19 July

summer every day work.

J- computer, e-mail, conference calls

me-laundry, cleaning out (another box to goodwill!), organizing and making plans for some redecorating.

kids-fighting, typing, playing legos, fighting, eating, reading, playing legos, playing outside, fighting etc, etc.....

Truly, our adventures at home rival any of those that take place elsewhere (and are needed!).

18 July

The Typewriter.

Well, a long time ago, inspired by Amanda, I had an idea that Trevor just might like a typewriter of his own. I mean, what could be wrong with a kid asking to write? He has been begging for one ever since he saw her post. The other day, we stopped by Goodwill to see if there was one in working order. Well, we found this one, complete with receipt, a ribbon that worked a little bit, and manual from 1982. We were also lucky enough to find a new ribbon for it on Ebay (since they don't make these things anymore). So for the price of $4, we packed it up , took it home, set it up on his desk and plugged it in. They have been typing away ever since...... stories, lists, little notes to each other and even a secret code. Really, the best $4 I ever spent:)

17 July

Just watching the storms roll in.

16 July

This weekend, we headed down to Connecticut to visit some college friends. It's hard to believe it's been almost 14 years since we have lived here. It was a scorching hot weekend and we headed up to Lake Compounce Amusement and water park for the day on Saturday (along with the rest of the state). The kids all got a long so well. and it was a dream to watch the level of patience Trevor had with all the younger kids. Our friends have a beautiful home and no one was EVER hungry with the spread they so effortlessly put together every night. We were so glad to be able to add some Maine lobster to the mix that we had brought down with us. It was so fun hanging out outside every night talking and laughing until the wee hours on the deck to the light of the Tiki torches. Great, great memories.

15 July

And More swimming......Love this.

14 July

Summer means.......

lots and lots of swimming. When I was a kid we went to the lake EVERYDAY. I remember packing a cooler in the morning with plenty of drinks, a loaf of bread, peanut butter and snacks. We took swimming lessons and swam out to the dock. We hung out with all our friends until dinner time and sometimes we even stayed until after dinner time when the dads would come down and take us all waterskiing. Those are the best memories, what a lucky kid I was. Now, we spend our time between friends pools, the camp, the waterpark and the ocean. The kids are carefree, swimmimg and playing until after dark (and they are exhausted). After all, we have a whole winter to rest:) Happy memories.

13 July

off on a little adventure.......

Just one of those things I've always wanted to do with the kids (15 mins from home) but haven't as of yet....until today! Taking a trip downtown with just my oldest boy (both of us with cameras in hand). We picked up some yummy goodness at the farmer's market in the form of carrots, blueberries and raspberries. Some heavenly chocolate mousse cake at Foley's bakery (and a giant chocolate chip cookie for the boy, who saved just a tiny little piece for his younger brother). Some peppermint homemade soap, a chai latte, and a couple of used chapter books from Longfellow books. Browsing the little art store. It was just as I pictured the downtown farmer's market to be, swarming with the type of people who like to buy food here, artists, musicians strumming guitars with open cases next to their feet, and people collecting petition signatures. And this boy, who I held in my arms just moments ago, is now so grown up. Grown up to enjoy a special outing with Mom filled with great conversation about edible flowers, city people, the location of historical buildings that we want to visit, and tools used to make clay sculptures. Next time, I think I'll get some flowers, and we will definitely go back for the mousse cake. Happiness.

12 July

Just cooling down at our favorite waterpark.....

11 July

Finally (I love her title).

We were supposed to do this last fall, but needed to reschedule about 10 times (mostly b/c of weather AND sickness) . We had our family photos session tonight, it was a DREAM! No, the kids were't perfectly behaved, but were pretty patient (after a little bribing AND tickling) through the process. I mean MAN, the getting ready, the haircuts, baths, blowdrying, outfits and crying...... I thought we would never make it! BUT, The LOCATION (which I never new existed a mere 23 mins from home), the weather and the light were beautiful. Jenny was amazing and GREAT with the kids (and I think Bre wanted to go home with her). I just can't believe that everything finally came together and that is MY child in such a beautiful photograph. GO here for a sneak peek:) Can't wait to see the rest.

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.

12 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 twelve 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

We spent a night in Boston Saturday (thanks to some AWESOME babysitters!) for our anniversary, eating great food and walking along the waterfront, Quincy market and the North End. It was a dream. The WEATHER was perfect and so was the company:)

8 July

There's just something about teaching them an appreciation of all food real. Food that is still warm from the sunshine that their little hands just picked hours before, and using those same hands to make it into something even more deliciously homemade. Life is good.

7 July

And tonight with the setting sun, we decided last minute to go out and pick us several armfuls of red, sweet and juicy fruit. EVERYONE helped and they were all excited about finding the "perfect" berry. Summer, you are so sweet and you taste so good!

6 July

Just a little Art Project you made during OT---What a cute lion:)

5 July

Today......

I had a 12 hour work day

This girl had her first day of summer school (and at least if you have to go to summer school, a cool bus picks you up right at your driveway).

Trevor rode his bike for 7 miles.

We had a visit with the specialist and found out our girl needs surgery to have her tonsils and adenoids removed and possibly ear tubes....August 4th (bummer! Really puts a damper on the summer!)

Had good talks with Mom.

4 July

Last night. We headed out to the Seadogs game with Fireworks show after. The weather was iffy all day, but the rain held off, the kids were great (it was a late night), the food was great, and it was a great time. Lucas and Bre saw their first fireworks show and they loved it. We skipped bringing the camera due to weather, but here they all are ready to go with their flags and Seadogs hats. Happy 4th!

3 July

WHAT ONE LOVES IN CHILDHOOD STAYS IN THE HEART FOREVER....MARYJO PUTNEY

There is just something about a visit to this place. This place where in the warm summer afternoon the sun's shimmer off the water is so strong it is blinding. This place where in the late afternoon we can curl up with a family member with a good book or a card game. This place where that same afternoon sun shines brightly into the kitchen where we prepare the BBQ for the night's family feast to fill our bellies, hungry from swimming and playing that last game of cornhole. This place where watching the sun dip lower in the sky never gets old (the best things in life really are free!). This place where the afternoon turns to evening and the fire glows and the card games are brought out where best conversations are made (long after the young one's are asleep). This place where a morning boat ride before big waffle breakfast is the best part of a little one's day. This place where our family gathers, some few or all.....young and old, differences are always put aside and we just are.....together, ever conscious of each passing moment and what a blessing it is. This place where the best childhood memories are made, after all, these memories of time spent with family are the best gift that I can give them.

2 July

the holiday weekend. We're getting ready to head up to the lake for some swimming, rest and relaxation. The boys were so excited I heard them rummaging up in the attic this morning for their suitcases. By the time we were all up, they were already packed! Good times.

1 July

Last day of Farm camp.......

the younger group got to visit with the baby turkeys....they were so excited (Breanna would have stayed and played with them all day)! The older group made their own farm stand selling vegetables, strawberries and herbs. Trevor wishes he could go back next week because the baby chicks are arriving. They ALL want to go back next year (and next year we are doing the CSA for sure), what a great week!

30 June

For the love of ICE CREAM!

29 June

Summer Life.

We sat down a few months ago as a family and decided (after a little bit of eye rolling) how we were going to make the most of our summer. I truly don't throw a party when the bus comes to pick up the kids on that first day of school, I know it is easier for me b/c we are a full time two parent household. I truly enjoy the kids being home and really want to make the most of this time being present with my family because, like everything else, it will be gone before I know it. Setting a few ground rules of what will work for our family just helped make the transition all that much easier.

Here are some personal goals I have this summer:

1.) to complete my half marathon training. I'm up to 7-8 miles now for my long run. I have a sore back this week, but I have plenty of time to make it up before the race September 4th. Drink more water (with lemon).

2.) play everyday, and work on our summer to do list, get out and explore all this area has to offer.

3.) make family dinner a priority, EVERY night. Go to the farmer's market and try new HEALTHY things. Everyone eats one meal.

4.) Don't stress about summer school. Now that Bre is out for the summer I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Summer school does stink (especially for a child who hates to get up in the mornings being on a bus by 7:10-YIKES!), but there are just some things we don't get much control over and besides, stress will kill you.

5.) To go grocery shopping without the kids, I save so much money!

6.) to weed the garden every week.

7.) To go to the library, check out tons of books, read and be inspired

8.) to start the kids school albums.

9.) getting together with family and friends (should be #1)

and for the kids:

1.) no TV except movie nights. There were way too many fights about the TV and summer is WAY too short around here to be inside watching. I have to say that for the first two weeks they have been way too busy to watch and haven't even asked for Tv or iPod/iPad games.

2.) reading every day, and finishing the library reading program (Trevor 45 mins a day and Bre and Lucas 15 mins).

3.) Keeping up with school skills-1 Summer Bridge activity a day for Lucas and Trevor ,the SMASH journals, and handwriting practice and extra therapy for Bre.

4.) Lots of getting outside and going, hiking, biking, riding scooters, going to camps, playing with friends. We have a big summer list of NEW places around here we want to visit.

5.) Family dinner, no exceptions. One meal and everyone tries everything out of respect for the cook!

Documentation inspired by Ali.

28 June

And today, with the kids in camp (but I missed them!), I had a little bit of freedom for a little adventure to check out the new grocery store downtown.

27 June

Summer Fun.....

This week, all the kids are attending Farm Camp! The good thing about living where we live is that we can be at the beach in 5 minutes, the lake in 30 mins, the grocery store in 10 mins, skiing in 60 mins and the farm in 10 mins. I LOVE driving out here in the summer time, on the windy roads, past the gardens, horses and hand painted signs. This place is so peaceful, the farmers have done a ton of work to the structures since we first started camp there 4 years ago (and yes, even farmers use nail guns), it looks beautiful. The kids are having a blast, especially Trevor who gets to go all day. They do fun things like feed and play with animals, make friends and play games, tie dye shirts and make memory books, pick strawberries and vegetables, bake and cook, try new and interesting foods ("Mom, I ate a leaf!" .....yes, even my kids!), dig in dirt and go for walks to wade in the babbling brook. Good times!

26 June

The weekend.......

It was good to get out of the house after 4 days of rain.

We went to see Cars 2, it was cute, Trevor liked it "because of all the shooting and spy action"

We checked out a flea market right around the corner from us, Trevor paid $1 for a little travel checkers game and played it all weekend.

I didn't take many pictures.

We checked out a new hiking path they just made a few miles away, it was cool to explore and see a waterfall.

We started reading a Child's History of the World out loud to the kids, and they actually like it.

We visited the farmers market for the first time this year and came home with some yummy grass fed beef hamburgers, eggs, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes and organic strawberries, YUMMY!

we mowed the lawn and planted three new "beach rose" bushes on the side of the deck.

Tomorrow, Farm camp starts for all the kids and they can't wait!

25 June

Around the yard this June.....

Even with all this rain, flowers and vegetables are finally starting to bloom!

24 June

Us. Right now.

Three kids (one with a flashlight) and a Mama in a minivan heading back from Lacrosse camp. Heading over to Subway for lunch on a cold, rainy summer day.

23 June

So, I found us (Trevor and I ) and really cool project for the summer. SMASH journals. Here is the concept. When Trevor and I watched the video in May, we were really excited about the project. We're also using this book for inspiration in our writing. We have been having fun with the glue for all the little stuff and photos that go along with our summer memories. It is a little ritual that I REALLY look forward to at the end of my summer days. I especially like that he likes to share his private thoughts with me (and lets me put some on here) and it is one more thing that my boy and I can do together before he gets too old and doesn't want me around anymore. And the good parents thing, that just really brings a tear to my eye. Here's to journaling (and summer!)

22 June

Cozying it up in our new Hammock (that we got daddy for Father's day:))

21 June

pool.

ok, so on the first real day of summer vacation, we decided we needed a little pool for the backyard (hey the water parks aren't even open yet). We had built this deck years ago for that very purpose. The fresh hose water was FREEZING (and it will probably take at least 2 weeks to warm up), but ALL the kids were in it anyway (even the girl, who HATED swimming lessons for years dipped herself ,after she had stripped her clothes off HERSELF, in to the freezing water and practiced her swimming motions and then REFUSED to get out!) It was so fun to watch:) Happy First day of summer!

20 June

School Memories.....

It is amazing to see your progress. It is amazing that you had a teacher that took so much care in preserving your Kindergarten memories (b/c Kindergarten rocks!) Go Bre!

19 June

Father's Day......

A day to remember. It all started cuddles, snuggles and cards (cards with superman on the front and music inside picked out by one 4 year old boy). Then off to a race, that Father's Day 5K. Bre and Lucas ran the fun run and Trevor ran his very first 5K with his Gammie, Grampa and Cousin Sam. He ran the whole thing and we were so proud of him! Then we headed home for a brunch and an afternoon of relaxin' outdoors with a beverage, campfiring, BBQueing and playing on this gorgeous day. Right now, at the end of the day as the cooking baths and the dishes are done (with a little help from the Dad on his day "off"), He is simply sharing a golf game with his oldest boy. The thing is, is that I don't think there is a single place that he would rather be . Any child would be lucky to have him for a Dad. With my heart full of gratitude for all you do, Happy Father's day J and to all the Dads I know! I hope it was a great one:)

18 June

Summer vacation.....DAY 1

17 June

A day of lasts.....

Last Day of Kindergarten and third grade

Last Day of walking/riding bikes or battery powered tractors or riding in the car to the bus stop

Last day of making lunches.

Last day of reading the communication notebook when B gets home

Last day of use the bathroom , wash hands, watch Thomas with a cheese stick and apple juice after school

Last day of Mrs. C :( (Love her!)

Last day of organizing papers and figuring out calendars and schedules

Last day of filling out the reading sheet

Last day of one mama and one 4 year old home all day.

Last day of school for the year! We're celebrating with a special (but kid picked) dinner out and ice cream sandwiches for all the kids at the bus stop. Definitely a year of some major growing. Summer is here! Yeah!

16 June

Bre at her crazy hair day (Picture taken by Dad)......and I had so much fun planting the Blue Point Garden all afternoon with Lucas and all the elementary school children (until the thunderstorms rolled in). Tomorrow is the last day of school!

15 June

Lucas loves to sit down and read, color, and practice writing and other big kid school things. Trevor never had any interest in this at age 4, but probably b/c he didn't have a big brother and sister in school. Next year, I'm going to be the big kid in my school" Lucas says. Boy, I wish I could keep you at four forever:)

14 June

Your final project of the year, you Bald Eagle research project complete with clay model and background. We're so proud of you Trevor!

13 June

my favorite summer drink...... lemonade with citrus slices.

12 June

Another dreary rainy COLD weekend for June in these parts, but we managed to make the most of it . We had 2 lacrosse games (which thankfully ended before the rain!), visited with grandparents, made waffles, made homemade teacher thank you notes, went glow-bowling and baked some homemade brownies. We were hoping to make the old port festival (which I've always wanted to go to and the bands line up this year was great) and have our family photos done, but weather just didn't hold out. To the festival next year....

11 June

You.

are training to run your very first 5K on June 19th. So far we are up to two miles running together, listening to our iPods. I'm loving spending this time with you.

10 June

"Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our

hearts, and we are never the same."

-Franz Peter

Schubert

Friends.

Yesterday, Breanna's teacher had a special snack time for all the Mom volunteers. She gave us flowers and handmade cards from all the kids. We played bean bag boogie and talked. We saw our students progress from the beginning of the year until the end. We all cried about the bittersweet end to our childrens' Kindergarten year. We shared stories, heartwarming stories about our girls and true friendship (insert more tears). Mrs. C is an amazing teacher who loved and believed in each one of our kids this year. What a great class of kids....and I can't help but think a little bit of the amazingness of it was the difference that Breanna made (insert more tears.) She's helped them as much as they have helped her.

9 June

Whoever had the idea of letting him bring his very own cart AND list to the grocery store is a complete genius. He LOVED it (and was an absolute angel).

8 June

Today.......so nice out is feels like heaven. I'm loving the two of them playing together in the backyard.

7 June

You....... just bringing a little bit of everything outdoors. You are loving water guns, painting, hoses (and anything water related), right now.

6 June

Your last day of preschool this year.....you were so excited and you LOVED preschool. Today your brought home your mug, a "fish" t-shirt, your journal, pillow, and hand towel. you can't wait to go back in the fall and be in the "big kid" group three days a week. We LOVE our little Willoughby Woods preschool!

Willoughby Woods Creed:

Love Children for who they are

Empower them to believe in themselves

create a sense of community where friendships blossom

foster compassion and respect for one another and all living things

encourage Children's curiosity, compassion and creativity.

inspire a love for learning.

5 June

On Saturday.......

The Cape LAX tournament, for a WHOLE afternoon (and a perfectly beautiful heavenly afternoon at that), friends over all evening for laughs, pizza, a campfire and a sleepover!

Good times.

4 June

It's campfire, marshmallow roasting and S'mores time....(aka uninterrupted family time)I love it!

Grace.

LOVE this post.

3 June

Aren't these labels great! A scrap-booker must have invented them:)

2 June

Seriously, how did you get to be so big? The ninth year is a really big growing year (not just for legs). You have the foundation of maturity in there, I just know it (and plus we talk about it all the time). You get what it is and what you have to do to think outside of yourself, you are just on the cusp of it. Just on the cusp between big kid and little kid. . Love you my handsome boy!

1 June

Hello June. Love this.