Portland, Maine and home time

We have to have a few themeless posts because there are so many disparate but important photos from our winter on Nantucket. So first, those. And then our adventures in Maine!

Chris's birthday breakfast: waffles, birthday ring lighting, and gifts.

Avery sewed this quilt on the sewing machine independently!

To Maine! We decided to spend February break visiting a town we had heard much about from Alex Hernandez. He has been an important friend to our family since 1986. He showed us all around Portland.

We basically ate our way through Portland.

At The Holy Donut, whose clever motto is "If donuts are wrong, I don't want to be right."

Visiting Alex at Rising Tide Brewery, where he works. We got to wear goggles and see the brewery in action.

While traveling, Avery worked on books and pictures. 

The Children's Museum in Portland was a perfect spot for all 3 boys. Zeal's highlight was getting to milk a fake cow for over 30 minutes. When another child tried to help him, Zeal crossly said, "Farmers don't need help!" 

To Peak's Island, just a 15 minute ferry ride from Portland.

Here we are at the Holy Donut, not wanting to be right....again.

Then to Legoland, Boston, where we went on a ride with laser guns, an unfortunate first for us all. 

We will keep you guessing which parts we actually built....

Then to trampoline world while with our friends, the Shuler Kleins, from Boston.

A little Robert McCloskey exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

And we capped the trip off with another birthday celebration. Thank you, Rachel and Jeff, for the hazelnut torte and the kooky gifts.

If you feel tired after viewing this long trip, then you know how we felt.

From Brooklyn with Bebe

We were so lucky to spend several days with Oberlin friend, Naomi, and her husband, Emmet, and son, Ronan. More boys = more fun! 

Ronan was a good sport, adjusting to all the sounds and stimulation that a house-full of boys and noise provide.

And then, even though it was February 25th, we went to the beach to take a dip. The air was actually quite warm that day. But no one else braved the water. 

The first sign of spring. We even saw a bee!

Avery tried to catch a fish, then a frog, then a turtle.

Sid and Ronan had a photo session that yielded many laughs and even more outtakes.

Seattle bound!

Sidney and Mama left the island for a Seattle trip to welcome baby Soleil. This is what the snowy island looks like from the air.

Seattle was cold and rainy. Surprised? But we didn't care because we were there to see...

Baby Soleil Darling Regala! She is the baby of dear friends Katie Groark and Tim Regala.

The proud new parents, braving the rain.

Sid showed them just how un-child-proof their house is. (Sucking on a plastic Jesus figurine while rubbing a pen on their tablecloth.)

She thinks she hears a creature stalking her changing table...

 The sun broke through for a few lovely hours in the Ballard neighborhood.

We had a walk and hot cocoa with old dear Oberlin friend, Michael. It was hard to find a cafe that allowed dogs and had room for a large jogging stroller, but we eventually did.

Two old friends and their babies. The time spent together was magical. Thank you for having us, Katie, Tim, and Soleil!

Outdoor Island Adventures

January and February were quite mild. When we bundled up, we could venture out into the wildlife refuge behind our house or to our favorite spots, Masquetuck forest and the north shore beaches. 

Sid tends to get the raw end of adventures, packed in too tight with hats that twist in front of his face, he tends to be patient (like a typical 3rd child.)

Avery feels he can never get enough buoys. 

Collecting treasures for our fairy houses:

Our forest gnome, waddling.

Heading home with... another buoy!?