A Day Out with Thomas

Yes, the Island of Sodor I was referring to was that Island :) We actually went to the Railway Museum in Bar Harbor, ME for "A Day Out with Thomas." Essie had been missing his trains since Vigo (we had left them back home so as not to get lost). He inherited many of them from Juju and has since received some from the Easter Bunny, Santa, his grandmother, etc. It's quite the collection. So, when we told him we were heading to the Island of Sodor, and then he saw Thomas come out of a covered bridge tooting his horn.... It was such an exciting day, he feel asleep at 4 pm and didn't get up until 6 am the next day (jet lag probably had something to do with that, too).

We took two days of driving for 12 hours to get home, and Belalu screamed all the way. Both days she took three half-hour naps and almost all the rest of the time was screaming. I wish I was exaggerating. But it's done now, and we're home!!

The Trains

At the Scarborough Fire Station

My dad has been a volunteer fireman forever, so one afternoon we went over to the station for some fun with the fire trucks. Everyone had a great time, and the kiddos wore themselves out enough for me to then go into Portland and get some yarn while they napped peacefully. A fun afternoon for everyone!

Where is my seat belt?

There it is!

These jackets are HEAVY!!!

How do I look in red?

In the driver's seat

Maine: Visiting

It was a quick visit in Maine, but we packed in as many visits as we could to family and friends. 

• Belalu met another baby, two months younger than her, although already much taller. They did a good job of sharing their toys :)
• We didn't make it to the beach this year, but did get a swim in the pool.
• I squeezed in a quick trip for some local yarn for a travel project and Juju helped to wind it.
• Belalu tried out my old baby bonnet, which fits her perfectly.
• Bumpa took us to the fire station for a visit. 
• There was lots of playing in the new jungle gym that Bumpa built.

Maine Seafood Dinner

One of the things I miss most about not living in Maine anymore is all the fresh yummy lobster.  Growing up, I have lots of memories of my grandfather stopping by the house to drop off a bunch of lobsters he had caught that morning. So I always make sure to get in some lobster rolls when there. One night we had the most amazing summer meal on my parent's patio. Seafood chowder, lobster rolls (toasted, with lettuce and a hint of mayo), corn on the cob, and strawberry shortcakes for dessert. We were in heaven.

Juju took charge of assembling and "designing" the strawberry shortcakes. He came up with adding a bit of chocolate to each. Of course, I don't know much that doesn't get a bit better with a little chocolate ;)