Hammonasset

On Wednesday, we got together with a bunch of kids from Elizabeth's kindergarten class and their parents.  Although her kindergarten class was evenly dispersed among four first grades, most of the "Newton Originals" have remained close friends, as have all of the parents.  In fact, when we told these parents that Elizabeth would be moving to a new school, they were not only incredibly support, but delighted that we will all still see each other because Emily will be in kindergarten starting in the fall.  The original plan was to meet at Chatfield Hollow, but the state park was shut down on Tuesday afternoon (heavy rains had impacted water quality), so the last minute decision was made to go to Hammonasset, which is on Long Island Sound.  Although the girls were delighted to be meeting up with their friends, when we said the word "beach" they immediately thought that we were driving to New Hampshire and were less than thrilled, to say the least.  They couldn't believe it when, twenty-five minutes later, we were at a beach in Connecticut.  We had a really great time - snacks, lunch and goodies under one of the pavilions and then an afternoon at the beach.  Mrs. Newton herself, recovering from double knee surgery, even visited for an hour or so and it was so wonderful to see her.  We have, unfortunately, very few pictures of the day, as I forgot my camera (CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!).  Katrina, one of the organizers, was kind enough to send me these great pictures of our girls, having a wonderful time with all of their friends.

Playing in the dunes, while waiting for lunch. 

In the water. 

Burying Aidan in the sand. 

Elizabeth and Brayden, playing in the sand. 

Water girls.