A whole hand

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My little Cae turned 5 yesterday. A whole hand. We have always tried to make 5 a big deal, you know being a whole hand and all is pretty amazing. I made a chocolate cake, he got a new bike, and we just had a fun day doing what he wanted to do, which is pretty simple when you are 5.
He is such an amazingly energetic child. He doesn't walk he hops, he doesn't run he bolts, nothing he does is slow and simple, he is so full of life, sometimes it just takes your breath away. And as always, it seems to be going by too quickly. There doesn't seem to be enough time to stop and enjoy what is happening because life just pulls you along at the fast pass of a mighty flood. I want a slow lazy current sometimes, so slow I can savor each moment like you savor a good piece of chocolate or a fine wine.
Cae was the first baby I had that I actually got the time to feel the urge to push. No one told me it was time, that I was ready. The midwives just sat back and let me do what I had to do. He was born in the caul. He was born in the middle of the day, with a group of loving friends and family there to welcome him. And his baby moon was filled with wounderous dishes of food my friends brought over. He was big and hungry and smelled like heaven. My cloth diapering obssession grew wild with him. He was a funny little guy, so full of life. We have this little thing we do when I am leaving, he says "Drive careful, drive safe" and I say "I will, I will". This has to be said everytime I leave without him, every time! And we have our little secret lovely thing we do "I love you, your beautiful" and we say that back to each other many times a day.
Happy birthday Caelan Roy, I love you, your beautiful!

A couple more picture from Kettle cove

Just a few more, because this was such a wonderful afternoon.

The crab

Made a quick video of Sagan holding a crab... Cae is the one squealing!

Sunday at Kettle Cove with Nana...

After dropping Audrey off at another YWC meeting, I took the boys and Nana to Kettle Cove. It was an amazingly lovely late afternoon. The water was warmish, there was a lovely breeze off the ocean, the sun was warm, and there were people there swimming and digging in the sand, but not too many as to feel crowded. There was a girl and a boy diving under the water and pulling up crabs and putting them in a bucket. When it was time for them to leave they let the boys hold some of the crabs, and the kids set them all free. Logan became the "seagull whisper" and sat very still next to a seemingly flightless seagull who evetually let Logan pet him (or her, not really sure). Nana sat in the chair and watched the boats and all the kids playing. We got to see a few people in kaykas come up to shore and pack up their gear and head for home. It was a bummer to have to leave, I would have loved to stay until sunset, but that was a good 30-45 minutes away when we left.

Yesterday with Nana... part 4

We went to Gilbert's for chowder and fish and chips. ( http://www.gilbertschowderhouse.com/) They have the best chowder anywhere (except my house of course), and we wanted Nana to get some good chowder in her before she leaves town in a few weeks.
Cae... what can I say. I had to add this picture because he was so full of life yesterday. His feet hardly touched the ground the whole day.
After that busy day, I was sure the boys would be passed on the way home, but no! There was much laughing and joking the whole way home. Then it was hands, face, teeth and into jammies. A few dozen kisses and hugs later (and a glass of water) and they were all tucked in. I went up 5 minutes later and all the boys were passed out!
It was a lovely day!

Yesterday with Nana... part 3

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After we dropped Audrey off at the YWC meeting in Portland, we had plans to show Nana our favorite beach in all of Maine... Kettle Cove. But we got side tracked, we saw a horse drawn carriage ride and made our way over there, only to be swept away in the excitement of a sunset boat tour of Casco Bay. So off we went on a boat! The boys first boat ride ever, my first in years and years... and Nana's too! We went past an island/rock that was covered with seals! And learned that the islands around Maine are actually part of the Appalachian mountians. That during the ice age the coast line of Maine was actually 200 miles further out to sea. When the ice melted the coast line moved in and the mountains were covered in ocean water, only the tippy tops now show.
The boys had a great time. I don't think Cae and Sagan sat still for more then 2 minutes. Up and down, looking over the edge, coming back to me to say how exciting it all was, then back to the seat, then up again to ask the captina if we are getting close to the seal rock.
After we got off the boat we went and picked up Audrey and went to...

Yesterday with Nana... part 2

After a lovely drive thru the country side we ended up at Len Libby's chocolate factor! Yes, home of the full size chocolate moose. (http://www.lenlibby.com/) The kids and Nana loaded up with chocolately goodness after much looking and himming and hawing. So much to choose from, so little cash! (hahaha)

Yesterday out with Nana... part 1

Audrey needed to go to Portland yesterday for her YWC meeting. We decided that we should make a day of it and show Nana a good time. Mike had to work, but that didn't stop us!
First stop was the Portland headlight. It was an amazingly lovely day. The park was full of families, kids playing in the grass, kites flying, people BBQing. We got there in time to take a look at the museum that is part of the lighthouse. It was very interesting in there. Then Nana had to hit the gift shop before we headed out to stop #2...

Putting food by...

Cae and Rowan helped Nana and I shell peas, pit cherries and hull strawberries to put by for the winter months. Strawberry season is just about done and so are the peas. We have lots of other goodies to look forward to from the farmer's market in the coming weeks... like raspberries!

Outside Over There

The sun came out of hiding and has decided to stay around for a few days... just in time too. The day lilies are finally blooming, and other lovely flowers too. Rowan is finding the path to the other lot very inviting.

Thomas Point Beach part 3

Just a few more great pictures of the kids having a great day at Thomas Point beach!

Thomas Point Beach part 2

A few more pictures to enjoy!