Even good times must come to an end.

Auntie Joey arrived the next day and Uncle Matt (Goozer Guy) made lots of time to hang out with the crew. The guys found a couple chances to play vids and Jud was able to conquer "Snood". Gemma, for some reason, enjoys Snood and continues in Maine to fall asleep on daddy's lap while he is playing.

We had a great trip to the zoo where Eleanor was somehow able to put aside her deep seeded terror of sheep and pat both sheep and goats in the "petting zoo". The older girls, Mars, Grammy, and Joey were able to pet and feed the more exotic rays and sharks. We had a picnic in the middle of several flocks of geese and ducks without attack or mess. Eleanor enjoyed the otters and the "acheetah".

Mom hosted a "music and game" night on Tuesday that was a fun way to visit with folks and gave them an opportunity to hear some of Jud's music. Jud had a successful gig in Saginaw at a venue to which he will return in December.

We also made at least three trips to the beach. We tended to favor the North Shore Park as it is easier to get to the water and more family friendly. Eleanor was in the water for hours, with the adults taking turns swimming with her, playing with Gemma under the umbrella, or taking a nap. (It takes a lot of energy to load up MINH and get the show on the road to the beach). Another fun water excursion was the Rycenga cousins pool party hosted by Aunt Carol.

On one night we had some great Mexican and Cold Stone Creamery. The performance of the West Shore Symphony that we caught at Spring Lake Park intrigued Eleanor, who listened intently on my lap. Jud and I also had several nights out, including an anniversary outing to watch the sun set, walk the beach, and see the full moon rise.

Michigan always involves at least one shopping trip, a visit to Dairy Treat, a night of Chinese food, late night euchre games and lots of visiting time. We missed Rachel and Joel very much, but they needed a chance to catch up after Joel's extended stay in Uganda. Of course, Thom was missed as well, but we didn't expect him to make the trip from Papua New Guinea.

I had lots of fun details about the girls and the visit that are now evading recall, but suffice to say, it was a very good vacation and we miss everyone in Michigan terribly.

Coast Guard Trip Continues

To continue the Coast Guard saga, Saturday was likely the fullest day the kids have seen. The Coast Guard parade was long, but we had a great partially shady spot at Ashley's family's place. Gemma slept through a great deal of it. I wasn't sure what El would do when the fire engines came by, but she was not too scared, covering her ears and hugging her folks. She sat with Van and Cade, and they all came away with sticky faces and cups/pockets full of candy.

Another party and Aunt Bec's and straight to the fireworks. Or the long walk to the fireworks, which didn't start until 10:30. By the end, Eleanor no longer covered her ears and has positive memories of them, so I think she wasn't traumatized. Grammy bought us all the"glow in the dark necklaces" that I always coveted as a child.

Eleanor was exhausted enough to fall asleep in the stroller ride back to the car with Gemma sleeping in her BambiniStyle sling. I've always rather enjoyed the late night exodus from the fireworks - with crowds of people flocking in one direction, blocking the streets, stumbling about with a united goal - to get home and to bed. Call me crazy, but good memories.

Why must babies grow up?

There is something dear about babies and children at any age. However, there is something about 6 month old babies that just breaks your heart. Watching Gemma at this stage, I feel teary on many occasions. The way she puts her arm on my arm as I carry her around on my hip. The way she smiles so easily and often at seeing her momma, daddy, or sister.

Her chubby yet strong little body is so warm and always ready to cuddle. Kissing her sweet little face or giving her a razz on her belly and hearing that giggle and watching her anticipate the next touch.

Hearing her quick breathing through her nose as she gets excited about something, like a corner of the blanket or getting ready to nurse. Lying in bed with her, wrapped around her little body and seeing her little smile as she drifts off to sleep.

She is growing so strong. Sitting up with confidence, and reaching, extending her body further and further. I truly wish little ones were like seasons so you could cherish each moment knowing you were not going to experience it again for a long time, but knowing it would return eventually.

Coast Guard City USA

I've been meaning for the past two weeks to post details of our trip to MI so I could remember the details and cute things the kids did. Now it is two weeks later and I will do my best.

The whole family traveled to Grand Haven, MI to visit, celebrate, and have a vacation away from home. We traveled in MINH, driving through the night and surviving relatively unscathed. (Truth be known, Jud did ALL of the night driving). On the way there, Eleanor slept less them mom, forcing Jud to listen to kid music throughout the long night. Arriving at mom's house around 10:00 am, our first day was all about recuperating. We did get a chance to pick some blueberries, about 6 pounds in maybe 20 minutes. Yummy!

The next day was the start of the parties. A celebration of Grandma Eleanor's 85th birthday at Aunt Becky's and Uncle Chuck's. It was rather amazing to see how much the little ones had grown. At only 3 years, Van can hit a wiffle ball out of the park. Gemma had a chance to play with Hannah Grace and Fisher, all born only days apart. While it was fun to visit a bit with cousins and aunts and uncles, Jud and I spent most of our time making sure Eleanor didn't run into the river and was playing well with the wee ones. Gemma was a social bug and enjoyed sitting with many relatives she had just met. While Gemma was able to sit on her own by the end of the trip, she visited with the other babes lying on the blanket - reaching out to them and trying to borrow their toys.

Circus Gemma

Well, here you have it: Gemma has started pulling herself up in her crib. Gotta lower that bed or she'll be swinging down to the ground and chasing the cat around like her sister does.

Eleanor is playing Macy and Griffin lately -- a couple of Tris and Bronwyn's friends. Daddy didn't want to be Griffin: too bad, dad. We tried to let Gemma be Griffin -- G for G, you know? The best Eleanor would concede to is that maybe Gemma can be "Little Griffin."

Another Trip to the Beach

We've been having a great summer in Maine. We had an evening trip to Popham Beach with Bronwyn, Tristan, and Uncle Ossian and we could barely pull ourselves away from the ocean. The sand was great fun too, as you can see.

Funny moments - and there are many...

With kids around, everything in life just seems a little funnier. I thought I would sneak outside quick to move the sprinkler we are using to sprinkle our newly seeded yard (Jud was working inside). I managed to get sprayed by the sprinkler, unhook the sprinkler and get doused by the hose, get sprayed when trying to reattach the hose and turn off the water AND fall on my bottom down a muddy slope. I tromped inside to find Eleanor similarly frustrated with her important task of the moment and near tears. "Momma - I can't get Barbie closed in the fridge!"

Kissin' Cousins

Well...Maybe not kissing. But nothing brings out a smile in both girls than spending time with their cousins, Boo Bronwyn and Tris. Both cousins are so sweet and attentive with the younger girls. Eleanor shrieks with excitement just talking about the two and begs to go visit them when she wakes. Gemma has so much fun watching Tris talk and act out scenes with his toys. And Bronwyn's silly faces get her giggling.

Sittin' Pretty

Gemma is often content watching the world (mostly Eleanor and our cat, Milo) go by. More and more, she is able to view the world from an upright and sitting position. She still requires pillows or an adult nearby to prevent going down headfirst while she is sucking on her toes. She also adores standing in her exersaucer.

Snow White and the Three Forks

Here's another common reenactment scenario. Elly stamped the end of her fork on the table and said, "This is Snow White. Who is that?" Asking me about my fork. "This is Dopey" I said. "No, that's Snow White's father." "What's his name?" I asked, to which she offered her customary reply, "What?"

A couple days ago at dinner I had to borrow my fork back from Eleanor for every bite I wanted to take. I was feeling a little silly and when she had pressed the issue as to my fork's name, I had told her that Snow White's father was Geppetto, which made Pinocchio her brother. Eleanor was delighted for the reunion of Geppetto and Snow White this morning, but needed a third fork from the drawer to play Prince Charming. I guess Pinocchio is out in the cold.

She also observed that the ketchup bottle upside-down like that was like a "hammerhead shark."

The wonderful world of toothpaste

To Eleanor, any object can be used to act out scenes from her imagination. From what I could hear from the hall, this is a dramatic conversation between "Beauty" - played by the Hello Kitty toothpaste - and Gaston- acted by Pepsodent.

Eye of the Hurricane

Don't let this sleepy demeanor fool you. This little girl is a party waiting to happen as soon as she wakes. For example, last night both girls insisted on partying with their mum until past 9:30. But what a cutie when she's sleeping...

Mermaid Bras

Elly says, "Mermaids have bras on, so we need to go buy me a bra." She's walking around topless with her mermaid tail costume as a dress. The top of the costume, discarded on the floor to the right of this photo, has disintegrated through use.