Did he eat a Smurf?

Why 14 month olds and sidewalk chalk don't mix.

A Happy Weekend

This was one of those weekends that made my heart happy. I got to see two dear friends and spend time just sitting and chatting. Even though it took me 6 hours total drive time for a mere 3 hours of talk time, it was so worth it! It was hard to say goodbye, but on the way home I reveled in how much these gals are a blessing to me!

Then on Sunday we got to wish Annika a very Happy 5th Birthday. She is a sweet girl with a kind heart and it was a special day. She's getting the hang of this birthday thing. A few times during the day we heard, "Can I do (insert request) because I am the Happy Birthday girl?" Hey, can't blame her, you know we all do it!!

Ahh, what a great way to end the week and start out a new one.

Don't blink

because I did and now my baby is in kindergarten! I thought it would be easier because pre-k would ease me into it. But, it wasn't. I cried, she didn't. We put on the uniform this morning and I think she grew a few inches in front of my eyes. How can they look so little and so big at the same time? I walked her to her classroom. She hung up her backpack and we took a few pictures.

I gave her the biggest hug and didn't want to let go. If I let go then I would have to leave. I didn't want to leave because I wanted to take this journey right next to her, not watching from a few steps behind. I wanted to sit next to her and guide her to make the right decisions. To make the best choices, to be confident and sensitive at the same time. To give her that extra little push when she is timid in trying new things. I wanted to make sure she used her manners and was kind to those around her. I wanted to see the look on her face when she learns something new. I think most of all I was afraid that if I left, I would have to turn around one more time. And when I turned around I wouldn't see an excited little girl, rather I would see a young lady confidently stepping out into the world on her own. It's a big step this kindergarten stuff. For now, I am just not going to blink.

Final Installment

So, this reunion stuff has dragged on long enough. But, I haven't told you about one of my favorite parts and then I'll wrap this series up. For one of the meals, we were able to partake in a cooking class. Dan graciously watched the kids while I went with some of the other family members to Pairings. As some of you know, my aunt and uncle own Winterport Winery in Winterport, ME. If you ever go up that way drop my name and they'll treat ya real nice. Drop Dan's name and they may kick you out. Ha!! Anyway, it's a really cool winery with some awesome wines. These wines aren't your "normal" wines. Would anyone like some Blueberry or Pear Wine or perhaps some Berry Chocolate? Be sure to try the Flying Dutchman. Incredible, I'm tellin ya. Before you say, well that fruit wine isn't really wine...remember grapes are fruit too! Now on to the cooking class... Pairings is a fun event held in the professional kitchen next to the tasting room. Chef Laurie helps you cook the food you will be eating and also talks about wine pairings, etc. They held a special event just for us. VERY fun and Oh. so. good.

I was on the Pesto "team." Good stuff!






Tasting some wine after dinner in the tasting room



The whole VS family (we are "color-coded" by which family we belong to)!




Thanks Maine for the fun memories!!

Reunion Part Tres

Alright, I know my readers (hello to all 10 of you!) have been waiting with bated breath for the next reunion installment. We have been a bit busy and the blog was on the back burner...just had to use a few more words that started with "b." Anyway, I digress.

The whole fam hiked up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain which has beautiful 360 views and a great overlook of Bar Harbor (Baa Hahbaa for you New Englanders). O.k. actually, we all drove up and then walked around. It was an incredible day! The last time we were there (in October of 06) it was VERY windy and cool. But on this day even the natives were amazed. It was the perfect temperature and very still.

Once we found out there were blueberry bushes around, the kids (and some adults) were on a mission to find some truly wild Maine Blueberries.

(The crew minus my mom and Landon...she SO graciously stayed back with our little guy so he could get a nap in. THANKS mom!! If anyone out there is good with photoshop, maybe we can photoshop them in!!)

We were (and still are!) young and in love

Gonna take a break from the reunion updates and wish my man a Happy Anniversary! 9 years ago we were freshly graduated from college standing at the beginning of the road of our new life together. The road has gone through Iowa, Virginia, and now Kansas. It's had hills and valleys. It's been flat and bumpy. Along the way God has given us 3 sweet little travelers to take this trip with us. Thanks baby for a wild ride! I love you and am looking forward to the rest of the journey!

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart.

Then you will win favor and a good name

in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:3-6

9 years ago

9 years later

Bearded men (Reunion Part 2)

A few weeks before the reunion, my brother-in-law, Jim, mentioned that he was growing out his beard to fit in with the "Maineiacs". This sparked a competition. Would you expect anything less? My brother (Mark), Dan and Jim all wanted to see what kind of beards they could grow and then compare. I think this must be the oldest form of competition among men. Can't you picture Noah's son's Ham, Shem and Japheth doing the same thing while rocking away for 40 days on the ark? The men who do this do it without any regard to the womenfolk. I proposed that my sisters and I have a similar competition, but for some reason the men weren't too fond of that idea.

Anyway, here's a picture of the boys and their beards. Jim started about a 18 days before the reunion, Dan 15 days and Mark started about a week before...I think Mark won.


Of course they couldn't shave it off normally
Here's Mark sporting some "handlebars"



Dan's progress
Full Beard



Fu Manchu!



Zorro?


I was happy when this competition came to an end!