(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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 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?".
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.
Tummy troubles persist in our household. Avery's got the better of him (and the dining room carpet) this morning. We've spent most of our day snuggling on the couch... and the floor.
Here is Avery's new pillow. Jen bought the fabric and sewed the pillowcase for him. He is REALLY into Lightning McQueen and the movie Cars right now. Avery enjoyed displaying his musical talents in a duet with his Gram today. Avery played the green egg.
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