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!

The Caswells at Uncle Matt's and Aunt Maggie's Wedding

Yes - We did go to the wedding. Yes - We all had a great time (Eleanor ranks it as her favorite wedding yet!) Yes, we did all have BIG hair (except for Jud). Don't we look great! Here are a couple more shots with fam...

Sometimes it rains

Yes, even in the summer in Maine, we have rainy days. The girls are good buddy and Calvin is always close at hand...

Water Slide

We have been so lucky to have our big bouncy water slide as a way to entertain guests ( and ourselves). Today, we bumped into an old preschool pal of Eleanor's at the library, and it turned into a fantastic play date in the backyard.

Pemaquid Point a.k.a. one of the most beautiful places on earth

So good to hear from Joey! Glad that family far away is able to look in on our girl's as they grow.

Every Monday night, Jud leaves early for a gig at a small shop an hour up the coast. The Sea Gull Shop is a gift store/restaurant with a screened in deck serving food. It is located atop a huge rock formation pounding with ocean surf and killer waves. The restaurant is also located next to the Pemaquid Lighthouse (featured on the Maine quarter).

The girls and I tagged along for some amazing views of the ocean...A climb up the spiral stairs to the lighthouse top (46" and over only)...

And triple chocolate sundaes that were far to big and absolutely to die for.
The girls and I also made a quick detour to the Rachel Carson Saltpond Preserve - The coolest tidepool we have ever seen. We caught three crabs, a sea urchin, and a small starfish all in five minutes! We will be back for sure.
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Finally - Fireworks (and Sea Dogs)

Jud received free tickets for a sold-out evening Portland Sea Dogs game to be followed by fireworks. The girls and I went and had a great times. Highlights - special seating on the field, meeting Slugger the mascot in person, all the songs (take me out the ball game, YMCA, sweet caroline, we will rock you!), food (Sea Dogs biscuit - shared). Eleanor started dreading the fireworks in the 5th inning. We left during the 10th, walked to the van, parked facing the field, watched the beginning of the fireworks in the van, and then the rest of the splendid and lengthy display from the side of the curb. This is big progress!

Ferris Wheel

On the 3rd, we had to go check out the carnival. Eleanor and Gemma were most thrilled about the ferris wheel. It was a BIG hit!

Fourth of July

The Caswell girls warmed up for the Coast Guard festival by watching the Bath 4th of July parade. Not nearly as much candy (thank goodness), but we had great fun cheering with the Ruff girls. And while we were waiting, we got free bubble gum, whoopie pies, turns in the bouncy house, and great music. Can you tell what color the snow cones were? What a great day!

Sisters

Quick post of some shots of girlwind this summer. Picnic at the playground...
In the hammock with Supernana
Getting ready in the morning
Playing at the Jordan Acres Playground
And swinging at the beach. These girls know how to have fun together!

Fun with Friends

Our family is lucky to have found so many great friends at school and in our community. The girls are getting a chance to hang out with...
Nick at Pejepscot Day School
The Ruff girls at the beachBill's family at Byrne's Irish Pub
Nina and Lily in our backyard

Gemma, Dad, and Calvin get to enjoy summer first...

Gemma was out of school first. She and Jud had several weeks at home enjoying early warmth. Art projects, catching frogs, and playing in the yard seemed to feature prominently in their days.

Many months and two teeth later...

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It has been a long while since our last post. The end of the school year always gets crazy around here. Here are some pictures as we start our summer in Maine...