And, we're back!

After heading to opposites sides of the earth last month - James to the Philippines and AJ and I to New York - our family is finally back under one roof. We each had a really enjoyable time on our respective vacations (or work trip, as the case may be...), and tried to make the most of the time we had in each place.

In the Philippines, where he went on his first (finally!) overseas assignment for the Navy, James spent a couple of days in Manila, where he got to explore a bit of the area near the hotel.

Flying into Manila International Airport; what a long flight!

Outside of the Ayala Museum in downtown Manila.

The rest of the time he was in Zamboanga, where they couldn't leave the base-within-a-base. Not as much fun, but plenty of time for running and relaxing.

Standing by an old Filipino marine tank on the base.

Military jeepney: These are what the Filipino army uses to transport their troops.

In New York, AJ and I did a ton of visiting with family and friends and managed to fit in a ton of fun along the way.  Our boy was a great traveler, as usual, and has not stopped talking about the people we saw and the things we did since we returned. Here are some quite a few highlights:

AJ asked Papa to catch a frog for him at my cousin Matt & Madison's
post-wedding BBQ, but then was too nervous to touch it.

Cousin Matt helping AJ drive the remote control boat on the pond; how fun!

Back at Mimi and Papa's for a little semi-nude "piango" playing.

This is the kind of outfit all outdoor play in July requires, right?

The gloves are especially useful for throwing dirt around the backyard.

Golf - usually more clothed - was a favorite activity while we were there.

It took lots of spinning in circles to get this boy to smile with his mama on her
birthday, hence the crazy hair we have.

Hugs for Aunt Missy after she came to visit us.

Water park fun with wonderful friends!

And boat fun, too! This is right before he fell asleep in that very same position...

Swimming in Sacandaga Lake with Papa and Mimi.

We made many visits to Aunt Katie's barn; this is one of AJ's favorite places to be!

Riding Rascal; he sat up so nicely, I didn't even need to hold onto him while he rode!

Another day at the barn, hard at work bringing Auntie Rachel a manure bucket.

After a carriage ride with Auntie Alicia.

With my lovely cousin Alicia, who was visiting from Colorado. So glad we got to see her!

At the county fair, saying hi to the goats with his buddy Junior.

Junior is such a good friend!

He had such a blast with Aunt Sammy!

We also got to visit with Nikki and Chloe, who were visiting all the way from Sicily!

Walking in downtown Saratoga, ready to take in all the music during the Hats Off festivities.

Outside the Saratoga courthouse, take #20?

Seesaw fun at Junior and Hailey's birthday party. Love that grin!

Trying to get his party favor to stay open; he couldn't figure out why it kept rolling back up on him!

Stewart's ice cream, courtesy of Mr. Wager!

Watering the flowers while the big kids played in the pool.

Partners in crime; these two are something else together!

Having fun with his beautiful godmother after our brunch at the Ugly Rooster.

Walking to the Mechanicville Library after brunch.

We love these silly boys so much!

So happy to see my handsome godson; he's getting so big!

Waving hi to the jockeys at the Saratoga Racetrack.

Checking out the ducks with Mimi and Papa in Congress Park.

He had so much fun riding the Congress Park carousel with Papa. (Twice!)

Feeding the goats with Aunt Katie on another visit to the barn.

Helping Auntie Rachel groom the pony before riding.

Up on Rascal again, the first pony that Mama rode years and years ago!

Our last day in NY: Happy Birthday, Papa!

Waiting for Daddy at the Honolulu Airport...

Together again! Welcome home, Daddy, we missed you!

That'll be the last big trip for any of us for awhile, and we are so thankful for it. Thanks especially to our wonderful family and friends for making our visit to NY so fantastic!