Today my baby turned two....

I wrote that above sentence about 10 minutes ago, and I couldn't figure out what to say next.  My baby turned two...  So many feelings surround that thought.  I find myself wanting to cling to his babyhood and not let go, because he is my last.  I want to remember how it felt to have a life growing inside me, I want to remember how glorious a newborn smells, and the feeling of closeness while holding a baby upon my bosom.  Yet, now....with only 2 years past those memories are beginning to fade into the background.  Time stops for no one, not even for sentimental mom's who wish that their babies would stay that way for just a little longer..... 

One Small Son
Author Unknown

One small hand to hold in yours,
One small face to smile.
One wet kiss as he says "good night"
One small child.

Catch the moment, put it in your heart,
The years too soon will fly.
These are precious moments,
More than money can buy.

Two small arms to hold you tight,
Two small feet to run.
Two small eyes full of love for you,
One small son.

Catch the moment and put it in your heart,
Never let it go....
Save it for the years to come,
When he, too, will know....

One small hand to hold in his,
One small face to smile.
One small kiss and he says "good night"
One small child. 

Yes, my baby is now a small child.  I suppose I'll get used to it eventually.....         

 

Time Flies

Wow, I can't believe it's been a week since I've updated my journal.  Where does time go??   Trying to enjoy the last few weeks of summer, so I can remember these moments in the cold bitter days of winter.  Already I can sense that a change is happening. Autumn is on her way....  The crickets are singing their fall song, and yesterday I noticed that some leaves on a maple tree were beginning to change color.    

School starts here on September 7th.  Although Spencer won't admit it, I think he's ready to return.  Lots of change happening for him....  He just successfully passed the class room portion of his driver's ed course.  Now he has to complete 6 hours of driving time and 6 hours of observation.  Look out mailboxes!    If all goes according to plan, he should have his license by the beginning of October.  This parenting stuff never gets easier.  Giving him independence is harder than I ever imagined.  The thought of him driving terrifies me sometimes.... I now understand why my Mom used to wait up for me when I was a teen.  

The other big occurrence in Spencer's life is he just got his first job.  He'll be working in the produce department at a grocery store.  He's totally excited, his first day of training is tomorrow.  I think it's great he got a job, but the downside is, I just lost the boy who mows my lawn, lol.  Anyone need a job?   

Let's see what else has been going on....  

Betcha never knew I was a biker chick, ok, so not really.  Don't think that going for a ride a few times a year really qualifies me for that title.  Hmmm, but I do think I deserve the title because when I first started riding, I didn't realize I shouldn't smile so much.  That is, unless one doesn't mind picking bugs out of your teeth.  Never mind being embarrassed about that piece of broccoli....   

When Mike and I first met, we used to go on long road trips on his bike.  I loved the feeling while cruising along.  Sometimes I would shut my eyes and just feel the wind on my face.  It's as close to flying as one can get, while still keeping their feet on the earth.    I started going on fewer rides after the toddler's were born.  Besides suddenly becoming more cautious, there is no room for carseats on the back of a bike.   

Today we went on a benefit motorcycle ride, Nelson's Ride.  This was the 5th annual ride and every year it just gets bigger and bigger.   Nelson's Ride raises money for the Massachusetts Motorcyclists' Survivors Fund of Essex County, which helps families of those killed in motorcycle accidents.  This year 1,000 bikes participated on the 50 mile ride around the scenic northshore.  Local police and state troopers closed the roads along the route to allow all of us to ride through together.  It's awesome to look in front or behind you and only see bikes. People lined the roads waving flags and cheering. I'm sure there were a number of people swearing about the delay too, but I didn't notice them.  

The ride ended up in a field where it became a family event.  We spent the day listening to the band, The Fools, there were also raffles, lots of food and motorcycle competitions.  Fun (and sunburns) were had by all....  

Ok, off to floss....           

           I couldn't help but smile while cruising along on the bike today..... 

Tidbits From My Life

    

    To Do List  

*Call the glass company

*Give the dog a bath

 

      Never a dull moment....

      

 

 One thing I can never say is that my life is boring.   But I'm beginning to think that boring wouldn't be so bad once in awhile....  

Spencer started Driver's ed this week.  Mike thought that it would be good practice for Spencer to drive to his first day of class.  So off they went....    The ten minute drive to the school was uneventful until Spencer missed the turn into the parking lot.  Because he missed the entrance, he decided to drive down a side street and do a 3-point turn.  Seemed like a good idea....  As he began his turn, Mike looked behind him.   And before Mike could get the words, "Be careful not to hit that mailbox" out of his mouth, Spencer plowed into a mailbox.  The impact from the mailbox shattered the back window on the truck....  Luckily the mailbox suffered no damage, still not sure how much it will cost to repair the window.  What a way to start off his first day of driver's ed....              

           

Tonight our dog Vixen was whining at the door.  She was using the whine that is usually reserved for wanting to go chase something outside.  Because we had been gone all day,  Mike mistakenly thought Vixen really had to go out.  Before letting her out, Mike said he smelled the air outside to check for skunks and decided that it was safe.   He opened the door and Vixen bolted out into the darkness barking. 

Well, Mike's nose wasn't working because within 30 seconds the barking stopped, and the pungent smell of skunk filled the air.  Yup, Vixen got sprayed, direct hit on the face.  Unfortunately Mike wasn't sure she had been sprayed and decided to let her in the house.  Big mistake.  I saw her walking in the kitchen, tail between her legs and foaming at the mouth.  Although we immediately sent her back outside, the damage was done.  Our entire house has a very strong odor of skunk. 

Mike went to the supermarket to buy tomato juice, douches, :::lol, gotta give him credit for buying those::: and shampoo.    When he got to the counter to buy his skunk remedies,  Mike felt the need to explain his bizarre purchases and told the clerk that his dog just got sprayed.  The clerk said, "Ohh, it's you that stinks.  We've been looking around the store, we thought a skunk got in here."   When he returned, I went to work to pick up some gloves so our hands would be protected while giving Vixen a bath.  As I walked up to the nurses station, my co-workers covered their noses.  "Ewwwwwwwww, you smell like a skunk..."   I didn't think I smelled that bad, is it possible for a nose to get used to the smell?  I got the gloves and chatted for only a few minutes because I noticed several  staff members beginning to look ill.  I know I won't be getting a call to work over-time tonight.

We decided to wash Vixen outside on the deck with the garden hose.  The problem with that is there are three things that Vixen is afraid of.  #1 thunderstorms, #2 vacuum cleaners and #3 the garden hose.   Sure do wish she was afraid of skunks.   Well, God bless her furry little butt, because she sat there and let us hose her down for a full hour.  At 10pm we are out on the deck washing Vixen, what a pathetic sight.  After 5 large cans of tomato juice, 4 vinegar and water douches and four herbal shampoo's she still smells.   She smells like a pretty skunk, though....  

Vixen is confined to the kitchen to sleep tonight and I'm hoping for a breezy, sunny day tomorrow.  My house is in need of some serious airing out.  Come to think of it, so are we.  Think we'll stick close to home tomorrow.   Although I've already showered tonight, I think I still smell....                                

Clean Your House In 19 Minutes?

PROBLEM SOLVED Clean Your House in 19 Minutes

We’ve got speed cleaning down to a science. Simply incorporate our 19-minute method into your morning routine and you’ll have a tidy house all day, every day. Best of all, it means you can put your feet up sooner rather than later.  

 I saw this on AOL's main screen yesterday and admit I was intrigued.  As I clicked on the link, I wondered, "Could this really be possible?"  As I began to read, it instantly became apparent that the person who had written these suggestions could not possibly have children or pets.  In fact, I suspect they don't have a husband either.  Although I love my husband dearly, he is a packrat and one of the biggest offender's when it comes to clutter.  As fast as I can clean off a space on the the counter, he finds something else to put there.   Yes, the person who wrote these helpful hints certainly lives alone.  How else could they "have a tidy house all day, every day AND put their feet up sooner than later?"    

LIVING ROOM: 6 MINUTES
Pick up crumbs and dust bunnies with a handheld vacuum (one minute). My toddler's can make crumbs out of one Cheerio.  Imagine what they can do with a cookie?  Because our dog is shedding her summer coat, some of the dust bunnies here are so big that I truly fear one might try to walk off with the toddler's.  Seriously, it takes me more than one minute to even drag out the vacuum cleaner. 

Fluff the cushions and fold throws after use (two minutes). Hey, won't have to do this chore.  Surely, having toddler's jumping on your cushions all day counts as fluffing...

Wipe tabletops and spot-clean cabinets when you see fingerprints (one minute).    :::Laughing::: "Spot-clean  cabinets when you see fingerprints?"  This chore could take me all day to accomplish with two touchy toddler's and a teen who feels he must lean against everything to stand erect.

 Straighten coffee-table books and magazines. Throw out newspapers. Put away CDs and videos (two minutes). Finally one suggestion that I can accomplish.  Oh wait!  I don't have a coffee-table because the toddler's kept jumping off it, besides there's no room for one with all the toys scattered about.  And newspapers?  Who has time to read the newspaper?

  BEDROOM: 6½ MINUTES 
Make the bed (two minutes). Hey, I can do this in one minute.  :::Flips the comforter back on in one fell swoop::: There, done in one minute!

Fold or hang clothing and put away jewelry (four minutes). Am I the only one who can't seem to catch up on laundry?  I think if I actually caught up with the laundry, it would take me a full week to put it all away.

Straighten out the night-table surface (30 seconds). I have 2 night-tables, so add one minute.

  BATHROOM: 2 MINUTES   

Wipe out the sink (30 seconds). Done....

Wipe the toilet seat and rim (15 seconds). :::Laughing VERY hard here::: 15 seconds to wipe down the toilet with two potty training toddlers and a teen with occasional bad aim?

Swoosh the toilet bowl with a brush (15 seconds). Easy, if I could find that darn brush.  :::Going to check the toy box now:::

Wipe the mirror and faucet (15 seconds). 15 seconds?  I've got one question.  What's with all the toothpaste spatters on the mirror?  Seriously, is my mirror the only one that looks like it has white polka dots?  Why must one stand so close to the mirror while brushing their teeth?  It would take me 15 seconds just to get out the Windex.  Can't keep it in the bathroom, the toddler's might mistake it for mouthwash.  

Squeegee the shower door (30 seconds). Spray the entire shower and the curtain liner with shower mist after every use (15 seconds).  Hmmmm, squeegee the shower door and mist shower/curtain OR quickly shave legs?  I choose shave legs.

KITCHEN: 4 1/2 MINUTES 
Wipe down the sink after doing the dishes or loading the dishwasher (30 seconds). Ok, so it takes 30 seconds to wipe down the sink.  But why isn't the time it takes to do dishes for a family of five counted in the minutes?

Wipe down the stove top (one minute). Done...

Wipe down the counters (one minute).  Wipe down the counters AFTER I put away the latest clutter my husband found to put there.  At least 5 minutes.  But the minutes don't stop there.  I'll have to wrack my brain for another 5 minutes trying to remember where I put it, when he inevitably asks where it is.

Sweep, Swiffer, or vacuum the floor (two minutes).  Ok, so is this two minutes EVERY time I sweep, swiffer & vacuum the floor?  This has to be done several times a day, if not, refer back to LIVING ROOM: 6 MINUTES Pick up crumbs and dust bunnies.....

 

     I KNEW this article was too good to be true.....                                                                                   ~~Back to reality.....

FRIENDLY: Hey Michelle... are you there?

Have you ever found something you lost years ago?  Do you remember that feeling of elation discovering something you thought was lost forever, was now found?  Ever cry happy tears??  Well, that's me tonight.

I don't often post anything *personal* about me in here.... but I'm sitting here tonight with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes.  And so I must write....   

One of the things I've been saddest about since my divorce over 5 years ago, was the loss of some of my closest friendships.  Not only did material possessions become divided, but so did friends.  In some ways, the loss was partially my fault.  While going through the painful process of divorce after 15 years of marriage, I withdrew from everybody, from EVERYBODY.  I hurt alot of people by doing that, and it wasn't until I started emerging and reaching out, that I realized how much I hurt others by disappearing.  In my own pain, I didn't realize that they felt abandoned.  I have a brother who still cannot forgive me; we do not have a relationship. Maybe someday we will find one another again and forgive these years of silence. 

One of the friends I missed most was Laurie.  At the time of the divorce we had been friends for almost 16 years.  She called me her *almost best friend* because she did not believe in best friends.  Laurie probably knew me better than most people in my life.  She was the friend I called first when I had great news, sad news, just needed to vent.  I could cry on her shoulder (or stick a french fry up my nose) and not feel foolish.  We would go for long walks and just talk about everything, anything.  Things changed when I decided that the only way to fix my broken marriage was to divorce.  Suddenly, Ifelt awkward because her husband and my ex were good friends and co-workers.  Friends naturally chose sides.  Although no word was ever spoken, I knew that  I had become the bad person in her husband's eyes.  I felt I had no choice but to back away....

It has been over five years since I've seen Laurie.  She sent me a note a few years ago wishing me a happy birthday, I wrote her a long letter once at work, but never mailed it.  I thought of her often and have never stopped missing her.  Friendships like ours do not happen everyday.  As a matter of fact, since my divorce, I have not made any true friends.  Any friendships that have developed seem so surface.  Lots of acquaintances, but no *almost best friends*.  I often wonder if my inability to allow friends not get too close to me, is some sort of defense mechanism.  Losing a friendship can't hurt, if I don't let them close enough, right?    

Well tonight I found something I lost many years ago....  Laurie.  I was online when suddenly this IM appeared before me... (the screenname has been changed to protect the innocent...)

<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3 <3<3<3<3<3<3 <3<3<3<3<3<3 <3<3<3<3<3<3    

FRIENDLY:  Hey Michelle... are you there?

S0NGBIRD1962:  Laurie?
FRIENDLY:  Oh my god...yes ....
S0NGBIRD1962:  yeah, I'm here.... Should be in bed tho, but enjoying the quiet : )
FRIENDLY:  how are you doing?
S0NGBIRD1962:  I'm doing great.... the toddler's drive me crazy some days, but they are not much different than Spence.  Think toddlers and teens are alot alike, lol...  How the heck are you?  I think of you often....
FRIENDLY:  Well .... we have lots of catching up to do.... we must get together
S0NGBIRD1962:  I'd love that.... I've thought about calling, but it's been so long.  Truthfully didn't know if you wanted to be friends anymore.  Too afraid to find out....
FRIENDLY:  Oh  my god....i have been extremely busy...of course i still want to be almost best friends...nothing has changed with us at all as far as i  am concerned.

<3<3<3<3<3<3 <3<3<3<3<3<3 <3<3<3<3<3<3 <3<3<3<3<3<3 <3<3<3<3<3<3 <3<3<3<3<3<3 

Our conversation went on for almost an hour.  And although many years have passed, our chat flowed as if we had never been apart.  I can't believe that I have found my *almost best friend.*   That my *almost best friend* found me.  Wanted to find me, missed me too.... 

FRIENDLY:  i miss you so much
FRIENDLY:  listen...i got to go to bed...4:30 comes early...ok i will call you asap
S0NGBIRD1962:  Ok. Man, I need to go to bed too....
S0NGBIRD1962:  AM comes early here too
FRIENDLY:  love you almost best friend...don't ever forget that...
S0NGBIRD1962:  love you too.... 

Have you ever found something you lost years ago?  Do you remember that feeling of elation discovering something you thought was lost forever, was now found?  Ever cry happy tears??  Well, that's me tonight....

                              

All Good Things Must End

Why is it that watching a football game can last forever, gotta love those football minutes, but vacations are over so quickly?   What makes time fly?  As a child, time seemed to go by so slowly.  Every milestone seemed like it would take an eternity to reach.  As an adult, my life seems to be in fast forward. Here I am at age 42, scratching my head wondering, "how the heck did that happen?"  Now I hope that I have enough time to accomplish everything I want to in life.....

Last Thursday evening  while on vacation  we went to Canobie Lake Park.  It had been years since I've been there.  I have so many fond memories of going to the park as a child with my parents.  Sammi loved the rides, even went on adult rides.  The faster they spin, the better.  So happy to have a *ride buddy* in the making  because Mike gets woozey on the Merry-Go-Round, lol. 

 Friday morning we went to a near-by state park to go biking.  We bought child carriers for the back of our bikes in June, with the intention of  riding our bikes more often.  Well, you know what they say about good intentions?  Hmmm, what do they say about good intentions?  In any case, August vacation was the first time we actually took them out for a ride.  The highlight of the bike ride was when we stopped at a wading pool area.  The pool had a large mushroom waterfall and a turtle that the kids loved riding.... 

 On our last day of vacation we took the boat out to Gloucester.  Mike heard that football-sized tuna were being caught there.  So after packing a few snacks and drinks we were off.    The waters were quite choppy on the way to Gloucester, but the sun was warm and spirits were high.  After trolling for awhile off  shore, Mike had a hit.  He caught a good sized fish that he thought was a football tuna.  He put the fish on a line over the side of the boat, and we continued to troll as we talked about how we would cook the tuna.  We decided on grilled tuna steaks, yum.  About 10 minutes later, Mike pulled up the line to check on his fish and he discovered the fish was gone.  The fish had teeth and bit through the line.   Score one for the fish, zero for Mike....    Hey at least we got a picture of the fish that got away.  Turns out the fish was a bluefish, not very good eating....

Vacation has been over for a week now, back to reality.  I almost have all the liquid paper removed from the toddlers legs and feet, the white has faded to a pretty silver.  Now if I can just figure out how to get that penny out of my CD player....  

 

Think Martha Would Know?

 

I still have another vacation entry to add, but I've been too busy to update.  I ended our vacation by picking up two 11pm - 7am shifts at work on Sunday and Monday.  Although the extra money helps, Mike gets worried when I pick up extra hours because he knows how tired I am when I come home.   Being exhausted from working all night and then having to watch two rambunctious toddler's is not a good combination.   I always tell him, "don't worry, I can handle it."  Well, apparently I can't.....

I arrived home this morning at 7:15am.... My body always takes at least an hour to wind down before I can relax enough to sleep. By 8:30am both toddler's were up.... I brought them into the livingroom and closed the gate to lock them in.  I gave each of my *little angels* some dry cereal and a sippy cup of milk. I turned on their favorite TV show and then decided to lie down on the couch.  I planned on waking my teen in a half hour to watch them when I went to bed to sleep for a few hours.  I foolishy and delusively thought, "I've got it all under control..."

At 9am, Spencer wakes me saying...."Mom, the kids got into white out."   My eyes fly open and there before me are the toddlers covered from head to toe in liquid paper. Apparently they snuck into the desk drawer and found not one, but TWO bottles of liquid paper.  One for each of them, Oh, happy day.  Both had painted white stripes on their faces, Sammi even pretended to put on lipstick.  Arms, legs, feet and hands are also covered.   

Why?????  Why can't I close my eyes for 15 minutes without them immediately getting into something they shouldn't?  Even when I think I have all the bases covered, they find a way to get into mischief.  Truly makes it hard for me to clean the house or take a shower during the day.  When will they grow out of this stage?  Oh PLEASE let this just be a stage.  My Mom told me recently that she could never babysit my children.  She said if she did, she would have to spank them.  And although I admit that hurt my feelings, I totally understand where she is coming from.  :::sigh:::And so, I began the process of trying to remove the evidence of my lapse in attention. 

 First I tried to wash them off with baby wipes, not working.  Then I used soap and water.... not working.  I make the water warmer, add more soap and begin scraping the skin with my fingernail to remove it, barely working.  Next, I try using nail polish remover to remove the areas from their legs and feet.  Working a bit better, but now I'm worried that this method is too harsh for their sensitive skin.  So I fill the bathtub up with bubbles and pop both of them in to soak.  Surely a good soak will soften up the liquid paper so I can wash it off.  After a 35 minute bath, that darn white out still won't come off even while scrubbing vigorously.  I tried mineral oil, just made the liquid paper shiny and the skin soft.  In desperation I logged on to *Ask Jeeves*....  Their recommendation?  Use soap and water....  Thanks Jeeves, it's not working. 

Mike will be home in 45 minutes and I will have to admit that he was right. He was right that I shouldn't pick up extra hours, that I can't handle being sleep deprived and keeping our children out of mischief.  Sad truth is, I can barely keep them out of mischief on a full nights sleep...

Kind of ironic that liquid paper, a product that is meant to conceal errors, is now a glaring visual reminder of my error in judgement, in parenting.  No concealing that this morning. 

Well, off to call the pediatrician.  Maybe they'll have an idea.... 

And The Fun Continues....

Today we had planned on getting an early start.  But plans, like New Year's resolutions, are often broken around here.   We decided that we would take our boat over to Newburyport to partake in their week-long fair.  The skies were blue, no storms in the forecast..... perfect boating weather.  The weather was 86 degrees with a bit less humidity today.  Still, the air felt stifling so we decided to go for a swim in the pool first. 

Sammi has finally become brave enough to swim by herself.  See that proud little face up there? We bought her (and Mikey) those bathing  suits that have flotation devices built in.  Although it does help with buoyancy, the suit alone won't keep you afloat unless you kick your legs.  She was so proud of herself as she motored around the pool under her own power.  

Our plan for an early start, ended up being a late start.  We finally got the boat in the water around 4pm and headed for Newburyport.  Because it was high tide, we were able to take a back route through the river instead of traveling in the open ocean.   I love pulling into the bay in Newburyport.  Lots of fishing boats, sailboats & yachts....Very scenic.   The fair didn't disappoint.  Good music, fried dough, and the kids had their arms painted.  Sammi had a very ornate butterfly design and Mikey had "pider man."

We decided to head back home around 7pm....  Because it was now low tide we had to travel out in the open ocean.  The currents around Plum Island were wild causing very large waves.  We would ride the crest of a wave, then look down and see a hole.  Our 19'foot boat (that suddenly felt very small) would suddenly drop and BOOM....then up it went again on the next wave.  This wild ride went on for about 15 minutes, who needs Six Flags?  I just held on tight and hummed the theme song from *Gilligan's Island*.  I also made the toddler's stop drinking from their juice boxes.  Didn't want to have to bring them to the ER to have the straws surgically removed from the roofs of their mouths, lol.   

After we went by Plum Island, the waters became quite calm.  The skies turned purple and pink, and the orange glow from the sun slowly began to descend on the horizon.  Before we reached the dock, we pulled up to one of our favorite beaches and let the kids play in the surf.  ~Another great day.

Tomorrow it's supposed to rain, I should do some housework.  Think I would die if anyone came over unexpectedly right now.... But vacation is here and going fast.  ~~Maybe we'll take the train into Boston to the Aquarium?  Don't think we'll make any plans though. 

 Because plans, like New Year's resolutions, are often broken around here....               

Yesterday was the beginning of our vacation....

When we awoke yesterday morning it was already 86 degrees and the humidity unbearable.  After pondering how we should spend our first day, we decided on the zoo.  What were we thinking?  Ahhhhhhhh, nothing like the smell of the zoo on a hot, humid day.  After a hearty breakfast at Denny's, we were off.....

After an hour trek, we arrived at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston.  (There are no zoo pictures, we forgot the camera...)  None of us had ever been to this zoo, so it was an adventure.  Driving in Boston can be an adventure in itself...  The one thing that was slightly bizarre about the zoo, was in places it was too close to the highway.  Watching the majestic lions roar and then hearing blaring horns and screeching tires ruined the ambience.   

As we walked through the park, we noticed that alot of the enclosures appeared empty.  Even animals that normally lived in desert areas sought the shade.  The giraffes and zebra's were out, giraffes are amazing, I could watch them all day.  We went into the Butterfly Landing for an additional fee, but it was worth it.  Sammi loves butterflies....  We sat on the bench inside listening to the nature sounds that were piped in, while the butterflies took flight around us. 

I had one nervous moment while watching the mandrels.  I thought that we were about to witness a National Geographic episode about Monkey Love.  We didn't linger there long and I gave some lame explanation to Sammi's question "Mommy what is that monkey doing?"  It turned out that I didn't need to worry, because in the next exhibit were the storks.  That IS where babies come from, right?  Hey, that's my story and I'm sticking to it...   The only uncomfortable moment I truly felt was while watching the gorilla's.  Or should I say, they were watching us.  The intelligence I see in their eyes is unsettling.  ~~Only a few DNA cells from being human, and us, apes.  I have a few hairy relatives that I suspect are a few genes closer, lol. 

Today was still hot, so we went to the beach.  We ate at Markey's seafood restuarant,  the kids had a blast feeding the sea gulls their french fries.  Mike fed the sea gulls by hand, but I wouldn't let the little ones try.  I thought that maybe the gulls would mistake a chubby finger for a fry.  The sea gulls were very bold and begged better than most dogs. Must admit they have better breath too.  One sea gull sat only a foot from us on the rail by the table.  I had a few visions of Alfred Hitchcock's movie The Birds, causing me some anxiety. Their beaks really are pointy. Could definitely poke an eye out....

After dinner we walked along the beach to let the kids play in the water.  Watching them run into the surf and come squealing out when the waves touched their feet, made my heart smile.... When did that stop being fun for me?  I'm glad that it's fun again...

Tomorrow we will be taking our boat out  to Gloucester....  It will be the longest ride we've taken on our boat with the toddlers.  Hoping for calm seas and no sudden storms.... 

Yesterday was the beginning of our vacation....

                                                           ......life is good.......