Acadia Camping Trip

With the 70-degree weather, we couldn't resist dragging out the camper and heading out for the weekend. We drove to Acadia National Park on Saturday morning and found a nice site at Blackwoods campground. We wouldn't really consider camping in Acadia during the summer so it was nice to take advantage of the early summer-like days and spend some time in the park.

After getting camp set up and having lunch, we hiked Day Mountain. We spent a long time hanging around at the summit, laying on the rocks, having water and snacks and enjoying the bright sunshine.

Avery enjoyed riding his bike on a closed portion of the campground road and Paige spent a lot of time walking around the campsite exploring.

On Sunday, we drove to Bass Harbor Head Light and in the afternoon, Jason and Avery did some "scaling" on the cliffs along the ocean near the campground.

We posted some more pictures of our trip here. It was definitely nice to get out and do some camping so early in the year, and we're already looking forward to our next trip.

Happy Birthdays

We had a birthday get-together for the kids today. It was great to have the grandparents here to celebrate. Jen made some great bug-theme cupcakes and made a great lunch.

Family

Yesterday, after drawing on his drawing board for a little while yelled out, "Look, I drew our family."

Boston Aquarium Trip

Last weekend, we took a road trip to Boston to visit the Aquarium--something we've been talking about doing for quite a while. We found a good package deal at a hotel right in the financial district, which is just a short walk from the Aquarium. It included the aquarium tickets, the room, a movie and popcorn in the room for the kids and breakfast. The pictures of the city were taken from our room, which was on the 12th floor.

We drove down on Saturday morning and walked around the city near our hotel Saturday afternoon. We enjoyed our movie selection (Wall-E) and our nice hotel room. After a good night of sleep, we headed to the Aquarium in the morning.

It was the kids' first trip to the big city and their first time staying in a hotel. A nice little trip.

Getting the Christmas Tree

We went out to the local tree farm on this snowy day to get our Christmas tree. As usual, we found just the right one. With the dusting of snow that we got this morning, it was a nice wintry scene. Avery even got in the first sledding of the year.

Windy Sunday

We are all spending a windy Sunday at home.  I'm busy worrying about the potential for more tree branches to end up strewn about they yard (there is a big one sitting in the middle of the driveway), waiting for football to start.  Jen is busy making baby food for Paige.  Avery is attempting to see if he can possibly take out all of his toys.  And Paige is just being Paige. 

Daddy Daycare

I'm home with the kids today, and I have to say, it's going pretty smoothly so far.  Avery has taken quite well to being a big brother, and that's a huge help.  Hope things are going OK for everyone.  -JGR

Happy Birthday Dad

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you.  -Jason

Grandparents

We visited the grandparents this past Sunday since it was Grandparents Day.  While at Gram Richard's, Paige took a nap under a blueberry bush while Jen picked berries.  We had some nice visits on a lovely sunny day.

Folk Festival Part II

We attended the Folk Festival on Friday evening, Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Amy and Isabelle joined us on Sunday. Avery and Isabelle enjoyed the children's area where they participated in various activities and crafts. It was really sweet to see Avery start dancing and grab Isabelle's hands. Paige loved the music too and started kicking her feet and bobbing up and down whenever a song started. We all enjoyed yummy treats too. I especially appreciated the free organic samples of graham crackers, 100% juice, chocolate milk and yogurt. Healthy treats for the little ones! By the end of the afternoon, Avery and Isabelle were happiest in the green grass along the river bank so we headed home to let them play on the swingset. Thanks for taking photos Amy!

Family Weekend

This weekend was spent with family. Saturday we spent the day celebrating Isabelle's 5th birthday poolside. Sunday we spent the afternoon enjoying lobsters and corn on the cob during Byran's weekend home.

Sigh...

Today Gram and J worked on Avery's swing set. We didn't finish it completely but Avery was able to try the swing. We still need to level the set, add a cargo net and trapeze. Its very sturdy and will last for many, many years (until we have grandchildren J said!). Avery had lots of fun and giggles playing with just a tarp in the backyard.

Max really went downhill last night. He was really struggling to breathe. We tried giving him extra medicine but it didn't give him any relief. Finally this afternoon we had to let him go. We already miss him so very much. Avery was napping during all of this. When he woke from his nap, I told him that while he was sleeping Max went to doggie heaven.

A: "Oooohhh (very quiet and sad) ... did you bring him there?"
Me: "Yes"
A: "Oh... I didn't give him enough love today" What a sensitive little man I have! It was all I could do to not completely break down at this... and I explained to him that he gave Max lots of love and he knew Avery loved him. A few minutes later...
A: "When is he coming back"

Generations

Four generations of beautiful Davis women.
Three generations of handsome Richard men.