Hannah Jane Turns SEVEN!!!!!

Oh my goodness, she is a seven year old! At the beginning of the month, we celebrated her birthday with school friends, now, on the offical day, she picked the plans. She decided that she wanted HOMEMADE waffles and to open her presents at breakfast. I made the waffles, including folding in the peaked egg whites at the end, and Hannah opned the presents. We didn't see her or Caroline for quite a while as they played with the gifts. We packed up lunches and the neighborhood kids and headed out to the Seacoast at Odieorne Point in Rye. The 6 kids went tidepooling, had a seaside picnic and then went in and explore the museum. When we got home we had piano and guitar lessons, and learned a whole bunch of new songs.
Off to Hannah's next choice, the "moose place". (bugaboo creek) After a nice meal, they came over with a cake to sing the Happy Birthday song. Only at this place, they have a big moose head and they ask you to kiss the moose. Caroline always refuses, and Hannah does in Caroline's wake, but this time, she was brave and kissed him. John was a little apprehensive.
A nice day, all thanks to Hannah's instructions. We were quite busy. Looking forward to an overnight visit tomorrow from my Ct friend Cheryl and her three girls.

An amazing Family Weekend

Friday at 4 pm Caroline came up with the idea to have a pj party. We invited her friend Molly over for pizza and a movie in her pj's. Easy night, everyone was happy. The weekend got even better with me sleeping in on Saturday. Chris and the girls set up the tent in the yard with the idea that they were going to go camping. They played in the tent all afternoon with the neighborhood kids. Dominos, card games and comic books. I got to go on a nice bike ride - by myself- for an hour, about 15 miles. Chris and the girls played the new yard game he got for Father's day, BlongoBall, and Caroline beat him!! Then, we then had a nice bbq. Johnny went to bed and we cooked samores on the campfire. After the girls brushed their teeth, we sat in the tent and sang campfire songs. Chris and the girls slept well out in the tent, while I had the bed all to myself inside! We got up Sunday morning and packed up the cooler and the car for the beach. We headed up to York and set up camp. We happened to sit next to a really great couple with really great kids. The kids played all day and ended up exchanging numbers. They live in Pittsfield, where I went to boarding school. Small World. Chris and I talked about what a nice weekend it was, not only weatherwise but activity wise. It was simple but well meaning. We concluded that this weekend's theme was " They won't remember the stuff we bought them, they will remember the stuff we did" I think good words to live by.

Last day Of School

On the 20th of June Caroline and Hannah ended their career as a 2nd and 1st grader.
I can't believe I am now a mother of a third grader, a second grader AND a one year old!
After they came home, we packed up a picnic dinner and headed over the the Mill Pond Center for a concert featuring one of Caroline's friend's mom. Hannah sat around and chatted with her friend Will and Caroline watched the band. Caroline, who is newly into guitar lessons, watched very carfully to see what was happening on stage.

My dad's 65th Birthday and Father's Day

This year, my dad turned 65. He set a goal that he and my mom would walk the entire NH coastline to celebrate. They did, 21 miles of it. To celebrate, we all went out to the beach (including Uncle Jeffy and Aunt Lydia), played in the sand and water, ate lunch and had cupcakes. Later, my parents came over for dinner and celebrated Father's Day.
It was also Johnny's first time on the beach. Of course, he ate the sand and cried at the water, but over all, had a great time.

Expression Session

The girl's school has a talent show at the end of the year. The kids do various things, singing, dancing, telling jokes.
Caroline decided to do a speech on the Civil war and Clara Barton. She did all the research herself and wrote her speech. She is very interested in Clara Barton, and after her speech, so were the other kids! HannahJane did a wonderful gymnastics routine and showed all she has learned this year from the UNH gymnastic team.

Track Meet

Caroline and Hannah were on track this spring. The last day there was a meet. Chris snapped some photos of them doing the various activites and running with their coach.

Johnny Eats Yogurt BY HIMSELF!

What an active life we lead over here!

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there

Scroll Down to read the message from the kids.

Tree Guys

We had a tree service here to cut down a big tree in the front yard, take down a pine on the side of the driveway and take a big branch off of the big oak in the front. It was so cool to watch and Johnny stood at the door and squealed the whole time.