Clambake '09

The last couple days have been hard. Our stalwart van died. It's just a car, but we've had it since '01 and it took us on over 170K miles worth of memories. We're juggling the Honda Accord coupe while we try to figure out a replacement.

We've been planning on going to our former ward's annual clambake for months and Wayne was going to bike there, but we can't all fit in the Honda, SO.... being the thoughtful hub he is, Wayne opted to hold the fort with Wes and encouraged me to go up to the clambake and see a dear friend of mine from my mission, as well as friends from our former ward. Crane Beach is one of our favorite beaches in MA. Today the weather was the best we've had for a clambake in years, 60's and breezy, and the beach outing was good medicine for my attitude. Thanks, Wayne!

PS. On the long drive to Crane Beach we pointed out lots of familiar sites along the way. After several stories that started with, "Remember when...," Grace said, "Let's talk about good times we've had all the way there."

Hearing the kids lovingly recall good times, even the bloopers, makes all the effort to get some housework done, get our crew ready, pile in the car, compartmentalize some stress, and have a really nice time making yet more wonderful memories.

Apple Picking with Ama

Ama, can you come back right away? We didn't get one single picture with you and the kids! Big OOPS! We sure had fun though, and we do hope that you can come visit us again SOON... pretty please.

These photos are from Monday's adventure apple picking at Tougas Farm in Northborough, MA. We picked 1/2 bushel of crisp yumminess.

The raspberry bushes are right by the apple trees and Wesley found a good spot to pick and eat berries. We picked from a whole row of apple trees before we pulled him away from that spot. The boy loves raspberries. We'll have to come back to pick some together.

Tougas has a "pumpkin tree." I told Wesley not to pull on the pumpkins. Why do I feel bad now? :)

Classic Wesley (still sporting a raspberry face)....

For you, mommie. I still love you more, babe.

Caroline illustrates a successful trip to Tougas....

Ready, Set, GO!

Wayne and I competed in our second Sprint Tri last Saturday. It was the Hyannis Sprint II located at Craigville Beach. The Hyannis Sprint I is in June and I told Wayne I wanted to do the Sprint II because the weather is usually better in September. Well, sure enough we had LOTS of rain on Friday and the roads weren't safe for the bike leg of the race Saturday morning. SO, we ended up doing a swim/run.

Wayne's mom, Ama came to hang out with the kids at the hotel while we raced. The kids were over the moon excited to see Ama again. It's been over a year! Wes was so shy (all weekend)...he clearly needs more Ama time! As we got ready at 5:30am to race, I realized I forgot my running shoes! Wayne was doing such a great job packing I just assumed he was doing it all:) I tried on his extra pair of running shoes and tied them as tight as possible. I looked like a clown, but was ready to go. As we walked from the car to the race, we ran in to our friends, the Petersons. Judianne happened to have a pare of cross trainers in my size for me to borrow. LIFESAVER! Judianne had planned to do a relay with her her son and she was going to do the bike leg, but because that was cancelled she switched to the swim. We were in the same wave. The announcer pointed out how strong the current was and gave some pointers, etc. Just before we started Judianne said, "I didn't even train for the swim!" We swam together for the most part. I didn't realize how close behind me Judianne was and at one point I kicked her in the head. SO sorry!!! As we turned the last buoy, I swam hard and all of sudden I heard Judianne yell, "You're going the wrong way!!!" I looked up and was swimming completely away from the race (as fast as I could:)) and a lifeguard on a surf board was swimming toward me to point me in the right direction. The rest of the swim I had my head out of water a lot just to make sure I was going the right way. So, Judianne ended up beating me even though I trained and she didn't! What a crazy swim.

Wayne had a great swim. He knocked quite a bit of time off his last tri swim. We were both surprised how much we didn't miss the wet suit. The water was a bit cold at first, but we quickly adapted.

The transition was much shorter wearing a tri suit and NOT wearing a wet suit. The run was uneventful, which is a good thing after my swim. Wayne and I both agreed that the very last few feet when you run on the sand to the finish line is brutal! But it feels so good to finish and to know you've pushed yourself and reached a worthy goal.

After the race, I made Wayne take this paparazzi photo of Joe Kennedy. He's the guy with the great head of white hair in the background. He could market Joe Kennedy wigs and make a fortune.

After the race we meandered up to Chatham. Across the street from Chatham's Lighthouse Beach is the Chatham lighthouse. That's it for photos on race day. It was just too overcast. Chatham is a lovely beach town. We're dreaming of coming back for a week one summer. We stopped at the beach where they've spotted 5 great white sharks. Lots of people were out there with binoculars. We walked on the beautiful soft sand and collected sea shells and crab shells until it started to rain. If you've been to the Cape, I'd love to know your favorite beach. We haven't explored nearly enough!

Go Wesley!

A lesson in recall. The army crawl moves from crawling days come in handy here. If you listen closely you can hear him say, "Weeeee" as he's sliding.

Camp Joseph 2009

We spent Labor Day weekend at Camp Joseph in Sharon, VT with our ward family/friends. We had a wonderful time. It seems to us that Camp Joseph just gets better and better! We missed our friends who couldn't make it or have recently moved, and thought many times how wonderful it would be to have our extended family join us there. It's a slice of heaven.

Highlights:

Absolutely perfect weather, launching water bottle rockets, climbing the climbing tree - Thomas climbed to new heights, playing at the playground

Riding bikes ~ Christina & Mikell cruised around camp together all weekend long. Thomas had the ultimate coordinated wipe out & Wayne's wipe out came in close second.

Camp Joseph Steak Tip Marinade

In blender, puree:

1/2 Cup olive oil, 1/3 Cup soy sauce, 4 scallions, washed and cut in 1/2, 2 large garlic cloves, minced, 1/4 Cup lime juice, 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp. ground cumin, 3 Tbsp. brown sugar

Pour into large heavy duty Ziploc bag, along with several pounds of steak tips cut into bite size chunks. Marinade meat overnight before grilling.

Playing, fishing, & catching frogs at the pond

Fun with friends

Relay races

Campfire comedy "What's green and goes 25 mph backwards?" (ask Wayne for the answer if you haven't heard this gem of a joke)

S'mores~ w/ Ghirdelli's dark chocolate w/ caramel squares....YUM!

(thanks for the "recipe" Neal & Macy)

Group Hugs (started by Grace, Jeff & Luke)

Exploring...Wes' blanket smelled AWFUL after Day 1 at camp, but apparently even after 4 days at camp w/o being laundered, Wes believed it "stinketh not."

Visiting the Joseph Smith Memorial

75' long slip 'n slide! 50 turns was not enough for Wesley.

Toasted muffins & all sorts of goodies

Family photos by Macy (I'll share when I get them:))

3 hammocks & a cabin~ Christina, Thomas & Wayne all slept on hammocks while the little ones and I were toasty in our "vacation house" (Caroline appointed this sobriquet)

Lots of dirt.

Lots of fun. Thanks for the memories!

What a special place. We booked our next visit (Oct. Conf.) when we checked out.

We can't wait to go back!

Several of the photos were taken by our friends, Allison & Macy took the ones of Grace & Wesley on the SlipnSlide & her son & Wes on the bench. Thanks for sharing!