Fare thee well, Summer.

Here we are.  All of a sudden  leaping into Fall, with hoodies, cozy pjs, and evening cups of tea.  So typical of New England, we go from high temps in the 80s to cool, crisp nights, and chilly days.  I do love autumn, but it signifies so much---the dread of seeing the school bus come lumbering down the road (I still get that urge to flee feeling when I see it round the corner), the return of students to campus, apple and pumpkin picking, Halloween, and then of course winter and the holiday season.  Simply put, summer is too short.

We've had a fantastic one though, but this weekend, Labor Day, marks the end. We're making the most of it.

Earlier this week, campus had a picnic for faculty and staff to sort of 'welcome' us back into the academic year.  Bates knows how to put on a good party, that's for sure.  The day started iffy, with showers in the morning.  Magically, it ended beautifully and we enjoyed a fantastic bbq with linen-covered tables and as always, an amazing spread.  Since this was a totally family-friendly event, Terry and Garrett joined in the festivities.  My favorite was watching G locate his best daycare buddy, wondering out of context what he was doing there...then watching the two tear down the quad in a full sprint chase. G's favorite part? Making his own whoopie pie.  

Next up on the week's agenda was enjoying a picnic in the park.  Every Wednesday this summer, Brunswick has hosted a live concert with a variety of local bands in various genres.  We went to the one a couple weeks ago that featured children's night, and this past Wednesday was the last one--a blues band.  Our picnic consisted of Subway subs and hilarity.  G loves these concerts.  He totally grooves and finds ways to make it fun for himself.  This time, it was using the ridiculously long tail of a kite that T had in his car to run circles around and around.  Another little boy and girl soon joined in with him and we watched as the kids just entertained each other for at least half an hour.  One word to describe these kids--energetic!

 

Finally, the long weekend.  Saturday was a beautiful fall-ish day. We had breakfast at our fave Freeport spot, the Fresh Batch, and met a friend to go to Wolfe's Neck Park.  Gorgeous spot, great for small hikes and just a tranquil view of the sea.  We brought the Gabs with us.

Then today. Sunday.  Awoke to the three D's--damp, dreary, and drizzly.  We had nowhere to be until later in the afternoon, so it was time to get creative with some indoor play.  Bring out the paints!

Knowing we had a bbq to go to in the afternoon, and in trying to figure out what to bring, it occurred to me that filling the house with the enticing scent of chocolate chip cookies baking is the perfect activity for a rainy Sunday.  Garrett had a blast helping, and sampling the finished product. He did have a teeny bit of cookie dough and proclaimed "It tastes good!"

Then he got to sample.

Then, as a perfect way to end the day, given that it finally cleared up and became sunny and lovely, was a bbq at a good friend's house.  G had an absolute blast.  From almost the get-go, he was off and running, playing with his buddies, but also making new friends with older kids.  I've noticed this about G.  He's totally into playing with the older ones, and isn't afraid or shy to get right in there and stake his spot.  Love that about him.  He and his friend A are up to their usual shenanigans. 

There were some free-range chickens in the next yard over.  I wish I captured the sound

effects that G was making as he was trying to chase these chickens.

Tomorrow we all have the day off.  It promises to be sunshiney, cool, and delightful.  How will we say goodbye to summer? 

Summertime...and the living is easy (and hot!)

A month ago we were wondering if the sun would ever come out and now we’ve been having multiple days of high 80s, low 90s.  Be careful what we wish for! We started our official summer vacation by going to Bar Harbor for a few days, which was awesome. Last week, daycare was on vacation, which meant so were we.

In these busiest of times, sometimes it's ok to just stay in and get creative.  We’re armed with a plethora of indoor activities (playdoh, painting, coloring) and while it’s not fun to be stuck inside on a lovely summer day, sometimes the occasion calls for such.  Like a couple Saturday ago, when T was working and the day started out cloudy, drizzly and not so beachy.  Boo and I got silly.  

First we looked at some pictures.

 

 Then he made some calls.

  

Then we sat down for some serious painting.

  

Next it was on to playdoh.  

  

We've gotten very interested in our potty. Just sort of getting familiar with it. 

 

The sun came out and it was time for some water table play!

  

Our next favorite activity is sprinting away from Mama...

  

...and then wanting help getting back up the hill.

Playtime isn't complete without Gabs investigating the scene...and taking a drink.

  

 Even though it was so hot, we still baked.  Fresh blueberry and strawberry crisp. YUM!

A hard day's play makes for a weary Boo.

Next up...Sunday Funday! Not feeling like driving to Popham, we head to White's Campground which is a local spot, with a warmish pond to swim.  We met up with our buddy, A and his mama.  Nice spot, but having grown up almost exclusively in ocean water, the teeny silvery fishes grazing my ankles still freak me out.  As do the inch long leeches.  Gross.  G didn't mind tho. He was ready!

  

  

  

  

Hot days mean lots of time just in the diap.  

  

  

On Wednesday, we spent a glorious day at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Such a favorite spot and truly something for everyone.  The children's garden is a spectacular buffet of colors, textures, and sounds.  It's impossible to ever get enough of this spot. 

Thursday brought another hot, delicious day, where Boo and I trekked down to Falmouth and visited Mackworth Island to meet Auntie and the cousins.  Mackworth is a place I've wanted to visit for years, and now having been, I can't believe I waited so long.  Definitely another must for another time.

Yep, there'll all related.

  

Nothing says summer like some tractor time!

  

  

Friday brought...Storyland! (most of the pics were lost but here are just a few) Resting before the fun begins!  And suffice to say, the kid had a blast. 

  

  

 My sister and I were talking about how lucky feel we feel to live near the ocean and that really, we just couldn't have it any other way.  On hot days, when the beach is just a short drive away, I'm so thrilled that you are growing up oceanside.  There's nothing like it.

  

Sunday mornings are meant for trips to Lowes...  

 

...and the so many other things that we do to make our days special.  Trips to the Gelato Fiasco, where you eagerly share the sweet concoctions with us...cooling off at the Bowdoin Museum of Art while taking in a little culture at the same time ...special two year old photographs, taken by exquisite artist and friend, Brianne Hasty, to capture this very remarkable time of your (and our) life...play dates with your buds, tearing through the yard in just your diaper while you dodge the sprinkler, and endless watching of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Winnie the Pooh.  

What's next?