An Uninvited Guest

Don't ask, we can't figure out how this creature (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) found its way into our house. Before heading out to the first night of the American Folk Festival we heard a strange sound that seemed to be coming from behind the dresser in the bedroom. We sent Avery in with a flashlight to investigate, but found nothing. When we returned home, Jen and Avery flopped down on the couch in the living room to find this squirrel clinging, motionless, to the top of the door frame. We think he was "treed" by a Buggy/Max joint effort while we were gone. After some careful maneuvering, we were able to open the sliding door, and guide him out the door with a broom.

Hampden Children's Day

Last weekend was the annual Children's Day in Hampden. We didn't make it to the parade but we visited the festivities in the afternoon. Avery showed off his cat-like balance on the playground and jumped around in the bounce-house. We returned in the evening to see a pretty impressive fireworks show.

Pine Point

We took advantage of the great weather on Saturday to take a day trip to the coast. We headed to Pine Point for a day at the beach. First, of course, we stopped to have lunch at the Clam Bake. Avery loved everything about the beach. The tide was going out, so we went for a walk on the sandbar and searched for sand dollars. We didn't find any, but we found lots of tiny crabs hiding out in shells.

Weekend Update

This weekend was all about birthday parties and work around the house. On Saturday, we went to Isabelle's 4th birthday party. It was a good day for the kids to go for a dip in the pool. Today, we stuck close to home and got some work done. We managed to trim around a large pine on our property line and do some pruning. The house got a good cleaning as well. Sorry we don't have anything more glamorous to report. Above, you will see a picture of Avery helping out with another ongoing project--loaming and seeding the lawn in front of our new deck.

New Hampshire Vacation

We just got back from a week-long camping trip to New Hampshire. We stayed at Roger's Campground in Lancaster, New Hampshire. My parents used to take us there when we were kids, and it was fun to go back with Avery. It rained quite a bit, especially early in the week, but we still managed to have fun and keep dry in our camper. We pulled the picnic table under the awning so we could still cook or sit outside even when it was raining. The campground was pretty deserted, with only a few other families there. It was a good campground to spend a week at, with a nice playground that Avery couldn't get enough of and nice paved campground roads for walking.

Campground Review Section
Since there aren't a lot of online reviews for Roger's Campground, I'm sure we'll get some traffic from people trying to find out about it. Just for these visitors, I'll say that the campground is pretty nice. There are many good sites and the tenting/pop-up sites are shady. The roads are all paved, which is nice because it isn't dusty. There is a lot to do right at the campground, including three swimming pools and a water slide. Some of the facilities, particularly the bathrooms and showers, are showing their age and in need of updates. The store is well-stocked and the staff is friendly.

We visited Santa's Village on Tuesday. It was only ten minutes away from the campground. Avery had a great time visiting Santa and Santa's reindeer and riding all of the fun rides. Avery especially liked driving the antique cars. You can check out a video of Avery's driving skills here. On Thursday we went to Storyland for more of the same type of fun. The trip to Storyland gave us a great opportunity to drive through the White Mountains. We, of course, were traveling with Max, so it was nice that both Santa's village and Storyland had kennels where he could stay while we were there.

It was great to get away for a week--our longest camping trip yet. We've posted a bunch of photos of our trip here for you to look at. The White Mountains are beautiful and the drive to get there isn't bad. We are already thinking ahead to our next visit to the area. We would like to check out the Mount Washington cog railway and the gondolas at Wildcat as well as stay at some of the state parks in the mountains. -jgr

Is he only 2?

Pepe and Meme came to visit recently and brought Avery this stylish soccer outfit. He is getting so tall... and looks so grown up here. He is standing on the little red stool (once his dad's), looking out the window at the neighbor's dump truck full of dirt (working on their lawn with lots of exciting big equipment) and comparing it to his book Curious George and the Dump Truck.

Camping at Whispering Pines

(July 2005)





We spent the weekend at a nearby campground on Toddy Pond in East Orland. We went there when Avery was just four-months old (see 1st photo and post). We knew exactly what campsite we wanted when we went back and we were lucky enough to get it this time. The site was right on the water. Avery went fishing for the first time, right from the campsite, and we caught many, many sunfish. The campground has canoes that campers can use, so we went for a paddle both days. It's a great little campground and it's only a half-hour from home, which makes it great for a quick weekend trip. We can definitely see it being a regular camping destination.

Home Improvements

The new deck, front stoop and roof are complete. We are now ready to start landscaping. Jason plans to level out the backyard and plant some grass. The next project will be a swing set for Avery. We're looking forward to cookouts on the deck this summer.

Camping Trip

We ventured out on our first camping trip with the new camper during the holiday weekend. We didn't go far--just to a KOA campground in Richmond. Avery got to act out all of the stock camping activities that he has been chattering about for a couple of weeks, like playing on the playground and having a campfire and eating marshmallows. We've included some key pictures from the weekend, which include Avery digging in the dirt; Avery riding his bike down the big hill; our campsite; Avery and Ashton, the six-year-old that adopted Avery as a buddy; Avery sleeping comfortably in his sleeping bag; Avery preparing the traditional kid camping breakfast of cereal from a single-serving box; and the colorful curtains and cushion covers that Jen made for our camper.

The camper was great. It is nice to have a place to sit down with Avery and color, an awning to sit under for some shade, and a place to retreat when it rains. We are definitely looking forward to many more trips this summer.

Just Plain Avery

Here is Avery wearing a coat that I had when I was his age. It's an antique! When Isabelle was up, we took her and Avery to a local playground. Since then, he hasn't stopped talking about this wall that he climbed up.

Bravery

Avery: "Momma climb BIG tree."
Parent: "And what else?"
Avery: "And on ropes."
Parent: "And what else?"
Avery: "Way up in sky."
Parent: "Yes, and what else."
Avery: "It very scary!"
Parent: "Scary, indeed. What else?"
Avery: "Momma brave."

Yes she is.

A Camper!

Today we went up and picked up our new (to us) camper! It towed like a dream, we managed to back it into the driveway without much frustration, and it set up and packed up really easily. We are all looking forward to our upcoming summer of camping trips.

When Avery stepped inside, he said, "You buy this Daddy?"
"Yup, I bought it."
"It's cool, Daddy. It's cool!"

Jen is going to get busy making some new curtains and then we'll be ready for our first trip. The bed Max is resting on in the picture makes up into a booth with a table. It has a sink, a three burner stove and lots of storage.

It was strange putting it up and taking it down. I remember my parents going through the same motions when I was little--cranking it down a bit then walking around tucking in the canvas before cranking it down some more. Our family had a great time camping when I was a kid, and I know that we are all going to really enjoy the camper. -jgr

Acadia Trip

Today we took a trip to Acadia National Park to enjoy the nice weather. We started out with a picnic lunch, then walked down to the rocks to watch the ocean, see some birds, collect some rocks and explore. It was a really beautiful day and we all had a great time.

Happy Day B

Happy Birthday to You Bryan!

Elmo LOVES you!

Jason requested an Elmo birthday party. Avery has been talking about it all week. He doesn't watch much TV but occasionally we see Elmo's world on Saturday morning. He insisted that Dorothy the fish be part of the celebration. Tonight in the tub (yes its midnight and I'm at work....) I asked him what tomorrow is... and he sang 'Happy Birthday' and then asked 'where daddy card'... good thing that's all he knows about!!!! Hopefully all of my boys enjoy the Elmo birthday treats planned. Happy Birthday Jason!

Spring is Here!!

We spent some much needed time outside this weekend. Belle and Avery played on bikes in Grammie's driveway on Saturday. Sunday we took Max and Avery out for a walk - Avery walked a mile on his own (holding our hands of course). We also tried out Avery's new puddle boots. During our walk, he identified every puddle of water that would require his new puddle boots.

The Monkey Party

A few snapshots of the monkey party. Avery had so much fun. He was surrounded by grandparents and all their love. It was a great afternoon.

Happy Birthday

Happy second birthday Avery! Avery is a little under the weather today. The current cold has brought on asthematic reactions again. We did get out to bring cupcakes to his friends. They all sung Happy Birthday to him and his teacher gave him a card. He grinned from ear to ear. We've spent the morning snuggling on the couch, reading stories, coloring together and playing with matchbox cars. Oh, and I think we have neglected to share Avery's new favorite book... Peterson's Guide to Birds. He finds and correctly identifies the puffin, the eagle, the chickadee, the cardinal, the woodpeckers, the owls (he picks out the snowy and barn owl and owls without ears), and of course the bluejay. Its a riot. We've spent a lot of time reading this book this morning, in response to "where my woodpecker go?".

Monkey Love

Tomorrow is Avery-Monkey's second birthday. I can't believe he is already two. I can't believe he talks so well and so much, sings so many songs (he does insy weensy spider with all of the hand motions), tells us "i love my daddy" and "i love you mommy" with great big hugs, is using the potty (not yet trained but on our way!), how many signs he remembers and uses, how well he colors (not in the lines completely but very purposeful)...I can't believe how simply amazing it is to experience life with this beautiful boy! Avery will share these monkey cupcakes with his friends tomorrow.