August 16

Here is a mostly photo update for you (it took awhile to upload and the kids are calling, so not much text today). On Sunday and Monday Dad, Ryan and John moved the "little camp" (what was actually just "camp" for most of my life) from its original spot to one behind the parking area. It looks great in its new spot! It should make the view from the regular camp pretty spectacular at sunset. I like this first photo because it looks like John is doing most of the work by pushing.

It took most of the afternoon to get the camp over the rocks and facing the right direction. The rest of us spent the time in the camp cooking and came out periodically when it looked like there was something not to miss. Here are Kate and Martin watching from the porch.

Maeve enjoying the excitement from the exersaucer.

Griffy enjoyed the view from the living room (he makes himself right at home, doesn't he? Also, sporting a nice new haircut).

On Saturday we met up with Mimi, Timber and Aunt Angi to rake blueberries. We do this every year and it is amazing how grown up Lizzie is this year! You can see how she is a big help. We read Blueberries for Sal a few times to prepare her for the fun.

Mimi and Lizzie say hello.

Martin enjoys Timbers finger and Lizzie gets more hugs.

Lizzie asked to hold Martin the other day so I took the opportunity to take a few (or 50) photos of the two of them.

I love Martin's expression in these.

Another shot of Griffy to show off his Poodle "do".

We have been enjoying the playground in the garden these days.

The tomato and basil are growing strong in the greenhouse.

We have one chicken that lives in our turkey pen. She was the only one of about 25 to survive an animal attack and instead of keeping by herself, we put her with the turkeys as they were all about the same size at the time. Now the are growing at different rates, but get along great. Ryan is pretty sure she thinks she is a turkey and it might be hard for her to get along with the other chickens when the turkeys leave this fall. We will enjoy them for now!

Our grapes are really coming in this year - just starting to turn purple.

Last weekend we helped our friend Emily celebrate her birthday. They had a nice kids area setup and we all had a great time. Here Lizzie and Jonas are sliding down a soapy slip and slide while Nora is in the kiddie pool.

We received a fun package in the mail for the kids the other day - I love my little brother and I love my big sister outfits for the kids! So fun!