July 4th 2019 and 20th Reunion

We had quite a July 4th holiday this year and we are EXHAUSTED!  On the 4th we started at the parade in Farmington where Gabe juggled with his juggling group.  Then we all jumped in the car and drove to the coast- Five Islands (Georgetown) where we watched Gabe juggle in parade #2. THEN, we drove up to Millinocket to spend a few days at Grammy and Grampy's AND attended Gabe's 20th high school reunion.

While in Millinocket, we ran in a color run 5K.  Everyone did a great job and enjoyed themselves, except for Ben who (although did a great job) complained the ENTIRE time and claimed, "I am never running a 5K again". We were also able to see Grampy Grampy who was visiting from Florida and got to celebrate his birthday with him. An exhausting, but fun trip!

Soccer Camp

Ben and Audrey had the UMF soccer camp each morning this week. They LOVED it and learned so much about soccer.  During that time, Noah, James, and I got in some great bike riding and other "bigger" kid activities.

We found an amazing recipe for Maine potato donuts and they did not disappoint! Another item off our summer bucket list:)

Camp Fun

The chickens have matured to a place where they will roost ANYWHERE inside our shed... time to put up the chicken wire to stop them from also pooping everywhere inside our shed. This past weekend Gabe, Noah, and James attended Fiddle Camp, so Ben, Audrey, and I had some special time practicing bike riding, kayaking/canoeing, and baking.

The weekend concluded by spending the day with the Abbott's at their camp in Nobleboro. The kids always have so much fun together.  This year the focus was on swimming, fairy houses, and s'mores. Thanks for having us Abbotts!

James Turns 10!

James has reached double digits!  Although if you had a conversation with him you may mistake him for a 50 year old man;) We took a trip over to Skowhegan for some mini golf and outside time AND made a stop at the trampoline park this week to celebrate.

James is as black and white as they come and loves to play devil's advocate on ANY topic. He is a forward thinker and will one day change the world for the better with his ideas.  He LOVES to play with legos, brainstorm new inventions, and draw/design military vehicles. He continues to be an expert on the Titanic and US war history. He had a kind, loving heart with a tender spot for those who are in need or are hurting. Nature is his happy place and spends lots of his "thinking time" outside while climbing trees or chatting with insects. James enjoys skiing, soccer, basketball, hiking, bike riding, and playing the violin.  Happy Birthday James, we love you and can't wait to see what this next year will bring!  

James' Military Birthday Party

James insisted on a military party this year and everyone has been on board brainstorming, creating, and coming up with very specific ideas.  Noah spent lots of time painting various targets and scenes for target practice, he also spent hours the morning of the party mastering his skill of water balloon filling. James spent the morning preparing for the party by putting the little army men EVERYWHERE and in very specific spots/scenes.  James was really set on having a piñata at the party, but the only relevant one at the local party store was a soldier. We felt a little weird about that so James came up with the brilliant idea to tape Hitler's face on the piñata... I guess learning about WWII is having practical applications to his life;) Thanks to everyone who came to help us celebrate!