LALLYgagging

McKayla the Tempted

2012-02-08T19:37:00.000-05:00

This may appear to be a post about the injury McKayla sustained to her forehead when she had an unexpected close encounter with a door at her last swim meet. It's not. It's a post about little girls cutting their hair even when they know that's a job reserved for their hair care professional.

For quite some time now McKayla's been growing her hair out ~ bangs and all. She recently started talking about cutting it short again and really took the bull by the horns Monday evening when she decided to cut some new bangs on one side of her head. Here's how the conversation went after we established that she did, in fact, cut her own bangs and it wasn't because her hair tie was stuck in her hair. Nice try though, right?

This is McKayla's explanation of what happened pretty much verbatim:

I was tempted. I was tempted and I gave in to that temptation. It's like part of me really wanted to cut it and the other part of me knew I shouldn't and my mind was saying ~ cut it. no. don't cut it. cut it. no. don't cut it. And then I cut it. I gave in to the temptation and I know that's a sin. Insert pause. But not a mortal sin.

Spoken like a true Catholic preparing for her first Holy Communion and Confirmation!

And in unrelated news, we have a girl obsessed with swimming on our hands. She eats, sleeps and breaths swimming and I think if she could figure out a way to read in the water she'd want to spend even more time in the pool. She loves it and we love how much she loves it. Here are a few examples of how her love for swimming creeps into her school work. These are all separate assignments. All with a common theme.

Best start to a day!

2012-02-04T16:40:00.002-05:00

We have much less snow than usual for this time of year, but we have just enough for some excellent sledding right in our own side yard (the 'door yahd' as the Mainahs call it). The kids now race to get their snow suits on and they start their days joined by the bus stop gang sledding down our little hill. There's no better start to the day!

Kristianisms

2012-02-04T16:00:00.001-05:00

At Frank's Bakery last Wednesday Kristian wanted something I told him I wouldn't buy him. He asked a few times and I held my own. I would not it. His response ~ I don't know how you even call yourself a mother!

Kristians FINAL thought for the day.

2012-01-30T20:10:00.000-05:00

We had a great day today! Kristian earned all of his stickers (more on this later). We went sledding. We played in the park. We read. We colored. We planned activities for his birthday trip. And then ~ without warning ~ when we were winding down for bed Kristian told Keith that he wouldn't let him sleep in his room if he was growing on his ass! And he didn't say it once. He said it three times. Yep. You read it right. Even if he was growing on his ass. Good to know, right?

Kristian's thought of the day...

2012-01-30T11:39:00.003-05:00

You know when I smile and say hi to people I don't know? Well, I'm acting like I like them even though I really don't.

FYI

2012-01-26T20:49:00.001-05:00

If you run outside when it's 10 degrees below zero your eyelashes and hair freeze!

Ohmmmm... and some Kristianisms.

2012-01-24T14:18:00.000-05:00

Fun with yoga Girl Scout style.

I'd pretty much rather do any activity other than yoga. It's probably what I need to do most as a way to clear my mind and improve my flexibility. Problem is that all I can think about while I'm doing it are the hundreds of other things I'd rather be doing. I think McKayla shares my sentiments. We actually left early so she could attend swimming practice. That's my girl!

And a few Kristianisms:

That's going to make me blarb! For the record, blarb = vomit

I hope so you like me. That would make my heart warm up.

It's not about what you look like on the outside. It's about what you look like on the inside. I don't actually think that's really true.

Kristianisms and McKayla's Aspirations

2012-01-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Instead of saying, "I hope that [blah, blah, blah] " Kristian always says, without fail, "I hope so we [blah, blah, blah]."

Tonight at bed time I told Kristian I was very proud of him for earning all of his stickers at school today. He said to me in response, "And I was very proud of you too today." I asked him what specifically he was proud of and he said, "For being so proud of me."

And on the way home from swim practice last night McKayla told me that while swimming she imagines hearing her name ~ McKayla Corinne Kendall from the United States of America ~ called over the loud speaker at the Olympics. She also told me that she imagines swimming against Michael Phelps someday and totally beating him. Those lofty aspirations are tempered by her musical goals: Annalena and I are going to have a cover band. We're never going to write our own stuff we're just going to sing other people's songs (read anything Taylor Swift)!

Happy Friday!

2012-01-20T13:09:00.000-05:00

Introducing the Zipfy!

2012-01-19T13:38:00.001-05:00

We don't have much snow up here, but that doesn't stop Kristian from cruising down our little hill on his new Zipfy. Too much fun even for our one and only Mainer!

Better late than never!

2012-01-18T18:27:00.001-05:00

A belated birthday celebration for McKayla and Kenzie and a bit of a Dance Party revolution.

Determination in motion! Skating, part deux.

2012-01-17T21:07:00.001-05:00

Setting the record straight and Lally Kendalls on ice!

2012-01-14T21:25:00.001-05:00

Before I venture into our recent ice skating adventures I need to first clear my name. There is a rumor of sorts in Kristian's pre-K classroom that I was recently in jail. And word on the street is that I was in for littering. Serving hard time for littering in Bangor, Maine. That's what my life has come to up here apparently.

And how did I learn of this rumor you may ask? Well, the mother of one of Kristian's friends said she needed to ask me something, but completely understood if I wasn't comfortable talking about it. She said her son told her husband I was in jail and her husband quickly asked her if she happened to know anything about this.

Truth is that I work at the Penobscot County Jail every so often and spent this New Year's Eve Day there "with the billains" as Kristian says. Kristian told his friends I was in jail not that I worked in the jail and there in lies the story. I really am a free bird. I swear. And speaking of birds... I mean fish...

This is Kristian's most prized art work to date.

And then we hit the ice. Kristian actually got on the ice, actually had fun on the ice and actually can't wait to get back on the ice tomorrow. McKayla loved it, too! Me? It was if I'd never left that back yard ice rink we had when we lived in Montreal. Too much fun!

Holding on tight before class.

First lesson behind them and they're off...

And she's down, but getting back up!

And he's on a mission, a devious mission I presume.

No. He had nothing to do with Oscar falling. At least I don't think he did.

Now he's down for the count!

And they're off!

If only this was a clear shot. Look at both skates. Completely off the ice!

Fortunately he's still smiling. Until next time...

Thinking of summer...

2012-01-07T21:00:00.000-05:00

A Very Happy Birthday Indeed!

2012-01-06T21:23:00.000-05:00

McKayla's 7th birthday started out with new sneaks and what every girl needs ~ a dog for an American Girl doll. Of course, McKayla thought the dog was a miniature and then realized that it's a doll's dog. Of course it's miniature!

Then it was off for a day of school, strawberry cupcakes and TEXAS ROADHOUSE. McKayla wanted to go there because they shout to the entire restaurant that it's your birthday.

They also sit you in a saddle and make a complete scene which was a highlight for sure. I have to admit. I was a little envious.

And if all that wasn't enough there was cake and Biscuit.

And over $1000 raised for Smile Train! I can't tell you how exciting this was for us. McKayla's worked to raise this money for the past year and finally she can submit it. She was thrilled and I was touched by the generosity of so many of you. Thank you for making McKayla's day such a special one! She deserved it!

Happy 7th Birthday, McKayla!

2012-01-05T08:00:00.002-05:00

Today I celebrate 7 years of McKayla Corinne and all that she has taught me! Happy Birthday, little girl!

And if that wasn't enough. Read this and then visit McKayla's Smile Train fund page at http://support.smiletrain.org/goto/McKayla.Kendall to give a little! You'll make a 7 year old's day!

Happy New Year to me!

2012-01-04T19:59:00.000-05:00

A Year in Review and a Few Wishes Too!

2011-12-31T21:41:00.001-05:00

I asked Kristian what his hopes and dreams were for 2012. He did not hesitate. He didn't even have to think about it. His responses?

"I want to go to Lego Land with my family and I want to go back to school because I really love Mrs. Brewer. I think I want to write her a note to tell her how much I love her."

Then I asked McKayla. First she said she wanted to turn into a Barbie (probably so she can move into the luxury town house and drive the convertible). Then she said she wanted to get a bunch more Barbies "just to annoy you." Then she got serious.

"I want to go back to the beach with Aunt Linda and Uncle Marty so I can go on that obstacle course thing on the board walk."
"I want to go back to New York so I can go on that thing I was too short for last year. I know I'll be tall enough."
"And for my birthday I want... Now this would be a miracle. I want Uncle Marty to stop smoking because people who smoke die." Uh oh. Uncle Marty may be in trouble.

And now a look back at 2011. There's no telling what 2012 has in store for us. Time will tell.

When McKayla saw this picture of herself and Nick she said, "Oh my. I look so grown up in that picture. It's like Nick and I are really meant for each other." Oh, brother!

Happy New Year!

Final Kristianisms of 2011...

2011-12-30T15:52:00.001-05:00

Balden Eagle = Bald Eagle
Challenge Show = Talent Show
The Neminem Falicon = The Millennium Falcon
Drowned = The drain as in 'water going down the drain'.
After Kristian told my parents he'll miss them when we dropped them at the airport this morning I asked what Kristian would miss most. His response? "It's just a figure of speech!"

... and a little look back at a Christmas past.

A Very, Merry Christmas Indeed!

2011-12-25T12:16:00.000-05:00

Gift card extravaganza from Cousin Danny!

An introduction to oil pastels.

"Just what I always wanted!" from Uncle Kenny and Aunt Jane.

Cousin Danny strikes again!

Feminist movement beware! You gotta love a pink Barbie convertible.

With love from Aunt Linda & Uncle Marty.

Man/Boy Heaven!

The much sought after Smile Train donation from Santa!

"I was on the 'Nice' list!"

The AT-AT Walker!

As if the convertible wasn't enough! The Barbie Dream House! Best gift ever!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a great day!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T00:21:00.000-05:00

The kids are nestled into bed and our work is done for the night.

We had some major drama this afternoon over a Portable North Pole video I created for the kids. I'm over it now, but felt so bad about it earlier. The video I made for McKayla had her on Santa's 'Nice' list and the one for Kristian had him on Santa's 'Naughty' list for not always listening to his teacher at school. Next year I'll preview the videos before showing them to the kids.

I figured the videos would be just like last year's, but they weren't. This year they were actually really suspenseful. You watched the little elves put your name into a machine and then had to wait for the 'Naughty or Nice' verdict with all of it's accompanying bells and whistles. Poor Kristian was a nervous wreck watching his and then was devastated when Santa said it looked like he was on the 'Naughty' list and had some more work to do. Poor guy. He was immediately reduced to tears and then ran and hid under a table. I felt horrible.

We finally coaxed Kristian out from under the table and told him that Santa sent a new video saying that his elves had made a terrible mistake. I told Kristian that the elves got his name mixed up with someone else's and that he was actually on the 'Nice' list. I added that those naughty elves were sent to their respective rooms by Santa and that they were in major time out for the night. Kristian bought it thank goodness!

After all of the drama our visit with Santa was a little tense. Kristian was more uncomfortable than I've ever seen him and couldn't relax enough even to fake a smile. He got through it though.
Then it was off to lunch where we had an impromptu visit by yet another Santa. This time Kristian was 'on' and when Santa asked him what he wanted he answered in this reflexive, somewhat automated voice ~ I want the Star Wars Lego AT-AT Walker. McKayla was tongue tied, but eventually explained that she only wanted a Smile Train donation.

A visit to a friend's house. Home. Mass. Dinner with friends. Cleaning. Wrapping. Blogging. And now our work is done. We're off to bed so Santa can work his magic which will include flying Grammy and Grampy up for a surprise Christmas morning visit. More tales to follow.

Oh, and I should add that just before nodding off tonight Kristian told me that he hoped Santa heard him telling Santa he loved him and that he does really want the Star Wars Lego AT-AT Walker and a toy, but really what he wants "is for Santa to have a safe flight!"

Sweet dreams...

Christmas Kristianisms

2011-12-24T08:04:00.003-05:00

We're on Christmas over drive up here in our winter wonderland and Kristian's mind is racing with thoughts of how all this Christmas magic works. He's a little unsure about whether he's been naughty or nice and I think the prospect of coal has him a little worried. He also can't figure how Jesus is born over and over again every year.

Kristian's decided that Keith is getting coal because, "He hurt my feelings." and because, "He was really mean to mean to me when I spit that cookie out all over the counter." He thinks he himself may still be in good standing because, "I did give Becca that chocolate yesterday and that was really nice of me."

Kristian figures if we go to the mall today to "talk to" Santa we can work it all out. He even suggested that he'll buy Santa a new hat. "We need to get him a rotund hat because he's like 80 pounds."

Here's a glimpse at Christmas' past. I'll let you know how today goes...

A Journey on a Magical Train by McKayla

2011-12-24T05:00:00.000-05:00

Uganda and some Kristianisms

2011-12-23T17:58:00.003-05:00

Our original sitter extraordinaire, Becca, returned to Maine for the holidays from her Peace Corps work in Uganda and we were lucky enough to spend the afternoon with her. We chatted endlessly about her adventures and how the kids have grown in the 16 months she's been gone. We could have talked all night, but Christmas responsibilities called loud and clear to each of us.

Becca brought gifts back from Uganda including this handmade tray crafted from banana leaves, an angel ornament made of corn leaves, a beaded headband for McKayla and a giraffe crafted from dried leaves. Kristian was lucky enough to get a lesson in balance. McKayla was lucky enough to braid Becca's hair and have her braided in return.

You can read more about Becca's adventures on her blog, 'Journies in the Pearl of Africa'.

And to hold you over here are a few Kristianisms:

As I open Christmas cards Kristian always has a comment or two. My favorites: "Oh! It is lovely!" and "That's so beautiful!"

"I don't get it. It's like every year Jesus is born over and over again. I just don't get it."

"I want to go to Bar Harbor some day. Like on a weekend with you. For a date."

"I'm going to take this off because it's pretty unusual (read uncomfortable)."

Oh, and if you're looking for a white Christmas come to Maine. We're good to go!

About Me and My Family by McKayla

2011-12-22T19:20:00.004-05:00

Some of the details are a little sketchy in the surgery post, but you'll get the idea...

Family Traditions by McKayla

2011-12-21T15:59:00.001-05:00

2011-12-16T10:46:00.000-05:00

McKayla's $1,000,000 Idea. I take no offense at all. None whatsoever. Seriously. None at all.

2011-12-15T14:17:00.000-05:00

I recently got Kristian back into swimming lessons at the Y. Despite his protests and anxiety he shows fierce determination when faced with the age old adage 'sink or swim'. As it is with reading and writing, swimming doesn't come naturally to Kristian like it does to McKayla, but he's doing it. He's working hard and it's paying off. He even occasionally looks like he's having a little fun.

Welcome back, Mr. Kristian!

2011-12-14T05:00:00.002-05:00

With only 12 days left until Christmas, Mr. Kristian made his debut this morning. Kristian spotted him first and announced his arrival. McKayla immediately responded from the bathroom with some degree of hysteria ~ I don't want Mr. Kristian to see me with my pants down! At least I know she has some modicum of modesty.

McKayla then wrote her Christmas letter to Mr. Kristian instead of Santa figuring that Mr. Kristian could deliver the letter when he sees Santa tonight. It wasn't as voluminous as I thought it might be, but touched me just the same.

2011-12-13T05:00:00.001-05:00

Kristian doesn't exactly share McKayla's interest in reading and writing, but was inspired enough to write this letter to Santa requesting the Lego AT-AT Walker. We're still waiting for McKayla's letter which I have a feeling consists of several volumes.

Kristianisms

2011-12-12T13:30:00.000-05:00

Kristian and I met with Kristian's Pre-K teacher last week to discuss the issue of his seemingly endless chatter. He talks constantly. The bus driver tells me that. His friend's parents tell me that. I know that because I live that. This child of ours has a lot to say.

Now McKayla is a chatterbox too. The difference is that McKayla can refrain from talking when she's not supposed to. Kristian doesn't have that impulse control yet apparently. We're working on it though ~ little by little.

And here are a few for the road:

Bomit = Vomit
Remembery = Memory (As in "Sedona said I have a really good remembery.")

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2011-12-08T09:03:00.000-05:00

We missed the snow fall in Bangor over Thanksgiving break because we headed to NJ a day early, but got a taste of it this morning. The kids got right to work building their inaugural snow man. Kristian was delighted to be part of the action.

The Elusive Tooth

2011-12-01T09:12:00.002-05:00

McKayla finally lost one of her top teeth which seemed like a rite of passage of sorts. This was the note I found on her bedside table for the Tooth Fairy last night.

"Those things" in the letter refers to glitter the Tooth Fairy left on her first couple of visits.

Thankfully, the Tooth Fairy obliged and made a $10 donation to McKayla's Smile Train Fund. If you are so inclined you can do the same by visiting the above link.

As an update, we've had our second visit to the orthodontist and are making plans for 2012. In a few weeks we should know whether or not McKayla will have surgery to extract baby teeth impeding the eruption of some adult teeth. If not we'll move forward with a palate expander sometime in early spring. Then it will be time for the bone graft and more orthodontics. I'll keep you posted...

Two peas...

2011-11-25T08:44:00.004-05:00

Giving Thanks by Kristian

2011-11-25T08:43:00.001-05:00

Giving Thanks by McKayla

2011-11-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Kristianisms

2011-11-20T08:40:00.001-05:00

Disgusting = Asgusting
Bandana = Bandenna
Bleachers = Bulchers

And, pardon me in advance for sharing Kristian's most titillating question to date:
Is having a vagina fun?

2011-11-19T20:51:00.001-05:00

The 3 Amigos ~ Junior Edition.

And the Girl Scouts Extraordinaire!

2011-11-11T10:33:00.000-05:00

Kristianisms and our girl, McKayla

2011-11-06T03:57:00.002-05:00

From the back seat while on a road trip Kristian makes a request: Can I get an appetizer back here?

Again from the back seat after being reprimanded for some minor infraction Kristian says:
I guess you really don't know how popular I am.

While snuggling in bed one morning Kristian ponders deep thoughts:
K: I'll live longer than you, right Mama?
Me: I certainly hope so.
K: How do you live a long life?
Me: You take care of your body by eating healthy foods and getting lots of exercise.
K: But sometimes God makes kids die?
Me: Sometimes children do die.
K: But I don't want to die. I want to live with you forever. But when I get married and get my own house I'll invite you over for dinner.

After watching some of our wedding video:
K: Daddy? Was going on a date with Mama fun? Was it really, really fun when you went on a date with mama? And was marrying mama the most fun ever?
We're still waiting for daddy's answers...

And for her part McKayla continues to make us incredibly proud. Last week one of McKayla's school mates told me that because she (the classmate) didn't have any friends McKayla was going to have a special lunch with her in the guidance office. McKayla said the special lunch would take place on Monday, but didn't offer any more information than that.

I asked the faculty member in charge of the "special lunch" if she would explain to me what the lunch was all about. She did and I was touched. Apparently the "mean girls" business starts pretty early these days and by early I mean that it's front and center in second grade. That makes me sad. Very sad. Because I know once it begins it doesn't end. I still see it and it never feels good.

Apparently this particular child is challenged socially and kids aren't always nice to her. Cliques are taking shape and ring leaders are front and center trying to call the shots. This particular student identified McKayla as a classmate she views as kind and and as someone she would feel comfortable taking some chances with in terms of forming a friendship.

As heartbroken as I was to learn how early this nonsense starts I was pleased that McKayla is viewed as someone with whom another child, a vulnerable child, feels safe. We couldn't ask for anything more in our daughter.

Happy Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T13:56:00.000-04:00

Happy day after my least favorite 'holiday' of the year. Oh, and Happy All Saints Day!

My parents joined us again this year so they had the 'pleasure' of handing out candy. They also had the pleasure of helping to carve the pumpkins and snuggling a time or two. AnneMarie got in on the snuggling and Halloween action as well since she joined us for our regular Monday night ritual of breaking bread and stuck around to take to the streets of Little City for trick or treating with the kids.

McKayla went as Mary Ingalls and Kristian went as a 'pirate ghost' ~ an idea he came up with as we were getting the kids dressed to head out the door. Batman will have to wait I guess.

Once out the door the kids went their separate ways almost immediately. We met back at the house to survey the loot and to relieve my folks from their candy duties about an hour and a half later. There's no telling who ate what, but that chocolate doesn't stand a chance!

Best sports of the night, my mom and dad.

Best costumed door answerer of the night!

Mary Ingalls and Anne of Green Gables. Literary characters live on!

A Halloween Preview

2011-10-31T21:27:00.000-04:00

McKayla had a Halloween dress rehearsal on Friday night at Abraham Lincoln's parade and treat walk. She's into all things Little House so this year she decided to dress up as Mary Ingalls (before she went blind). One of her friends went as Laura. Kristian decided to skip the parade in favor of time spent with Grammy and Grampy. He'll get his chance to dress up soon enough.

Hudsons and Happy Days!

2011-10-30T21:00:00.000-04:00

We braced for the winter storm warning yesterday by battening down the hatches. We stacked a cord of wood, raked the yard, mowed the lawn, got the patio furniture and grill put away, took a ride in Mr. Joe's 1946 Hudson...

...And practiced out sledding moves just in case.

Play Dates and Bog Walks

2011-10-30T15:48:00.001-04:00

Kristian and Sedona getting their groove on at the museum after an impromptu birthday celebration at Bagel Central. Here's to a week of staying on the road (that's Pre-K talk for a weeks worth of stellar behavior).

Then it was off to the bog walk with the Girl Scouts. I swear I've been to this bog walk a hundred times since moving to Maine and didn't realize how much I didn't know about it until I walked it with our guide, Sue. I'm not sure who was more fascinated with all of the information Sue shared with us, but I'm guessing it was the parents. Who knew?

The girls brought their nature journals and took notes of odds and ends along way. I took the liberty of snapping some pictures of McKayla's journal and what piqued her interest. Hummock and hollow topped her list. If you haven't had the opportunity to walk the bog walk with a guide I highly recommend it. You don't know what you don't know until you actually learn what you didn't know.

European Vacation: Day 12

2011-10-30T12:43:00.000-04:00

On our last day in Barcelona and Keith and I hit the ground running. We left our hotel, NH Duc de la Victoria, and walked to the the waterfront in search of a restaurant recommended to us by Jo and Joe of The Barcelona Taste.

Unbeknownst to us that particular restaurant was closed on Mondays so after visiting Barceloneta Beach we took the cable car or Teleférico del Puerto from Port Vell marina to Montjuic.

Having no luck in Barceloneta we went in search of another restaurant recommended by Jo and Joe which much to our dismay was also closed on Mondays. after our adventurous wanderings failed we settled on a sure bet ~ The Hard Rock Cafe for what was the best burger, fries and beer I've ever eaten in my entire life! I think Keith would second that.

On the road again, we walked and walked and walked. It felt like we covered every square of that city and I doubt we even put a dent in it.

We did put a dent in the Spanish chocolate, churros (on the left below) and melindros (on the right below) though (think funnel cake and lady fingers dipped in melted chocolate) at Granja La Palleresa. Decadent. Delicious. And just what our expanding waist lines did not need. But oh so good!

After completely over indulging at Granja La Palleresa we took to the streets again and tried to burn some calories. We did just that until it was time to eat again! And for our last meal in Barcelona we ate at an Italian place, Restaurant Rossini. Go figure. We walked some more. We ate some more gelato and we checked out la Rambla and much of the Gothic Quarter one more time.

Traditional tapas line the counters of most restaurants.

Then we headed back to our room, Skyped with the kids and hit the sack in preparation for a long day of travel back home to Maine.

Kristian giving us a hug good night.

After almost 2 weeks in Europe without the kids this ending seems so anticlimactic, but I guess it all has to end somewhere. We left Barcelona without incident lugging bottles of Sangria and olive oil and everything else we could fit in our suitcases and carry on bags. Not so fast sister! You may be able to get out of Barcelona with bottles of olive oil and sangria, but you can't get through Philly en route to Bangor with it. Holy mackerel!

I got stopped by security and was treated to the extra special uber-search. Then I got sent back to the ticket counter with my contraband and back once again when another can of olive oil was found in my bag that they missed the first time. It was craziness. For his part Keith decided he was going to try to get on an earlier flight to Bangor so I was on my own. I was sweating. I was aggravated. I was cursing under my breath and I was planning on getting a new husband if Keith actually got on an earlier plane without me.

Thankfully the USAirways folks were great about all of this. Every single one of them was pleasant, respectful and entertained which is not usually the case in my experience ~ especially in Philly. By the time we were finished they were calling me Olive Oil and I promised to invite them to my next wedding if Keith had actually left me in Philly.

Can you see the craziness in my eyes? Look closely. It's there and so is the sweat running down my face!

Two weeks a way and now back to reality! By the way, Keith didn't get on the earlier flight only because the gate agent wouldn't let him since he had already checked his luggage.

European Vacation: Day 11

2011-10-30T11:46:00.000-04:00

With our tour of the Western Mediterranean behind us we hit the streets of Barcelona again. The group of 10 of us had booked rooms in 3 separate hotels so we decided to meet up for lunch at our favorite Ciutat Comtal once we were all checked in.

We walked La Rambla again and checked out the street vendors selling everything from flowers to chipmunks. Yes. Chipmunks.

I attended mass and then we watched a parade take over La Rambla.

We met up at Ciutat Comtal for tapas. And Keith finally got his Cake Mix which he obsessed about not ordering the entire time we were in Italy and which didn't disappoint ~ any of us. The Sangria de Cava didn't disappoint either.

We even got our waitress to pose for a pic with us. She wasn't very impressed with us on our first visit to this restaurant, but I think we grew on her as much as Barcelona grew on us (literally and figuratively).

Then the others headed back to their hotels and Keith and I toured Casa Batillo, another Gaudi master piece.

There was evidence all over Barcelona of protest and demonstrations against corporate globalization.

And a music video or two being filmed on Passeig de Gracia.

Keith and I relaxed a bit in our hotel then took to the streets once again. One more day of this European vacation and then back to reality.

European Vacation: Day 10

2011-10-27T05:00:00.003-04:00

Our final day at sea I spent on deck reading, relaxing and relishing the peace and quiet. Then it was time for our trip to the ice bar and our final dinner on board the ship.

Linda and Beth hated every second of the ice bar. Keith and I felt right at home!

Now it was time to head to bed and to brace ourselves for our return to Barcelona and their tapas!

European Vacation: Day 9

2011-10-26T21:23:00.002-04:00

Our last port of call was Palma de Mallorca and we had nothing planned for this particular destination. I think we were so worn out from all of our other planning that we figured we'd wing it.

Keith and I only wanted to take the old wooden train to Soller so we decided to hop on another open city sightseeing bus and went from there. Linda, Marty and Beth joined us.

We boarded the train and traveled through the mountains and valleys of Mallorca. The landscape was lined with olive, lemon and orange trees.

It was nice having the time to sit and relax. We'd been running all week and we were all getting a little weary.

Me and Beth.

Once in Soller we headed down to the market place at what appeared to be the center of town.

But first we needed to eat (shocker!) and the smell of fresh baked baguettes forced us into this little bakery for pastries the size of a small pizza. How the people are so thin in the places we visited we have no idea. We need to know their secret!

Who didn't know they'd have gelato and who didn't know we'd eat it? Goodness gracious.

After browsing a bit and seeing many items that in hindsight we wished we'd purchased we headed back to the train station. We stopped in the Picasso and Miro museums and got some books for McKayla on these talented men and their works of art.

I wish we'd stayed longer in Soller, but more reason to make it a destination we hope to visit again.

I think Linda and Marty were all tuckered out though. What do you think?

In every place on earth it seems there is a place for the disenfranchised. We passed this shanty town to and from Soller.

An interesting take on a hot tub.

Back in Palma and grateful for all that we have and are able to do we boarded the bus and finished our tour of the town.

Castell de Bellver

Then it was back to the ship for a relaxing late afternoon on deck with none other than...

Another meal...

And a towel monkey to bid us good night.

2011-10-26T05:08:00.001-04:00

We interrupt the seemingly unending stream of European Vacation posts to bring you this...

MCKAYLA'S FIRST SWIM MEET

and some other odds and ends.

McKayla spent 2 weeks in September participating in the Bangor Ys Barracuda swim clinic. The clinic enables the coaches to evaluate kids' abilities and to assign them to teams as appropriate. For kids not ready for a team further swim instruction is recommended.

McKayla did make the swim team and is loving every minute of it! I'm pretty sure she's the youngest on the team by about 2 years, but you wouldn't know it. She fits right in and holds her own in the pool.

Last Saturday the Barracudas had their first official swim meet. McKayla didn't appear nervous at all, but admitted later that she felt like she couldn't swim as fast as usual because of her nerves. Go figure. I was nervous too, but didn't realize it until she was next up on the block. I swear she was completely relaxed. She was totally in her element.

Swimmers take your marks!

McKayla swam free style, the back stroke and the butterfly. Free style is her favorite, but each stroke is strong as far as I can tell (and I realize I can't tell much when it comes to swimming).

What I do know is that she loves every minute she's in the pool and I love that she loves it. I was so proud of her confidence and self assurance on Saturday. I always am. I was especially proud when she reached out to a team mate who was so nervous she was in tears and wouldn't leave the coach's side. McKayla invited the team mate to join her on the bleachers and cheered her on when she swam. Those simple acts of kindness go a long way and I hope McKayla always remembers that.

For his part, Mr. Kristian is doing very well in school. I had his parent-teacher conference yesterday and so far he's passing with flying colors. I'll admit I was nervous. Turns out he is doing very well and is exactly where he should be. Phew!

I realized after the conference that I probably should give Kristian more credit. McKayla is so obviously bright and Kristian is so obviously charming. Turns out he's bright, too. The teacher said that he is considerably above age level in language development and fine motor skills and that he is moderately above age level in cognition. I was surprised by this, but I'm not so sure why. The teacher also said that behaviorally he is doing very well in class and has improved remarkably since the beginning of the year. He is sociable and has to be reminded to save the chit chat and play date making for appropriate times during the morning, but he's doing what he should be and is eager to please.

Too bad I'm not. You know in preparation for Keith and I going away I must have had 20 pages of instructions for my in-laws. Too bad I didn't follow my own guidelines yesterday afternoon when I overslept after working an overnight shift and missed getting Kristian off the bus. You can only imagine the words that came out of my mouth when I realized I'd set my alarm for an hour later than I should have. Darn. Yep. That's all I said. Darn.

While I slept Kristian rode around on the bus and ended up back at school in the principal's office (not because he was bad, he says, but because mama was sleeping!). He was in all of his glory though and wasn't phased in the least. And in a moment I'll forever be grateful for the librarian told me to stop beating myself up and to pat myself on the back for raising a child so secure that he wasn't the least bit bothered by the mishap. Thanks for that vote of confidence. I needed that ~ especially when I took Kristian to McDonald's after my gaff (to make it up to him) and didn't have enough money to pay for his happy meal! Seriously. I didn't realize I had my wallet in the car and was 20 cents short. The kind soul at the window let me get the happy meal anyway in an act of kindness that I swear will be rewarded.

And if all of this isn't enough to keep me on my toes, this is. And I warn you this may seem graphic...

Kristian asked me today if it's fun having a vagina.

God help me!

European Vacation: Day 8

2011-10-25T13:51:00.006-04:00

Castel Nuove overlooking the port in Napoli.

Our busy day in Rome was followed by a drive by of the ruins in Pompeii and a visit to the Amalfi Coast. We hired private guides again which for us was the way to go. Julia and Giuseppe, a husband and wife limousine driving couple, made the day easy and enjoyable.

Mt. Vesuvius.

After a Pompeii drive by (Sorry Keith. We'll visit another time.) we checked out Mount Vesuvius in the distance and drove to Positano. The drive was breathtaking and I think we were all grateful we weren't the ones behind the wheel. There's no way to enjoy the scenery while keeping your eyes on roads like these.

I loved all of the little shops in Positano filled with beautiful white linens and the smell of lemon. It's another one of the memories I'll keep with me forever. We brought home lemon sachets and soaps, lemon cookies and biscotti, but I think we need more of everything. We simply didn't have enough room in our suitcases and airport security makes it challenging to get these goods home. Darn 50 pound weight limit gets you every time.

After some time in Positano we headed to Sorrento. The land, which is at a premium, is lined with olive trees and lemon trees. Julia explained more to us than I ever imagined I'd learn about olives including how they harvest them and make their own olive oil.

Julia talked to us about being a mom to two kids similar in age to McKayla and Kristian and the balancing act we all know well and do as best we can.

The whole gang at a scenic look out over the Gulf of Napoli.

Once in Sorrento, we wandered around until it was time for Giuseppe and Julia to introduce us to our next guide, Sonja, for our trip to Capri. Hiring private guides adds up, but it's a great the way to see these places especially if you're pressed for time. None of us were interested in cruise excursions that involved sitting on a bus with 70 other people so the guides for us were the way to go. They kept us on schedule, pointed out what was relevant and shared with us what it was like living in these fabulous places we visited.

Linda, Giuseppe, me and Julia.

Sonja, our Capri guide.

For some reason I don't have pictures of downtown Sorrento, but below are a couple of glimpses of the coast as we road the hydrofoil to the island of Capri.

With Sorrento in the distance we arrived on the Isle of Capri.

Once on land we took the funicolare (think gondola/tram ride) to the top of Capri.

Lemon trees dotted the landscape.

And there were plenty of places to eat! Sonja brought us to a local brick oven pizzeria and once again we indulged (and maybe even annoyed the wait staff a little with our lack of understanding their ways and means such as the service charge you pay just for taking a seat in a restaurant. Who knew?).

Then it was time to walk off our lunch and of course get some gelato. What would a day trip be without it? We weren't going to find out!

Our day on the Amalfi Coast was a great one thanks to Julia, Giuseppe and Sonja. They were patient and accommodating, knowledgeable and passionate. Just what you need when you're making the most of your time. Keith and I agree that the Amalfi Coast is a place to which we'd love to return and spend more time. Perhaps when the kids are older. Perhaps.

And once again, a towel animal to bid us good night.

European Vacation: Day 7

2011-10-24T03:23:00.003-04:00

Wednesday, October 1

Rome in a Day!

You know what they say about Rome not being built in a day? Well, they couldn't build it in a day and we certainly couldn't see it all in one day. We gave it the old college try though and actually saw quite a bit thanks to Marco, our private guide and the owner of Rome Connection.

Marco met us bright and early brimming with exuberance and charm. He was knowledgeable, witty, personable and has an affinity for Americans which always helps when you're in a foreign country. He also speaks impeccable English which was a blessing! Marco was a wealth of information and his passion for Roman history and for Italy was obvious. Keith particularly enjoyed the historical context of what we saw. I particularly liked the way Marco drove ~ pedal to the medal and last minute braking. I felt right at home.

We started the day off in the catacombs which fascinated me more than anything else I saw on our entire trip. Marco arranged a tour for us and we were spellbound as we listened to our guide. Being there was an incredible experience. One I will never forget.

From the catacombs Marco drove us to the Coliseum which he emphasized should be called the Flavian Amphitheatre. It was amazing to see it in person. And as amazing as it was this historical place will forever be known to us as the place where Keith and I were scammed by sidewalk vendors.

We bought these gross little things for the kids we knew they'd love. They were squishy balls that looked like pigs. You throw them on the ground, they flatten out and then return to their original shape. Hours of fun or so we thought. Unfortunately we didn't test ours out before we bought them and ended up with water balloons. Boo hoo! Thankfully, our friend Beth bought one that actually worked and she was kind enough to give it to us to give to the kids. They loved as much as thought they would and then it exploded in about a day. Buyer beware. Lesson learned.

In front of the Arch of Constantine.

The Temple of Venus and Rome

Archaeological dig by students in Rome.


Circus Maximus

Rolling in the Mercedes van with Marco.

Circus Maximus

The Forum

The exterior front of the Pantheon.

The ceiling of the Pantheon.

The floor and center drain of the Pantheon.


Exterior of the Pantheon

At the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain

The Spanish Steps

We wrapped up our morning in Rome with our favorite past time ~ eating. I can taste and smell that lunch just thinking about it. I don't know if it was the olive oil or the home made pasta or the bread. Whatever it was ~ it was incredible. Absolutely incredible.

Bob, Sharon and Keith awaiting their Chianti and bruschetta.

Marco ~ our guide extraordinaire.

After a fantastic meal and wine it was time for our visit to the Vatican which was a visit I was very much looking forward to. We had a private tour guide for the Vatican as well so we skipped the lines and headed into the museum. Entering Vatican City is much like going through the airport given heightened security concerns. And although I know the security is necessary it tainted the experience for me a bit. So did what seemed like thousands of other tourists in the Vatican that day. People were loud and although implored not to take pictures people did ~ even in the Sistine Chapel where it is explicitly forbidden. It felt disrespectful to me and although I didn't let it spoil the experience it did taint it.

Anywho, it was phenomenal to be there in person. To be in the Sistine Chapel and to actually stand and pray in St. Peter's Basilica at the tomb of Pope John-Paul II ~ These are moments I'll never forget and hope to share someday with the kids.

St. Peter's Basilica

The Pope's residence and the window (2nd from right on top floor) from which he greets gatherers.

The tomb of Pope John Paul II


The Swiss Guards

Safe and sound Marco brought us back to our ship exhausted and a bit delirious after a very full day. We certainly look like very satisfied customers and indeed we were!

And totally unrelated and for the sole benefit of the kids, we were bid good night by this adorable towel elephant.

Stay tuned for our visit to the Amalfi Coast and the trip that seemed to keep going and going and going...

European Vacation: Day 6

2011-10-21T20:19:00.002-04:00

Tuesday, October 11th,
Florence and Pisa, Italy:

After an abbreviated night of sleep thanks to our Howl at the Moon antics Keith and I headed out early for the gangway and caught a cab to Stazione Livorno Centrale with 3 other people from our ship. We planned to visit Florence and Pisa and knew we needed to hustle. That's the tricky thing with cruise excursions. You get just enough time to get a feel for a place and then it's time to head back to the ship. It's a little like a tasting menu, but with cities instead of food. At least you know where you may want to revisit. Fortunately Keith and I move efficiently enough that we got to see everything we hoped to see and didn't feel rushed just tired after it was all said and done.

In perfect Amazing Race form we caught the first train of the morning to Firenze (or Florence) and were on our way.

Validating our ticket which must be done before you board the train.

We hopped on the Florence Open Top Bus Tour and were good to go. I would recommend to anyone traveling abroad to catch one of these buses even if you have plenty of time in a city. You buy a day pass for about 20 euros and get a narrated tour of the city and all of it's land marks. You can hop on and off as you please and sometimes it's easier doing that than catching cabs or the Metro. We're definitely fans of these buses and rode them whenever we could.

The Arno River

The view from the Piazza Michaelangelo.

Scooter Row.

Ponte Vecchio

The Duomo in Florence

After taking in all the sights, pasta and gelato we could Keith and I headed back to the train station en route to Pisa and the piazza dei miracoli.

We knew the kids would be thrilled to see pictures of us at the Grand Romanesque Cathedral, Campo Santo and of course the Leaning Tower. The Little Einsteins visited there after all!

We posed like the tourists we were and took pictures of each other pretending to hold up the tower. It was funny to see the dozens of others from all over the world doing the exact same thing across the lawn surrounding the monuments.

After all of the day's excitement we hoofed it back to the train station and got back on the ship just in time. We both loved Florence and it is definitely a place we'd like to visit again.

Once aboard the ship we reconvened with our friends on our adjoining balconies, made our dinner plans and enjoyed another fabulous sunset.

A towel bunny awaited our return to our rooms and we got as much sleep as possible before taking Rome by storm the next day.

European Vacation: Day 5

2011-10-20T19:45:00.003-04:00

Monday, October 10th:

Monday was a day at sea which for me translated to a day spent on a chase lounge on deck reading and relaxing. I literally stayed on that deck all day by myself which was absolutely heavenly! I got occasional visits and warnings about being in the sun, but I was in all of my glory out there ~ all of my glory.

After a full day of relaxing and plenty of fantastic meals we let lose in the piano bar until 1:30 in the morning. Linda made a guest starring appearance on stage after I requested a song for her 60th birthday and 10th year living free of breast cancer. She was mortified, but was a good sport and endured being serenaded with a song that would make Kathy Griffin blush.

Bob and Keith ~ A rock star bromance!

Then it was off to bed in order to catch a few hours sleep before hitting the ground running in Livorno, Italy.

The towel animal of the night which I knew the kids would get a kick out of.

European Vacation: Day 4

2011-10-20T19:31:00.002-04:00

Sunday, October 9th:

We spent our last morning in our Barcelona apartment at 455, Provenca and then set off to embark on a 7-night cruise of the Western Mediterranean. Renting the apartment was the way to go for the 10 of us. We all had our own bedrooms and bathrooms and most of the creature comforts of home (minus the washer and drier that took about 15 hours to complete 2 small loads and I'm not exaggerating). To me it felt like home while we were there.

We headed to the port and then we anxiously boarded our ship, the Norwegian Epic, and headed straight for the upper decks (read buckets of beer). We enjoyed our first happy hour(s) and then settled into our staterooms.

We enjoyed the first of many beautiful sunsets over the Mediterranean Sea and then it was dinner time. Do you sense the theme here?

After dinner I headed back to our room and Keith headed to one of the ship's sports bars for his fix. He met a guy in the bar traveling with his brother and his brother's in-laws on a 'seize the day' sort of expedition as the father-in-law who is only 46 years of age was recently diagnosed with ALS. Another reminder that life is fragile (or gradual as Kristian would say).

European Vacation: Day 3

2011-10-20T14:14:00.003-04:00

Saturday, October 8th:

After a relaxing morning in our apartment filled with everything you shouldn't eat for breakfast (i.e. pastries filled with chocolate and custard and dusted with sugar) we headed out to explore Barcelona once again. As an FYI, when you read 'explore' think 'eat and drink'.

We stopped for lunch and we checked out La Rambla, the most famous street in Barcelona.

We visited La Boqueria, an enormous open market and then headed to Barceloneta.

Barcaloneta is a section of Barcelona near Port Vell. The streets along the marina are lined with restaurants and vendors and lead directly to the beach. The ladies decided it was time to 'explore' another restaurant while the guys checked out Barceloneta Beach.

We landed at Peix i Marisc and spent the entire afternoon enjoying each other's company and sangria.

Beth trying her best to make iced tea. Nestea in a can just wouldn't cut it.

Linda, Sharon, Cissy, Beth and me.

And as if we hadn't had enough to eat and drink we set off to explore once again. Four of us hailed a cab and raced the others in our group to Hotel Suizo where we were to meet Jo and Joe, two Americans who offer a tasting tour called, aptly enough, The Barcelona Taste. If you are ever in Barcelona this tour is a must do! And considering the fact that I am one of the least adventurous people when it comes to food that is a glowing recommendation.

After some more sangria and a photo op with Barcelona's finest we met Los Jo(e)s and headed to our first stop for tapas...

The Barcelona Taste offers visitors a chance to discover culinary treasures hidden in neighborhoods throughout Barcelona. And by hidden, I mean hidden. Keith and I walked what seemed like every square inch of the Gothic Quarter during our time in Barcelona and never once came across the restaurants we visited during this tour.

We walked to Cala del Vermut and after Jo and Joe had us clarify any serious food aversions we may have (hello soggy bread) we drank Spanish vermouth and ate tapas (the likes of which I would hesitate to ever eat when not on this tour by virtue of my apparently unadventurous palate). We ate marinated olives, blood pudding, papas rellenas (stuffed potato balls), champinones (the most delicious mushrooms ever sauteed in garlic and olive oil), stuffed piquillo peppers...

... boquerones fritos (fried anchovies), pimientos del padrón (hot green peppers coated with sea salt), and pan con tomate (toasted bread rubbed with fresh garlic and ripened tomato) to name a few of our starters.

We were full and flushed and ready for our next destination with Los Jo(e)s.

We visited Baserri and another restaurant that I neglected to capture on camera. We ate banderillas de olivas con anchoas en vinagre (stuffed olives wrapped with anchovies) and lots more.

We headed to our final stop, Bodega la Palma, and dug into the patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a spicy sauce) and more tapas paired with delicious wines. Then it was time for dessert and recommendations for other places we should check out before leaving Barcelona.

A view from above at Bodega la Palma.

Anyone who knows me well knows I typically have high expectations. I can say without hesitation that spending the evening with Joe and Jo for The Barcelona Taste was time and money well spent. Visiting restaurants we normally would have missed and learning about the food and culture of Barcelona from Americans who fully embrace the culture was incredible. We learned a lot and had a fantastic time. Our thanks to Los Jo(e)s for a wonderful night and to Sharon for arranging it!

European Vacation: Day 2

2011-10-09T06:53:00.007-04:00

Friday, October 7th:

We made it to Friday safe and and sound after what seemed like the longest day of our lives. We rode the Barcelona City Tour bus all day ~ getting off and on at stops along the way.

We walked throughout Park Guell, another master piece designed by Antoni Gaudi in the early 1900s.

Sharon, Linda, Me, Beth and Cissy.

Playing Frank Sinatra's My Way.

Sharon's husband, Bob.

Back on the bus we continued on our tour...

In search of a place to eat lunch with a menu we could actually read I ducked into a shop to get a recommendation from a local. We ended up at Ciutat Comtal and had a fantastic meal of tapas, sangria and local beer. We met a great group of local women in the restaurant who took us under their wings and helped us make our selections. And I would be foolish to think they didn't share a laugh or to at our expense.

Enjoying vino dolce.

Statue of Christopher Columbus pointing to America.

Sobriety check point along the bus route.

The Olympic Torch in the Olympic Village.

Bullfighting stadium.

Soccer stadium.

After another full day of sightseeing we headed out for dinner ~ paella and more sangria.

And a little Skype-ing with the kids before bedtime.

Until tomorrow...

European Vacation: Day 1, The longest day ever!

2011-10-09T04:45:00.007-04:00

Wednesday and Thursday, October 5-6, 2011:

After a year of planning we finally left for our trip to Europe with our friends from Delaware. Keith and I headed out of Bangor International and met up with everybody at the Philadelphia International Airport. We watched the police and EMTs wheel a young girl out of the airport restaurant completely unconscious after combining a bottle of wine with a Xanax or two. Then we were off on our own adventure.

And as with every adventure this one started off with a bang. And by bang I mean Linda collapsing mid-flight requiring a request for medical personnel over the intercom. No worries though. Linda regrouped, her blood pressure stabilized and she was back to her old self. After a quick check by Barcelona EMS at the airport she was cleared for take off!

Safe and sound in Barcelona we headed to our apartment across from La Sagrada Familia, a construction project much like the roads in Delaware ~ never completed.

La Sagrada Familia ~ construction started in 1882 and is still unfinished.

After settling into our apartment we headed out (sans Linda and Marty who stayed home in favor of rest) to get lunch. Then Keith and I set out on our own walking tour of Barcelona. We covered a great bit of the city by foot and then headed back by Metro to the apartment.

Casa Mila by Antonio Gaudi.

Exhausted from the first day of travel we hung out and rehashed the day. We made a plan for day 2 to tour Barcelona by bus and to give our tootsies a much needed rest...

Have Tunnel. Will Travel.

2011-09-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

A Few Noteables

2011-09-25T22:07:00.000-04:00

We've got a lot going on around here these days, but no pics to speak of. I do have a few notables from the peanut gallery though...

Kristian's adjusting to Pre-K and learning the laws of the land. And by learning them I don't necessarily mean following them. The teacher uses a color system much like a traffic signal. Green = Great. Keep doing what you're doing. Yellow = Slow down. You may be on your way to trouble. Red = Uh Oh. Houston. We've got a problem. Well, Kristian brought a yellow slip home twice so far. I know, we're still in September. Relax. Let's give the boy a chance.

While I was upset that Kristian brought these yellow slips home I was relieved to read that he received them because he was arranging play dates during circle time. If he could write he could have slipped the kids a note, but he can't write yet. What else is a socially motivated kid to do? He is apparently quite the social butterfly ~ or moth ~ depending on how you look at it.

Kristian told me he was making some kids laugh by pretending that the animals in Mrs. W's (the letter person of the week) Wishy Washy station had paper towels coming out of their bums. On the surface that seems pretty silly. If you understand Kristian's actions in context it's actually pretty funny. I'll explain. And I share this as well as everything else I share only so I never forget.

My dad is known for his story telling as much as he's known for his wild antics. He happened to tell Kristian a story about one time when his elderly dog was going to the bathroom and he saw that she was really struggling. He went in the yard to help her and realized that she had eaten paper towels (you get my point). Kristian thought this story was hilarious and it really is when you hear my father tell it. So, Kristian wasn't just being gross at Mrs. W's Wishy Washy Station he was re-enacting one of Grampy's stories. Neither here nor there he was still in the yellow zone. We're working on it.

And a final Kristianism:

'Sometimes my breath comes out of my bum, but usually only on Fridays and sometimes at school.'

For McKayla's part school is going as expected. She loves her class and her teacher. She's made some new friends and the local Barracuda swim team. She's in all her glory.

And if I didn't already think she was a dream come true she proved it to me tonight when she asked me if one afternoon on a winter day we could organize her books alphabetically according to author. Now that's what I call a good time!

Play Dates R' Us!

2011-09-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

Komen Maine Race for the Cure and a Black Bear Attack!

2011-09-20T14:19:00.001-04:00

Our class made their running debut this past Sunday at Bangor's Susan G. Komen Maine Race for the Cure. Over 5000 people turned out to support the cause and each other ~ Mainely Running included. We were excited to be a part of such a special day and so proud of our runners several of whom had never run before starting our class in June.

A special pic for Becca! Who knew, right? We finally got to meet!

And after all of our runners crossed the finish line I headed to the Black Bear Attack Adventure Race at the University of Maine which was fantastic! It was a 5k complete with adventure challenges and obstacles including: wall climbs, mud crawls, balance walks, tire obstacles and a slip and slide. I thought it was even better than the Warrior Dash that I did in June and of which I never posted pictures.

Notice that the shirt McKayla has me wearing says I love to clean!

This Black Bear Attack Adventure Race is definitely on my list of races to run next year. It was too much fun (especially passing some of the college students along the course)!

Apple Pickin' Time

2011-09-18T08:16:00.000-04:00

And the kids' first ever Uncle Kenny's Apple Pie!

Delish!

As if QVC wasn't enough!

2011-09-17T09:57:00.002-04:00

I shamelessly plugged our Mainely Running Runs for the Cure Team and now I am shamefully plugging the kids' fall school fundraiser. We're not lucky enough to have family around we can guilt into buying stuff to support the kids' school so here it goes. This is my cyber attempt.

Grab your credit card and visit www.genevieves.com. Click BUY and enter account # 4180. You get free shipping on orders of $80 or more and all orders are processed and shipped within a week. Christmas is only 3 months away so GET SHOPPING!

Mainely Running Runs for the Cure!

2011-09-14T20:22:00.004-04:00

When my friends, Amy and Jen, and I started our Mainely Running class earlier this summer we learned that the women in the class shared a common goal ~ to run their first 5K. The class set their sights on running the Susan G. Komen 5K Race for the Cure in Bangor on September 18th. I can't think of a better way to motivate a group of women to get moving then to have them Run for the Cure!

We all know someone whose life has been touched/changed by breast cancer. For me those people are my dear friend, Linda, who is celebrating 10 cancer free years this year and my friend's mom, Beth, who beat breast cancer just this past winter.

As part of Mainely Running I am running to support the Maine Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure because I want to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Over the next 25 years, an estimated 25 million women around the world will be diagnosed with breast cancer if we don't find a cure. Komen will not stop until we discover and deliver the cures. That's their promise.

Please help me reach my fundraising goal by making a tax-deductible donation today. You may visit my personal page and donate online with your credit card by clicking the "Donate" button at the top of that page.

Your support helps us get another step closer to a world without breast cancer. We will find the cure!

Thanks in advance for your support!

And if you're interested in joining us this Sunday please visit our Mainely Running Team page today at http://maine.info-komen.org/goto/mainelyrunning! We'd love to have you as part of our team!

2011-09-13T12:18:00.000-04:00

With Pre-K over at noon Kristian and I still have 3 and a half hours together before McKayla gets home from school. Yesterday we couldn't have packed one more thing into those 3 and a half hours. We covered everything from dressing up to bog walking.

I'm grateful for days like these and for the fact that we seem to have crossed over into new territory ~ play dates where I no longer feel like a referee and can really relax and enjoy watching Kristian interact with friends. Days won't always go so smoothly, but my fingers are crossed!

And off to the bog walk...

Investigating. Exploring.

Resting ~ on a hot September afternoon. Wishing for snow.

Kristianisms:
You should never wank your tooth out.
All people have the same skin it's just that some are darker than others and I'm peach.
Remember the time when the pickles fell (at Hannaford when someone dropped a jar in the aisle)? I'm going to keep it as a memory.
Fig = Figure
Fragile = Gradual

Mater's Lemonade Stand!

2011-09-12T20:05:00.000-04:00

Kristian wanted to have a lemonade stand all summer and we always seemed to run out of time for one. Well, yesterday he finally got his chance. He'd named his stand and decorated his sign weeks ago so all he had to do was start selling. And sell he did. Seven whole dollars worth on pure charm and a few glares. Then it was off to bake muffins for his class!

Kristian's loving this whole pre-K thing. It's like someone flipped a switch and he's ready to get down to business. Granted he hasn't had his first full week yet, but I'm remaining optimistic. He wakes up each morning, gets dressed and makes his bed. He's ready long before his bus gets here and meets that bus each morning with a smile. He comes home each day with a smile, too. His bus driver tells me that he's very chatty and that he chats from the moment he gets on the bus until that bus pulls up in front of our house where I am always waiting. He tells me about his day and the challenges his teacher has with some of the other students in class. He reassures me that he "didn't get yelled at today." He shares odds and ends with me that I take with a grain of salt as well, but for the most part he seems to be a reliable historian as we say in the psych world. He thrives on the structure and organization which comes as a complete surprise given who his parents are (wink wink). I love the enthusiasm with which he greets each day and his newly discovered excitement about learning. Pre-K so far is a good thing. A very good thing.

Chick Hill and DVTs

2011-09-11T20:43:00.000-04:00

A Saturday afternoon hike up Chick Hill. Good for the soul... and hopefully for Keith's DVT. Yep, he's got another one and he is none too happy about it especially with our European vacation right around the corner. He's back on Lovenox and will be for quite some time. (I'll spare you comments about the expense associated with Lovenox. Today doesn't seem the day for that). A complete coagulation study is being done and we expect to learn that Keith has some sort of coagulation defect causing these DVTs. Whatever the cause, we're reminded how important it is to take care of ourselves and each other. So, we spent a beautiful day together yesterday enjoying the cooler temperatures and warm sun and all that is our life in Maine ~ a life that is the way life should be!

Like Mother. Like Daughter.

Labor Day with Lady Antebellum

2011-09-10T11:35:00.000-04:00

A night out with my girls. Just what the doctor ordered after all the 1st and 2nd day of school hype!

Sunny Sweeney

Me and Officer Lally. A chance meeting on the way back from the beer tent.

Lady Antebellum

The Rockford Files!

2011-09-05T11:15:00.000-04:00

My extended trip to Delaware was not one characterized by my usual gallivanting as my brother once called it, but I did manage to have one late night with friends which felt like it was a long time coming. I needed a night out with friends with whom I share history. No worries. No expectations. Just laughs. Friendly ribbing. A few pints. And no one taking themselves too seriously. Cheers to that!

Oh ~ About no one taking themselves too seriously... I stand corrected and in this picture I am standing in the shadow of a guy who took himself way too seriously. You would think he worked for the KGB especially given the accent although I think he was German not Russian. He was game for a few pics, but then told me I was getting on his last nerve. Okie dokie.

I'll just bug this guy, one of Wilmington PDs finest. He was thoroughly entertained although I couldn't score a ride home from him.

Until next time and hopefully it is sooner than later.

The Lally Kendalls Take Delaware ~ Part 5

2011-09-05T10:49:00.001-04:00

Adventure Aquarium.

The Lally Kendalls Take Delaware ~ Part 4

2011-09-04T09:00:00.003-04:00

A quick kiss for Evan and Brody and then it was off to Rehobeth Beach. I haven't been there in years and just like everything else in Delaware it is more crowded. Thankfully Aunt Linda and Uncle Marty have a secret spot and we didn't have to fight for a place of our own.

Our first time ever flying a kite. The rainbow kite with no tail :o)

Sand vs. McKayla's left eye. Guess who won?

And then it was off to the boardwalk for rides and games...

And Grotto Pizza!

And the kids' 1st ever cotton candy which they decided was not so great after all!

And after great protests about the sand, we skipped the beach in favor of crabbing and a day on the bay.

Apparently McKayla's not one for the paddle boat or the sand.

And because all good things must come to an end it was evacuation time thanks to Hurricane Irene.

The Lally Kendalls Take Delaware ~ Part 3

2011-09-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

The stare down. Kristian, the horse whisperer, making a deal with Remington.

No one's getting bucked this time around.

But just in case, we're not taking our eyes off that horse!

Make new friends, but keep the old.

2011-09-04T03:00:00.001-04:00

The Lally Kendalls Take Delaware ~ Part 2

Meet Evangeline, my 4 week old great niece! McKayla and Kristian were smitten.How could they not be?Kristian was so smitten that he 'shared' all of his toys with Evangeline and even refrained from poking her on her soft spot.

Fortunately for my nephew, Evangeline sleeps like a charm and they're all doing very well so far. My parents could use someone to dote on and Evangeline is just the little one for the job.

And speaking of the right people for a job, I did get to meet up with some of my "old" colleagues at our favorite watering hole. We caught up on the latest and called it a night ~ an early night for once.