School begins… September 22, 2010

Now that I have posted, posted and posted to update our blog from the summer, I want to jump right into September with a first day of school picture! Hannah began school on Sept. 2 for her Kindergarten year at Merrimack Montessori here in Haverhill.  Josie is doing some preschool work at home with me and I will post some pics of that coming up.  I also started teaching again (my one-day-a-week job) teaching kindergarten art in Newburyport, MA.  Steve also adds to his schedule teaching courses again at Endicott College.  We are trying the get back into our fall routine with an added schedule of soccer games for Hannah on Saturdays.  We are very thankful for the rest we had this summer and look forward to great work to be done this year!

Hannah on her way to class, Day 1.

Old Orchard Beach, Maine September 22, 2010

So our travels were far from over after our triathlon weekend.  We packed up the trailer (really Steve did:)) and we headed east to Old Orchard Beach, Maine.  We camped at Paradise Park Campground, about 3 blocks away from the main beach.  It was great! The beach has a carnival, which the kids loved.  On a rainy day we were able to head north to Portland, Maine and visit the Children’s Museum there.   See pics below!

The pond at our campground

The pier at the beach on a very windy day

Carnival! Where we would be spending a lot of time...

Watching waves

Mom and Josie lounging!

Could dig all day

Carnival Rides!

Tea Cups

Trucks!

Frog Hopper

Josie and Hannah fishing at the campground pond

Waiting for more rides - carnival, day 2

Bear ride

Hannah climbing the huge euroslide

Motorcycles

Fire Truck at the Children's Museum

At fireworks night on the beach with Daddy...Josie fell asleep before she could go!

Out for ice cream at an old fashioned soda fountain shop in Ocean Park, ME

Our last day!

Mmmmmm.....

Off to the Timberman Triathlon and camping at Gunstock! September 21, 2010

In August Steve and I competed in the Timberman Triathlon 70.3 at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.  I raced on Saturday, Aug. 21 in the sprint length and Steve competed in the full 70.3 on Sunday.  We were also able to camp right at Gunstock Resort with friends.  See pics!

Me and the girls at the end of my race

Steve coming into the finish chute!

Hannah preparing to rock climb during daddy's race

On the wall!

Our campsite!

Weirs Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee

The pier at Weirs Beach

The fam!

New sunglasses!

Looking off the bridge

Our set up on Weirs Beach with the Reardons!

August Events September 21, 2010

We were very busy in August! After Hannah’s birthday and the joint flower party, we celebrated Josie’s birthday, Steve’s birthday and our anniversary – all within about a week.  Our church also went to Salisbury beach and a Lowell Spinners game.  This was the game that Hannah got to run on the field with one of the players!  See pics below.

Out in Boston for Steve's birthday

Birthday bike!

Ready for the game!

Mom and Josie in Red Sox gear

In the dugout!

Swimming Lessons September 21, 2010

Hannah and Josie spent the end of July and beginning of August in the pool.  We had back-to-back swim lessons at our club and it made a huge difference in their swimming this summer! Hannah can now swim without any flotation devices and Josie only needs the bubble on her back – no arms.  They became little fish which was great for the rest of our summer trips!

Hannah learning to freestyle in our first swim sessions

Josie using the noodle during the first week

Hannah (on left) with no bubble at end of sessions!

Josie with no more wings using the kick board!

Mmm…where did I leave off? Oh yeah, BIRTHDAY PARTY! September 21, 2010

Since it has been a long time since I have updated the blog I will do it in pieces! This post is all about the girls’ joint birthday party held back at the end of July.  We had it at Winnekenni Castle playground here in Haverhill.  It was simple and fun!  See pics below.

Everyone is showing up and playing on the equipment

We made sun hats with foam stickers of flowers and bugs

Hannah about to make a toss in our homemade seed toss game

Josie's turn to toss!

Hannah and Katie in their new hats

Friends!

The birthday girls!

Cupcake time!