Nicolai returned this evening from an extended stay on Nantucket with his good friend Chloe and her family. Apparently, in the absence of gymnastic apparatus, Nico makes due with a local jeep. Photo courtesy of Chloe’s mom, also an avid photographer. Nicolai reports that he had a fantastic time. I must make a note to ask about the story behind this photo tomorrow morning before Nico heads off to Minnesota with his cousins.

Tonight, we were treated to homemade chocolate chip cookies by our resident dessert chefs.

Alissa returned with Rachel to Albany this afternoon before the storms hit. Johnny will spend the night here before leaving for Minnesota with Nicolai, Rory, Mario, Frank, and Angela. Maya and Mario conduct the traditional chasing of the departing car ritual.

Just Maya. Not a little cat, not a blue monkey, not “brave Maya”, just plain Maya.

What kind of Sunday would it be without a little croquet? More time is generally spent interpreting the rules than actually playing the game.

Rachel demonstrates her flexibility during morning calisthenics led by Jeanine.

And finally, my art shot for the day.

Later we ventured into Rockport where we did a little shopping and were treated by Mario and Rory to ice cream.

Jeanine braved the chilly water and then relaxed on the beach with a book.

Maya demonstrates her water tossing accuracy and total lack of fear.

Think ice cubes.

The boys also spent quite a bit of time on the move. The threat of being splashed carried serious weight in light of the frigid water temperature.

Maya spent most of the day running in and out of the water, back and forth to get sand, and chasing after her larger cousins.

Rachel worked relentlessly on sand construction projects.