Spec Pond

On July 27th we went to a Millette family reunion at the Bass Point Club at Spectacle Pond. It's a little bittersweet looking back at the photos now, since Uncle Armand helped plan the entire event and was there in full spirit. He was a proud member of the Bass Point Club and I have fond memories of going there many times growing up. I specifically recall a time that Chris and I took the row boat out and got stuck circling around and around in the middle of the pond because our rowing was not coordinated!

Here are some photos--some taken by my Dad and some by our family friend PT, who was hired to photograph the event...

Uncle Chris took Andie, Luke & Anna for a spin in the canoe. He said they were very bossy "go this way... go faster... catch that other boat" etc... :)

 Claire spent most of the day meeting people from the comfort of Grammy's arms...

 Three cousins on a raft...

 Lots of extended Millettes  in the water!

 The kids enjoyed jumping off the dock... they were very brave!

 Cousins & best pals...

My Grammy...

 And Grampa...

 My wonderful Auntie Carol...

 Too bad Keith wasn't there to join in this family shot!

 Nice throw Uncle Chris!

 Anna and my cousin Michael's daughter Sophie (what does that make these two?). Sophie is headed to Catholic University in D.C. any day now...

 Is Luke trying to whack Andie with this paddle or is it just the angle of the photo?!

 Anna B. is fearless gal!

And Uncle Armand, having a great day (but working hard!) at one of his most favorite places, Spec Pond.

New England Trip

July 18-28 I took the kids to New England to visit my family and friends, and attend both a high school reunion (20 years!) and a Millette family reunion. I say New England because we were in New Hampshire, a few different spots in Massachusetts, and Newport, Rhode Island. Here are a few snapshots from the trip...

It was very hot and humid during our first three days there, so we spent lots and lots of time in my parents' pool and amazing yard. The kids enjoyed chasing bubbles with Grampa...

 Of course there was ice cream involved...

 Grammy Millette hosted a dress up dance party with Luke, Anna, and my friend Carla's daughter Abby. Anna is wearing a Holly Hobby outfit that my Mom made for me when I was about 18-months old...

My Auntie Anne, Cousin Margaret, and her kids Annie, Finn & Tessa came to visit us at Chris & Lauren's house in Newport...

Cousins! Look at this crazy crew!

Busch Gardens

While in Virginia, we took the kids to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, for their first-ever amusement park experience...

There was a Sesame Street area filled with little-kid rides and activities like this one...

 Anna was too small to go on some of the rides alone, so Keith joined her...

 In addition to visiting Busch Gardens, Luke also had a blast putting together this 700+ Lego fire station set that B&B bought for him... we had to take it apart to get it back to Utah, so we had fun re-building it when we got home. Here is the Lego master with his assistant, showing off the re-built fire station and vehicles...

Photo Shoot

As an anniversary gift for B&B, we had a professional photographer come to the house to take family photos. Here's a behind-the-scenes peek at the session...

 This is her happy face...

Bill & Brigitte's 50th

Though Bill & Brigitte's anniversary is in September, we took advantage of the fact that the whole family was together and had a celebratory evening. It was a surprise for B&B.

We started with drinks at Warner Hall, an old plantation near Kim and Declan's house in Gloucester...

 Keith loves taking photos of other people taking photos...

The large manor is now a bed and breakfast, and since only two rooms were occupied on this Monday night, we were able to walk around and check out the rooms...

 We also wandered around the sprawling property with cocktails in hand. It was a lovely place and lovely evening...

 The four older boys stayed home and watched Luke and Anna, while Claire joined the adults. She slept most of the time but woke up as we were headed out the door...

 We returned to Kim and Dec's dock, where inside a local chef was fixing a surf and turf dinner...

 We drank some really nice champagne and wine, and dined on a delicious meal while 
Kian, Declan, Burke, and Will served as our waiters...

It was a beautiful way to celebrate B&B's 50 years of marriage.

Hammock Time

Claire and I enjoyed a little time on the waterside hammock...

Claire's Baptism

While we were in Virginia, we arranged to have Claire baptized. Everyone at St. Therese was very accommodating and welcoming; they even gave us a baby blanket that was hand-knitted by a parish member. Kim and Declan are Claire's godparents and stood in with us at the ceremony, while the whole family was there. And thanks to Burke for sharing his birthday (August 4) so we could christen Claire. 

5 Months

Claire turned 5 months old yesterday. And wow, it has been a whole month since I've posted anything!
It has been a whirlwind with 20 days on the east coast in three separate trips. The final trip last week was especially sad, as I traveled to Massachusetts for my Uncle Armand's wake and funeral. 

I have many photos from our trips to New England and Virginia, so will get them up here when I can.