Fly Away Flappy....

Once there was a beautiful butterfly named Flappy. Flappy started out as a scrawny, little caterpillar, then she ate some juicy leaves and became a plump, big caterpillar. The caterpillar went into her chrysalis one warm August morning. We waited, and waited for Flappy to emerge from her safe little cocoon for what seemed like weeks. She finally made a grand entrance one day, when we were least expecting it. She flew around the house and made great friends with two children named Anneli and Christopher. Anneli became very attached to her and was sad when it was time to let her go. Maybe we'll see our dear friend Flappy again someday. Fly away to warmer air Flappy!!

Our Dear Friend 'Flappy'.

Hot Air Balloon Festival

Every year our town has a big Hot Air Balloon Festival put on by our Fire Department. This year, like last year, the Cub Scouts had a booth and we sold Trail's End Popcorn. Poor Shaun, since he is the Popcorn Kernel, of the Pack was there ALL weekend. Christopher worked pretty much the whole weekend, but he did have an opportunity to walk around, eat yummy snacks, socialize with friends, and even ride a tethered Hot Air Balloon with some of his fellow scouts! (I've got to get the pictures from a friend.)

We saw some beautiful balloons glow on Friday Night....We watched an awesome fireworks display... Thanks PFD!!
Then we were exhausted!!!!The next day was more of the same...
We saw some beautiful balloons...


We met Linda McMahon, who is the Republican Candidate for Senate. She's running against Richard Blumenthal and it's been all over the National news... Should be an interesting election...

We also saw a scary tiger cat....
and more balloons.....



That night, Anneli had a chance to ride in a tethered Hot Air Balloon!


It was a super fun weekend! We can't wait to do it again next year!!! Thanks PFD!!!! :)

Cub Scout Summer Camp!

This year Shaun was a little busy with work, so I had the opportunity to go to Cub Scout Summer Camp with Christopher. Anneli was SOOOOOO excited, because she came too, as a Pixie! Each morning we woke up early and trekked to Camp Workcoeman in New Hartford, CT. It is a lovely camp in the hills of Northwest Connecticut. We had a fabulous time....

Shooting BB Guns...
( I don't have a picture, but Anneli shot BB Guns too!!!)

Fishing....

Learning about Maps....

Learning about Native Americans...

Shooting Bows & Arrows...

Swimming...
(Both kids, Christopher & Anneli, passed the swim test so they could swim in the deep part of the lake!) Way to go guys!! Swim lessons have paid off! I may have two in swim team in the fall...

Making s'mores...

listening to crazy, I mean super silly, leaders....
(This guys is a High School Science teacher, EMT, and a GREAT entertainer! He taught a super fun Science time and held a super fun campfire for the campers and their families. He had us all singing, laughing and having a good time!)

and making new friends!We can't wait to go back next year!!!! :)

Jump!

Family Fun in Maine / New Hampshire

This weekend, before summer suddenly comes to an end, we piled in the van and headed up to York,Maine. We got a nice suite on Short Sands and had a great time together.

That night we met up with Aunt Amanda, Uncle Miles, Alex and Lizzy. {Unfortunately, I have no pictures. :( }The kids all played on the beach playground in the dark, while we followed them around! The kids had fun running around together! Then it was off to the Goldenrod for some taffy and candy!!! :) Definitely a MUST stop when anyone goes to York Beach!!!

This is the Atlantic House, where we stayed. Right in the middle of everything in York Beach, Maine!


This is the view from our suite...

YUMMMM! If you've never tried Goldenrod Kisses, you have to!!! It's the best Salt Water Taffy!!! If you can't get to York Beach, you can order the Taffy HERE!

At night, in our hotel, directly below our suite, was a patio where a live band played. This is the view of people watching the band. It was nice coming back to relax and listening to the music in the comfort of our own room!



The next morning, off to the beach we went. It was a bit chilly....
but it didn't seem to bother anyone!Here Anneli is trying a wonderful Salt Water/Sand Spa Treatment. She totally thought it was going to make her skin nice and soft!
She was having fun!!!



Christopher, our future Marine Biologist, had fun exploring the rocks for sealife...They also had fun playing together in the sand...


Next up was the Nubble Light. Which is another MUST see whenever we come to visit!











Of course we had to find a few Geocaches while we were in town....
He's searching for a cache....not smelling the roses! :)

Then we headed over to Grandpa's house and picked him up. We headed over to Fort McClary to hang out and find a geocache or two...

We actually picked a great weekend to visit Fort McClary. They were having some cool revolutionary war reenactment event. It was pretty cool seeing all the characters.
We enjoyed their costumes....



And enjoyed watching them shoot their cannons....

It was a fun day together!










Of course we found our Geocaches!! :)


After our Fort McClary adventure, we took Grandpa with us to visit Aunt Nicole, Bryce and Parker. Unfortunately, Uncle Jeff was working so we didn't see him. The kids had fun playing with their cousins for a bit.

Then we headed off and visited with Grande Memere, Aunt Lisa, and Uncle Rick. Then it was off to visit with Memere and Jim for a bit before we headed off for our long ride home.

It was a super fun family weekend!! :)