The BIG 5-0!

Our last evening in Maine was spent celebrating Uncle Scott!  He had a big birthday and we all shared a fun filled evening planned by Scott.  He made dinner reservations at a really neat Italian restaurant.  There he ordered us a bunch of appetizers and small plates to share.  It was delicious.  From there we walked to a cute little gelato shop and finished the night with a little sweetness.  Happy birthday Scott we hope your year is filled with happiness!

Walking in downtown Portland!

Berry Reunion, almost

We were lucky enough to have a wonderful lunch at Aunt Spunky's house.   Margie, Barb and Jim, Cathy, Spunky and Ray also joined the fun afternoon complete with ice cream cones.  The kids loved picking blueberries out back and playing with the dogs. Since we missed the Family reunion by one day we were thrilled to get to see some of the fam.  Thank you Spunky for a fantastic day!  

Becca Day!!!!

We met Rebecca and her family at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire.  Last summer, Becca and her family moved from GA to MA.  Avery and Becca have a very special relationship.  They hit it off from hello and adored one another since.  Rebecca was kind enough to be a Mother's Helper and come over and play with Avery and Dylan.  They think the WORLD of her.  Last summer we were all set to travel to Boston to meet Rebecca when a hurricane hit and our travel plans were cancelled.  This trip was long in coming and has made Avery's summer!  She still can't stop talking about our special day!  We just wished it could have lasted longer!  

Rebecca brought her family and it was so much fun to catch up with them!  I love her Mom and the siblings are the sweetest, smartest bunch you have ever seen!  Thanks for meeting us in the middle and making our trip fantastic!  xoxo

It didn't take him long to fall asleep after such a great day!  Thank you Rebecca and Sarah for the awesome beach cover ups! We love them!  

Time flies when you're having fun!

This week my baby girl went off to Kindergarten!  What does this mean?  Five days a week she goes to school.  This is the beginning of her academic career and she is officially growing up and gaining independence fast.  It makes me emotional because I can still remember the day she was born and how our lives changed in that instant.  The first year of her life went slowly.  So many changes, so much learning and adjusting and loving.  Then, after that first birthday time has gone into warp speed.  I feel so, so, so blessed that I have been able to be home with her for the past five years.  We have seized every opportunity to explore, have fun, and take it all in.  I am grateful for this time and can't thank Trevor enough for also valuing it and working so hard to provide for our family.  And my baby girl...I couldn't be prouder!  I can't believe what a sweet, sensitive, smart, and caring girl she has grown to be.  I am looking forward with teary eyes at all the new adventures Kindergarten and beyond will bring.  Avery we love you!  Happy first week of school!  

Avery is going to Kindergarten at her preschool which allows me one more year of half days.  She has four fantastic teachers that I look forward to getting to know this year.  I can't believe I didn't get a picture of any of them :)  

Of course we had to celebrate the first day with lunch at the bakery and a trip to the duck pond!

Avery also started gymnastics this week.  It is at a "real gym" and she is thrilled to be in class with Handley!  

Finally, we spent Saturday morning at the zoo with Aunt Lyn-Ann.  Perfect way to start the day!  We got to see the Rhino taking a mud bath! 

Friendship, ME 2012

Once again we had an amazing time at Aunt Patty and Uncle Richard's house.  We arrived in Friendship Tuesday morning and stayed till the afternoon.  The kids love running around the yard exploring the garden and looking at all of Uncle Richards lobster traps.  This time though we  were able to see Lori (Trevor's cousin) and her son Cole.  The kids loved playing.  It is always such a tranquil spot to visit.

The tide was high so we got to go for a spin on Uncle Richards lobster boat!  The kids were in for a treat!  He even showed us how he hauls a trap and their were two lobsters in it! Oh, did I mention both Avery and Dylan got to drive the boat :)

We brought a few lobsters off the wharf and to the house.  The kids played with them and then... they became our lunch.  Not sure if they made the connection though :)

After lunch, Aunt Patty took the kids crabbing.  Avery is still upset we couldn't bring "Crabby" home with us!  Uncle Richard also showed us his pet ducks and new boat!  We ended the day with ice cream sandwiches before we made the trip back to Portland. 

Thank you Aunt Patty and Uncle Richard!  The summer isn't complete until we have visited!  XOXO

Kezar Lake, Maine

Last Monday we spent the day exploring Kezar Lake in Bridgeton, Maine. The Collins family was kind enough to have us aboard their new pontoon boat for the day.  Mike is Trevor's best friend from way back....they could have a good time doing anything together.  Sam is Mike's better half that I have know since the day I met Mike.  She makes the best wraps and is always fun to spend the day with.  Their girls Katie and Layne are adorable and getting so big.  

We cruised the gorgeous lake on a beautiful day, swam at the beach and in the middle of the lake, and the big boys did some rock jumping.  It was a nice relaxing way to catch up with old friends.  Thanks Mike and Sam for a great day!  We are already looking forward to next year! 

Old Orchard Beach

We made it to Old Orchard Beach or OOB twice during our week in Maine.  It is a cheesy carnival/ restaurant/ boardwalk area on the ocean that is tons of fun for the kids.  Dylan was taller this year and although not tall enough to ride a ton of rides he sure enjoyed the ones he was able to! Avery's selection was bigger and she had fun bouncing from ride to ride.  Uncle Scott came with us on both trips and I think he had fun as well!  

The water was so cold (in the 60's) and it didn't bother Avery one bit!  Brrr...