Burton Island

We returned from our sixth annual camping trip to Burton Island with 98 pictures. It was difficult selecting photos for our blog, if I were to represent all in our group I'd be downloading photos all night. As always the trip is work; planning, packing, loading the ferry, caring for two children and now three dogs (Jack and Tazor's first trip-oy!). As always we had a wonderful time and look forward to our return next year. This year we invited two families to join us, we loved sharing this special experience with good friends.

Now for the good stuff. Each night presented new challenges, the first night being the worst! Sam woke up, "Daddy, it's dark outside!", Tazor started barking, Mae woke up screaming. Not wanting to wake up the island I left the tent briefly to get her a bottle of milk. This is when Jack ripped a hole in the tent trying to get to me. Jack is conflicted, he can't have me out of his sight but when he is off leash, he is quick to run and not look back. So this is the middle of the night, Mae screaming, Sam awake, Tazor barking and Jack on the loose. We managed to grab Jack, quiet Mae and Tazor but now we have a hole in our tent through which a trained police dog and a fast runner can escape through. We decide the best thing would be for Dave to sleep on Mae's mattress, guarding the newly made exit. Secretly I looked forward to daylight and seeing my husband covered with a little pink sleeping bag. Before settling in I saw him crouched on his knees with his head in his hands.

Me: "What are you doing?"
Dave:"Waiting."
Me:"For what?"
Dave:"The next thing to happen."

Thankfully my husband and I share a similar sense of humor.

Breathtaking sunset on Monday, July 23, 2007

I Would Be Insane...

...to go to the grocery store with just Sam and Mae again. Our list was long. We were there for 90 minutes and spent $175. Our annual camping trip is coming up, we needed supplies and today was the best time to get them. We were clearly the family single people look at and say, "My kids will never be like that". I could imagine my mother and the dirty looks she would have given us had she been an anonymous shopper today. I'm sure everyone on that store knew my son's name by the time we were done, "Sam, I told you not to run. Sam, stay where I can see you. Sam, watch where you are going, people are trying to work and do their shopping, etc." In the baking goods isle we toppled over a display of spices, a family taking pity on me helped us clean it up. As we approached the corridor to the restroom Sam said, "There's the bathroom down there." "Yes honey", I replied. Then, "No sweetheart we aren't going back there....Hey! Get back here now!". To this he assumed my stance with a cross look on his face stomped his foot, pointed to the bathroom and loudly exclaimed, "I have to poop!" It would be one thing if he performed this bodily function on a toilet, but he won't. Not wanting to discourage him from taking this monumental step I took him in. Dead end of course, he wanted to play in the sink and with the hand dryer. At this point we weren't even halfway through our list and I could feel the glares and the pitying looks from other shoppers. I can honestly say today was the most embarrassed I have ever been.

On our way home as I composed this blog in my head, I asked my son, "Did you have fun at the grocery store?" "Yes mommy". What else could I do but laugh? We then stopped at the Orr farm for some fresh eggs. It's a self serve thing where you put money in a can and get your eggs from a refrigerator on their porch. The eggs are great and it's fun to open the side doors on the van so the kids can watch chickens wander around. Today one hen seemed curious about the van. She hopped right in Mae's side, hung out for a few minutes contentedly clucking, then went over to Sam's side. I eventually had to shoo her out, I think she would have come home with us if I'd let her.

It's funny how the most ordinary errands can become an adventure with your kids.

Sam Feeds Mae Breakfast

She must have looked very hungry.

Following Footsteps?

The first summer Dave and I dated (1993), his mother and father were riding their motorcycles from Connecticut to Alaska. They were riding with a "motorcycle gang" The Blue Knights, a law enforcement motorcycle club. Sam does very well with this battery powered cycle. The bike doesn't handle our outside terrain very well, but when inside I am very impressed with his ability to maneuver forward as well as in reverse.

What Does This Look Like?

We have had our llamas, Okemo and Nellie for 5 years now. Whenever they feel the need to sun themselves like this, it always catches me off guard. Thank goodness her ear was twitching, otherwise I would have felt an urgent need to startle her awake.

Late Night Reflections

I worked evenings tonight at the hospital. I was nervous as it was my first official night solo and my orientation was a month ago. Went ok. It was a busy night but I think it was easier than being outnumbered during bedtime with two little ones. I was a little disappointed to miss Mae Leta climbing stairs tonight! Sam was the first to witness this monumental moment and exuberantly notified Dave. Sam can be tough on her at times but he is happy and proud to have a sister.

There is something enjoyable about coming home late and alone when all is quiet. Tazor is asleep in his crate, belly up with his paws in the air. He is the baby of the house and so cute. I poured a glass of wine and wrote out some correspondence. The experience is different when uninterupted. I know I'll be very tired in the morning but this quiet is worth savouring.

Independance Day

It is true we can re-discover the wonders of our world through the eyes of children.