Making Christmas, Part I

We had a very crafty Christmas gifts this year, with much secret sewing in the dining room and routing on the porch.  There were some group efforts and some individual projects, all done with much care and love.  In fact, that I don't know who enjoyed these handmade gifts more, the givers or the receivers. 

Here is the finger labyrinth Matthew carved for me, modeled after the one that I've walked at Shrine Mont, which is based on the one at Chartres Cathedral:

A little bit of that Shrine Mont peace and quiet in my own home.  Perfect!

The mini-quilt I made for my mom, loosely based on a picture I took while backpacking in Shenandoah National Park:

Happy Birthday, Mom

A few images from Mom's 60th birthday celebration at Shenandoah National Park.  There was a little hike on the Appalachian Trail, a picnic, s'mores, and general and assorted silly fun with the family.

Some Things We Liked in Portland

More vacation photos from Maine! Also, some links.

Deering Oaks Park with good friends Angela and Dahlia. This was the day after the hurricane/tropical storm (whatever it was at that point) passed through, and it was sunny and absolutely gorgeous.

Exploring downtown to find lunch, the wee ones needed a rest.

Some fun things we found:

Yummy food with harbor view at the Dogfish Bar and Grille.

Too much fun at Knit Wit. But the yarns were so pretty, and the people so helpful. Besides, I've already finished mittens and a scarf from one of the yarns... and I'm sure I'll get to that sweater for myself soon.

Honey sampling and an up-close view of how the bees make honey (and how we get it out of the hive) at The Honey Exchange. The owner was wonderful with the kids and happily answered our many questions (like why bobby pins?).

I can't imagine why we liked Silly's so much. Its' not our kind of place at all.

Plus they had lots of allergy-friendly options, and big juicy cups of sangria, so there was that.

Reading with Nannie Pepper while waiting for our food to arrive.

Bug Light Park at sunset. It's across the river in South Portland, with some pretty views of the city.

Lovely, isn't it?

Beachcombing

The home we rented in South Portland was a mere half mile walk from lovely Willard Beach, where we spent many happy hours searching for treasures among the waves and tide pools.

Abigail, who dipped her toes in the Atlantic for the first time, was instantly smitten. Salt water in the veins must be hereditary, because this child had no fear of the chilly Maine water.

She also had no fear of squishy mollusks.

Betsy really liked the hermit crabs, especially when they tickled our feet. A plastic cup became a handy tool for examining a hermit crab up close.

What wonderful summer days.

A Hearty Welcome

Sign at a rest stop in New Hampshire.

I think the beach closure sign was due to the impending hurricane, but do the rest of the rules apply to Seabrook in general? It's good to know that the "Live Free or Die" motto still applies to capitalization and underlining, at least.

New York, and How We Got Around

We didn't want to advertise to the internets that we were away, but now that we're home we can tell you about our trip. This is part I, stopping in NYC coming and going to Maine.

Our friends Steve and Patrick were gracious and patient hosts.

The theme of this visit, apparently (according to our pictures), was transportation. Subway!

On shoulders!

Central Park merry-go-round with creepy clown/alien decor (which is not really pictured, sorry)! Also it played such traditional carousel hits as "9 to 5" and "Ring of Fire!"

Baby's first carousel ride, which she enjoyed immensely for the first 30 seconds!

Swimming! (Searching for Sammy the Seal)

Horseback rides in the park!

Jellyfish! (And Betsy's first show in NYC!)

Walking!

Carrier!

And some more subway! Whew! Thanks, Steve and Patrick for the whirlwind of fun! Now we need a nap.