Maine State Aquarium

We have just returned from an exciting adventure at the Maine State Aquarium. I took the plunge and packed up the kids and a picnic lunch, and we made our way down the winding coastal roads away from the bustling center of Boothbay Harbor down through the private coastal homes of West Boothbay and to this wonderful little gem of an aquarium. It is impossible to compare it to any big city aquariums with all those bells and whistles, but this aquatic site was filled with Maine fish from all over this region, including the brown trout in our local lake and the lobstsers we dine on, as well as having 2 touch tanks steeming with hermit crabs, oysters, horseshoe crabs, starfish, sea slug/cucumber things, and more lobsters. In this picture, Brody is showing Logan a very small starfish. I think Brody could have spent all day at this tank...but then he discovered the dogfish tank. The dogfish resemble small sharks, and were very friendly, swimming at the surface for pats and bobbing up and down to entertain our small audience. Many thanks to those parents who helped this frazzled mom and helped pick up those slimy fish mom wasn't too keen on touching(workaholic dad was home fencing in horses). A lovely lunch spent watching the boats float about the harbor, and the seagulls pester us for food.
Aforementioned seagull and boats

Brody eagerly talking about these treasures of the touch tank.

Farewell Kelsey

Our lovely babysitter Kelsey visited the other day to say goodbye, as she is now moving into her dorm room in Florida and Pensacola Christian College. Kelsey was our first regular babysitter, and she endured all the basic horrors of a terribly two year old and baby diapers/sudden sicknesses with grace and kindness - we will miss you, Kelsey, and wish you the very best in school. And in her usual thoughtful style, Kelsey brought gifts to her biggest fans (tootsie roll pops for the little guys and a lovely flower arrangement for the big guys) - thank you, Kelsey!

You know you're a Mainah

There is no doubt about it. My poor boys never had a chance to even learn the letter "r" before they have lost it in conversation. I guess you know you have a Mainah-child when his (Logan's) first words are:

cah (car)

bahn (barn)

digga (digger)

dinnah (dinner)

hammah (hammer)

Well, I may always be a flatlander, but my boys are tried and true Mainers.

Logan’s absolute favorite possession is a phone. Now it doesn’t have to be an actual phone to be considered a phone by Logan, if you know what I mean. Here, some wooden brackets are his “phones” – they are, in fact, his favorite phones, even over my old cell phone!

Baking with Brody

Daddy couldn't resist the dinosaur cookie cutter set at TJ Maxx, and of course, we had to break it in as soon as it was discovered. Brody has always been my baking assistant. As soon as I break out the flour, he dashes into the dining room for a chair to stand on next to me.

Logan would love to help, too, but Brody is quite protective of his role, and Logan is still a little too wiggly on a chair.

The finished product

Chickens on parade

The day has finally arrived that our little bantams could move into their new condo at the new barn. Daddy was glad to be finished with that part, at least.

Brody was in charge of the relocation driving process, and Logan supervised.
Their new chicken park - their condo is just up the ramp in the barn.

sleep tight

I just realized that I have few very pictures of Logan at rest. This is one of the sweetest times of the day, when all his little moments shine. He always asks for his "bet", which is his blanket - and he wants all 3 that I hand over the end of his bed. He will not sleep without each one. Then, after I say " I love you", he immediately purses and begins smacking his lips for his goodnight kiss. I suppose my attention seems immediately diverted after I put him to sleep. Lately, this is the only time Bubba is still...sleep tight, sweet baby.

Bob the Builder (revisited)

I remember not so long ago when our Bob the builder toolbet set was purchased, and this little man was just a few weeks old...now he fits it all perfectly. And Brody wanted to join in the fun, too.

Slowing down

Camp has come to an end for the summer, so we are readjusting to spending time at home, slowing down and enjoying the little things, like baby pools...

Quick naps on the slide

and supervising Daddy building the barn.

So Dinnertime is a bit of a game at our house for Brody - and the old reverse-psychology was on the table at this meal.

Whatever you do, do not eat that egg.

Really, don't eat it.

Really, do not eat that egg.

What are you doing - I told you not to eat that!!! (smirk smirk)

Logan, on the other hand, eats all in sight....including steaks and pork chops on the bone.

Summer Sunday

Sunday mornings are marvelously slow for us - well, as slow as it gets with 2 toddlers. We play the containers game...anything goes.

Is there anything cuter than babies in diapers? Okay, maybe a winking toddler.

Reading with Daddy while Mommy cooks breakfast.

We had a fun-filled morning at Damariscotta Lake State Park...both were hogtied in their lifevests so I could wrangle them in the lake, but they loved it! We spent all by 10 minutes out of 3 hours in the water.

Thomas and his friends...

We spent today at the Boothbay Railway Village (AKA the Isle of Sodor) enjoying a train-filled wonderland. Brody and Logan rode "Annie" while Thomas pulled all the railroad cars, and enjoyed playing on all the train tables and riding in the "cars" behind the tractor. Logan adored thehay maze. This must be what Disneyworld feels like with one's own children - it was certainly one of the best days in my life!

Barn raising

Duane and his crew have been working on building our barn, which will make life much easier this winter caring for chickens, pigs and horses. It even is designed with a small heated room/bathroom!

Lawn party

Many of our weekends are spent on our lawn: mowing, gator riding, and the newest favorite - playing on the new swingset.

Brody's room

A few pics of Brody's new room - he even has a little "my comfy bed" song he has composed.