4th of July at the River

It was a scorcher, so over the railroad tracks and . . .

. . . through the woods

along a magical path . . .

we headed to the river to keep cool. Hannah had a hard time getting Beau in the water. He really doesn't like to swim.

Papa build little pools for Rebekah to splash in.

And she did just that.

She figured out how to keep her head cool without going under.

The first time she stood up she declared, "my hair is peeing!" Oh what our children say. We all laughed, which of course made her say it again and again.

Sarah and Papa explored the other side of the river. It was deep enough to jump from the lower ledge. They discovered a smooth rock that was the perfect slide into a deep pool. That kept the big girls busy for quite a while.

A little river art we built and left for others to enjoy.

Hope you had a joyous 4th of July.

I'm a Big Girl Now!

It was both a sad and happy moment as I packed up all the cloth diapers. Yes Rebekah is a big girl now using the potty! I am happy to see the diaper stage gone . . . again, but a little sad that my baby is getting so big.

The cloth diapers are now on their way to another home. I will miss seeing them on the laundry line this spring.

If you have never considered cloth, you really should for so many reasons. They are so much more economical. We spent just over $200.00 from new born to potty trained, and that includes quite a few expensive Fuzzy Bunz that you could do without. Cloth diapers are so much better for the environment. A quick search of the web will give you tons of information about the benefits of cloth diapering.

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.

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.

A Day in the Park

The girls have been buggin' me to take them down to the playground. So when the sun came out and the temps crept a little this past weekend out we headed. All of us were glad to be out in the fresh air.
Rebekah truly enjoyed the slides and swings. She couldn't decide which she liked better and kept running back and forth between them. She even master the BIG slide all on her own.

It always amazes me how the simple things in life bring such pure joy. Just look at all the smiles. It doesn't get any better than this.

Androcles and the Lion

The girls were blessed again to receive scholarships to attend Children's Stage Adventures' winter camp sponsored by the Mount Washington Valley Children's Museum. They spent last week auditioning, participating in workshops, memorizing part and learning songs in order to put on a wonderful production of Ancrocles and the Lion. The choice of show couldn't have been better as we are studying Ancient Rome in just a few weeks.

After such a wonderful experience this past summer with the same group's production of the Princess and the Pea, both girls hope to get bigger rolls this time around. Well their dreams sure did come true. Sarah was cast as none other than Androcles. And Hannah was cast as Pout Miser, a major character with quite a few lines.

Both girls worked so hard both at camp and at home to memorize their lines, songs, and dance steps. By the time show day arrived both girls were running on pure adrenaline. The show was a huge success. The girls as well as the rest of the cast did an amazing job. Children's Stage Adventures is a wonderful organization. It is truly amazing what they can accomplish in five days with a group of children ranging in age from 5 to 11.

I wish I had gotten better pictures during the show, however, I was trying to video the production so dad could see it later. Luckily they do have photo ops at the end of the show so at least you can see you great they all looked in their costumes.

The Miser Family grupmy at the loss of their slave and the prospect of being thrown out of Rome for good!

Androcles and the Lion - Best Friends!

One of the opening scenes of the play. Androclese is pleading for forgiveness after being caught asleep on the job!

The museum is bring Children's Stage Adventures back again this summer in August and the girls are already talking and planning. If there is ever a Children's Stage Adventures camp or workshop in your area I strongly recommend them.

I'm a Big Girl Now!

Papa surprised Rebekah and brought her home a present - a BIG girl bed. Rebekah was so excited! She helped Mama make the bed and find a pillow. Then she and Rosie climbed right in. And as Goldilocks would say, "It was just right!"

The nights haven't been perfect. Little Miss Rebekah still wakes a few times and ends up in bed with Mama. That's okay. She is doing better sleeping on her own. Not to mention the time they are little really is so short - we need to enjoy these times when they "need" us. Before too long they will be so big and "think" they don't need us any more.

Look Who's 2!

It's hard to believe that Rebekah turned 2 today. Where does the time go? Rebekah is such a joy and a blessing to all of us. She is so sweet and full of love. She is quick to give a hug or a kiss. She also gets very concerned and sad when someone leaves. She has lots of friends including Owen, Jonathon, Micheal and Emmy. But I think she still favors her big sisters', Sarah and Hannah, company. And of course she tries to keep up with all their antics as well.

Here is a look at how our little girls has grown these last two years.

Here she is in the hospital not too long after she was born.

Rebekah wasn't quite sure what to do with her birthday cake. She did like the candle though. We gave her a little cake all for herself and she still wouldn't "dig in". She really doesn't like to get her hands dirty. As my mother-in-law says, I finally got my "girly girl".

Here she is today a big two year old. She likes to tell everyone she is two and holds up her thumb and first finger. Sarah made wonderful chocolate cupcakes from scratch with a peanut butter surprise in the center. They were really yummy. You can find the recipe here: http://boyerfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/01/chocolate-peanut-butter-cupcakes.html Rebekah still doesn't like to be messy. This year it was frosting on her nose!

Happy Birthday, my beautiful angle. We love you so much and thank God every day that He blessed our lives with you.

Hitting the Slopes

Sarah decided to snowboard this year. Here she and her friends head to the bunny slope for the first time. I don't think any of these girls has been on the bunny slope in years. However, it was a good thing that they started here today. The first time down looked more like bottom boarding than snowboarding. All of the girls had a hard time staying on their feet. It wasn't long until all the girls were getting the hang of it. You can see Sarah got the hang of it pretty quick. They even headed up the mountain before the day was done.

Hannah is staying on skis at least for the time being. She is skiing with a great group of kids and parents. She had a great time on the mountain. Right now I'm in the lodge with Rebekah so I didn't get any pictures on the slopes. Rebekah and I may head over to the bunny slope next week and we will see how she does. Who knows, we may all end up on the mountain this year!

A Girl's Rite of Passage

All Sarah really wanted for Christmas this year was to get her ears pierced.

Here we are on the big day.

Here she is having mark made where the earring will go. I hope they're even!

This picture isn't the greatest, but here is the big moment. I was surprised how calm Sarah was. I think I was more nervous. I can't believe how much she has grown up in the past year.

They look great Sarah! You are becoming such a beautiful young woman. It is a privilege to be your mom. I love you!

Bekah's First Hair Cut

We had planned to have the older girls' hair cut for the holidays. I hadn't considered having Rebekah's cut. I really didn't even think she would sit still. Well after watching dad, mom and her two older sisters all get their hair cut, Rebekah was not going to be left out. So here are some of the pictures from her first hair cut.

She was so good. She sat still the entire time and actually enjoyed the attention and primping. My mother-in-law tells me I finally have my girly girl. I am not sure about that, but she is our littlest princess.

Rebekah and the whole family look great. Thanks Selena for the hair cuts. It's great to have an awesome friend how just happens to be an awesome hairdresser as well.

Christmas Caroling

The girls and I had a wonderful time Christmas Caroling with our friends, the Ness family, and their church. It was the first time the girls had ever been caroling, and it had been years since I had been. Hannah wasn't sure she wanted to go. She even asked her dad if she could go to work with him. Turns out she had the best time of all of us and probably sang the loudest too. Sarah thought we should have stayed out longer. She really enjoyed herself and the time with her good friend Hannah. Rebekah didn't sing at any of the houses, but sang the entire way back to the church for service. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of the group singing. I had to carry Rebekah as we had just gotten some snow and her little legs just can't keep up yet. Everyone was warm and gracious even if we were a little off key some of the time. Caroling was such a wonderful way to share the joy we as Christians find in the Christmas season and all year long in the loving arms of our Savior. Hopefully we were able to touch the hearts of some of those who heard us sing.

Cutting the Christmas Tree

One of our favorite family traditions is heading out to cut our Christmas tree. for the second year we headed out to Chamberland Farm. They have such beautiful trees and the owner is a great guy too.

Here Dad and the girls head out to find the perfect tree. Of course this is not a quick or easy process. Everyone seems to have a different idea of what the perfect tree should look like.


Out in the middle of the field looking for that perfect tree. There were so many to choose from. I don't know how you decide. If we had room, I would love to have more than one tree.

Hannah's tree received the thumbs up from everyone. Now it was time to cut it down. Sarah was the holder as Dad sawed. Hannah and Rebekah stood back to yell "Timber!"


Sarah tried to help carry the tree out to the van. I don't think she realized how heavy a 7 foot tree is. As you can see the job fell on Dad's shoulders. It is a good thing Dad has such broad, stronger shoulders.

As Dad was trying the tree to the top of the van the girls and I enjoyed a cup of steaming hot cocoa! A perfect way to end our tree cutting trip!