We're back in Kansas

Ahhhh, the friendly skies. It was a long trip home, and about 30 minutes delayed, but in all, we had a good flight home. Jimmy took this picture. I was generally surprised by how far his photography has come...it was in focus and everything!


Ahhhh, the beautiful Nubble Lighthouse, just south of where we stayed, in York Beach, Maine. Isn't it pretty? Isn't it picturesque? Yeah, not so much from a boat, when you're green with the sea. It was the most horrible, awful, terrible 90 minutes of my life. The lady in front of Jimmy offered me tic-tacs. I waved them off. About 20 minutes later, she must have had compassion for me, because she, too, was leaning over the side of the boat. Again, so glad Jimmy Hay was able to take some wonderful pics. I was in no condition to do anything.

We both had our taste of fresh lobster, for the first time. I unfortunately, was still not feeling 100%. We were sitting by the window, watching the waves...even worse. So, I had Jimmy crack one leg for me, and it was good. Jimmy was generally unimpressed. He was more excited about the photo opp. We may have smuggled lobster claws into our luggage to show the kids. They have been most impressed. I don't know...do you think the other people in the restaurant knew we were tourists?

Our last day in Ogunquit, Maine. It was so pretty...made it difficult to leave. I focused the camera on Jimmy, demanded he not move a muscle, drew a line in the sand where I was standing, stalked a couple pedestrians, and asked them to press the silver button. I think it turned out very well. The pedestrians laughed at me...I think they probably thought I was a smidge OCD about my little picture.

Sand art...Landen has one on his wall from the Bahamas. We'll blow them up for Lily and Lawson for their bedroom walls. Getting this done is harder than it looks. You have to get close enough to the water that the water will get in the picture, but not too close or it gets washed away. Believe me, it took several attempts.

Jimmy loves feeding the birds. We have a picture like this from every vacation where we've visited a beach.

Breathtaking Maine

I know my pictures probably won't do it justice, but wow...it is so picturesque, here. Even though there hasn't been a Sonic in sight, and barely even a fountain drink period, it's pretty awesome. It truly is like taking a step back in time. It feels like we're in a movie.

We walked from our apartment to Perkins Cove...it only took us about five minutes and was a very pretty walk. I did a little self-portrait in front of the ocean.
To get into Perkins Cove, we had to cross a foot bridge. And the foot bridge just happens to go up if a tall boat needs to come through. We have pondered what would happen if you were in the middle of the bridge and somebody hit the button to raise it. And, as it turns out, in fact any adult can push the button! Just a little scary...


I took these pictures along the Marginal Way, which is a foot path high along the water's edge. The area in the background is Perkins Cove.

I will never grow tired of watching the waves.

We had crab patty sandwiches at the Lobster Shack. Very yummy.

When we went to the Bahamas when Landen was 7 months old, we drew "We *heart* U Landen" in the sand, took a picture, and blew it up for his wall. We attempted to do the same thing for Lil' and Lawson, but the sand in this particular spot was too wet. We'll have another chance.

I don't care how big he gets...

...he'll always be *MY* baby.

The kid who is particular about what he wears...

Lawson is our first kiddo who has cared what clothes he wears, at such a young age. He fusses at me about what pajamas he's going to wear, or what shirt he will wear...his shorts, his socks, his shoes. Sometimes he flat out refuses what I've picked out.

But, he does seem to fancy a 6-12 month size chicken costume...but, of course. I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner.
His coy look.

More coy.

Learning to ride a bike...a story in pictures

Don't choke on your diet coke, Molly...two updates in one day. :)

Once again, the 3rd born child accomplishes his little tike goals far ahead of his older brother and sister. I don't think Lily even got a bike until she was almost 4, and I'm sure Landen was 3 when he got his first bike. But the trike is so "been there done that" for 2 year old, Lawson. Here is his story of learning to ride a bike, in pictures...nevermind it's a Dora bike.

Cowboys Like Us

The kids are going through a "cowboy" stage. In fact, so far, that's what I hear they all three want to be for Halloween...with a smidge of pink for Lily. Lawson likes to wear Landen's hat and boots. Wearing the ones that fit him would be far too easy.
For Landen's birthday, we got him boots (see picture above) and a hat. Right before it was time to go to his birthday party, I heard him rummaging around in the kitchen. He was looking for a sharpie to draw a moustache onto his face. Thank goodness I was able to intercept THAT one! So we compromised, and he made a cutout, added scotch tape, and voila...instant cowboy. I only wish you could hear the cowboy brogue that went along with it. :)

Tomorrow is Jimmy's birthday...

I have been keeping this secret for about a month. I've told some friends, because if I didn't, I would literally bust! But now that we're only one day out, I think it's safe. We'll see how often he checks our little blog...

So, for Jimmy's birthday, I decided to book a little surprise trip.Summer is very busy for him at work, with closing one budget to open another...and we all know how fun finances have been lately...school finance is no different. So, we're leaving on a jet plane.

And we're going to enjoy some time on a beach...without the kids.

I'm hoping the weather cooperates and we can go on a whale-watching cruise...and some bike rides, to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage...of...Maine! I've dreamt of a trip like this for a very long time. I hope Jimmy is half as excited as I am. :)