Sunday, July 22, 2007

Our Vacation to Maine


Michael and I were very impressed with how well behaved Alexandra & Isabel were during our drive to Maine. On the way up, we stopped at a hotel in Lowell, MA which was absolutely gorgeous with views of the waterfall right beside it. The girls really really enjoyed the pool and cookies we were given. They seemed to think the hotel was the Lake House we would be staying at?






The Lake House on Green Lake



We were all absolutely thrilled to finally make it to the lake house! You could see the water from almost every room in the house. Upon arrival, the main activity of the day was fishing. Meno was the very first person to catch a fish and the kids had quite the lesson on scaling, filleting, and deboning the fish. It became one of the entrees for dinner that evening. We also celebrated Pappoo and Michael's birthdays!

(Isabe'ls 1st Sunny!)


(Pappoo w/ the 3 amigos)


(Meno fishin) (Michael's 1st fish 12'' not bad!)


Our Weekend Warriors..




One of Meno's favorite activities during the trip was playing with his paint-ball-gun! All of our warriors went to battle and we had no problems bidding them farewell. Every time the guys came back, they tried to convince Angela and I that we should join in. We weren't stupid.. they came back with new battle wounds every game. The most adventurous battle the guys had was the time they insisted we drop them off at an island so that their game would be more confined.. they had a great time!








Some miscellaneous pictures..









Meno's 21st Birthday..


Meno's 21st birthday starts off with a bang. The whole family went to Stewman's, a famous seafood restaurant in Bar Harbor. We all were sure to taste their famous lobster and other seafood. Angela and I asked if a server could bring out a piece of pie for Meno's birthday.. and that is exactly what they did. A young server dressed up in a Red Lobster outfit came to sing to Meno! It was hilarious. Meno tried to looking the other way in hopes that it wasn't for him! We had a great time and the food was excellent!


Thanks Angela.. I used this pic from your blog!

Meno on jet ski splashing Michael on the kayak
Angela and I on the jet ski


Our little hike/ nature walk with the kids


Every night we heard what we thought were coyotes.. turn out they were loons (look like ducks)

Cruisin' Together..


That'd be us!
Maine was soo relaxing. We were able to enjoy all of the luxuries of being right on the water. It brought back memories for Angela, Meno & I. We did alot of fishing, swimming, crabbing at Grandma's house and with Pappoo.. fond memories we had growing up! So we really enjoyed teaching our kiddos how to do many of these things. One day we rented a pontoon boat for the day and went swimming. Surprisingly, the kids jumped right off the boat into the water! They also really enjoyed taking their turn on the kayak.



YiaYia w/ the amigos
Chillin w/ Uncle Meno

Jumping off the boat

Angela & Helena

Indian Echo Caverns




Sunday, July 08, 2007



Michael turns the BIG 30!!


Wow, it's hard to believe that Michael has already hit the big 30! We had a fabulous day celebrating his birthday. Family and friends joined us for dinner and Michael received an awesome gift from his parents.. a fire bowl.. something we have completely missed since we've moved. So, in the middle of July we were all roasting marshmallows.. i'm sure the neighbors thought we were loco!

Anyways, i'm definately not the mooshey type but it's tradition to share a few thoughts about birthday boy, so here it goes..

-Energy. Even at the age of 30, he has so much energy. He is so much more productive than I am and probably ever will be.

- Awesome Daddy. He is very involved and loves to take Alexandra and Isabel to all sorts of creative places, he cooks the girls pancakes practically every day during the summer, and even has done a good job dressing the girls and fixing there hair :P

-An amazing teacher. Spending time w/ some of his students on the Spain trip, I could see how much he truly is loved. He definately has a gift for teaching and connecting students. He is truly valued as a role model and friend.

-Athletic. He is very well-rounded when it comes to sports! The first time I saw Michael was playing basketball. He was an awesome baller then and still is, whether it be b-ball, soccer, football..

-Spiritual. Michael is definately a spiritual powerhouse here in our family.

-Service. He is one of the most giving men I have ever known. He always put others before himself and is such good example to our girls!

My list could go on.. I am very lucky to have a husband who helps me and supports me in anything I do. Happy Birthday!




**4th of July**


4th of July has brought a whole new outlook on the neighborhood we are currently residing in. We have never seen a neighborhood that shoots off soo many fireworks! We're talking they put on huge shows themselves. Every night you can anticipate a display from another neighbor. The girls love it!



Anyways, we were rather lucky to have taken the girls and Addison to a fireworks display a few days prior to the 4th. A local park put on a very large show and the kids absolutely enjoyed themselves. 4th of July we celebrated at family picnic where the kids played on the slip and slide and the adults enjoyed company as well as games and swim at a neighbor's house. That night, it rained and poured however we have been very lucky to see fireworks every night following the 4th.



Daddy - Daughter Camping!


Michael decided to take the girls camping to a nearby site. They really enjoyed their alone time as well as a visit from Grandma and Pappy. Some of the highlights were cooking over the fire as well as swimming at the beach!