Max and Esme

Charmer While she doesn't have a temper, Esme is very strong willed. She let's you know exactly what she wants, get's mad (for a brief moment) if she doesn't get it, and will stare you down during a disagreement. Then she'll turn on the charm and smile hugely at you as if that will make up for her bad behavior. And it does.

Happy Birthday Peter!

A picture to remember This was taken in the morning with Max on his way in to school. One of those pictures that parents call back to memory when needed. Like when Max is whining or irritating his sister on purpose. Or Esme is endlessly repeating "I want [ insert item here ]," or crying "no Maxie, stop it."

Pictures! Grandma and Grandpa visited this weekend, so I have some new pictures to share with you. The kids did some halloween decorating at home and participated in a window painting extravaganza that the town organized. Max and Emily couldn't agree on the image - he wanted a jungle, she wanted witches - so Grandpa suggested a compromise that was happily accepted. This is a witch riding on an elephant. No, really.

Surprise visit Scott & Deena called on Saturday morning to wish us a happy anniversary, and ask what we were doing for dinner. They found themselves unexpectedly without their kids this weekend and decided on the spur of the moment to drive to Rye. We had a very nice visit and a fabulous dinner and they left first thing this morning to head home and pick up Connor and Rya. What marvelous friends we have!

So many activities... so few pictures That sums up our weekend. Colleen, Jim, Liam and Molly visited on Saturday and Sunday. We had two hot summer days, so spent them accordingly: picnic lunch, a visit to the beach and exploration of the tidal pools, a boat ride and some fishing. The kids had a great time and were exhausted at the end of the day on Saturday. The parents had a nice visit once they all went to bed! Sunday afternoon was our neighbor Rachel's 3rd birthday party. Esme joined right in with the princess theme, happily donning her tiara and fluffy skirt and dancing around the room before filling up on ice cream. Peter had to work yesterday, so Carin and I took the kids apple picking which turned out to also involve hay rides, pony rides, and homemade donuts. Other people had cameras, so I'll try to get some photos off of them to share!

Conversation I know, I'm very behind... This week I have an excuse as I'm in London. Yesterday morning I called home before everyone left for the day and got to talk to both the kids on the phone. Esme took the line and said "hi, mommy." I asked her how she was and she answered "good." Then I asked her what she was doing and she said "nothing." I thought that answer wasn't supposed to come up until she's a teenager!