Super Tides

While we were on vacation, there was a super moon.  We weren't surprised that the super moon created very high tides (crashing against the sea wall at night), but we were surprised by the super low tides.  Rocks that we have never seen before were exposed during the low tides, making for an explorer's paradise.

Night before the super moon.  It was pretty intense.

Although this guy is little, Lee saw lobsters big enough to eat.

Exploring with the Boucher Boys.

On the Boardwalk

Every year, we take the girls to Hampton Beach for a few hours to experience the arcades, the shops and the food.  This year, they were very into spending their birthday money (there are sooooo many stores and vendors) and not at all into the arcades.

Emily must have tried on 50 pairs of sunglasses before finally settling on these.

She quickly moved on to the purchase of an anklet from this vendor, who was not only having a little sale, but gave the girls a discount because they were spending their own money.

They both purchased anklets, although in completely different styles.  Elizabeth's has a sand dollar and a G clef hanging from it.

Then we made a stop at Blink's for the best fried dough and lemonade.

One of Lee's friends was on vacation in Hampton that week, but no one was home when we stopped by to visit....

Beach Napper

Emily is not much of a napper anymore, now that she's older, but she still has the ability to fall asleep at the drop of a hat - anytime, anyplace, anywhere...

With Grammy.

On a boat - she was seriously out like a light in this position.

Lots of sleeping on the boat.

Beach Birthdays

This year, Elizabeth's birthday fell during our week at the beach; and many of our family and friends saved Emily's gifts to give to her in person.  Beach birthdays are the best!

Waiting patiently to open gifts at Grammy and Grampy's house.

A new Lego set!

Spending money!

She was obsessed with this book all week, reading it every day, sometimes aloud to us when she found something particularly interesting.

A new architecture Lego from Auntie Kathy and Uncle Peter.

A surprise birthday song at dinner on Friday night.  This scene is slightly familiar - we sat in the same booth in the same restaurant 4 years ago on Elizabeth's birthday.  This time, she wasn't quite as scared!

Birthday Girl sash.

Summer Vacation 2014

Last week, we took our annual summer vacation at Wallis Sands in Rye, New Hampshire.  We had a great week - the temperatures were warm but not hot and there was plenty to see and do.  I continue to enjoy our mornings and evenings on the beach the most - the time is more solitary, there are plenty of dogs around (and we love dogs!) and the whole atmosphere is just more calm.  Which is not to say that I don't enjoy being surrounded by our family and friends during the week, which I certainly love!  Already looking forward to next year....

One of the many starfish we found during the week.

Racing on the beach.

Feeling emotional on our last morning.

First Race!

When I was a kid, every Thursday night during the summer I ran in the Fun Runs at the Memorial Track.  People of all ages - little kids to the elderly - ran in various races of various lengths each week.  It was great way for high school kids to stay in shape, for adults to turn it up a notch, and most importantly, for little kids to be introduced to track and field.  I've been searching for something like that in Connecticut, but haven't found anything near us.  This summer, the Y is holding a series of fun runs at Camp Ingersol for all ages - the distance depends on your age, from 50 yard dashes for little ones to a 2 miler for adults.  The girls ran their first ever race tonight.  To be honest, it was disappointing in that we were the only ones to show up!  There is a 5K in Middletown tonight but still - we were hoping for a better showing. Anyway, they both ran the 1/2 mile course and they both finished.  As expected, Elizabeth was first, in a time of 4:06; Emily came in second, but first for her age group. We are proud of them for running, even though they were the only ones there, and for finishing.  I hope that this is the start of a beautiful friendship with running!!

The start. 

Elizabeth finishing. 

Emily finishing. 

Notice the puss on Emily's face - she got a stitch in her side, but pushed through anyway; however, she was in no mood to talk when the race was over.