June 30th 2009
YMCA Swimming Month Three
We just finished up our third month at the YMCA. We put our membership on hold for July and August due to swim lessons at the community pool. Not sure how much more swimming we will do than those lessons. We only visited the Y 14 times this month. Due to weather, other outdoors stuff like hiking and the fire tower quests, we just could meet the swimming schedule. Here are our overall YMCA costs. We paid $276 total so far for 51 visits in total. Our per visit costs are down to $5.41, a 24 cent reduction from last month. We look forward to picking up an active swimming schedule come September.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 15 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 15 days
Enzo @ 9 months, 6 days
News posted by christopher at 7:17 PM | 
Comment
Rye Harbor State Park
The kids and I went to Rye Harbor State Park, hoping to get a bonus point stamped on our Great Park Pursuit score card. Unfortunately there was no one manning the booth. I'm guessing that the icky weather had something to do with it, though the gate was open. I took pictures in hopes of that getting us the bonus point. We quickly ate our lunch at a picnic table and then left since it was misty and breezy and we were looking forward to getting back into the car.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 15 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 15 days
Enzo @ 9 months, 6 days News posted by Laura at 1:59 PM | Comment
Swim Lesson Session 1 Day 1
Today was the first day of level 3 swim lessons for Zoë and Abby. What with all of the rain we've been having, and the fact that it was a cool overcast morning, the water was anything but warm. Today there was only one other child in the class with Zoë and Abby, also named Abby. There were a couple of times that I doubted my putting them into level three, but at the end Brooke said that they were doing a great job and that they were suited just fine for this level.
Today was mostly a test it seemed. Brooke checked to see how they could do their glides, front crawl, and back stroke. They used kick boards to go across (width ways) the pool and back and practiced using the kick boards on their backs as well. Noodles were also used, working on form for front and back swimming. The end of the lesson was to dive down to get a sinker toy, but none of the three were thrilled with the idea of diving down into the water, they were all so cold. Brooke ended up holding the diver toy halfway between the surface of the water and the pool bottom and everyone did well dunking under to get it then.
Today was mostly a test it seemed. Brooke checked to see how they could do their glides, front crawl, and back stroke. They used kick boards to go across (width ways) the pool and back and practiced using the kick boards on their backs as well. Noodles were also used, working on form for front and back swimming. The end of the lesson was to dive down to get a sinker toy, but none of the three were thrilled with the idea of diving down into the water, they were all so cold. Brooke ended up holding the diver toy halfway between the surface of the water and the pool bottom and everyone did well dunking under to get it then.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 15 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 15 days
Enzo @ 9 months, 6 days Sports posted by Laura at 11:27 AM | Comment
June 29th 2009
One Hundred Push Up Week Three Day Three
Back into the early morning routine, Abby and Zoë finished their third week of push ups very strongly. Zoë did 7 extra and Abby did 3 extra on their final sets for today. They had a great long recovery over the weekend due to Friday's postponement. We will start the 4th week on Wednesday.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 14 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 14 days
Enzo @ 9 months, 5 days News posted by christopher at 9:01 AM | Comment
June 28th 2009
Dinner Get Together
Angie invited us over for dinner this evening, so we made some black bean salad and picked up dessert and headed over there. Even though the kids couldn't play outside, since it's been raining and raining and raining, the girls were just fine with that, as they always find plenty to do inside. Mommy and Daddy even did some game playing after dinner... we tried out a couple of sports/fitness things on the wii.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 14 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 14 days
Enzo @ 9 months, 5 days News posted by Laura at 8:20 PM | Comment
June 27th 2009
Great Park Pursuit - Greenfield State Park
Today was the second of 5 Great Park Pursuit visits. We arrived later than we had intended, slightly after 12:45. The registration closes at 1:30 so we just barely had time to hit each event. This visit was to learn from the Fish and Game department about the waterway and the fish entitled, Let's Go Fishing. They gave us a Passport to Fun to collect the 5 stamps. The girls got to look at bugs and fish and even learn how to cast a fishing rod. I was surprised at how well Abby and Zoë did. They are naturals and could cast fairly far. We learned about many different types of fish and also how to tie the improved clinch knot. The girls did a great job and after the five different learning sessions, we bought some cool drinks and headed the the beach area. Abby and Zoë swam at the day use beach area while Enzo and I used the great playground. Enzo enjoyed the swing and the slide. We stopped for ice cream on the way home, and the lady made a mistake with Abby and Zoë's cones, black raspberry and mint chip respectively. They were supposed to be kiddy sized wafer cones but instead got huge waffle cones instead. The girls were happy with the mistake and that amount of ice cream.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 12 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 12 days
Enzo @ 9 months, 3 days News posted by christopher at 6:45 PM | Comment
Lowe's Build and Grow Workshop - Pirate Ship
This morning we stopped by Lowe's on our way to the Greenfield State Park. We started the day slightly behind schedule do to early morning clean up from the roof installation. Once underway, we pulled into the Lowe's in Epping about 5 minutes before the workshop closed. They were very nice to us and even gave the girls last workshop's project for us to take home, plus the patches. The girls were disappointed about missing the Father's Day workshop and now they could make it up. It was a simple 6 nail putting green, but they were more excited about getting the patch and the toy to play with. Mommy went to Wal-mart to pick up lunch items while we assembled the ships. We were almost done when Mommy and Enzo arrived. We left Lowe's at 11:30 or so and headed to the second Great Park Pursuit's event in Greenfield. Take a look at that pirate patch, by far the coolest one so far.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 12 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 12 days
Enzo @ 9 months, 3 days Art posted by christopher at 11:40 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
It's my favorite patch too!
June 26th 2009
HAPPY ANUVrsre
This is what the card Abby made Chris and I today looked like. Underneath it read mommy and (insert backwards capital D) Daddy From Abby. It was pretty cute. Abby was up a while before Zoë and while I was getting breakfast ready in the kitchen Abby was secretly working on this at the art table. When she later learned that she hadn't spelled anniversary correctly (out from the library right now is "Froggy Eats Out" in which he goes out for his parents anniversary) she was a bit upset and in her defense she said, "Well, I sounded it out." I assured her that she did a great job and that I knew exactly what it said.
Zoë, up later, learned from Abby's mistake and made her own card... checking on the spelling first. Zoë and Abby were eager to congratulate us on our anniversary, though I think they kept expecting it meant that it was something to go to.
Zoë, up later, learned from Abby's mistake and made her own card... checking on the spelling first. Zoë and Abby were eager to congratulate us on our anniversary, though I think they kept expecting it meant that it was something to go to.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 11 days
Enzo @ 9 months, 2 days News posted by Laura at 4:20 PM | Comment
One Hundred Push Up Week Three Day Three Postponed
Due to the early morning roofing construction, we rescheduled the third day of week three for Monday. The girls were bummed but did a few push ups anyhow.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 11 days
Enzo @ 9 months, 2 days News posted by christopher at 9:00 AM | Comment
June 25th 2009
Break in the Rain
Even though we've had a day here and there of nice weather, it seems as if this rain has been going for weeks already, and the forecast is not looking promising for it to end anytime soon. The girls were begging me today to go to parent re-charge so that they could go to the kids room. I kept telling them that it wasn't the week for it, but they weren't hearing it. We did get a break in the afternoon though and Auntie Reanna called to say that she was off work early and going to the beach.
I got the kids all ready and we drove down into Rye to meet her, Amber, and Elijah. This was Elijah's first time at the beach, quite exciting. They'd already been there a while by the time we got there, but the girls still got to enjoy an hour or so of fun on the beach.
I got the kids all ready and we drove down into Rye to meet her, Amber, and Elijah. This was Elijah's first time at the beach, quite exciting. They'd already been there a while by the time we got there, but the girls still got to enjoy an hour or so of fun on the beach.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 10 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 10 days
Enzo @ 9 months, 1 day News posted by Laura at 1:18 PM | Comment
June 24th 2009
9 Months Old
I say this every month, but I just can't believe that my little baby boy is already 9 months old. You are so funny, and generally a very happy guy. You also do this adorable gummy grin that reminds me of a picture we have of Zoë making the same face, coincidentally also at 9 months. You have some interesting quirks showing already too. You are compulsive about destroying things, taking them apart, unorganziing them. If you see that your board books are all on the shelf nicely, you'll crawl away from whatever you're playing with to go pull all of the books off the shelf then crawl away and go back to your toy. Same with anything else you see being put together - shapes put back into the shape sorter? must dump them all out then crawl away. Rings stacked nicely on the ring stacker? Must tip it upside down and dump them all off, sometimes pull them off one by one and toss them each for affect. Tower built with blocks? Must knock it over immediately. Another quirk, you have taken to bonking yourself in the head with things. The look on your face is like you're doing it just to see what it feels like.
You're doing more and more moving around too. You crawl so fast it is amazing to us. You're also really moving right along with standing up and walking along holding onto things. You'll now go from holding onto one thing, like your exersaucer and then reach for another thing, like a chair nearby and walk over to that. You're becomming more cautious as well, which is good because you're getting down from standing more safely and just being a bit safer with standing and walking in general. Every now and then you'll stand on your own, but with your new catiousness, you usually try to turn and grab whoever is spotting you for some reassurance. You think climbing the stairs is great, and it's so funny to see you hustle over to the stairs and laugh and laugh as Daddy or I come to either pull you away or follow you up, like it's a game of chase. When you really want to get to something upstairs, like the playroom, you'll crawl right up and into the room, but other times when you just feel like exploring you will climb a couple of steps and then hold onto the railing dowels to stand up, like you see your big sisters doing.
You're also still so vocal and babble away. Sometimes it does seem like you're connecting your sounds with things, but we're still unsure. You're good with your sign language and definitely have "all done" down, though many times lately you clap your hands together, but we still definitely understand what you're trying to say. You also understand when I sign 'change' and 'milk' but don't do these signs yet. You also understand when we say "ah ah" when you're grabbing something you shouldn't and most of the time you'll take your hands off of it. Other times though, when you just really want to be doing something that we have to drag you away from, you've begun throwing fits. I guess I'd forgotten how early that started, because I sure was surprised the first time you had yourself a little tantrum.
As far as food goes you're still chugging right along slowly with solid foods. You still don't have any teeth (!) not even one has begun to break through your gums, so things you eat have to be easily gummed. You don't prefer to be spoon fed, so when you are in the mood to eat it's usually crackers, cheerio's, bread and that sort of thing. You do well with banana but if you're getting it off of your tray yourself, you usually squish it all up in your hands before you get it to your mouth. You have soft cooked veggies when we have them (like the sweet potato fries at dinner tonight) and you even tried our home made hummus and liked it, though there was a bit of a kick from the garlic. You eat some typical 'babyfood' but it's certainly not your preference and it doesn't happen often. Your main things to eat are 'unsalted tops' crackers, strips of bread/pita/etc., avocado, and banana though you have tried other things and had no reactions. You are still quite happy with nursing and would rather do that than eat solid foods, so if there's any hope of you munching something in your high chair during dinner, I have to be sure that you've had your 'milky' first.
Another cute little thing you've taken to doing is patting my back when I pat yours, it's not always so gentle, but it's sweet nonetheless. It's also very funny when you've been in the car and I'm getting you unbuckled, as soon as you hear those buckles unclip, you lunge yourself out of your car seat. Though you don't mind trips around town, and even enjoy looking out the windows a bit, you're not a fan when the car ride goes an hour or more. You'll have your check-up at the pediatrician's soon and we'll see how much you've grown since last time!
You're doing more and more moving around too. You crawl so fast it is amazing to us. You're also really moving right along with standing up and walking along holding onto things. You'll now go from holding onto one thing, like your exersaucer and then reach for another thing, like a chair nearby and walk over to that. You're becomming more cautious as well, which is good because you're getting down from standing more safely and just being a bit safer with standing and walking in general. Every now and then you'll stand on your own, but with your new catiousness, you usually try to turn and grab whoever is spotting you for some reassurance. You think climbing the stairs is great, and it's so funny to see you hustle over to the stairs and laugh and laugh as Daddy or I come to either pull you away or follow you up, like it's a game of chase. When you really want to get to something upstairs, like the playroom, you'll crawl right up and into the room, but other times when you just feel like exploring you will climb a couple of steps and then hold onto the railing dowels to stand up, like you see your big sisters doing.
You're also still so vocal and babble away. Sometimes it does seem like you're connecting your sounds with things, but we're still unsure. You're good with your sign language and definitely have "all done" down, though many times lately you clap your hands together, but we still definitely understand what you're trying to say. You also understand when I sign 'change' and 'milk' but don't do these signs yet. You also understand when we say "ah ah" when you're grabbing something you shouldn't and most of the time you'll take your hands off of it. Other times though, when you just really want to be doing something that we have to drag you away from, you've begun throwing fits. I guess I'd forgotten how early that started, because I sure was surprised the first time you had yourself a little tantrum.
As far as food goes you're still chugging right along slowly with solid foods. You still don't have any teeth (!) not even one has begun to break through your gums, so things you eat have to be easily gummed. You don't prefer to be spoon fed, so when you are in the mood to eat it's usually crackers, cheerio's, bread and that sort of thing. You do well with banana but if you're getting it off of your tray yourself, you usually squish it all up in your hands before you get it to your mouth. You have soft cooked veggies when we have them (like the sweet potato fries at dinner tonight) and you even tried our home made hummus and liked it, though there was a bit of a kick from the garlic. You eat some typical 'babyfood' but it's certainly not your preference and it doesn't happen often. Your main things to eat are 'unsalted tops' crackers, strips of bread/pita/etc., avocado, and banana though you have tried other things and had no reactions. You are still quite happy with nursing and would rather do that than eat solid foods, so if there's any hope of you munching something in your high chair during dinner, I have to be sure that you've had your 'milky' first.
Another cute little thing you've taken to doing is patting my back when I pat yours, it's not always so gentle, but it's sweet nonetheless. It's also very funny when you've been in the car and I'm getting you unbuckled, as soon as you hear those buckles unclip, you lunge yourself out of your car seat. Though you don't mind trips around town, and even enjoy looking out the windows a bit, you're not a fan when the car ride goes an hour or more. You'll have your check-up at the pediatrician's soon and we'll see how much you've grown since last time!
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 9 months News posted by Laura at 11:17 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
My goodness you are growing so fast!!
Bloodwork Champ
I took Enzo in to the pediatrician's office to have his ears checked out since he's been digging at them with his cold. They checked out just fine, but afterwards I took him down to the lab to have his bloodwork done, lead and cbc check, before his 9 month appointment coming up.
First he was complemented on what nice veins he has, then he just sat there and watched as they put the needle in and drained out two little viles of blood. He didn't cry one little bit, just sat there with curiosity in his eyes. He was quite the brave little boy.
First he was complemented on what nice veins he has, then he just sat there and watched as they put the needle in and drained out two little viles of blood. He didn't cry one little bit, just sat there with curiosity in his eyes. He was quite the brave little boy.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 9 months News posted by Laura at 10:29 AM | Comment
One Hundred Push Up Week Three Day Two
Wow today's push ups were tough. We were all sore from the hike and activities yesterday but Abby and Zoë demanded to do their push ups. Laura and I wanted another day of rest, but they persisted. Abby and Zoë didn't seem to have the difficulty I had in finishing my sets. At the end I was completely numb and fatiged. They are making great progress.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 9 months News posted by christopher at 7:55 AM | Comment
June 23rd 2009
Fire Tower Hike 4 & 5 - Miller State Park & Derry Fire Tower
Today we started out early. We wanted to finish up the Fire Lookout Tower Quest challenge. We had picked the last two towers, as they were both drive up accessible, or so we thought. We drove the 1.5 hours to Peterborough to Miller State Park. The Pack Monadnock tower is there and Miller State Park was the first state park in New Hampshire. When we arrived, we noticed the booth unmanned and the gates closed. This was unexpected as we had hoped to drive up. We were not prepared for the trek. The girls weren't even in sneakers and Enzo's pack was at home. Since it was raining all week, and off and on today, we didn't want to take the trails. The shortest trail was 1.4 miles. The autoroute to the top seemed longer although they say it is only 1.3 miles, but should have been simpler than is was. It took us almost 2 hours to go up and back down. It was a very steep road that kept getting steeper. The girls did a great job both up and back.
Exhausted and hungry, we visited a local diner for lunch at almost 2 PM. The girls were thrilled to eat at the counter.
Derry was on our way home, so we swung by the Warner Hill fire tower. This was by far the simplest to get to, you could drive up to it, about 500 feet away but the view from the top was limited. This tower was not worth visiting at all, but we are glad to have completed our quest. The girls look forward to getting the patches.
All in all, we had hoped to only be out and about for half of the day, but we didn't get home until about dinner time, slightly before 5 PM. Everyone is exhausted and with sore feet. We might still check out a few more fire towers as we enjoyed the adventures and hiking to these summits.
Exhausted and hungry, we visited a local diner for lunch at almost 2 PM. The girls were thrilled to eat at the counter.
Derry was on our way home, so we swung by the Warner Hill fire tower. This was by far the simplest to get to, you could drive up to it, about 500 feet away but the view from the top was limited. This tower was not worth visiting at all, but we are glad to have completed our quest. The girls look forward to getting the patches.
All in all, we had hoped to only be out and about for half of the day, but we didn't get home until about dinner time, slightly before 5 PM. Everyone is exhausted and with sore feet. We might still check out a few more fire towers as we enjoyed the adventures and hiking to these summits.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 8 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 8 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 29 days News posted by christopher at 5:03 PM | Comment
Cloth Diaper Update
I will admit that I was a little concerned at first use, as at about the 1.5 to 2 hour mark I was getting leaks out the side of the legs. It was then that I read the email and attached pdf book about the diapers and discovered what I'd done wrong. Mainly that I needed to wash the inserts more times to get the absorbency up and also dry the covers in the dryer, which I hadn't done. Per the recommendations I should have washed them anywhere from 3-7 before even using them, but I was too impatient. However, even with just two washes (and the covers being dried in the dryer to seal the sewing holes) it's going really well.
Enzo is a pretty heavy pee'er, so I've been using a doubler along with the inserts and he's gotten a couple of three hour stretches with no leaks. After the second wash I tried using just the insert with no doubler and that lasts well for a couple of hours too. Even in disposable I change him every 2-3 hours so it's really the same. The diapers are only slightly more bulky than a disposable when all stuffed with the doubler and everything, much different than a lot of other cloth diapers I see on babies these days.
The pull on covers for night time should be arriving any day now, so once we get those laundered then we'll try it out at night, with a liner and a couple of doublers I suppose - I'll have to read some tips on night time wearing. So, after a couple of days to get used to the system - not to mention proper washing - I'm very happy with the new diapers and if Enzo could talk I'm sure he'd tell us that he's liking the super soft chemical free fabric against his skin much better too! :)
Enzo is a pretty heavy pee'er, so I've been using a doubler along with the inserts and he's gotten a couple of three hour stretches with no leaks. After the second wash I tried using just the insert with no doubler and that lasts well for a couple of hours too. Even in disposable I change him every 2-3 hours so it's really the same. The diapers are only slightly more bulky than a disposable when all stuffed with the doubler and everything, much different than a lot of other cloth diapers I see on babies these days.
The pull on covers for night time should be arriving any day now, so once we get those laundered then we'll try it out at night, with a liner and a couple of doublers I suppose - I'll have to read some tips on night time wearing. So, after a couple of days to get used to the system - not to mention proper washing - I'm very happy with the new diapers and if Enzo could talk I'm sure he'd tell us that he's liking the super soft chemical free fabric against his skin much better too! :)
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 8 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 8 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 29 days News posted by Laura at 8:41 AM | Comment
June 22nd 2009
One Hundred Push Up Week Three Day One
We started the morning out strong. The girls woke up late, around 7:30. Probably because they are going to sleep later than normal due to poor behavior at bed time. Mommy and Enzo slept in. I got the girls some pineapple juice and we started the routine. Both Abby and Zoë did really well with their sets, needing only a minimum of help. Zoë at the end almost doubled her minimum push ups.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 7 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 7 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 28 days News posted by christopher at 8:21 AM | Comment
June 21st 2009
Father's Day 2009
The girls and Enzo made their annual foot prints for me. Laura put together a poem. It is great how the girls all like to celebrate my day. Nonna sent a nice card and gift card, so we enjoyed a nice take out dinner.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 6 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 6 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 27 days Holidays posted by christopher at 5:39 PM | Comment
One Hundred Push Up SecondTest
We did our second push up test today. I was disappointed as the girls were just fooling around and not interested in testing. They both did a minimum amount of push ups to be classed in the first level. Not sure why the sudden loss of interest in the push ups, but we are moving forward with week three non the less.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 6 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 6 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 27 days News posted by christopher at 2:19 PM | Comment
Now We Make Three
You know we follow in your footsteps Dad,
we've been over that before.
But things are slightly different now,
now that we've added one more.
He's looking to us as we're looking to you,
one more tiny set of footprints,
learning what to do.
Just like in the woods on our hikes,
we'll step where you step and be okay.
We're trying hard to learn your lessons,
to listen and obey.
Be strong, get along,
daily work your brain.
In life we can go wherever, be whatever,
and you'll be there to help us through any pain.
From your girls, from your son,
from your kids one, two , and three.
Happy Father's Day, we love you,
thank you for helping us grow
into who we will be.
we've been over that before.
But things are slightly different now,
now that we've added one more.
He's looking to us as we're looking to you,
one more tiny set of footprints,
learning what to do.
Just like in the woods on our hikes,
we'll step where you step and be okay.
We're trying hard to learn your lessons,
to listen and obey.
Be strong, get along,
daily work your brain.
In life we can go wherever, be whatever,
and you'll be there to help us through any pain.
From your girls, from your son,
from your kids one, two , and three.
Happy Father's Day, we love you,
thank you for helping us grow
into who we will be.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 6 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 6 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 27 days Poems posted by Laura at 1:33 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Beautiful poem and it says it all....Love all of you! xxoo
June 20th 2009
Rocky's Burgers
Reanna and Corey have been talking to us about this place in Newmarket Called Rocky's Burgers. Reanna had decided that they were going to take my Dad there today for Father's Day (a day early since they're closed on Sunday) so we said that we'd come along.
As Chris and Enzo were just getting into the shower after our hike (Enzo wasn't messy from the hike, just from the cracker and veggies he'd just eaten) Reanna called and said that our Dad was no longer going to be going because his car is broken. Zoë and Abby were really bummed that they wouldn't see Grampy, because they'd made him cards for Father's Day. We all met at Pete and Alicia's house anyhow, along with friends Janice and Douglas, who are up from Conneticut and staying with Reanna and Corey. We put everyone's orders in and then walked into town. I was surprised to see the girls skipping their way along after our hike today. Zoë did decide that she needed a break at one point though and sat down on a bench.
After we got our food we went and sat down by the water to eat, even the geese got to eat as Chris and the girls were feeding them 'unsalted tops' (genric unsalted saltines) that I'd brought along for Enzo. We hung around for a little while and then went to go meet Corey and Douglas, who had gone back to the burger place to pick up some 'doreos' - deep fried oreos. The girls were thrilled to try them out, one each, as they were basically an oreo inside a donut whole. Once we got back to Pete and Alicia's house it was time to get ready to get home, much to Zoë and Abby's dismay, as it was already after 8:00pm and we'd had quite the long day.
As Chris and Enzo were just getting into the shower after our hike (Enzo wasn't messy from the hike, just from the cracker and veggies he'd just eaten) Reanna called and said that our Dad was no longer going to be going because his car is broken. Zoë and Abby were really bummed that they wouldn't see Grampy, because they'd made him cards for Father's Day. We all met at Pete and Alicia's house anyhow, along with friends Janice and Douglas, who are up from Conneticut and staying with Reanna and Corey. We put everyone's orders in and then walked into town. I was surprised to see the girls skipping their way along after our hike today. Zoë did decide that she needed a break at one point though and sat down on a bench.
After we got our food we went and sat down by the water to eat, even the geese got to eat as Chris and the girls were feeding them 'unsalted tops' (genric unsalted saltines) that I'd brought along for Enzo. We hung around for a little while and then went to go meet Corey and Douglas, who had gone back to the burger place to pick up some 'doreos' - deep fried oreos. The girls were thrilled to try them out, one each, as they were basically an oreo inside a donut whole. Once we got back to Pete and Alicia's house it was time to get ready to get home, much to Zoë and Abby's dismay, as it was already after 8:00pm and we'd had quite the long day.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 6 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 6 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 27 days News posted by Laura at 8:42 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
oh my. How were the burgers? the deep fried oreos sure sound good. i can't wait to go skipping to Rocky's Burgers
Fire Tower Hike Number Three - Belknap Mountain
We made the drive to Gilford, NH to hike up Belknap mountain for the fire tower, which has an elevation of 2,384 feet. We decided on the red trail, which is .9 miles and ended up taking the green trail down. The peak of the mountain is the highest point in the county. It is also one of the fifty most topicgraphically prominent peaks in New England.
Belknap Mountain is within the watershed of the Merrimack river come to find out, and it certainly does show it on the trails. We didn't have any really bad falls, but Abby did hurt her tailbone pretty good on one slippery rock. We got to the tower and Daddy and the girls climbed on up to see the beautiful view. We decided to go on the green trail on the way down, which, though still slow going, was probably a good decision. Zoë and Abby are troopers, not giving us any complaints at all. We started hiking at just about 11:00a.m. We got to the top at 11:48, started coming down just after 12:00 and got back to the car just after 1:00p.m.
On the way home we stopped at the Turner's house, which the girls were thrilled about and even Enzo benefited from the break. He played with some train sets and some other of Quinn's toys and even got a lick right up the face from Heinrick. We all felt very ready for naps on the ride home.
Belknap Mountain is within the watershed of the Merrimack river come to find out, and it certainly does show it on the trails. We didn't have any really bad falls, but Abby did hurt her tailbone pretty good on one slippery rock. We got to the tower and Daddy and the girls climbed on up to see the beautiful view. We decided to go on the green trail on the way down, which, though still slow going, was probably a good decision. Zoë and Abby are troopers, not giving us any complaints at all. We started hiking at just about 11:00a.m. We got to the top at 11:48, started coming down just after 12:00 and got back to the car just after 1:00p.m.
On the way home we stopped at the Turner's house, which the girls were thrilled about and even Enzo benefited from the break. He played with some train sets and some other of Quinn's toys and even got a lick right up the face from Heinrick. We all felt very ready for naps on the ride home.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 5 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 5 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 26 days News posted by Laura at 4:12 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
I think I have been on this hike. the fire tower looks the same. maybe they all look the same at the top:0)
Abby & Zoe climbed up the hill, to see the fire tower.
Abby fell on her little tail bone with Zoe right behind her
June 19th 2009
One Hundred Push Up Week Two Day Three
Another week has come and gone. We finished our second week this morning. Things have started to get tough for us. The girls did 60 push ups this morning, in 5 sets of 12, 13, 10, 10, and 15. I did 83 in total, which isn't much more than what they did. Abby didn't need much help at the end of her sets at all. I did give Zoë some slight help to finish her last set, but overall they both did a great job. We will do the placement test this weekend to see how to proceed in week 3. You need to be able to do a minimum of 16 push ups to place in the first level, 21 for the second level and 25 for the third difficulty level. I am curious to see if the girls move from level 2 to level 1 starting week 3.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 4 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 4 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 25 days News posted by christopher at 9:14 AM | Comment
June 18th 2009
Lap Times
This afternoon at the pool Chris timed the girls swimming across the pool. One way is 25 meters (I think, I'll have to double check) They first swam from the shallow end to the deep end on their fronts and it took 1 minute 15 seconds. Then they swam from the deep end to the shallow end on their backs and it took 1 minute. I'm not sure how this compares to anything competition wise, but it seemed fast to us!
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 3 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 3 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 24 days News posted by Laura at 4:44 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
What a great job you are both doing with swimming at the "Y". Proud of both of you.
Diaper Contest
With the new shipment of cloth diapers arriving, I've been looking around the web for diapering tips and found a neat website ( clothdiaperblog.com ) and ended up entering a giveaway! If I were to win I'd get a trial of fuzzibunz one size cloth diaper. Cross your fingers for me!
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 3 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 3 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 24 days News posted by Laura at 12:29 PM | Comment
June 17th 2009
Softbums Cloth Diaper Arrival
I am so excited to finally have these diapers in my possession! I did months worth of research about all of the different kinds of cloth diapers and the different brands within those styles and read reviews, etc. etc. etc. I've known for quite some time that I really wanted to use the perfect fit diaper, by Softbums, on Enzo. Finally, finally I got Chris on board and we ordered them and today they arrived. Zoë tried one of the covers on over her leggings after Chris had loosened it to it's biggest fitting, and found it hilarious that she was fitting into Enzo's diapers!
They are a one size diaper, meaning that I don't have to order more every time Enzo grows. The pull on covers for night time will be arriving in a separate shipment, so for now I think I'll still use the pampers night time diapers we have left. I'm anxious to get them washed and fitted and start using them!
They are a one size diaper, meaning that I don't have to order more every time Enzo grows. The pull on covers for night time will be arriving in a separate shipment, so for now I think I'll still use the pampers night time diapers we have left. I'm anxious to get them washed and fitted and start using them!
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 2 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 2 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 23 days News posted by Laura at 2:13 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Looking good Enzo..baby!!
One Hundred Push Up Week Two Day Two
Zoë and Abby had some difficulty towards the end of their push up sets today, but they still made it through them with astounding form. Every time Zoë would get herself set she'd say to Chris, "I don't need any help Daddy." I think that Chris was even struggling at the end of his last set (of 17) today. I, on the other hand, though still having a hard time keeping my form good, am finding it to get just a smidge easier. That being said, I am repeating week one.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 2 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 2 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 23 days News posted by Laura at 8:10 AM | Comment
June 16th 2009
Color Mixing
Zoë and Abby have become interested in what colors mixed together become. Today in the kids room they read a story about a rabbit who starts out white and keeps changing into other colors and then they got to work with paints and make new colors themselves. They're now touting themselves to be experts on which colors make what and are eager to do some more experiments.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months, 1 day
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months, 1 day
Enzo @ 8 months, 22 days Art posted by Laura at 2:08 PM | Comment
June 15th 2009
Fire Tower Hike Number Two - Pawtuckaway
This morning was cool and cloudy, but rain free so we decided to pack up and get ready to head to Nottingham to hike to the tower at Pawtuckaway State Park's South Mountain. Just as I had the kids in the car and the trunk all packed, it started to sprinkle. We decided to go ahead and get on down the road, thinking maybe it was just our way that was getting the drizzle. It cleared up pretty early on our drive, but of course started up harder as we neared the road for the fire tower hike. It kept going off and on as our little car climbed the road to get to the trail head. (For a little while we thought we were going to be doing a repeat of our 'warm up hike' that took place on our last fire tower hike)
We found our place, with shouts of joy from the girls that we weren't lost in the woods... again, and got out to get on rain coats and tuck our pants into our socks. :) Even Enzo got a rain coat of sorts, as I'd just found one in the buckets of 12 month hand-me-downs from Leeann... hooray! (Yes, he's already fitting quite well into 12 month clothing) We ended up just fine though, as even when the rain did pick up, the trees did a pretty good job of acting as umbrellas for us. The steep trail was slippery in places though from previous rains, but I think we had less slips and falls than last time around.
Zoë and Abby were again excited to have trees painted with a strip of color (white in today's case) because they just love keeping track of when they see one and keeping us on track. We also saw lots of neon orange newts, which Abby misheard us identify and was calling them nerds. "Dad, come look, I found another nerd!" We saw a couple of hopping toads as well as many pretty birds too. The hike didn't last long (though I certainly was winded at the top with Enzo on my back) and before we knew it we were at the fire tower.
We found our place, with shouts of joy from the girls that we weren't lost in the woods... again, and got out to get on rain coats and tuck our pants into our socks. :) Even Enzo got a rain coat of sorts, as I'd just found one in the buckets of 12 month hand-me-downs from Leeann... hooray! (Yes, he's already fitting quite well into 12 month clothing) We ended up just fine though, as even when the rain did pick up, the trees did a pretty good job of acting as umbrellas for us. The steep trail was slippery in places though from previous rains, but I think we had less slips and falls than last time around.
Zoë and Abby were again excited to have trees painted with a strip of color (white in today's case) because they just love keeping track of when they see one and keeping us on track. We also saw lots of neon orange newts, which Abby misheard us identify and was calling them nerds. "Dad, come look, I found another nerd!" We saw a couple of hopping toads as well as many pretty birds too. The hike didn't last long (though I certainly was winded at the top with Enzo on my back) and before we knew it we were at the fire tower.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months
Enzo @ 8 months, 21 days News posted by Laura at 4:05 PM | Comment
One Hundred Push Up Week Two Day One
Zoë and Abby did really well this morning with their first round of push ups for week 2. Their sets this morning went 9, 11, 8, 8, and then at least 11. (Abby did 12 on the last set.) Chris did 14, 14, 10, 10, and at least 15, which he busts out like there's nothing to it. I re-did week one day one so I did 2,3,2,2, and at least 3. Yeah, I've got a lot of work to do to get to 100. :) Zoë and Abby do so well and only needed minimal help on their last set, with really good form too.
Abby @ 5 years, 6 months
Zoë @ 5 years, 6 months
Enzo @ 8 months, 21 days News posted by Laura at 8:32 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Great going everyone!!
June 14th 2009
Birthday Celebrations at the Valley's
In the afternoon we went to Reanna and Corey's, where Pete and Alicia (and baby Aurora) also came over. Today is Pete's birthday (he shares one with Nonna!) and tomorrow is Uncle Corey's so Auntie Reanna had made Apple pie's and Alicia brought an ice cream cake she had made. We brought prepared sushi rice and everyone made sushi rolls for dinner and then we had the cake and pie for dessert, yum!
Enzo and Elijah were excited to see each other as always and Enzo especially enjoyed pulling all of Elijah's books and toys off the shelves. At one point I got my hands on little Aurora (who is 2.5 months) as she gurgled and cooed, and spit up of course. I had to hand her off once Enzo decided he needed his Mommy back though, crawling to me and pulling up trying to reach me.
Enzo and Elijah were excited to see each other as always and Enzo especially enjoyed pulling all of Elijah's books and toys off the shelves. At one point I got my hands on little Aurora (who is 2.5 months) as she gurgled and cooed, and spit up of course. I had to hand her off once Enzo decided he needed his Mommy back though, crawling to me and pulling up trying to reach me.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 30 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 30 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 20 days News posted by Laura at 7:00 PM | Comment
Children's Day at Church
Zoë and Abby have been practicing and looking forward to doing the children's day service at church today. They performed a couple of songs and a skit with all of the kids and then they did two songs with the kids choir. The theme was 'breakfast on the beach' and we were all encouraged to wear beach themed attire. Unfortunately it was cold and rainy outside, so the girls layered a long sleeve under their beach tank tops form João Pessoa and wore sun hats. Afterwards their was a cook-out, which of course had to be a cook-in, for lunch. After Zoë and Abby got some play time with their friends, we headed home to get some rest.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 30 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 30 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 20 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 12:45 PM | Comment
June 13th 2009
MSBC Pancake Breakfast and Market Square Day
Every year our church does a big pancake breakfast, but we've ended up not going for the past couple of years. Zoë and Abby really wanted to go this morning and have been counting down. I ate breakfast at home but relented to taking them. The girls said that they were going to pay for their own tickets, $2 each for kids, as they'd already looked in their wallets and found that they each had $3. It was already nice weather outside, and it is also Market Square Day today, so we walked into to town to hit both things.
Once it was time to get in line to get their tickets, the girls ended up being a little shy. Abby went first and said, "One please" and then handed over her money. Zoë needed some help to get her courage up but then got her ticket and both girls waited in line for their two pancakes and two sausage links. (they'd run out of eggs as they'd been serving breakfast since 7am and it was now around 9) I carried their orange juices over to the table and they got right down to chowing their food.
After the girls had had their fill, we headed down the main stretch of road for Market Square Day, heading towards the kids section. On the way the girls got balloons and balloon animals (a flower and a unicorn actually) they got lots of hand outs, samples (iced tea and lemonade) and the chance to do a 'challenge'. It was for a moving company and the challenge itself was more for adults (to run up the stairs and slide down the slide 5 times in a certain amount of time) but the kids were in line to get to have some fun too. Once at the front of the line, both girls chickened out, but after a few more people went, Abby went ahead and hustled up the stairs and down the slide. Zoë never did work up the courage, especially after her balloon tied to her wrist came off and flew away and her balloon flower kept falling and different parts were popping.
We stopped in the shade for Enzo to nurse and then continued on down by the post office and then through the park to home.
Once it was time to get in line to get their tickets, the girls ended up being a little shy. Abby went first and said, "One please" and then handed over her money. Zoë needed some help to get her courage up but then got her ticket and both girls waited in line for their two pancakes and two sausage links. (they'd run out of eggs as they'd been serving breakfast since 7am and it was now around 9) I carried their orange juices over to the table and they got right down to chowing their food.
After the girls had had their fill, we headed down the main stretch of road for Market Square Day, heading towards the kids section. On the way the girls got balloons and balloon animals (a flower and a unicorn actually) they got lots of hand outs, samples (iced tea and lemonade) and the chance to do a 'challenge'. It was for a moving company and the challenge itself was more for adults (to run up the stairs and slide down the slide 5 times in a certain amount of time) but the kids were in line to get to have some fun too. Once at the front of the line, both girls chickened out, but after a few more people went, Abby went ahead and hustled up the stairs and down the slide. Zoë never did work up the courage, especially after her balloon tied to her wrist came off and flew away and her balloon flower kept falling and different parts were popping.
We stopped in the shade for Enzo to nurse and then continued on down by the post office and then through the park to home.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 29 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 29 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 19 days News posted by Laura at 11:19 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
What a day packed full of things to do!!
June 12th 2009
One Hundred Push Up Week One Day Three
We did the big workout this morning. Abby and Zoë both were close to failing at the end of the 5 sets, and I was burnt out too. It is really designed to work your muscles to failure so you can progress. The girls are excited about starting week 2 and moving up the ladder. They are doing such a great job working on the perfect pushup. I think Abby, Zoë and I will advance to the second weeks routines on Monday. Mommy needs some more time with the week one routine. She did promise to complete the program though, it just might take her longer than 6 weeks. But it would be great for her health, and for all of us if she could do 100 push ups in a row. What a great challenge. I am proud of her determination to stick with it.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 28 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 28 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 18 days News posted by christopher at 7:26 AM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
wow! 100 pushups in a row. that is amazing. can you do a video?
Good for all of you...I can't believe the little "sweeties" can do 100...that seems like an awful lot for their little arms to endure. But very proud of all of you for this effort.
June 11th 2009
Hike Cancelled
We were all set to go to Patuckaway State Park today to log another fire tower visit, but the day just got away from us. We were all a little slow getting up this morning, then Daddy ended up having some work to do and before we knew it, it was lunch time. We were excited to get another fire tower visit under our belts, but decided it would just have to wait until tomorrow.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 27 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 27 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 17 days News posted by Laura at 11:16 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Do you get something stamped...how do they know you completed the tours? Or doesn't it matter one iota!!!
June 10th 2009
St. John Post Cards
The girls received another set of post cards from Auntie Elizabeth (or as they now want to call her - with the start of their Italian lessons - Zia). After we got home from swimming and errands, Daddy had them all scanned and ready for us to add to the post card wall.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 27 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 27 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 17 days Photos posted by Laura at 9:18 PM | Comment
Mommy at the Pool
For the second night in a row, I took the kids to the pool without Daddy. Well, last night Zoë stayed home due to the swollen face thing, and just Abby went in. Enzo and I were going to go in, but as we were getting ready to go it just seemed like to much work for this evening. The girls enjoyed their swim time, though I was probably more nit picky about their swimming etiquette not being in the water with them.
After swimming, even though it was past 7:30, we went to Market Basket, a grocery store nearby. I had been given a gift card there as a thank-you. It was great because there was some produce that we hadn't been able to get at Wal-Mart earlier in the day (it was yucky or non-existant there) so we picked up most of that stuff plus were able to get a couple of packs of frozen gnocci, and couldn't resist a package of strawberries because they smelled so good, and then got a raspberry crumb cake to top it off. With the girls helping me to calculate and keep track of the dollar amount (yes, I should probably make a point to carry a calculator with me) we ended up going just one penny over the amount of the gift card. We were quite pleased with ourselves.
After swimming, even though it was past 7:30, we went to Market Basket, a grocery store nearby. I had been given a gift card there as a thank-you. It was great because there was some produce that we hadn't been able to get at Wal-Mart earlier in the day (it was yucky or non-existant there) so we picked up most of that stuff plus were able to get a couple of packs of frozen gnocci, and couldn't resist a package of strawberries because they smelled so good, and then got a raspberry crumb cake to top it off. With the girls helping me to calculate and keep track of the dollar amount (yes, I should probably make a point to carry a calculator with me) we ended up going just one penny over the amount of the gift card. We were quite pleased with ourselves.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 27 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 27 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 17 days News posted by Laura at 9:08 PM | Comment
One Hundred Push Up Week One Day Two
We are on a mission. The girls are very entusiastic about getting up and doing our push ups. They don't complain at all. They are very proud of their push ups and are such hard workers. The second day of the week isn't the difficult routine so it went very smoothly this morning. Everyone finished their sets on target for advancement.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 26 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 26 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 16 days News posted by christopher at 9:32 AM | Comment
June 9th 2009
Zoë's Swollen Face
Yesterday afternoon I noticed that the bridge of Zoë's nose and starting over her right eye was red, puffy and generally swollen up. I called the pediatrician, who told me to give her some benadryl and call back if it wasn't better in the morning.
This morning it certainly wasn't better, it was worse. Her right eye was half closed, the whole nose area was swollen, part of her left eye was swollen and everything was red. It was too early to call the doctor's office again so I called the consult-a-nurse line at the hospital. She told me that it wasn't urgent but to get her seen once the pediatrician's office was open. I called the pediatrician's office right at 8:00 and they gave me an 8:45 appointment. Meanwhile, the only thing Zoë was concerned with was wether or not we were going to make it to babytime. Well, that and if she'd get food if they told us she had to go to the hospital.
On the way to the doctor's Enzo decided it was time to get his morning poo taken care of. Yeah, you know it's not staying contained when they're in their car seat. We got put right into a room (probably because they saw the way I was carrying Enzo) and we got to the mess. It was the kind of thing that you really need a tub for.
We got everything under control and soon enough one of the doctor's came in and checked out Zoë. She had no trouble telling Zoë and Abby part today, and was actually glad to be able to look at Abby for comparison. She concluded that the bite was right on the middle of her nose and since there isn't any fatty tissue there, it spreads and looks much more dramatic. She gave us a couple of sample bottle of zantac and gave Zoë a dose before we left. The girls were both very happy that we were out in time to get to the Families First center for our group.
This morning it certainly wasn't better, it was worse. Her right eye was half closed, the whole nose area was swollen, part of her left eye was swollen and everything was red. It was too early to call the doctor's office again so I called the consult-a-nurse line at the hospital. She told me that it wasn't urgent but to get her seen once the pediatrician's office was open. I called the pediatrician's office right at 8:00 and they gave me an 8:45 appointment. Meanwhile, the only thing Zoë was concerned with was wether or not we were going to make it to babytime. Well, that and if she'd get food if they told us she had to go to the hospital.
On the way to the doctor's Enzo decided it was time to get his morning poo taken care of. Yeah, you know it's not staying contained when they're in their car seat. We got put right into a room (probably because they saw the way I was carrying Enzo) and we got to the mess. It was the kind of thing that you really need a tub for.
We got everything under control and soon enough one of the doctor's came in and checked out Zoë. She had no trouble telling Zoë and Abby part today, and was actually glad to be able to look at Abby for comparison. She concluded that the bite was right on the middle of her nose and since there isn't any fatty tissue there, it spreads and looks much more dramatic. She gave us a couple of sample bottle of zantac and gave Zoë a dose before we left. The girls were both very happy that we were out in time to get to the Families First center for our group.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 25 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 25 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 15 days News posted by Laura at 9:07 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
I am glad you are doing better, Zoe.
I was trying to imagine what you looked like all swollen.
June 8th 2009
Laura Nightly Lullabys
Laura has been singing lullabys since before the girls were born. The girls had been dependent on them, and maybe Enzo is getting there too. Lately though, the girls have been going to bed without their lullaby, so I had asked Laura to record it so they could have it whenever they wanted. Laura made up the custom lullaby for Abby and Zoë, and when Enzo was in the womb, she made him up one as well, that should could sing to him.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 25 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 25 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 15 days Sounds posted by christopher at 8:03 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
beautiful song, beautiful voice.
Fire Tower Hike Number One - Blue Job Mountain
Today's hike was a sort of extra credit. On our score card for the great park pursuit, you can get up to five bonus points for visiting various fire towers in the state. Blue Job was the closest to us with an easy hike, so we decided to go and mark that off of our list today.
We ended up doing what we're affectionately reffering to as our 'warm up hike', thanks to a google maps error. Google maps told us to turn onto a street that was actually before the Blue Job trail head, little did we know. The directions led us to another hill and to some very rough roads. These roads turned from paved to gravel, to dirt, to pot holes with dirt, to dirt with ruts, and finally to dirt with huge rocks and mud ponds that made them unpassable. We parked the car and decided to walk up the mountain, thinking we would eventually reach the summit and the fire tower. Well about an hour in, and at the top of the trail, just before starting to go back down again, we turned around. This was already a difficult 1 hour hike at this point. We started to head back, but somehow got side tracked. Things didn't look familiar anymore and Chris didn't notice any of our prints. We doubled back and found our error, and proceded back to the car. Overall, this pre-hike warm up cost us 2 hours. It was a nice hike, but had tons of bugs. Abby got 4 bites all on her neck. Zoë got two bites, both behind her ears. Zoë and Abby took a few tumbles, but overall did fairly well. Back in the car and fed and watered, we headed back toward the main road. I mentioned to Laura that we should at least try to carry on and do the small hike should we be able to find it. About 5 or 10 minutes away, we found the official trail head. After seeing some young kids come out of the trail by themselves, we chatted them up. They mentioned it was an easy hike, and they were right. The hike up was cake compared to our pre-hike warm up. The girls enjoyed these trails so much better, even though they had a couple of slips and falls too. They enjoyed seeing the bugs along the way, mushrooms, birds, hearing the birds, and the fire tower. They already want to go to the next fire tower. Four more and they get a fire tower patch.
We ended up doing what we're affectionately reffering to as our 'warm up hike', thanks to a google maps error. Google maps told us to turn onto a street that was actually before the Blue Job trail head, little did we know. The directions led us to another hill and to some very rough roads. These roads turned from paved to gravel, to dirt, to pot holes with dirt, to dirt with ruts, and finally to dirt with huge rocks and mud ponds that made them unpassable. We parked the car and decided to walk up the mountain, thinking we would eventually reach the summit and the fire tower. Well about an hour in, and at the top of the trail, just before starting to go back down again, we turned around. This was already a difficult 1 hour hike at this point. We started to head back, but somehow got side tracked. Things didn't look familiar anymore and Chris didn't notice any of our prints. We doubled back and found our error, and proceded back to the car. Overall, this pre-hike warm up cost us 2 hours. It was a nice hike, but had tons of bugs. Abby got 4 bites all on her neck. Zoë got two bites, both behind her ears. Zoë and Abby took a few tumbles, but overall did fairly well. Back in the car and fed and watered, we headed back toward the main road. I mentioned to Laura that we should at least try to carry on and do the small hike should we be able to find it. About 5 or 10 minutes away, we found the official trail head. After seeing some young kids come out of the trail by themselves, we chatted them up. They mentioned it was an easy hike, and they were right. The hike up was cake compared to our pre-hike warm up. The girls enjoyed these trails so much better, even though they had a couple of slips and falls too. They enjoyed seeing the bugs along the way, mushrooms, birds, hearing the birds, and the fire tower. They already want to go to the next fire tower. Four more and they get a fire tower patch.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 24 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 24 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 14 days News posted by Laura at 4:58 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
great pictures. Looks like my kind of hike
One Hundred Push Up Week One Day One
Today we did day one of week one of the one hundred push up challenge. Abby and Zoë did great this morning. They did their 5 sets really quickly and correclt. Abby did 3 less than Zoë on the last set, but she still accomplished the goal. Laura struggled, but stil managed to complete her sets as well. I won't let her give up. Overall we enjoyed our morning push ups, but that tune might change when they wake up sore tomorrow. Luckily our day two starts on Wednesday.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 24 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 24 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 14 days News posted by christopher at 8:15 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
I think this is great and hiking is a real bonus to building up your lung capacity. Good going everyone!
June 7th 2009
Walk To Church
With the nice weather, the kids and I have taken to walking to church. This was our second time, and the girls were all excited to walk there again. We all wear our walking shoes and put our dress shoes in the bottom of the stroller and change once we get to church.
Today after church we walked over to the health food store to pick up some organic oats and rooibus tea and then headed home. It's nice to get out in the fresh morning air, though by the time we were walking home today it had certainly warmed up!
Today after church we walked over to the health food store to pick up some organic oats and rooibus tea and then headed home. It's nice to get out in the fresh morning air, though by the time we were walking home today it had certainly warmed up!
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 23 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 23 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 13 days News posted by Laura at 7:01 AM | Comment
June 6th 2009
Bakery Outlet Store and Goodwill
We passed a Goodwill and the Freihofer's Bakery Outlet on our way to Friendly's so after lunch we had to stop in. This is our first time at the bakery outlet. They had tons to offer and some good deals. Not as good a deal as when our local stores need to move soon to be expired stuff, but still good enough for us to stock up on English muffins, a weakness for Laura and the girls. My weakness is a Goodwill store. We had to make a quick stop to look for some used jeans. They never have what I am looking for. We left goodwill empty handed but with a trunk full of bread destined for our freezer.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 22 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 22 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 12 days First Moments posted by christopher at 3:54 PM | Comment
Free Ice-cream Day at Friendly's
We met up with Grampy after the Great Park Pursuit at Friendly's for the free ice-cream day. We were all starving so we decided to have lunch there first. The place was packed. Abby and Zoë ate all of their lunch and then some, so they moved on to the ice-cream sunday. Ice-cream sundays came with our meals so we ended up not taking advantage of this freebie one scoop ice-cream afterall.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 22 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 22 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 12 days Holidays posted by christopher at 2:13 PM | Comment
Great Park Pursuit - Bear Brook State Park
After the home depot workshop and fill-a-bag sale, we headed right up to Allenstown for the Great Parks Pursuit Kick-off at Bear Brooke State Park. We arrived and got all geared up to check in a begin whatever activities lay ahead of us. At check in we got our five parks pursuit bracelts, which we'll need to show to get into the other state parks for free, as well as our score card. It turned out that there were a handful of guided activities, which you didn't get points for, and then there were some tables for projects that you did get points for.
Since the next guided activity we wanted to do was leaving in 15 minutes, we decided to head over to the smores making station. The girls loved this one, of course. After enjoying their hard work, we went on a sensory hike with our guide, Phil. We first talked about what senses we have and then explored them in various ways on a short walk partway down one of the parks' trails.
After we got back from our 'hike' we decided to focus on the activities that got us points, since we didn't realize exactly what the event was like and hadn't alotted enough time for all of the guided activities. We made a quilt square with our team name, and went on a clue hunt to find the answer to the question "What was New Hampshire's first state park" (Miller State Park is the answer for anyone who cares to know) Once we'd received all of our marks for completing our tasks, we let the girls play on the playground for a couple of minutes before heading out to meet Grampy for lunch. We all had a fun time and are glad that we signed up. Zoë and Abby told us all day about how much fun they had.
Since the next guided activity we wanted to do was leaving in 15 minutes, we decided to head over to the smores making station. The girls loved this one, of course. After enjoying their hard work, we went on a sensory hike with our guide, Phil. We first talked about what senses we have and then explored them in various ways on a short walk partway down one of the parks' trails.
After we got back from our 'hike' we decided to focus on the activities that got us points, since we didn't realize exactly what the event was like and hadn't alotted enough time for all of the guided activities. We made a quilt square with our team name, and went on a clue hunt to find the answer to the question "What was New Hampshire's first state park" (Miller State Park is the answer for anyone who cares to know) Once we'd received all of our marks for completing our tasks, we let the girls play on the playground for a couple of minutes before heading out to meet Grampy for lunch. We all had a fun time and are glad that we signed up. Zoë and Abby told us all day about how much fun they had.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 22 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 22 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 12 days First Moments posted by Laura at 1:29 PM | Comment
Home Depot Kids Workshop Hardware Sorter
For Home Depot's Kids Workshop this month, in honor of Father's Day, they had us make hardware sorters. The boxes were fairly cool, until the stickers were applied. Of course, we made a mistake during the construction. The picture diagrams of the steps were misleading, having us apply too much glue. So I had to clean off glue where it shouldn't have been applied for the sliding plexiglass lid to operate correctly. The girls are becoming pros with the hammer and nails.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 22 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 22 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 12 days Art posted by christopher at 9:42 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Those are great sorters....Dad should have no troubel finding, nails, screws, tacks etc.
Fill a Bag Sale
While Chris and the girls were at home depot, Enzo and I were at the fill a bag sale. It was crazy as usual. I got there early enough, and kept looking for Reanna to show up with Elijah, since she was going to be pulling things out for both boys as they are in the same size. Unfortunately she had a hard time getting out of the house with Elijah and ended up getting there 9 minutes after it began. As all of us experienced salers know, even a couple of minutes late means you're probably not going to be getting anything.
I got a lot of good stuff for the girls though. I was looking for size 6 items for the fall/winter and I think they're probably pretty much set. I got 24 articles of clothing including two nice zip up fleece/coat things one was a nice columbia fleece. I got a handful of long sleeve shirts, a couple of button downs, a really cute pair of leg warmers, some sweaters, a couple of pairs of (nice) sweat pants, and two long sleeve dresses. All of the things were pretty much Gymboree, Gap, or Old Navy brand. One Land's End, the columbia fleece, and another off brand. This filled two bags (since the coats are bulky) for a total of $10, working out to about $2.40 per item.
I got a lot of good stuff for the girls though. I was looking for size 6 items for the fall/winter and I think they're probably pretty much set. I got 24 articles of clothing including two nice zip up fleece/coat things one was a nice columbia fleece. I got a handful of long sleeve shirts, a couple of button downs, a really cute pair of leg warmers, some sweaters, a couple of pairs of (nice) sweat pants, and two long sleeve dresses. All of the things were pretty much Gymboree, Gap, or Old Navy brand. One Land's End, the columbia fleece, and another off brand. This filled two bags (since the coats are bulky) for a total of $10, working out to about $2.40 per item.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 22 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 22 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 12 days News posted by Laura at 9:38 AM | Comment
One Hundred Push Up Initial Test
We did our initial test this morning. Abby did 7 push ups and Zoë did 10. Mommy did 2 push ups and I stopped at 20. We will start Monday with the program. Zoë and Abby are in column 2, Laura is in column 1 and I will be doing column 3. The girls are excited about starting the program.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 22 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 22 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 12 days News posted by christopher at 8:03 AM | Comment
June 5th 2009
Children's Museum Family Night Mishap
The girls were so excited today to find out that we were finally going to go to the Free Family fun night. We haven't even seen the museum since it moved from Portsmouth to Dover. We drove to Reanna's after dinner, where Alicia (and new baby Aurora) was there with her younger twin sisters, who are six and a half. All of the girls played - and bickered only the way twin sisters can - for a while until it was time to leave. We parked at the bank across the street and were quite the sight with all three of us getting out of our cars strapping babies to ourselves with various baby carriers and corralling all of the older girls. We managed to get ourselves across the street, only to find the museum closed! We're not sure exactly what the deal was, maybe they've stopped for the summer.
Luckily there was a playground around the back so we hung out and let all four of the girls play together. They pushed each other on the swings, ran around the structure, played tag and duck duck goose before we had to get going. We promised another play date soon, as Alicia will be watching her sisters during the summer.
Luckily there was a playground around the back so we hung out and let all four of the girls play together. They pushed each other on the swings, ran around the structure, played tag and duck duck goose before we had to get going. We promised another play date soon, as Alicia will be watching her sisters during the summer.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 22 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 22 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 12 days News posted by Laura at 8:34 PM | Comment
One Hundred Push Up Challenge
Abby and Zoë are going to take the one hundred push up challenge. We have been practicing getting the form correct and I think they are now ready for some serious work. This 6 week course should get them strong enough to perform 100 push ups in a row or at least that is the goal. I think they can do it. I will be doing the initial test this weekend and start up week 1 training on Monday.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 21 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 21 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 11 days News posted by christopher at 7:27 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
When you two grow up to become serious swimmers, you will call this "DRY LAND" and it is very important for a strong stroke! Way to be healthy and fit!
June 4th 2009
Double Playground
This morning, at the Families First center, the girls first got to play on the little playground attached to the kids room, but then a little later they also got to play on the 'big' playground used for the Community Campus children. Zoë and Abby had a great time obviously, because I heard about all of the things they got to do and how funny it was to them that they got to play on two playgrounds.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 20 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 20 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 10 days News posted by Laura at 11:27 AM | Comment
June 3rd 2009
Deep Divers
Today at the YMCA the girls were practicing their diving. We moved down to the 7.5 feet mark instead of the 10 foot mark. The girls are learning to dive deep and swim underwater. They were able to pick up the objects 7.5 feet deep today, for the first time. They are learning to hold their breath longer and are really enjoying the challenge. We will work on this for a while before moving deeper, but there isn't much more depth to the pool. How are they going to be professional free divers if their training pool is only 10 feet deep?
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 19 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 19 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 9 days First Moments posted by christopher at 5:27 PM | Comment
June 2nd 2009
Mommy and Enzo stayed home
Laura and Enzo stayed home yesterday while I took Abby and Zoë to the pool. They don't want to miss any swim time. We had tons of fun practicing, but it seems the YMCA is already making summer preparations as the heat seemed to be off. The pool deck and air was cooler and so was the water. When it isn't that warm outside, it feels really cool jumping into a low 80s pool. The only way to stay warm is to keep swimming. After we got showered and changed out, the girls threatened me with spankings if I didn't get them apply pies at McDonalds. I decided to get on Laura's good side as well by surprising her with a large chocolate shake and brownie melt. Yeah, we undid any healthy effects from swimming.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 18 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 18 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 8 days News posted by christopher at 7:54 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Oh! Well!! It was fun and everyone enjoyed themselves.
Play Date and Swim Sign-Ups
We had quite the busy day today. First we went to our Families First group. Then it was home for lunch and right back out again to meet Sarah and Ethan (babytime friend and her son) at a nearby playground. There was a little boy, Zachary, playing at the playground while the girls were running in the grass 'playing soccer' and he asked them if he could play with them. All three became fast friends and played for the whole two hours we were there. As we were getting in the car to leave, both girls were telling me about wanting to marry Zachary. I reminded them that no one gets married at five and so they settled on him being their new best friend.
We drove straight to the indoor pool down the street to get in line for swim sign-ups. (The free lessons that the girls do every year at the outdoor pool) Last year I got there at 3:30 (sign-ups start at 5:30pm) and was somewhere around 10th in line. So, I figured that getting there at 3:00pm this time would surely put me towards the front of the line and assure Zoë and Abby both getting into the same level 3 class, hopefully with Brooke, and hopefully on T,W,Th - to leave our Mondays and Fridays open should we plan a long weekend somewhere - and hopefully at a good time of day - not too early for cold pool issues, but not too close to lunch - a lot of things we were crossing our fingers for. Well, I think my jaw literally dropped when we (yes, I brought the kids were with me for the first time - well, Enzo was with me last year but inside the belly) pulled into the parking lot and saw how big the line already was. I was 20th in line! Luckily there were other kids, and Maren and Beanie from church showe up, so the girls had a great time waiting. It was so cute once when the kids were all playing tag, Abby was it and another girl called her name in sort of a 'na na, can't get me' kind of way and you could just see the sheer joy of this childhood moment of running and chasing friends on Abby's face.
We got many comments on how well behaved the girls were, especially when it was time to start filing inside and I made the girls wait with me. It ended up that there was only one time slot where Brooke was teaching a level three class (reading the description of what they need to be able to do, the girls have definitely skipped right over levels 1 and 2 and are ready for level 3) class. Luckily for us though, she's on a T,W,Th schedule and the class is from 11:00-11:30. I did tell the girls that we'd have to have a couple of back up instructors in mind though in case Brooke didn't have two spots left by the time we got in there. However, we got the perfect package and exactly what we were hoping for. The girls are both in with Brooke and are super excited. They will have their first lesson on June 30th.
We drove straight to the indoor pool down the street to get in line for swim sign-ups. (The free lessons that the girls do every year at the outdoor pool) Last year I got there at 3:30 (sign-ups start at 5:30pm) and was somewhere around 10th in line. So, I figured that getting there at 3:00pm this time would surely put me towards the front of the line and assure Zoë and Abby both getting into the same level 3 class, hopefully with Brooke, and hopefully on T,W,Th - to leave our Mondays and Fridays open should we plan a long weekend somewhere - and hopefully at a good time of day - not too early for cold pool issues, but not too close to lunch - a lot of things we were crossing our fingers for. Well, I think my jaw literally dropped when we (yes, I brought the kids were with me for the first time - well, Enzo was with me last year but inside the belly) pulled into the parking lot and saw how big the line already was. I was 20th in line! Luckily there were other kids, and Maren and Beanie from church showe up, so the girls had a great time waiting. It was so cute once when the kids were all playing tag, Abby was it and another girl called her name in sort of a 'na na, can't get me' kind of way and you could just see the sheer joy of this childhood moment of running and chasing friends on Abby's face.
We got many comments on how well behaved the girls were, especially when it was time to start filing inside and I made the girls wait with me. It ended up that there was only one time slot where Brooke was teaching a level three class (reading the description of what they need to be able to do, the girls have definitely skipped right over levels 1 and 2 and are ready for level 3) class. Luckily for us though, she's on a T,W,Th schedule and the class is from 11:00-11:30. I did tell the girls that we'd have to have a couple of back up instructors in mind though in case Brooke didn't have two spots left by the time we got in there. However, we got the perfect package and exactly what we were hoping for. The girls are both in with Brooke and are super excited. They will have their first lesson on June 30th.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 18 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 18 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 8 days News posted by Laura at 6:04 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Good Luck girls. You are certainly going to surprise Brooke with all that you have learned over the year.
June 1st 2009
Morning Geocaching
We headed back out to find those two that we missed yesterday. We found one, GC16G93 - Bridge to Somewhere?, the other left us searching around in the weeds GC1EGQD 3-4-1. I happened to find a tick though, but not the cache. I think we will give up on that one and move on to some others that are easier without a gps.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 17 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 17 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 7 days News posted by christopher at 2:22 PM | Comment
