The Big 7

I am amazed at how quickly the year passes. I shouldn't be, it happens all the time. But when I made the cake and put a 7 on it, I shook my head, once again, at the realization that he is 7.

He really wanted the real tractor, but that will have to be a birthday down the road.

He has already learned that getting this is a good thing!
Lexy knows the value of a gift card! After explaining the process to Dawson, he is excited to try it out.


He's a little leary of the smoke from the candles and setting off the smoke detector. Yikes, wait until you have 15 candles on the cake!

He has already checked the weather for next week, and if they are right, Dawson should be in our driveway on Wednesday, earning a few dollars and using his best present. Oh to be a 7 year old boy!
Happy Birthday, Dawson! I hope you always are as happy as you are today.

A New Year

As 2011 slips away, I look forward to 2012 with open eyes, and a thirst for some changes. Not all change is good, as I just returned from a funeral of a class mate. That is one change that I could have foregone, if she was healthy. Changes in my health would be a good change, assuming I am making the changes and not dealing with a change that I have no control over. Changes in my grandchildren would be a good change, as they grow, and learn more and more. I still am taken by surprise sometimes by how much I love them, unconditionally, and will- always. Changes in how I spend time with the love of my life, a bit more adventurous. We have so much to see and do, I just want to try and do all that I can. She was only 55, she won't see the changes in her children, or ever see her grandchildren, or how her classmates grow old gracefully. I feel like I have a chance, that she didn't have. A chance to make virtual check marks on my "list" and to make more memories every day. She was inspiring, dedicated, brave, courageous. I feel inspired.

Thoughts

I have just read about the passing of a young woman that I knew. I didn't know her well, but knew the family somewhat. She was a wife, mother, sister, and I'm sure, friend to many. From the videos and pictures I have looked at, she was full of fun, and love, and wasn't afraid to let go and dance, and sing, and make people smile and laugh. How sad my heart is that her little daughter will only have the memories to hang on to. She had a brain tumor, and fought with every thing she had. But she lost. And more importantly, her family and friends lost her. No one wants her to suffer anymore. But every one would have liked to have had her around longer. My thoughts are with her family and friends, and especially her little daughter. So thankful that my family and I have our health.

BFF

It's hard when a BFF lives so far away. The best part is, when we do see each other, we pick up like it was yesterday. Now that we are older, and have a bit more time, we decided to meet half way for lunch. The weather cooperated, and we were able to meet Sue and David in Saco for a wonderful relaxed lunch. Nancy joined us too!
We went to this wonderful micro brewery, a renovated mill. I definitely would go back.

Sue, David, and Nancy... (and thank you Nancy for you hospitality later on.)

Us......

After lunch, since it was such a beautiful day, we were treated to a walk on OOB. November 26, and we were comfortably walking on the beach. Kids were barefoot playing in the sand, families walking and enjoying the outdoors. We looked up and saw 4 horses getting in on the fun. I wished I had taken my bathing suit, because I would have jumped in, just to say that I swam on November 26th. (Those of you that know me, know what I am talking about.)

Here's to you, Sue. Another memory created. Just a wonderful day. Let's try to make it something we do often, not just once a year.

Thanksgiving 2011

We let Dawson take the pictures this year to capture the Thanksgiving gathering. He did a fine job. Here are some we wanted to share.....
Lexy and Bear. Bear wanted to be part of the party, too!

He even got one of us. Love having everyone here, no matter what day or for how long.

This has to be the grandchildren's favorite holiday decoration. It's a small mailbox. They get the biggest charge out of opening it, or putting letters in it. Dawson wrote one to his great grandparents, and even got a real letter in the real mail box.

Uncle Gavin....

Jen ventured outside with the kids to make a snow "flamily"... they did an amazing job. It's been many years since we have had snow men on our lawn. Got to admit, I really like it!

And Dawson just hates to give up the riding toys. This bike didn't go so well in the snow, but he gave it his best shot. Hope everyone had as great a day as we did.

Happy Birthday, Brooklynn

Brooklynn turned 5! She celebrated with cupcakes and ice cream, and smiles all around. And she has such a great smile. Happy Birthday, little one! Love you!

Halloween 2011

Our gobblins this year. They get scarier and scarier each year! What fun!