Gotcha Day Anniversary!

I'm sorry to say that I'm too tired to write much about the experience tonight; but to keep it simple just imagine the most amazing, emotional, heart- wrenching, nerve-wracking, joyful, sad, and downright exhausting day you could ever have - and multiply it by 3! In this case we'll just have to let the photos tell the story...

To celebrate we had a quiet (okay, not entirely quiet) family meal at home, watched part of Cars and read Todd Parr's children's book "We Belong Together" at bedtime. We talked about "the day" at supper and both of the older boys remember quite a bit; when we asked Owen if he remembered anything he thought really hard (and understood the questions) and replied: "No."

P.S. If you'd like to become my Facebook friend you can see a more detailed photo album. I'll make an earnest entry about Gotcha Day and those that followed here as soon as I can.

One Year Ago...

One year ago tonight my mom, Eric and I landed in Mumbai, India after 15 hours of flying (Portland, ME to Newark, NJ to Mumbai). We sped through the lines, collected our luggage and headed out into the steamy, dark night air to look for our "ride." With no electricity and hundreds of people streaming out the front door to meet the hundreds more waiting we wondered how we would ever find our connection - but there it was - a sign with our name on it! A man led us through the dirt parking lot filled with tiny, stinky cars and stray dogs, loaded our luggage on the top of our own tiny car and headed off into the darkness.... our adventure began. The hotel was very nice, inside, and it wasn't until the next morning that we fully realized our surroundings. The facade of the garden on one side blocked the view of the slums out back. As the generators worked furiously to cool our marble floors those below started their day in very different circumstances. We took a brief driving tour of the city before we headed off to Pune to pick up the boys; we were to arrive in the afternoon. These photos are of the Kohinoor in Mumbai, the driving tour and the route through the mountains on the way to Pune. At the time I was too overwhelmed to post or write much, so I'll try to reminisce now, while I still remember. Tomorrow I'll post the "gotcha photos!"

More Summer Fun!

We've been having more summer fun with grandparents, parents, cousins, aunt & uncles! The ocean by boat and land, swimming in Maine's beautiful lakes and ponds and falling asleep on the way home - worn out from the days adventures.

Summer Fun!

Finally, the cast is off Owen's arm, the rain has subsided (some days...) and we have been having many "adwentures!" We had a beautiful boating day last weekend; our first time out on Penobscot Bay! The boys love to go fast and don't mind a bumpy ride - good news. No patience for fishing yet - they keep saying "go faster!" We bumped into Grammy & GeeGee on their sailboat, ate lunch on their (empty) moring and took a walk on Holbrook Island. This weekend - Reid State Park - a bit of a drive (no puking!) but well worth it! Running away from waves, playing in the sand and "big ocean" fun! Hope you are all having a great summer!

Fourth of July

What a great time we had on the 4th! (I know, a bit late posting). We watched a parade in the morning - fire trucks, clowns, bands and police cars - the rain held off until the very end and we dashed to the car. In case you don't live in Maine please understand we have experienced an incredibly rainy June/early July! Owen had his cast on a total of 21 days and only 2 of those days did it NOT rain! Yes, the cast came off (Sam & Charlie watched while Owen laughed) and on Friday the 10th we had our first real beach day! But, getting back to the 4th - Aunt Susan & Uncle Dick hosted a perfect BBQ in picturesque Stonington; Grammy & GeeGee were there too and we didn't make it to fireworks (too tired - the kids and us!).

Also a hit these days - lobsters! They all love them - playing with them and eating them. Oh no, that's a pricey habit - even in Maine!

In these photos - Owen has the cast, Charlie - Hawaiian shirt, Sam - blue/white plaid, Grammy in red.

First Father's Day!

I'm not sure who is luckier; the boys to have Eric as their father, or Eric to have the boys as his sons - both are glorious! We had a wonderful day, thank goodness restful for Big Daddy who has been working extra and deserved a break. I did manage to make breakfast (his usual duty) while he read cards and unwrapped cards and presents (triangle pencils in a triangle container and from the older boys hand-painted mini bird houses). We went to Bucksport for ice cream and then ran the boys on the waterfront path; a few dry moments in an otherwise rainy week.

I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband and father to our boys! He does everything for us and the boys adore him! We are especially thankful for all the fantastic meals you cook for us Daddy (seriously - he's becoming gourmet!) and all the wood you haul to keep us warm! We love you!

P.S. Yes, that is a cast on Owen's arm :(. He broke it last Thursday when he fell; I was so close but could not reach him in time :( - luckily it's not a serious break - cast only on for 3 weeks.