Hannah + Athleticism = Whose Kid Are You??

Hannah has started her latest season of AYSO soccer, which means two 90 minute practices a week plus a game on the weekend. Additionally, Hannah just tested for her latest belt in karate. She is only a few belts away from black.


Seriously, Linda and I have no idea where all this athleticism comes from. It must skip a generation (or two).

Back to School

I used to think that the Happiest Day on Earth was Christmas, but ever since having children I realize that the Happiest day on Earth is the First Day Back to School!!!


Hannah is in fifth grade this year, her last year of elementary school.
Adam is starting second grade.

Boogie Board Buddy

Whenever we all go to the beach, Elise Meshell and Chris are the only ones (of the adults, that is) who actually venture into the water. Since we both started bringing our boogie boards, you can hardly drag us out.




























..."this is not my beautiful wife."

Last days on the beach

Here are a few shots of us hanging out on the beach with our friends the Meshells (Dave, Elise, Hanna & Jack).

The newest addition to the family...

This is Monty. He's the latest addition to the Jackson Clan. He's a one and a half to two year old Maltese/ Poodle/ Terrier mix. Monty LOVES Linda; he likes the kids; and he really freakin' HATES Chris!

Fortunately, after several weeks of progress, Monty is no longer actively plotting Chris' demise, but he wouldn't be too broken up if something catastrophic were to befall his new owner.


Monty was a rescue pup; we adopted him from an organization called Dogs Without Borders.

The LDP Crew (aka The Usual Suspects)

Many of the wonderful people we know around the globe are friends Linda had made over ten years ago at her company's Leadership Development Program:

Shaz and Harper;

Fiona, Paul, Millie & Arthur;

Harry in Athens;

and, finally, the lovely Wendy.

More London

Westminster Abbey; Changing of the Guard.

London sights.

Here you go: Tourist photos!!

London Eye;
Big Ben;
Westminster Abbey.

The 4th of July...London style

No matter how great a vacation one can have, as an American it is a little disappointing not to celebrate the 4th of July with the standard BBQ and fireworks.

Fortunately, we have awesome friends who threw us a little holiday BBQ, and even managed to find a few sparklers.

London

After Greece we spent a few days in London with our friends Shaz, Alex, Harper and Riley aka "Buddy".



Hannah desperately tried to figure out a way to bring Buddy back to the U.S. with us; preferably leaving her brother back in the U.K. I suspect Hannah has an au pair job waiting for her in a few years.

Athens

We spent our last day in Greece in Athens seeing a few of the sights, and visiting with our friend and host, Harry.

More Sifnos

We were fortunate to stay in a charming house with the most amazing view
(Thank you, Alexis).

The house was once an olive oil press and was carved out of the side of the mountain.

Sifnos

After Spetses, we visited the island of Sifnos. It's located in the Cyclades and is one of Apollo's islands.

We stayed in the oldest part of the island; on their Acropolis. The view was stunning and we even had a few wild sheep as neighbors.

Beaches of Spetses