Moving forward

Today we visited with Gavin and Jen in their new place. They both have jobs in southern Maine! Yippee!! Here are some pictures to share.

They have a huge rock as their front yard. Kind of neat, plus cuts way down on the lawn that has to be mowed!

They look pretty happy! As they should be! Hard work is paying off! Just be sure to take some time to enjoy each other!

Graduation!

We started off May with college graduations for Gavin and Cyndie, the second for both of them

So proud of their hard work and degrees.

Jen played a big part in the second degree.

After the ceremonies, we were treated to a BBQ at Gavin and Jen's. Zach and Gavin are showing us one of their projects for the engineering program. Made a perfect Margarita every time!

Fun to share the celebration with some of his friends.

Congratulations! Love the T shirt!

Author's Tea

Today, Dawson's class had their Author's Tea. The students in Mrs. Miller's class have worked very hard on writing a story, and today was their day to read their stories to the guests. I was fortunate to be asked to attend.

Dawson's story was "I Got Lollipops."

He climbed into the tall chair, as usual sporting his big smile, and read his story to all of us.

After reading each page, he would show us all his pictures. What a fantastic few minutes for these children. They were all rewarded with cake and iced tea.

What ever happened to that baby boy, who couldn't hear, and could hardly keep anything down. When I walked by his room, and he was standing by the door, beaming when he saw us, giving us his little wave, it hit me that the baby is gone. This young man has written a story, documented it with pictures, and was capable of reading it to us. He did such a great job. I realized that his speech has made great bounds, also. As he waited in line, I could see that he is the tallest in his class. So proud of him, and so proud to be his grandmother. But most of all? So proud that he asked me to be there.

Happy Birthday!

She was two. It was only yesterday, I swear.

Her brother is trying hard to be good for the party, but that is a big task. Still amazes me that he always finds a smile.

She wanted a cupcake cake. I do what I can. She can't be 8!

The girls.

The smiles!

She lost another tooth this week. And she turned 8. What has happened to our little one. She is slowly, right before our eyes, becoming such a lovely little girl. My heart skips a beat when I see her, with her arms stretched out to give me a hug. I hope that never changes. Happy Birthday, Alexys Nichole! What a beautiful little girl you are!

Maaaaaahhhhhch

Ken and I had the most wonderful vacation! Maine winters can be long and cold and hard, on everyone. We have found a little bit of paradise, at least for 1 week, in a place called Madeira Beach. Here is Ken, trying his hardest to relax, and forget about 20 degrees and snow!

There is just something about looking down at your feet, with the white sand, and ocean as a background. Evie, I tried hard to get one with a para sail in the background, but did not succeed.

Just for the record, I hate having my picture taken, especially when I am in a bathing suit, but Ken got away with this one. Our condo is in the background (to the left) and our chairs are on the right (red and blue.) We spent lots of our week right here. But who in their right mind wouldn't?

Here are some shells that I found, just by sifting through the sand at my feet as we sat on the beach. The little fan shaped one is no bigger than a dime.

Sunsets on Madeira Beach are unbelievable. I tried with my little camera to capture some of the amazing natural beauty that we had before us each evening. It doesn't do it justice, but I will swear that they were all awesome!

It still amazes me as it sinks into the ocean. Several times we watched as the dolphins swam right here in front of us.

Do we look relaxed? We tried our hardest to soak up the sun, bake our bones, and just relax. Overall, I think we both succeeded at all of the above. Already planning our trip for next year.

Skating Lessons

We went to watch the grandchildren at their ice skating lessons. What a thrill to see them skating. Brooklynn wasn't real enthused about going back for a second lesson, but with the help from one of the teachers, she made her way across the ice.

This week, Dawson actually let go of the side and ventured away from the wall. He really seemed to be getting the hang of it by the end of the hour.

Lexy was able to move all around the rink, falling very little. She smiled the whole time.

Kloe was a natural. Very little fear, and also sporting a big smile. I think the skates and the lessons were worth every penny, as these smiles are priceless.

Even Gavin and Jen got their old skates sharpened and joined the grandchildren for the free skate. I really would like to find mine, but the pain in the knee tells me I should just operate the camera, and pour the hot chocolate.


I have been thinking a lot about skating the past few weeks. As a child, I spent quite a few hours in the winter days in a pair of skates on some ice. One winter, we rode the snow mobile to a friend's house in East Newport and spent hours and hours playing a made up game, using a partially deflated ball, and the frozen pond. We would stop long enough to have a bathroom break, a cup of hot cocoa, and then return for more hours of fun. I remember vividly the black and blue knees and shins I sported that entire winter. I would wear those bruises proudly if only I could do it again. I also remember one winter, skating from Bantons cove, (now Vic Firth) all the way out to Route 7, by the Paradis'. It was a sunny, clear winter day, and we skated and skated, then turned around and skated back. I wish I could do it again. I remember one of the last times I skated, on the pond down the road. We were going to play tag, and I was it. I had a brand new pair of just sharpened skates. I dug in the tip, took off, and immediately caught a tip, and did a chest flop onto the ice. I went down so hard, it knocked the wind out of me. Now my knees are old and worn, and I swear they have Rice Krispies in them when I walk up stairs. I can't jeopardize my ability to walk for a few spins on the ice. Oh, to be young again. I am thankful that my friends got to see me perform the last time in NH. Maybe I can live it all again through one of the grand children.

A New Year.....

This sweater and hat were made by a very dear friend of mine a few years ago. I think she started it for one of my boys when they were small, but Elizabeth never had anything done on time. I was so happy that they fit Dawson, and that he wanted to wear them. Elizabeth would be happy.

As the new year descends upon us, we are fortunate to be able to celebrate not one, but two of our grandchildren's birthdays. Kloe looks deep in thought as she turns 7.

Lexy trying very hard to be cool in her brother's new hat.

Kloe and her friend share a laugh. All five kids there had a great time.

And we all know that this little imp just had to get in on everything. There isn't much that she doesn't include herself in.

Kloe and Dawson getting ready to....

...blow out the candles.

Brooklynn gets a lesson from Uncle Gavin on how the gun works. Again, she is not going to be left behind.