UPDOWN!

Chad said that Marin keeps walking up to him with her hands in the air saying "UpDown". He would pick her up thinking that is what she wants. He realized today that she is trying to say "TOUCHDOWN!" Looks like his efforts are paying off. She's such a daddy's girl.


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Did Anyone Feed the Dog?

Someone is earning her keep around here! I read an article this week on Boston.com debating the pros and cons (mostly pros) of kids doing household chores . Nice to see this initiative from Marin.

...and my job is done here.

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More Vacationing

We took last week off and since we have traveled to almost every state in New England this summer we decided to take a more low key approach and stay home a little and go to the beach a little. Our house and household projects needs some attention. My vacation "to do" list was very aggressive. I quickly realized that not all of this is going to get accomplished so I pick off a few tasks and enjoy some down time as well.

Katie went to the Cape on Tuesday to spend some extra time with Nana and Papa. They stopped at the Bass Pro Shop to check out the activities there. Unbeknownst to Nana and Papa, they bought Katie something that was very high on her birthday wish list--- a Batman fishing pole. I've been looking for one of these and once Katie spotted a fishing pole and a Batman one to boot it was a done deal. It also came with Batman sunglasses and they bought her shark-themed goggles so I'm crossing "Batman goggles" off the wish list. Here she is on the dock fishing for minnows. She didn't catch one. She just has a gigantic lure.

We went down on Wednesday and while Katie and Nana were at the Children's Museum, Marin and I hit the playground and dock. She's totally fixated on the water. She's staring at the boats here. Soon after this pic she started yelling "HIIIIYYYYOOO" to all the boats.

And here is the heartbreaker back at the house. I love this face!

Katie had a sliver in her hand. She was so brave that she had two bowls of Strawberry ice cream that night!

Katie loved the boogie board at Sebago so much that Chad went and bought her one of her own. It even matches her favorite bathing suit! Nice job Dad! Katie has made huge progress swimming this summer. She still needs to learn how to swim but she's been practicing her kicking and she is so much more comfortable in the water. It's nice to see her enjoying the summer!

After the beach we went back to the house for snacks. Marin has no interest in her sippy cup when there is a straw within her sights. You get alot of pointing and "Dat" (that) when a juice box is around.

After snacks, we were back at the swing set. I think Chad loves these swings as much as the kids do.

To wrap up the weekend Chad took Katie to see Cars 2 at The Strand. It was Katie's second time at the movies since I traumatized her by taking her to Toy Story 3 last year. This one was a huge success. She loved it and had a huge smile on her face when she came home. She even had popcorn and pink lemonade!

Flat Penny

We went to a relatively-new, local restaurant called the Flat Penny Bar and Grill in Berlin last night. Formally known as the Train Stop for you locals. It was our first time and maybe our last. The food and service were great but once Marin licked her plate I'm not sure if they'll let us go back. :) Plus, she might have eaten them out of french fries.

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Katie Lightyear

No, Buzz Lightyear didn't come to live at 72 Cedar. That's Katie in the hat she spotted at Walmart and Chad didn't have the heart to say no. She loves it...and with the Cars t-shirt I'm sure Pixar's marketing department loves it too.


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Rainy Monday

We're not a huge fan of rainy Mondays on vacation but could these two look any cuter in their yellow rain jackets?



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40 in Vacationland

My cousin Steve invited us to Maine to enjoy his annual vacation rental. He's a great host and we were excited to head to Sebego Lake to join him. His spot on the lake is perfect for the kids which gives the adult a chance to enjoy themselves too. Marin is crawling in the lake! She loved her freedom. Katie spent all weekend on that boogie board.

Marin also liked to just sit there.

Sean and Steve had to wrap up some work-related tasks before the real fun and relaxation could begin. Hurry up! Many lonely beers are begging for attention.

The girls were excited to see their cousin Kevin.

Steve's friend Ben arrived from their house nearby and everyone enjoyed a late afternoon swim. I think most of those kids in the water belong to him.  Before they arrived, Steve, Jill, Katie and I sailed on the S.S. Kerrigan. It was Katie's first sail and she seemed to like it. She asked a ton of questions.



Kevin trying to drink Uncle Stephen's Gin & Tonic. A true Kerrigan.



Here are some more highlights of our first day. At the end of the day we were joined by more cousins...the Reardons



The next day Marin prepped the beach early in the morning for the party. We were celebrating Ben and Steve turning the big 40!

Here are the brithday boys. Guys, you don't look a day over 38!

We gathered around the fire after the party and I have to give a shout out to my cousin-in-law Jill who might be the best s'more maker I ever met. Y.U.M.

Good night Sebego. Thanks for a fun weekend!