We spent a wonderful July 4th in Vermont with Grandpa Peter, Grandma Susan, Doug, Anna and the Friedman cousins. The pond was in full bloom and the estate was teeming with wildlife. Thomas, like a CEO on a fat-cat hunting retreat, bagged many a previously-caught and stunned trophy. Frogs, polywogs, fish, snakes and fudgcicles were no match for Thomas or Grandpa Peter. Jaxon, Grady and Marina showed us the ropes:
That's Jaxon with a frog on his head. Later, an obliging ring-neck snake appeared, and Thomas bravely let it slide between his fingers. He was aided by an extremely tall mongoose.
We celebrated the 4th in style at the Dorset Field Club. Thomas got his face painted like a tiger again, and loved it. Although, he did feel it didn't quite measure up to his last experience:
There was jump-roping, sack races and sand-pit digging. Thomas's impressive performance in the hula hoop contest was not captured for posterity.
And, of course, a few trips with Dad down the Alpine Slide.
Emmett came too, but he was so tranquil I guess we didn't take any pictures of him.
We played with pals Sophie, Cecily and baby Jamie. 
Next up: We play host to the Kirkpatrick clan and a hamster named Clarice.
