Peachy Keen

One of our favorite family activities is to go fruit picking. We're lucky to have many farms near by to enjoy the short season picking their bounty. We decided to try a new farm that was harvesting peaches/plums, raspberries and blueberries. The peaches were a bit hard and so downy that they reminded me of Gabriel's hair when he was born. The kids just love finding the juiciest fruit.

Gabriel loved eating the peaches and plums. He can take an entire plum and eat the whole thing, leaving a perfectly cleaned pit that he tosses onto the floor. It also helps that the fruit resemble balls, as he loves to hold anything round.

We were also able to cut fresh flowers. Maddie was very excited about this.

But, the best part of this farm was the blueberries. They were perfect. Nathan and the big kids picked a bunch while Gabriel and I watched the goats. Fresh corn with dinner and blueberries for dessert. Yum!

Children's Museum

I took advantage of having a full day with Vanessa to take Maddie and Theo on an adventure to Boston. It was amazing to leave the car with only my keys, credit card and camera - no bags, no strollers, no diapers! Wow.

We had a wonderful time exploring the museum, seeing a play, wandering a new exhibit about the environment, having a yummy lunch at the cafe and stopping for cookies afterwards.

There is this huge four story climbing structure that would frighten a claustrophobic. Theo loved it. He could have stayed there all day climbing up and down. Maddie didn't want to go to the very top so Theo followed a big boy up and then down the top 1/3. This was the last picture my poor camera took before it died. Aside from that, it was a lovely field trip and so fun for all of us!

End of History

We finished up our summer school history unit by making flags and learning about the flag, some history, the pledge and listening to some fun music. I was very impressed with how well school went this summer and hope for more success next summer. The biggest thing is that I need to be very prepared the night before and be sure to set aside enough time for the lesson in the day. Other than that, the kids loved it!

At the Bike Wash

Sunday fun!

Team Maddie

We spent an afternoon at the Museum of Science and decided to try the hands on engineering exhibit. Maddie created a tower using specific material and was awarded with her name on the board.

Storyland

No trip to New Hampshire is made without a stop at Storyland. Unfortunately, it was so amazingly hot. Unfortunate, that is, for the adults, the kids didn't seem to mind!

Bamboo shoots was a fan favorite. Plus, the anticipation of a small splash of water at the end really made the ride worth it. Gabriel enjoyed the wait by listening to singing bamboo, over and over and over again.

The flying shoes! Thank you Nana for being there as I still can't stomach any type of circular motion. Theo was more than thrilled to drive the shoe.

Hawaiian ices really hit the spot. Prior to this picture, Gabriel had his little tongue out trying desperately to snag a bit of coolness!

The train ride through the park was the ticket to rest aching feet and pray for a slight breeze. We ended our day at a little play, and truly, the acting was not the point, it was the air conditioning. The sweet sweet fake cool air - ahhh - made the end of our Storyland trip delightful.

The Toughest Hill Climb in the World

Well, it finally arrived. The Mount Washington ride that Nathan had been dreaming of for months. Billed the toughest hill climb in the world - 7.6 miles long and over 5,000 miles of climbing. It's big, bad and ugly. Nathan couldn't wait!


This, we learned, is called the "game day face." It's quite common among competitive athletes. I thought it had to do with the fact that Gabriel was up every two hours and he didn't get enough rest but no - he was ready to rock and roll as Theo says. And yes, he rocked and rolled, even after a disappointing prior month of training. He'd done so well up to mid-July but was siderailed by the pesky mistress called work and India.

Can I tell you how thankful I was to have Mary Ann as my sidekick? First of all, Maddie and Theo were over the moon to share a hotel room with her and she was such a help during every part of our New Hampshire weekend! It was so fun to share it with her. And we apologize for the hot, muggy, oppressive New England summer weekend.

The starting point. Please note, Nathan's car going under the sign - nice set up, no?


The view from the top of the hill. Thirty percent of these races are cancelled. We met one mom (who's son placed fourth) who told us of a prior year when spectators arrived at the top to hail and sleet, and the cyclists had beautiful sunshine at the bottom. That race was cancelled. We were so fortunate to have great weather. Nana, the kids and I enjoyed feeling the temperature change and watching the clouds roll in.

The record for wind speed was set on Mount Washington in 1934 at a mere 231 miles per hour. Reason number one that they need to chain down the buildings (disregard the J-Johns, I guess they don't care if those go flying).

Nana and her girl

You couldn't help but cheer on all the participants. And the cruelest joke was at the last 100 yards, a steep little beauty of 22% at the final turn. It was painful to watch.

He rounds the last corner.

The mask of pain. He did it!!! He, of course, has set his goal time for next year.

Nana, will you be back?

On a non-race note, the drive up was lovely. They provide you with a CD of history and interesting facts. We were very thankful to be in the Toyota Sienna instead of a horse and buggy, or really, a bike, for that matter.

Nice work Nathan!