Random Fun

This baby is going to crawl any minute.  She thinks Scout is hysterical and loves to pull her fur.  I don't know how I'm going to be able to keep them apart once she's on the move!

There is a photo somewhere of me in this bonnet that looks just like this only bald.

Special artwork for Uncle Matt

First Day of Summer

What better way to spend the first official day of summer vacation than with a trip to the beach?  Elliott knows the chain of events that has been kicked off by the end of school but she doesn't understand that they aren't all happening immediately.  I picked her up from school yesterday and she asked: "are we going on a long plane ride to San Francisco now?" When I said not yet, she asked if tomorrow was her birthday.  This morning started out with the exact same line of questioning.

Open mouth, insert sand.

I stopped to get lobster on the way home -- can't drive all the way to Maine and come home without it ...

First and Last Day

Shower Night

The flowers needed a nighttime drink so E jumped in the outdoor shower.

Busy Weekend

We had three different birthday parties this weekend.  We made it through with only one major meltdown ...

She slept in the middle of the party for two hours.  Easiest baby ever.

Our new summer hairstyle survived a swimming party and a gymnastics party.

Their dads were in similar positions with beers instead of ice cream.  Summer.

Friday Concerts

Every Friday night during the summer there are outdoor concerts about 3 miles down the road.  It was perfect weather this week so we headed down after dinner, walked to get ice cream, danced with some friends, had a blast.

Elliott, the budding photographer.

Past her bedtime ...

Ballet Class

The tiniest ballerinas don't participate in the spring demonstration (a simplified uniform-not-costume recital) but we got to sit in on their last class.  It is impressive how much better they've all gotten at listening and following directions.  They still stomp around like adorable little elephants, but it is ever so slightly more organized stomping.  I love it.

Natalie was mesmerized while doing baby yoga.

I love this family

Father's Day

We did a secret photo shoot and framed these two photos for Jas.

Aw yeah.

The singing beef card was a big hit

Happy Pappy

As always, making Dee Dee's life easy.

Sometimes E needs a little reverse psychology to smile for a picture.  Pappy took us seriously when we said: "No smiling!"

Adventure Dog

Ever lost your wallet?  Then you know that feeling when your heart sinks into your stomach and lower.  Now multiply that by 8 million and live on a VERY busy road and have your dog sneak out the front door (at least I think that's how she got out -- I see no holes in the fence).  Oy.  Scout went missing for about 2 hours this weekend.  My feet and legs are all bloodied from running up and down the street barefoot and then traipsing through the reservation across the street in a panic. I felt better once I ran into some families who were going to be camping across the street -- I knew Scout would go find people ... and food.  Turns out she went visiting at the church next door AGAIN and someone put her into her car to keep her off the road.  She went on a few errands with a stranger and was delivered back to us a few hours later.  Man I love this dog.  What a terrible feeling to think we lost her.  I was only slightly afraid she'd get hurt -- I was more afraid someone would steal her.  She's just so loveable and wonderful.

Scout, why you want to LEAVE me?

Yapper Time

My cousin Sarah made her bi-annual pilgrimage back to the East coast and we were able to steal a few hours of their time.  Watching Elliott chase Maisie around the house ("Maisie!  Want to come play with me?") was like taking a time machine back to the 80s when I used to chase Sarah around.  The ages aren't quite right but the sentiment is.

Oh there was dress up time.  Oh yes there was.

Sesame Place

Our third annual trip to Sesame Place was a TOTAL success again this year even though the weather didn't cooperate ... and we got yelled at for being loud in the hotel hallway ... and Natalie didn't sleep all weekend ... [shakes head]. Total success. :o)

She was trying to listen to us in the hallway but fell asleep mid eavesdrop.

You can almost hear the squeal/grunt she makes.

Entertaining the masses while we wait for our pizza delivery.

What do you mean we were loud?

Me: OK guys, five more minutes and it is bedtime.
Six preschoolers: TEN MORE MINUTES! TEN MORE MINUTES!

Take me home now please.

The Elliott and Jake Show

And Lilly, too!