Fall is in the Air and the Atlantic

Even as the leaves change and the temperatures start to cool down, the calendar is as busy as ever.  Abi celebrated her Third Birthday at her family's annual Halloween party.  Then we sailed on the Fascination from Jacksonville to Half Moon Cay and Nassau.  Next, we had a Thanksgiving celebration that lasted for six days and included all kinds of fun.  We ate, we played, we watched football, we built and tested our new zipline, we went on walks through the woods, we set out by the fire at night, we visited "Lights of the South" and even visited with Santa.

 

 

 

 

 

Ready for the Game, "Go Eagles"

 

 

Visiting Daddy at Training

 

 

Gigi,the Witch holds Connor, the Tiger

 

 

 

A Witch and a Yellow Jacket

 

 

 

Passengers boarding the tender headed for Half Moon Cay

 

 

 

 

Beach Activities at Half Moon Cay

 

 

 

We enjoyed our own Cabana on the beach

 

 

 

Naps are better in Gigi's bed

 

 

 

Connor's first trip to "Lights of the South"

 

 

 

 

Logan and Abi with a Bedtime Movie

Morning with Brock

Logan tries out the Zip Line

 

Visiting Maine in September



 

 

We recently enjoyed the official end of summer while in the state of Maine.  We flew into and out of Portland while spending most of our time in and around Bethel.  Bethel is a beautiful little village in the mountains about 1 and 1/2 hours inland from Portland.

We decided that the best word to describe Maine is "unspoiled".  This includes the coast, lakes, streams, the sparse population, the neatness and cleanliness, and the friendly people.  While enjoying all that Maine had to offer, we did observe signs that winter time there could be brutal.  We noticed tall markers to locate fire plugs buried in snow, stores that sell ice fishing equipment and snowmobiles, even special roofing to handle ice build-up.  The city provided a place to get fresh water during freeze-ups.

And yes, the fresh lobster was delicious!

 

 

 

 

 

Bethel Inn's original structure in use since 1913

 

 

 

Bethel Inn overlooks the 200 acre resort

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Bethel Inn's Cabin by the Lake

An otter's morning swim in the Androscoggin River

Special roofs for snow and ice buildup

One of many beautiful homes in the Village of  Bethel

Homes with attached barns were very common

The heated pool's indoor access for winter swims

 

A view from Bethel

Corkscrew Falls flows into Bear River north of Bethel



Amazing formations created by the river



One of Maine's many covered bridges

 



 

 

Fort Gorges protected Portland until the late 1860's

Portland Head Lighthouse, first lit Jan. 10, 1791





Summer 2012

The summer fun will soon be over and it seems as though it just began.  These pictures were from the numerous trips that the grandchildren made to Hilton Head our first summer there.  Abi will soon be 3 and has become quite the swimmer this year.  Logan almost 2 and 1/2  has  perfected his batting stance.  Connor at 4 months is happy playing his role as the newest family addition.  If you've never met them, these are three very special children.

Three Amigos

Fun in the Fountains at Coligny Circle

Logan likes Pool Time

"Who is this guy with the funny tan on my board?"

"Take us home, enough beach for today"

Abi, Connor and family

"Do we really have to put all this sand back?"

Connor practicing for the 2032 Olympics!

Knee Deep in Fun

A smile like that means it's time to eat!

"Let Summer Time Begin"

Since attending the Easter Sunrise Service on the beach, we've made all the preparations and all systems are go for the summer fun to begin.  We've gotten our grill assembled, delivered, and tested.  We've assembled and tested our beach cart and Pop Pop has completed building the customized GBT (Grandchild Beach Transporter).  Logan has had his second birthday party.  Abi, now at 2 1/2, is busy helping Mommy.  Connor is getting stronger everyday as he puts on the pounds and bulks up.  He is now 5 weeks old.

Easter Sunrise at Hilton Head

Testing our Beach Equipment

Logan helping Pop Pop build the Wagon

 The Granchild Beach Transporter

Logan waiting for Summer

Now I just need someone to pedal

Connor dreaming of Summer

Abi on Big Sister Duty

Logan enjoyed his Firetruck birthday cake!

Enjoying the Bouncy House at Logan's Birthday

Connor - Born March 23, 2012

At 8:13 am, Connor was welcomed into our world by a large group of family members including "Biiiig Sister"Abi and  four Great Grandparents.

Our family was truly blessed with this 7 lb. 7 oz. healthy baby boy.  Abi let us know how special she felt when Connor wrapped his tiny hand around one of her fingers.  With a big surprised smile Abi said "He's holding my hand!"

Welcome Connor!

A Precious Baby!

Connor holding Abi's hand

A  cute "half- smile" showing his dimple



"Big Sister" holding "Baby Brother"



Logan meets his new cousin, Connor



Time for a Nap