Photo Session Fail

It can be a challenge to catch everyone looking in the right direction with a pleasant expression, especially the youngest one.

Fail (except Asher and Patrick - perfect)

Fail (oddly enough, Patrick and Asher again - perfect)

Just to show you they were up on the barn roof.

Asher loved it! 

Drew had to hang onto him tight, since he wanted to run up, down, and all around.

Luke is TERRIFIED of heights. 

Notice he is right up against the barn wall and sitting at all times. It was a bit of a trick getting him down off the roof.

The Story Behind the Picture

I knew Luke was busy with some tape and a pair of scissors, designing and constructing a masterpiece. I was somewhat horrified (didn't even take a pic of his finished product) when I discovered he had built a spaceship using these binoculars.... the strap didn't fit into his plans and were "removed".  It was clear that he had no intention of being naughty since he excitedly showed it to me and then was blindsided by my utter dismay... *sigh*... poor guy. 

Seriously, where do boys come up with these ideas?

Thankfully, I did not inhibit his creativity :)

Not too long after the first "disaster", he once again dashed into the room begging me to come see what he had made, and he assured me this project did NOT require the use of scissors... *sigh* of relief .

These are the 3 silver medals Sean won at the track and field meet this year!!!

I dare you to admit how many times you have great plans for supper that are not fully realized. 

Sometimes it really is ALL about creativity and the willingness to be flexible.

I mixed up a LOT of this meat mixture for the 12 pepper halves, only to remember Patrick had asked to use two whole peppers. Oooops! So we ended up having stuffed peppers on a bed of meatloaf. Hey, everyone loves extra meat!!!

Sweet Spring

First daffodils on our property.

Wild Rhododendron.

Reflections.

Greenness and flowing water - what a beautiful sight!

Warbler Prowl

What do people think who pass by us as we excitedly gesticulate, darting back and forth, peering up into the trees with our cameras aimed, and "swishing" all at the same time???

Northern Parula

Northern Parula

 Usually they are near the top of the trees, so I never even realized they have a yellowish green circle on their back.

Black-throated Green Warbler

Yellow Warbler

Ovenbird

God's creation - the colors, the variety even amongst these five warblers- is truly spectacular!

The 3 Little Guys

Not that all three of them are really so little, but it is just an easy way to separate them from the big boys.

Surprised them with a chance to pick out their very own special treat - Old Fashioned Sugar Doughnut, Mint Chocolate Cupcake, and a Lemon Bar

Piggy Back Ride x2

It's a little tricky getting them situated.

But totally worth the effort :)

Down by the Sea

The view at the bottom of our driveway.

Peaceful.

So fragile...

And yet, so firmly attached.

Beautiful.

Could This Be?

We like to think this is the little baby that hung around last year, all grown up. 

She strikes this pose when first noticing that we are close by... not sure if she is trying to appear smaller in hopes that we don't spot her or just plain scary with all of her quills protruding???

She then drops down on all fours and waddles away still with her quills prominently displayed.

Spring Has Sprung

Osprey

The birds are returning to nest!

Barn Swallow~~~~~~~~~Tree Swallow

There are endless signs of life anew. I often ponder whether these oddities surrounded me in my earlier years, and I just failed to notice them, or are they unique to this area and climate?

McCormack's Beach

The fishing villages around here tend to be very colorful, cheery and bright.

Swinging along with his dad.

Mad dash...

a lobster boat passed by, and the waves rolled in... he was just sure they were going to catch him :)

Showing us his treasures.

You can see a bit of the city skyline behind him.

Seaweed treasure

 I am pretty sure NONE of his brothers would have voluntarily picked this up at his age. 

Industrious boy

♥♥♥♥

Adventurous Journey

Sean and Drew chose to be a part of a wonderful program this year: Duke of Edinburgh's Award. They have worked hard to complete Bronze, meeting or exceeding the requirements for:

. Service: "Connect with your Community!" (volunteer)

. Skills: Explore your Potential! ("Discover new abilities and interests or improve on and develop your existing talents.") 

. Physical Fitness: "Get Moving!"

. Adventurous Journey: "Experience the Outdoors!" ("Each participant must plan and execute a trip in the form of an expedition or exploration. Before embarking on your journey you’ll need to undergo training, learn safety precautions, and conduct a practice run.")

What a great smile!

Glad I am not the one having to shoulder that pack!

So long, farewell, Auf wiedersehen, goodbye!