Staurday was a brisk and rainy day, and the chickens were happy to get outside. Josh took some pictures of them at the top of the stairs, showing off their sticks. Sticks are pretty impressive sometimes.
At least to two- and four-year-olds
Joel and Christine came over from Chittenden and brought all of the Tate cousins. They are all sittin on Rock Dundar on the shore.
From the left, Lucy Joy, Grace, Lucy Gates, Elisabeth, Obadiah, and Bowden.
The day was gray, but still, Josh had not had enough weather.

A panoramic shot with the Tate girlings and Jobie.

Obadiah loved the shore just as much as the other kids- he's standing on zebra mussel shells. They break with nice crunchy tinklings, and I think he enjoyed the sound and feel of them.
The girls collected mussel shells- they look more like abalone to me, but rounder- and then they all pretended to be seals.

Obadiah made a run for the water every chance he could.

Joel had him firmly by the "scruff of the neck," but I think Obie managed to wet his pants eventually.
Uncle Josh joined us.

I harassed him with pictures. I certainly could have edited the content here, but I will let you choose.

Too close.
Too strained.
Josh thought he looked weird, but it was okay of me.
Joel and Christine by the water.

Lucy giving a funny look.
She wanted to ride in the boat, and we all gave Josh a hard time for not having a life jacket for her.

We had a pleasant time with Joel and Christine, and settled down for the night in the living room with nice fire. The visit was full of slow and comfortable nights.