Two.

Happy Birthday Ryan!  Hope you got to ride your Mow Mows all day!  We love you!

31 July

In the Garden.....(PS, the top left is from the farm)

As the years go by and my garden grows and my little people grow I find myself just pausing and noticing how I feel about this little hobby of mine.  You see, I never aspired to be a gardener.  It just felt right at the time, felt like something I wanted to do and teach the kids (and usually they are learning right a long with me).   I find myself out here a lot in the evenings, just before dinner, as the sum is dipping lower, the light is just right and the sea breezes are kicking in.  I pull a weed or two, kill off a few japanese beetles, and see what I can scrounge up to add to our plates.  No matter how many years I'll be at it, I think I'll always feel new at this.  I have noticed, however, that while I'm a perfectionist about so many other things in my life, when it comes to gardening, I'm just not.    If things don't work, I just rip them out and replant (as I did with the pumpkins this year and man they are HUGE!).  There are always bugs, and fungus.  The strawberries never made it.  But, it's ok, there are just so many things out of my control.  Usually, I just leave it alone and come out in a few more days and I'm surprised by what I see. Mother nature is an awesome thing.

30 July

Last night.....
We had a little impromptu dinner and birthday party with Mom and Dad (in fact after we ate a table full of leftovers, Mom and I drove to Hannaford at 7:30pm to get the chocolate fudge cake!).  So fun, and just so happy to share a surprise evening with family.  What a great way to end a vacation:)

29 July

(one more form the beach)

Today....
It rained.   We moved some furniture to get prepared for our floor refinishing in a few weeks when we go to the Hackney cabin (CANT WAIT for that trip).  That trip usually rounds out our summer and even though the kids don't go back until after labor day this year, summer is suddenly flying by. in a big way. My parents are moving out of their camp today.  It's a sad time, but a time of exciting transitions for them.  There are just so many great memories of days spent there, from our first married summer days, to Trevor's first weeks, to summer birthdays and all nine cousins being together.  But it's not at all about the physical place.  It's about finding the time and I'm sure we will all keep these yearly reunions going b/c that's just the type of family we are.  Anyway, this Sunday, the rain was welcome for the lawn and gardens, and getting ready to get back to the routine next week.

28 July

And to round out this AWESOME vacation, we spent the weekend with friends.  Good college friends that we haven't seen in two years.  Good College friends that we haven't seen or talked to much in two years, but picked up right where we left off.  The kids are so big now, they played just great all weekend.  WE though it was going to rain, but it was beautiful.  We went to the beach and brought a picnic lunch (we never do that even though it is only 5 mins away).  It was low tide so we took a long walk out to "crab island" where the kids built a little pool and raced the 20 hermit crabs they had collected.  We feasted on lobster and steak and big breakfasts.  We sat around the fire pit until all hours telling the stories of our lives from the last two years.  We watched the Olympics.  .  It was so easy, it always is when we get together.  Can't wait until the next time!

27 July

Yesterday....
Josh took the boys out on a REAL 9 hole golf course.  They did awesome (Lucas made a 12 foot putt!) and they couldn't contain their excitement. My afternoon?  Going through drawers and making list of what the kids need for school (because it's coming up before I know it...I mean 2 weeks until soccer season starts!) and playing 10 games of Sneaky Squirrel with my girl.  I can't think of any place that I would rather be (well I would of like to see Lucas sink that putt!)

26 July

Last night, when we got home from Boston, we headed over to the Sea Dogs stadium for the sold out game and fireworks show.  We were all decked out in our very best Red Sox and Sea Dogs gear.  Luckily, Mom could find everyone a hat (and a shirt and sunglasses) at home to support our favorite team!   It was a PERFECT night for baseball!  Aside from Bre asking to go home every five minutes (yep, real life), her getting her foot stuck in the seat and the guy behind me having to help me get it out while she screamed, She lost her hat, waiting in line for 5 innings for all the ball park junk food we love and them discontinuing our favorite BBQ Chicken sandwiches, it was just fantastic.  The fireworks were long and loud and awesome and the kids had another late night.  Certainly a night to remember.  Summer Days:)

25 July

Boston Day 2:

The kids woke Josh up with hugs and cards.
After some argument, We had breakfast at the hotel buffet (and it was great and quick!)
WE swam in the hotel pool (love hotel pools!)
We rode a train back to Quincy Market, visited the Holocaust memorial,  and picked up a few t-shirts to celebrate our favorite Boston teams. (Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins)
We visited the park and chased some ducks (we could have sat there all day)
We got Josh a chocolate, chocolate cupcake from Georgetown cupcakes (it's a famous place according to the duck tour guide) on Newbury Street.  Complete with song, candles (yep I carry those and matches in my purse)
Yep. Best.38th Birthday.Ever.

24 July

Boston Day 1:

Yep, we drove there, and parked there.
We took a duck tour (cross that one off the bucket list!) and Trevor and Lucas got to drive
We got to ride on the subway (kids were so excited!)
We got caught in a thunderstorm
We had Dinner with Jess and Jason at Faneuil Hall (so great to see them!)
WE got to stay in a hotel and stay up way past our bedtimes:)

23 July

Today.....
My very First public speaking engagement.  Our Special Ed teacher asked me to come speak at a class she was teaching about the parent perspective on special education and our personal journey in raising a child with Down Syndrome.  I was worried because I wanted to say what I wanted to say for me and I didn't have a whole lot of time to prepare for the 60-90 min talk.  Well, it was a small class and it went great (I think).  It's over now anyway, and I can add one more thing to the list of how this little girl has challenged me and changed my life for the better.

22 July

Yep, three kids, two grownups and a dog in a tent in the backyard with our campfire, smores and a new stargazing app.  Totally fun:)

21 July

The First official day of our July vacation.  We ended up at three different ocean spots, hiked a trail on Mackworth island (I've always wanted to do that), built a fairy house, ate donuts for lunch, fried seafood,lobster rolls, hot dogs and ice cream for dinner.  We watched the waves crash over the rocks at the Lobster Shack (the kids favorite).  The view there is so panoramic that you can actually see the curvature of the earth.  We packed it all in (but no stress at all!) ....and It's only day one! After all, kids only get a dozen or so childhood summers, so here's to making them memorable!

20 July

Last night......on just a beautiful evening, we picked up some Italians and headed over to the park for the outdoor concert.  It's just awesome b/c today you never see a bunch of kids just running around playing games that aren't organized sports.  Totally fun.  Bre joined a bunch of boys ages 7-12 playing football.  Really.  I watched, but let her go.  The boys didn't seem to mind at all and even let her get the ball a few times.  I'm so glad she has that confidence.  Just awesome.

19 July

5 times 12 July:

The other night we slapped together a gathering for our friends after a long day at work and christened the new fire pit.  It was hot and humid and I think it even rained a little.  But we did it, and had a grand old time....as we will gathering with friends, family and neighbors for years to come.  I think the kids even made smores:)

18 July

We're just loving the CSA from Broadturn farm (no, no tomatoes yet...).  We are splitting a share with our neighbors and each take turns going to the farm every other Friday to pick up.  We just get a huge amount every week and I have had no problems trying new things out and getting the kids to try them.  Last week I made beets and beet greens.  I add everything I can to our salads with the fresh greens.  These vegtables taste like nothing I have ever tasted.  To top it off, we got some new white plates as an anniversary present to each other.  I would have never known this, but it seriously looks like we are eating in a restaurant every night.  The colors of the fabulous food just pop.  
Given the amount of care and attention I have been putting into what we put into our bodies over the years, I can't believe this is the first year I have tried this.  Just awesome.

17 July

How  are we getting by about a month into Summer vacation?  Well, we had a family meting at the beginning of the summer and ALL came up with a list of summer rules and the bean list.  Whenever the kids do something on this list, they get a bean in their jar.  Whenever we remember, they turn in their beans for extra cash (5 cents each) to save for goodies at the water parks, little toys at the grocery store etc......We also have a secret person.  Each week we each draw a name and try to do 4 kind things for that person throughout the week without them knowing and then at the end of the week try to guess who our secret person is.  It has been fun.  We also get an e-mail each day from Bedtime math and read the question and figure it out at family dinner each night.  They still do drive me crazy......they fight and they seem to be on their own,  very slow time schedule.  They have been doing well at reading each day and getting exercise, and they NEVER even ask for TV.  SO, I have to say things are going well, me at home, Josh at work. I'm even getting some long runs in and trips to Trader Joe's.    Life is good.

16 July

Every Monday afternoon's Bre rides horses.  She loves it, she always has ever since she started when she was four years old.  She just has an understanding of animals that I can't explain.  Her new Horse is Tinkerbell.

15 July

Ok, so after two weekends in a row of backbreaking sweaty work in 90 degree temps on this patio, this weekend involved moving leftover bricks, cleaning up and planting plants, we are at a place where we are done and are ready to enjoy this new space for the rest of the summer!  Every night w literally fell into bed after doing all this and all the regular chores (and cleaning up after kids, cooking, laundry etc...etc...) And looking around at everything still left to do for regular chores makes us well........a little grumpy.  Someday, it will be nice to just get to a place where w only have to do regular maintenance chores I say.   But onward and upward and onto enjoying the fabulous memories that are yet to be made by family and friends and neighbors in this backyard.  Stay Tuned for the Tuesday night Christening of the new fire pit!

14 July

Our Annual anniversary date night.
This year at the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth.  It was a REALLY warm day, but we chose outside anyway.  Just a classy lobster dinner with an amazing ocean view complete with live guitar music outdoors.  Afterwards we took a walk down by the beach, sat by the fire pit and then on the lawn in the adirondack chairs.  On the way we stopped by a few antique stores that w always wanted to go in, but couldn't really do with the kids.  And of course there are always the great talks we have about our dreams for the future, our home and our kids.  Just an overall fun and memorable evening.

13 July

For Fun.....

12 July

I always say that I want to teach them things when they are young that they can take with them their whole lives......like skiing, piano,  and golf.  We found them each a set of clubs (Lucas' were by accident) and Trevor is taking a group lesson through our town rec program.  Lucas is going to the range while Trevor is in his lesson.  They love it so far and have been outside practicing everyday until bedtime.  So far our windows are safe....the roof, not so much.

11 July

At the end of the school year, Breanna's music teacher approached me and offered to give Breanna private Piano lessons over the summer.  Let's just say, any opportunity Bre is offered where she can learn something just like her peers and brother's can....well, we are there no matter what else might be going on......we are fitting it in.  Today, was her first lesson and she did awesome.  It helped that the teacher was already familiar with Bre and that she has even written a book on teaching preschoolers piano.  The opportunities she (and the other kids have had) here have been more than I could have ever imagined.  Trevor has informally been invited to a program at the New England Conservatory in Boston (more on that later....but he just started playing in January!). Anyway, my girl can already play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, just amazing.  Stay tuned for the video.....

10 July

Tonight......for our anniversary, we took a picnic dinner and headed down to the beach with the kids.  It was windy, and high tide, but awesome anyway.  Nothing beats the smiles and laughter of children running and playing in the waves and sand.  Nothing beats a walk, with no other distractions.  Nothing beats the light at this time of day.  Nothing beats digging a really big hole.  Nothing beats Lucas saying, " Look at this piece of wood....now here's something you don't see everyday,"  I love that, and I love this day.

Funny stuff.

Why it's better to spend your money on shoes.....

10 July

the story of us (photo circa 1995).

He does the bills, takes out the trash and mows the lawn, I make the beds and take care of the kids "schedules". He is a fabulous cook and he loves his DD coffee.....and running. We do little things for each other and we do little things that annoy each other. It's funny on how we never have to sit down and talk about the "little things". They just are what they are and we never make them into big things. The big things to us are the same......family, love, being kind.

13 years ago, we walked down the isle. We had the wedding of our dreams right by the sea. We both wanted a purple bathroom and copper knobs on the drawers in our first house. It's funny how dreams evolve and change. I'm sure in another ten years our dreams won't be so knee deep into child rearing, and housekeeping, maybe they will be travelling the world. But above all, we're best friends, and we just work, mostly because we are each others biggest fan. So here is to many more years together, and I'm sure the best is yet to come. Happy Anniversary to us:)

9 July

Just a PERFECT weather day......I don't remember the weather being this good....well ever.  80 degrees, not a cloud in the sky, low humidity.  This my friends is what we wait all winter for.  The nights are cool, great for sitting outside and opening up all the windows.   And sitting by (and floating around in!) the pool all afternoon with friends, it's not bad either. Yep, well be doing this every Monday.  Summertime in Maine.   Life is good.

8 July

It was a family affair.....everyone helped one way or another over the last month move and place the bricks, and now after a marathon weekend, the patio is finally complete.  Through our blood, sweat and tears (yep, all of the above but mostly sweat) we all had a hand in making it our own.....all ourselves, with a little help from our friends.   Years later, I hope they always remember what their little hands could do.  Where they stand back and say, "I helped make THAT"  And that's what life is all about.  There's still a lot of cleaning up to do, so say tuned for the before and after shots.

7 July

Summer Love #8: Kids in bathing suits (all day!)

6 July

Summer Love#7:  Two cool dudes sporting their new goggles by the pool (and they are not fighting!)

5 July

Summer Love #6-the pinky hold and how he waits with her for the bus on the bench by the driveway every morning coffee in hand.  Daddy's girl.

4 July

July 4 2012

Traditionally 4th of July in Maine is a fun filled day involving swimming and lakes and today was no exception.  To say it was packed full of fun would be an understatement.  WE headed out on the boat with the Day family around lunchtime, the kids went tubing (ALL the kids tried it and LOVED it!), then we headed over to some high school friends parents house which was a bit down the lake.  They had a water slide and a diving board at the end of their dock (of course, who doesn't?)  It was nice to get reacquainted with some super-nice and generous people!  After we left we tubed a little more until the weather started moving in.  We headed back to the Day's house for some BBQ.  To top off the evening, mother nature provided us with a supreme fireworks display in the form of a massive lightning storm as the kids put on a "Independence" talent show the had made up all by themselves (complete with invitations) for us in the living room.  We danced. laughed, did gymnastics, hopped on one foot holding a book, and juggled with one ball. They were all so tired, they just fell into bed as we carried them up the stairs when they got home.  They didn't even flinch hearing the fireworks show that the neighbors were putting on (now that they are legal in Maine).  We are so blessed to have such good friends and kids who will grow up together.  Just an Awesome Day I'll always remember.  I heart summer.

3 July

Definitely putting these Strawberries and Cream muffins on my once a year freshly picked strawberry making list.:)

2 July

First Day.  Of Work at the new job and Summer school.  It was a little overwhelming all around.  There was an emptiness around here.  Bre asked where he was at 10:40 when she got off the bus (10:40 am!).  We kept ourselves busy, we had a great day of  grocery shopping, vacuuming the car for the hundredth time,  visiting our friends pool and horseback riding.  The kids were helpful, obnoxious (as 10 and five year old boys are!), but helpful.  We even got some reading in.   He was home by 5:30, we had family dinner:).  Yep, 1st day down (but tomorrow is the first day for the babysitter!).  One day closer to establishing our new normal:)

1 July

Hello July.  Hello garden growing (corn, pumpkins, watermelons, tomatoes and peas that reach the sky)! Hello New Jobs, Hello new Patio.  Hello fresh farm food.  Hello grocery shopping with kids.  Hello sweat and work and humidity.  Hello bugs.  Hello Aquaboggin and the beach.  Hello iced tea.  Hello sandals and dirty feet.  Hello friends, Hello new routines. Hello olympics.   Hello getting up early to run.   Hello air conditioning.  Hello falling into bed at night:)