Slightly belatedly, here are some pics of Muzzy & Granddad’s visit to L.A….A little chat with Granddad…Muzzy treated Evie to some new bubbles, and Evie attempted to demonstrate how far she’s come in the bubble department…It turned out that further instruction — and a bare bum and wellies! — was required.Quick shot from the Easter brunch…Then another gorgeous day at the beach, chasing — and running away from — waves…Much braver when she’s holding Granddad’s hand…Nudey rudey on the run!More jumping…Then time for a well-earned snack break in the just-my-size deck chair…Happy holiday!

Now back in Rhinecliffe NY with Emma Rob & Evie - Their house and garden are looking great!The view from their pool over the Hudson river. Emma & Rob had a Mexican Tamale party on Saturday night. All hands to the deck making the tamales (does it show that I was the only one not really knowing what I was doing!) Sit down meal for about 16.Lorelei turned up with special birthday cake for Rob and Emma. (its part hidden by Diannes flowers from the garden!) Played a round of golf on the local public course - great views - but I got hammered by Dianne so I wasn’t appreciating the views!A little rest in their front yard - Evie with her current favourite hat and with “all her guys” lined up on the chair! Then down to the waters edge with Evie … Dianne looking pretty good! and me trying to get the hang of the self timer.A little afternoon snack at Barnes & Noble with Evie looking cool in her shades! A visit to the renowned Burrito stand as a birthday treat for Emma! Check out Evie’s new hat!and a secret tete-a-tete with muzzie.A final drink on the porch .. watching the sunset over the Hudson.

Down to the Beach Club with Emma & Evie . Lovely location ..but I think it’s the kiddies play area that really attracts Evie. high in the sky!and the slide of course although someone else couldn’t resist getting involved.then a few little gymnastic manoeuvresbut nothing beats building sandcastles with grandma Muzzie … Evie with her yummy mummy! Then a drive with Rob down to Venice Beach … crazy place ..We hired bikes to ride along the BoardwalkCheck out the neat little seat for Evie.full speed ahead!Then a well deserved icecream ..No wonder the little darlin’ fell asleep on the journey home.

Apologies in advance for the lack of baby or toddler photos in this series — we haven’t had Bring Your Daughter to Work Day yet! Here is Rob at work — in a suit!! — at his new office, with his company’s first employee Dennis (an old friend — and Baci-sitter — from Red Hook):They’re a bit worried that they might get booted from this room at any moment, as they seem to have accidentally been given the best office in the building, but in the meantime, they’re enjoying the view:If you look closely in the photo below (a view from Rob’s desk), you can see the white Hollywood sign in the hills at the back right!

Impossible to narrow down the selection of photos from this day! Here Alex reads his book from Suzanne & John…And here Nan-nan enjoys her microwavable booties from the girls…Chloe checks out her fancy new keyboard from Muz and Granddad…Alex gets his first train, courtesy of the Bunts.Evie helps herself to the spicy guacamole, proving she truly is her father’s daughter…Heels!KMeggy Moo!Nan-nan cuddles the cutest little Father Christmas in town…Evie helps Nan-nan unwrap her toaster…The Pink Stinks team celebrates the fact that while we may throw like girls, we certainly don’t compete in sports trivia quizzes like girls…Princess Chloe!Rob leads us all in a Christmas sing-a-long on his uke…The lads get into the singing spirit… even a sober Christian:And, not surprisingly, the girls get even more into it…Happy Christmas everyone!

A very busy day celebrating USA independence day.  Dianne and I went along with it all just to show there was no hard feelings!!  Started with a walk round Rhinebeck, and coffee at the Beekman Arms - claiming to be the oldest Inn in USA. Evie smelling the flowers!

Dianne Rob and I fitted in a quick 9 holes at the local course. Rob and I weren’t too bad .. .. but Dianne won again of course!!Then off to Dutchess Park for the July 4th Fair and fireworks … Evie enjoyed the slide (nearly as much as Rob!) and not sure who is enjoying the horse roundabout the most either! I think Evie had enjoyed the Petting Zoo! then joined by the Shavelles, and Elliette and Evie go head to head.certainly the only Panama hat on display (maybe Panamas are too English for July 4th!)quite a crowd gathered for the live music and fireworks Some creative ways of smuggling in the alcohol the beach chairs just the right height for EvieThe Shavelles enjoying the fireworks.. a super day and no one questioned the english accents!

Off to Rhinebeck for brunch .. getting a lift on Muzzies shoulders to the farmers market ..Then to the garden centre to buy plants for the front yard .. .. back home to her favourite little chair ..Rob and Malcolm check out the vintage cars at Duchess County park .... and then back to plant the shrubs .. two very tired but very happy gardeners at the end of the day!… and a drink on the porch at the end of another super day

Evie is introduced to the pool …   and gradually lowered in .. but gets a bit carried away … and oops …… and so much cooler in the floating plastic thingy .. (and check out Dianne actually in the pool as well!)but nothing beats a cuddle with Grandma Muz… happy families!!

… a new restaurant opens in Rhinecliff .. offering an impressive range of home cooking.  The head chef checks out the puttanesca sauce .. as the sous-chef busies herself making the pasta then joining the guests at dinner ..Food and wine both excellent as was the overall ambience … definitely 2 thumbs up for this new venture!

… with darling little Evie …. .  Meanwhile, Dianne busy sewing the drapes.... Rob and JJ down by the pool practising kali (a form of martial arts from the Philipines )- very impressive!… Evie picking flowers in the front yard and she loves looking out the front door at the river, just the right height!