Mom was here for 5 days before everyone else got here and we got the place ready for additional visitors by hauling out the pull out bed, and finding linens etc. We had a good time with mom, she's low maintenance and enjoyed new experiences like pulled-pork sandwiches, with coleslaw. And espresso ice-cream. Brother and family got here on Saturday and on Sunday we had other friends over for a clam-bake type cookout complete with lawn games and Frisbee.
We went Kayaking on Monday - in the worst heat wave that we have had in years. Of course we all jumped into the river and had a good swim. Cooled off and kept going for a few hours. The California crowd couldn't get over the heat and humidity.
The Family on the River
Brother and Nephew (aka minx)
A cool cloud and sun thing happening.
The Nephew.
Is a complete and adorable troublemaker. He's just 13, but you know how boys can be - he acts and seems more like 10 than 13. He loved the quilt I made for him and used it all week. He zips around the house with his iPOD getting in trouble at all turns. He surprises me, like the day he asked if all my CD's were arranged by "genre". (??). He is starting guitar lessons soon and wants to "shade on the rock side, as opposed to the folk side". He hates reading but loves music. He was amazed at all our "old" CD's - and tried to copy some onto his iPOD and my computer is still recovering from the assault. He's small, but keeps asking me how tall his Dad was at his age (small I tell him, and look at him now) - he desperately wants to grow as tall as his Dad. I don't point out that his mom is only about 5 feet tall, and her brothers are about 5'5" at the most - who knows how tall he will grow.
I think this kid is very special and enjoy the hell out of him. Below are some typical poses.
The Niece -
Shown in typical poses below. Always kind and caring, yet not a saint. Beautiful girl with a figure that is wow wow. Runner, soccer player, musician, reader, writer, photographer, straight A student - but realistic about not always being the brainiest in the class. Willing to work hard for her goals and wanting to do well. She looks so much like me at her age, but with a freshness and openness that I never had. A confidence and attitude that I envy and admire. This is one very special girl - I was amazed at the complete pleasure that I got from being with her. She is so smiley and happy to help around the house, but with enough 15 year old self absorption to keep her human. I adored having her around and encouraged her to apply to East Coast colleges when she is ready. She just smiled....
Sean and Brian came over on their birthday Wednesday and we had cake and candles and presents - they were just thrilled. After that - Movie night and we watched an awful movie and made jokes and ate ice-cream. I love these pictures so much I'm posting two.
We went sightseeing one day, and ended up at the Old North Bridge in Concord, MA - where the first real battle happened that started the Revolutionary War way back in 1775. The heat was on and the river was enticing. Mom wanted to put her feet in the river, but it was a bit of a walk over a slightly steep riverbank - my initial inclination was to say that it was too unsteady for her to walk down to the water. Then the better half of my brain kicked in with "it's your mom, she's old, she wants to feel the water on her feet - get real Mim - and just help her out". So we walked down to the water and she got to dabble her feet in the cool river. I felt good about this even if I did have to keep her upright by holding onto her pants waistband.
One night we even had fireworks and ran inside when we heard police sirens. They weren't for us, but sometimes people complain about the noise... but we only set off a few...
It really has been an awesome few weeks - from Sedona to Mass. Work again next week and I do wish I could have another week off to recuperate from all the activity. Happy last few weeks of Summer to you all...
