Thursday, September 10, 2009

Summer with out Erin



Erin was MIA for 5 weeks for officer training in Newport RI during July. He was looking forwardto gettin muscles and shooting a gun. Unfortunately for him (and me), he did not enter the muscle man contest when he got back, nor did he get to shoot a gun. Landon was the most disappointed--about the gun part. He still had a great time though. I have sweet memories of spending the Fourth of July with just my kids at a beautiful beach. I can still taste and smell that day. It was wonderful. Landon got to use his boogie board for the first time (and so did I), we found tons of sand dollars and the kids were happy. It's nice to think back on that day and the summer. It felt like 5 weeks with out Erin would never come to an end, but now it feels like it flew by. We picked him up at his officer training graduation. The officers in training had to stand at attention for an hour. A few of them passed out, which made the whole ceremony quite entertaining and enduring for a mother with 3 young children. I tried to keep them quiet, while the rude woman a few seats down kept glaring at all the mothers of young children, telling them (so politely under her breath) that they were being rude and their children were "not funny at all." I stared (ever so politely) back and laughed at her. I must say, though, that my kids were well behaved.






























Wednesday, August 26, 2009

More of Summer 2009

This was our last day in Boston. We spent it with good friends and of course, we were at the beach. It was a perfect summation of what I loved best about Boston. Never thought I would say that I miss the great state of MA, but BOY HOWDY (thanks A), I MISS IT!!!!!!


Crane Beach--one of the best


What a treat to see these peeps






Laughing victoriously because he smashed a clam shell---
with a living clam still in it.


How did this one get so big....and gorgeous?!!



The kids loot


Boys will be boys...they rolled it all the way to the water
to see if it would float.


Meanwhile, this young lad was ready for war.
Sweet machine gun, B.



Taylor's new boyfriend.






This one kills me. The only other person Audra has
EVER offered a hug to. She didn't even want to
hug Erin when he came home from his officer training.


My kids sure love this gal.





Sunday, August 16, 2009

Summer 2009

Just a few pictures of our summer. I have A LOT more, so stay tuned.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

April 2009

Hmmm.....April 2009.....here it is....


Easter/Erin's 36th Birthday
(great times had by all--except Taylor who thought
the Lemon Meringue pie was a little too tart)





One of my many on-going projects
(Yes, that is fabric. Yes, I am attempting
quilts for my children. Isn't it a right of passage for all mom's?)



Wingaersheek with good friends
(I think I've been here every month since Feb)









More of Landon's Creations









Trip to Ottawa for Dad Palmer's 60th Birthday
(We found a pretty cool hike on the way there)












Dad's Birthday Gift
(Looks easier to ride than it is)









Landon, Taylor and the Cousins











Ryan, Jessica, Kyuss and McKenzie surprised everyone by
flying home for the big party



Taylor and Grandpa time



Singing at Grandpa's party



Grandpa blowing out his candle







Hey, isn't this grandpa's birthday!!??!!



It was great to see family...



...and Audra hanging upside down in her carrier...



...and Derek eating his cupcake in one bite...




...and my crazy brother in-laws...





...and finally the end of a wonderful party and visit.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Just a Memory

Taking a break from blogging world has been quite therapeutic. I highly
recommend it to all bloggers, facebookers, and internet addicts. Sadly though, the funny things my kids have done or the thoughts and emotions we've had over the last 3 months have passed and are now gone. But at least I have pictures. Here's March. April and May coming very soon...

TAYLOR








LANDON













FAMILY















Wingaersheek Beach March 2009

<


Thursday, March 5, 2009

Little Dolly

During the day I find little Taylor and Landon messes all over the house. In every room there are dollies, cars, recyclables, books, stuffed animals and other random things. Normally this drives me crazy! Last night, however, I had a change of heart. I went into the bathroom to wash my face, and there was Taylor's dolly laying flat on her face, half on the rug, half off. Just the way Taylor had left it that morning when she had been in the bathroom with me as I got ready. I stood there and stared at that dolly for quite some time, trying to memorize exactly what it looked like. It's funny how such a simple thing, that normally causes such anger, could bring such sweetness and love to my heart. Maybe it's because my kids had been in bed for almost 3 hours and my heart always grows fonder when my children sleep. Or maybe it's because I realized that all too soon there won't be any little Taylor or Landon messes for me to clean up. Either way, last night I really enjoyed the one Taylor left for me.

Here's the latest pics of the kids: Landon 5 1/2; Taylor 2; Audra 7 months
I LOVE MY KIDS!!!!!!



Sunday, March 1, 2009

New York City

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j99bF-XFvR0/SVs57HPRceI/AAAAAAAABAE/jfZHk_iu5Rk/s400/ilovenylg.jpg
I've always considered myself a country gal. You know...the kind that could live in the mountains, miles and miles from anyone else, living off my garden, a river and my wind turbine. Cities have always been intriguing to me, but I've never considered actually LIVING in one. Until a week ago. My first trip to the big apple was amazing!! I'm sure it helps that we were visiting my good friend Ashley and her boys and they happen to live a block from central park (my newest outdoor love). I must admit, when she told me she was moving to downtown NY with her 3 boys, I thought she was a little crazy. But, I've been converted. I think I could actually live in NY. Although, it would only be cool if we lived right next door to our friends or better yet WITH them...


This spot is basically right across the street from our friend's home.




The hostess with the mostess




Benners. We love you.




Enough said





This park is AMAZING!!!




Landon and Toby pretending to be the dude on the horse statue.




The "Castle"





This was the best "pose" I got from my first born.




Taylor's boyfriend.




Tough dudes




Audra's boyfriend.




Taylor inside the castle




This is how the boys looked all day. As you can see, they don't
even notice other people on the path. Needless to say, Ashley and I got a lot of "looks" from people. We just pretended we didn't know who's kids they were.




At the bottom of that hill (above) there was a pile of beauty bark.
This is what happens when a bunch of little boys find a pile of dirt. They could have
been there all day.




Still digging.




A muddy spot the boys found.




Me and Ash on a joyride. We let the kids
babysit themselves. I know it's strange, but for some
reason, whenever we ride our bikes, we look like men. In this shot,
I'm wearing blue, and obviously winning the race.







Museum of natural history--the one on "Night at the Museum." Only a
block or two from our friend's place. It is a HUGE museum. Apparently, strollers
are not allowed in the elevators. Only persons perfectly capable of walking upstairs or
using escalators are allowed.





The parking lot for our sweet rides.





When we weren't outside, this is how the boys spent their time.




Ben and Taylor in the hot tub.




We were all wiped at the end of our glorious trip. Can't wait to
go again this month.