Christina, Mackenzie, and Matthew. Courtney didn't run, so John stayed with her and cheered us on.
I finished in a time of 6:19, which is pretty darn good considering the year I've had. That got me 3rd place in my age group. Christina also won 3rd in her age group! Mackenzie is in the same age group, and didn't win an award, but I was very proud of her just the same. The men ran after the women, so I went back to the start to run with Matthew. He did great, and was happy that he finished. (He didn't care that he was last, he got his own police escort!) Also, the men's masters (over 40) ran before the women, so Matt was in a pretty competitive group, even if there were other kids.

Fire Island Light House

After the big Talent Show at Summer Rec this morning we headed out to the Fire Island Lighthouse. We got three quarters of the way up when Courtney freaked out. She got scared, and we all walked back down. Christina agreed to stay with her while Matthew and Mackenzie and I climbed back up. Then Christina and I went up. It was clear and beautiful and a great view from the top.
Afterwards we swam in the waves and had some snacks and hung out on the beach awhile. (Courtney is making a face because I wouldn't buy her a book at the gift shop. We have a gazillion books! Who else yells at their kids to stop reading and quit buying books?)