The Saco River - A Recap in Photos

 Lilly and Lucas posing with Mom at the beach.

 I love John's smile in this pic.

 I love the water.  There is something special about being near, on, and in water that I absolutely love. Guess who wants a boat.

 The girls were loving it too.  Darrel went out with the boys and I didn't get pictures of them but they like us had a fun time.

Birthday, Pool and The Beach - A Recap in Photos

 "Happy Birthday to you..."  We celebrated Darrel's 34th birthday a week early.

 Uncle Kenny and the boys playing Trouble.

 Lucas in the pool, loving the space ship floatie.

 Daryl and Maddy - old friends together again.

 Beautiful flower in Jackie's backyard.

 Our beloved beach hangout at Fortunes Rocks.

According to Lilly, He's Not What He Use To Be...

I was still waking from my peaceful slumber and I could hear the children in the "Big Kid's" room talking as they usually do in the morning.  Suddenly, Lilly burst into my room with the following exclamation:
"Spencer... he's not the man leader of the little kids like he use to be.  He loses everything.  He lost my green bouncy ball and now he is the worstest leader of the little kids!"

Home Again, Home Again!

It is always a good feeling to come home.  The best feeling is a hot shower (in your own shower) and that long awaited moment when you pull the covers back (on your own bed) and climb in between your own sheets.  I love coming home.

We had the best time on our 53 hour trip to Belmont Massachusettes and back.  I tried to cram as much fun into our short trip as humanly possible without going overboard and I think I did a good job.  The children are all exhausted in their beds and my husband still has a little bit of energy compared to other trips where I have to carry the kids AND him in the house and put them all to bed.

What did we do?  Dentist (as already mentioned).  The beach! A private boat ride on the Saco River. And wrapping it all up with the Boston Temple. Oh, and 17 hours of that 53 were driving. With six kids in the back, that's an event all it's own.

The Dentist

We travel six hours to our pediatric dentist.  Crazy? Maybe for some but for us it is our twice a year treat.  Before we moved up north, we were referred by a friend to a great pediatric dentist.  At the time I was just looking for someone who would accept new patients.  Little did I know that we would find someone who fit our family needs and exceeded our expectations.

So, our PD schedules all six of our children at the same time. We checked in at 9:30 and checked out at 10:30.  What a gem!  The staff is amazing.  Lucas was a little unsure today but he quickly warmed up and even sat in the chair (with the help of Ms. Jackie).

In addition to a great dentist visit ( NO CAVITIES!) we get to spend time with our Maine grandparents, John and Jackie.  It's well worth the six hour drive.  Pictures to follow once we return home.

Finding My Voice Again

When I started this blog I really enjoyed posting about our daily happenings.  I enjoyed reading the daily happenings of friends and complete strangers.  I was inspired by most and was able to get in a few laughs as well which would buoy me up as I faced the challenges of my day. It was therapeutic. Plus, I had something to look back on from our own family as the months and years passed and that was comforting.  Even though I still frequent other blogs, I have lost my contribution.  So, I am finding my voice again.  Getting back to something I really enjoy doing but have neglected.

First order of business: Spencer lost his second tooth this morning.  I LOVE yanking teeth.  This wiggler has been hanging around for a few weeks and each morning Spencer trots into my room to ask if his tooth is ready.  I knew today was going to be THAT day and I took hold of that little took and with one, good yank... out it came!  Spencer gleefully announced, "Hey guys, Momma pulled my tooth out! My tooth!  My tooth came out!!!"  He ran downstairs to show his siblings and share his joy.  Hopefully, the Tooth Fairy is punctual tonight because she was 8 days late with Nic's tooth a few weeks ago.

Let It Snow... Let It Snow... Let It Snow!

It snowed ALL day yesterday and throughout the day I would say to myself, "I love the snow".  I do! I LOVE snow.  It is especially beautiful to look out my family room window and see the yard blanketed with snow.  Today the sun was out more and while the kids were out playing, the snow glistened!  We are in the right place. I love where my feet are currently planted.