A Day at the River

Summer has finally arrived here in the White Mountains. And with the Everitts heading back to California we thought it would be a perfect day to spend at the river with friends, food, water, and lots of sand. We even had a bonfire and roasted hot dogs and made s'mores.

The kids had a great time in the water - splashing and riding the current. I love this picture of the girls.

Bekah and her friends had a great time riding the alligator.

Here are most of the kids a little water logged and tired.

Bears and Birdfeeders Don't Mix

This morning just before 5 o'clock I was awakened by some noise outside in driveway. Boy was I surprised to see a large bear up on his hind legs looking in my living room window. He wasn't actually looking at me, he was trying to get his breakfast - one of Sarah's bird feeders.

He succeeded in getting the feeder down, looked up at me, and then settled in to enjoy his meal. It was really neat to watch him. Bear are such fascinating animals. Especially if you can watch them from the safety of your house.

Sarah was upset with the bear. Luckily we were able to fix the feeder and will now bring them in at night.

Finally another $10.00 Challenge

It has been quite a while since I have posted a $10.00 challenge, and not because we won mega bucks and haven't had to watch our pennies. No, we have just been busy with tons of fun summer stuff. But I thought it was about time to see far I could make $10 go. I took a little leaway this time and visited a few stores, but I just know you will all cut me some slack.

Everything pictured below came to a grand total of $9.49!

First stop was staples.

• 2 ink cartridges at $10.99 each. - $15.00 rewards check - $5.00 off $20. =1.98

Next stop CVC.

• 3 cereal bowls at $1.00 each - 3/$1.00 coupons = FREE

Next stop Hannaford.

• 2 Muirglen tomato sauce at $.99 each - 2/$1.00 coupons = FREE
• 2 Bryers yogurt at $.50 each - $1.00 coupon = FREE
• 2 Goldfish Crackers at $1.79 each - $1.00 coupon = $2.58
• 2 Santa Cruz lemonade at $1.25 each - 2/$.75 coupon = $1.00

Final stop Shaws.

• Goya Adobo Seasoning $1.25 - $1.10 coupon = $.15
• Metromint Water $1.39 - $1.10 coupon = $.29
• Reynolds Wrap $3.00 - $1.00 coupon = $2.00
• Sorrento String Cheese $3.49 - $2.00 coupon = 1.49

So how is your frugal shopping coming? I'd love to hear about your great deals.

Blueberry Picking

The kids and I went for a bike ride and picnic yesterday. An added bonus was the HUGE patch of wild low bush blueberries we discovered on the way home. We stopped and munched on a few and made a plan to return that evening with containers in hand.

Here we are back in the blueberry patch. Hannah helped Rebekah pick, or was it the other way around. I was surprised Rebekah actually wanted to pick and put them in her container. I thought she would rather eat them. Just goes to show you how much, or little we parents know.

Here she is hard at work filling her container "ALL BY MYSELF!"

Of course a little help from big sis is always appreciated.

We came home with about 3 pints of wild blueberries. Not bad for a short time picking. The bugs were a bit brutal. There are still tons of blueberries, so we will be heading back soon with long pants, sleeves and bug spray.

A side note - Rebekah's favorite book at the moment is Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey. I'm just glad we didn't run into any bears like Little Sal and her mother did.

Basketball

Hannah has developed an interest in basketball. I think it came from all the "feel good" basketball movies we have watched lately - Glory Road and Believe In Me.

When we were out one day last week she found a basketball at TJ Max. She put her summer reading money toward it and is now the proud owner of an awesome basket ball.

We have had a ton of fun heading over to the school playground to shoot hoops and play a few games of horse. We tried a little two on two, but the dribbling skills and the size mismatch made it a bit hard.

Above Hannah makes the shot to beat her sister at a game of Horse - nothing but net.

Dad showing them how it's done.

Exploring Lake Umbagog

Tin Mountain Conservation Center led a day long canoe trip to Lake Umbagog. We were so excited to get out in canoes again and hoping to see lots of wild life, especially birds.

We weren't disappointed. One the way up we spotted a cow moose with her baby munching on the shoots in the swamp. Unfortunately we weren't able to snap a picture. Next we stopped along the river to look at an awesome bald eagle's nest. It is huge! We were able to get a good look at it through binoculars but no pictures. There aren't any signs that it was a viable nest. Maybe next year.

Finally we made it to the boat launch. Our group, 5 canoes and 2 kayaks, headed up the river and into the lake. We spotted a couple of loons, found a loon nesting site, and spotted a small birds we hadn't seen before. Then as if on cue, we paddled around a bend in the river and there he was. A huge, beautiful bald eagle just waiting for us. It was an awesome site.

Doug snapped this picture as well as a bunch more of this majestic bird. All of us just floated in the river mesmerized by his presence. There is an active bald eagle's next on the lake. Unfortunately we didn't learn of its location until we were headed home. Hopefully, when we head back up in a couple of weeks we will be able to spot it.

Next we came across an osprey that could help showing off for us. He soared and dove searching for a few fish for his lunch.

To end the day, the girls pointed out this osprey nest they had seen a couple weeks before.

It was another great day exploring with Tin Mountain. If you live in the Mount Washington Valley I strongly suggest you check out all the great programs and events they offer. You wont regret it.

Backyard Birding

With the foliage out and birds brooding, our bird watching has moved to the back yard. Sarah had been hard at work on her bird garden, researching what types of feeders, bird baths, and such will attract her feathered friends.

Her hard work has paid off and we have had lots of wonderful visitors. This Indigo Bunting and his mate visit numerous times a day. We think they must have a nest close by and are looking forward to seeing fledgelings soon.

This little Red Breasted Nuthatch is a spunky fellow. He doesn't let anyone boss him around when he wants his turn at the feeder. And I love the way he can climb down a tree.

We have two pairs of American Gold Finches. The males are so bright yellow. This fellow was quite bold and sat right in the living room window. He also likes to perch on the antenna of the van.


This Cedar Wax Wing may look like a loaner, but in reality they are very social. One day we had ten of this birds in the top of this tree. They seem to come every afternoon to feed on the berries on the bushed at the foot of the tree. We have also seen them diving after insects. You can't really make it out in this picture, but they have the cutest little bandit masks.

Story Land

Living in the White Mountains, a prime vacation spot, means there is always somewhere or something the kids want to do. Every summer, Story Land is on the top of their list of places to go. A family friendly amusement park geared towards the younger crowd, it is a fun place to spend the day if the tourists aren't out in force.

This was Rebekah's first visit to Story Land and boy did she love it. From visiting Mother Goose in the shoe to get her sticker until the last ride, she never stopped giggling. Here she is perched in the shelves of Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eaters pumpkin.

Next we headed off to the tea cups from Alice in Wonderland. I wasn't sure how Rebekah would take to the spinning of this ride. You can just see her hat. And as it spun round and round I couldn't see her face, but she emerged all smiles wanting to do more. She must get this from her Dad. Just thinking about these rides makes my stomach turn.

With the horse lovers in the family we had to visit the Merry-Go-Round. Both Rebekah and Hannah loved this ride. Sarah was a sport and rode with Rebekah so mom didn't.


The swan boats were next.


Here Connor and Taylor pose in the pumpkin carriage. Thanks to these two Busy Bees, the six kids and I spent the day at Story Land for FREE! Thanks boys.