A Layover in Philly

We had another investing class to attend. This one in Boston. And since we were going to have to layover in Philly, we decided to add a few days before the class and visit with family over the weekend.

It's nice to go home and have all of these parties put together for us. Well, Andy's family never has to look far for an excuse to get-together...

Here's Chris, bartending as usual...








While the rest of us all hang out on the back deck...
From left to right: Andy, Bobby, Natalie







Even Mom enjoyed Chris' drink of the night...Tangerine DreamINI (isn't that what you called those delectable orange martinis, Chris?)









One afternoon we hung out at my brother Joe's house. His back patio was a great place to hang out as well. All that green grass and trees. After living in a condo, you start forgetting what a back yard feels like. But Andy's still happy he doesn't have to mow lawns.
Here's my brother Joe, my nephew Colin, my sister-in-law Linda, my Mom, and Andy

On Monday, we drove down to Avalon to see Andy's brother, Jimmy & family, and his friend, Mark & family. It was odd being in Avalon. I don't think I'd been back since his parents sold their home there several years ago. We walked past their old place and wow has it changed. The new owners did do a great job redoing it, but they filled in the backyard with a guest house and a swimming pool. No room for bocci, croquet, wiffle ball, volleyball, and all the other great yard games that the Thomases were Avalon-famous for. And everyone will remember the keg of beer always kept chilled in the shed out back. Easy access while playing. Ace was always serious about his games. He instilled that sense of fun and competitiveness in his children as well. See, here's Jimmy at his backyard Ping Pong table...I'm not sure how many people Jimmy beat in just this one day. Well, let's count...there was Andy, that's one...

The other thing that surprised me about our daytrip was how many people in Sea Isle City kayak! Andy's friend Mark got a two-seater - great for taking out one of his kids with him. Unfortunately we forgot our bathing suits, otherwise Andy would've taken Mark Jr out for a paddle.









We enjoyed our brief visit at the Shore...I finally got to see Jimmy's house, and see the changes made to his parent's house, and meet Mark and Coleen's children. Usually when we get together with friends it's adult-only get togethers, so this was a real pleasure to meet their kids.

Just another whirlwind trip home to Philly.