Hanging out with Friends from RV

The conductor of my Renaissance Voices group holds a yearly back to singing party on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. The Stovers are wonderful hosts and have a beautiful home and yard. We had a great time chatting with friends, especially Tavia, running in the field, digging up potatoes from Liz's garden, watching Harold play his pipe organ, and eating lots of great food!

We love hanging out on the hammock!

With our cousins, family, or even neighborhood friends!

Face painting times two

We've been lucky to have two great days of art, music and face painting. Today, we went to my favorite Fair in the world - the Common Ground Country Fair in Unity. Jud played a gig with Paddy Mills, and we were lucky to be able to hang out with the Mills including Ezra (above).
Eleanor loved rolling in the hay. Literally. I think we took a bale home with us stuck to her sweatshirt.
Saturday, we enjoyed painting, pottery and music at the Family Art festival on the Brunswick Mall. Gemma in particular loves to paint, paint, paint!

Gemma's a schoolgirl...

Here she is with her friend Josy. Gemma's great at pumping on the swing. She also did an awesome job cheering her sister on, riding the rocking horse, and playing with the stable pups!

Gemma says


josy played with me
gemma
me

Eleanor's first horseriding lesson

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Eleanor's first horseriding lesson was a huge success. Her teacher, Sherrye, is an excellent rider and wonderful teacher. Eleanor was able to groom and tack her horse, Lexi. She then was able to ride Lexi around the arena. After that, Sherrye and her horse even took Eleanor and Lexi for a ride up the hill and around the barn. Check it out!

Michigan - Part II - Chihuly with Matt and Maggie

We had a great time meeting up with Matt and Maggie. We got to see their new home and pick some monster blackberries in their backyard. Then, off for great pizza and cider before heading to the Meijer Gardens. What a great visit with the girls youngest uncle and newest auntie!

Michigan Visit - Part I - Fun at Grampy's

Finally - A month later it is time to post Michigan pics. The girls had a great time going out on Grampy's boat with their cousins while the Dad's stayed home making a meal. Afterwards, we went out to Grampy's ice cream spot. The best deal in the state! Have you ever seen such big cones?

Random Summer Pictures

Here's Gemma at the Topsham Fair. This picture reminds me of one with Auntie Ray holding a Siamese Satin Bunny...
The girls wanted to watch the harp playing at the Highland Festival. We could not tear them away to get to our next engagement (a birthday party - with cake and ice cream). Gemma kept asking to stay for one more. She was totally entranced. Our friend Louise let the girls try out her harp.
Fuzzy Bubble Bathtime Fun
Releasing Monarchs at the library

Hanging out with Papa!

Head Beach

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It has been too hot for comfort these last few days. Who would've thought we'd hit 90 in September? Last Saturday and again today after school we hit a new favorite beach in Phippsburg near Popham. Amazing body surfing and huge shells. It's quiet and even allows dogs. Definitely a new favorite spot.

Alfred's Island

We had the best day before school with Alfred and Ruth Lund at what the girl's call "Alfred's Island" (Really belongs to Alfred's family, but close enough). It involved canoeing, kayaking, swimming at a beach, hiking, and jumping off a cliff all at a beautiful lake on a day with temps near 90 with two awesome friends. Eleanor perfected the cannonball while Gemma won top scores for number of jumps and accuracy of splashing others. What a great school send off. Thanks a ton Alfred and Ruth!

Gemma

Lazy Days of Summer

I feel like we are so busy this summer, but most of what we are doing is simple fun. It has been so hot, that most days we are like a water-seeking missile - finding our way to a pond or spot on the ocean where we can meet up with folks or just have a good swim. Gemma is our resident toad-catcher. Eleanor could swing or hang on anything. She is handicapped a bit by the huge blisters that grew on the palms of her hand and then popped.

Ahoy mateys!

We went with our friends the Ruff girls to the Portland Children's museum. The girl's favorite spot was the outdoor Pirate Ship! They sure made some fancy pirates, with their high heels, dresses, and cheeks painted with flowers and butterflies. RRR!