Week 32-- Cape Cod

Monday, Aug. 2nd

These 3 started their day at Crossfit.  

Boat Day!  We rented a boat with fewer seats than the 10 of us needed, but we made it work, and no one complained.  We went over to one area and tied to mooring for lunch and then went back into a cove to tube and waterski.

A seal AKA shark bait!

Tuesday, Aug. 3rd

I walked every morning of vacation, enjoying the solitude, peace, and quiet of the morning on the water.

Mason left to head back to CT and we took Rocco and Renna down to Bayside for an hour.  She quickly made friends.  The first girl she asked, "What's your name?" and both girls were shocked when the other answered, "Renna".  The other one spelled it Wrenna, but she had never met another!

Spent the afternoon doing badminton, tennis, and pool.

Taco Tuesday!

Smitty's!!!

From there, Kelly and C4 said goodbye and headed back to CT to work the rest of the week.  I got so emotional as they drove off.  My babies aren't babies anymore.  They have their own lives and their own responsibilities.  We missed them the rest of the week!

We went down to the Point (which the kids now refer to as LaPointe, which is our mechanic!) to catch a breathtaking sunset.  

Rocco's pic:

Nathanael's pic:

Wednesday, Aug. 4th

A rainy afternoon.  I spent a fair amount of vacation working on OBX 2022 house-hunting.  The kids played an epic game of hide-n-seek.

Thursday, Aug. 5th

Another slow, dreary day.  It was time to get everyone out of the house, so we loaded the gang up to drive a half hour to the closest Home Depot to buy the LeBlanc's thank-you gift.  We also got lunch at Chick-Fil-A.

Maddy, Nathanael, Trevor, Rocco, and Renna packed up and left late afternoon.  It's never easily loading them all up and waving goodbye.  

I washed sheets and cleaned the house and then Colombo and I worked together to hang the lights we bought LeBlanc's.  Colombo did it in the rain, borrowing 3 different ladders from the neighbor, but we managed to complete it in less than an hour without arguing!

...and the little sitting area Maddy and Renna helped me pick out.

After that, we went downtown for a delicious Italian date night!

Friday, Aug. 6th

Beach day, just the two of us.  We got there right at opening.

Our traditional family picture on the beach.  Just missing the family!

...and exactly 8 years ago on this day...

We left the beach around 5 to meet up with Bob and Jules, arriving for the weekend.  She LOVED the backyard!  We went to the clubhouse for dinner with Dan and Arlene, and then all chatted on the back deck under the market lights for a bit.

Saturday, Aug. 7th

Morning walk.

The big boat was in the shop for service, so we opted to ferry over to Washburn Island via SeaDoo and Boston Whaler.  We also got a quick visit with YiaYia, who continues to decline sadly, but she has amazing in-home care.

Dinner at Bleu.

Sunday, Aug. 8th

It took Maddy, Ninny, and Lisa to make the weekend work.  It's always a blessing to know the kids are so well-loved and cared for.  Trevor had a TBQ payoff beach trip.  Leaders Lisa and Katie have done a tremendous job of creating a safe, fun, healthy and Godly space for these kids to form strong friendships

and learn the Word.

Colombo and I went to church and brunch with Bob and Jules, and then headed back to CT around 2:00, anxious to all be together as a family again.  

Maine, 2007

2013

2020

Week 31--Countdown to the Cape

Monday, July 26th

Rocco and Renna helped out at Lisa and Shaun's new office building.  Shaun patiently allowed them to do jobs they could handle.  Lisa managed to sufficiently spoil Renna with a trip to HD which somehow included lunch, Sweet Frog, and new shorts!  Once Renna was home and retelling her time, she said, "I feel so spoiled and loved."

Tuesday, July 27th

Colombo and I joined a handful of couples at Coventry Lake for the afternoon.

Wednesday, July 28th

Renna made a sweet breakfast for herself and Rocco.

I picked up a handful of clowns for a fun time of blueberry picking and swimming.

Maddy doubled up through the week- The Hartford Project during the days and teaching two intensives in the evenings.

Thursday, July 29th

Last day of THP!  Here's a handful of pictures through the week.

The rest of us joined Andrea and the girls for a special birthday trip for Gabby to the CT Science Center.  She's 13!  So lovely and growing up fast!  We also got some time with Andrea's sister, nieces, and mom for part of the day.

Friday, July 30th

Lisa gave me this sweet bouquet made by an older lady down the road from her.  It lasted for days and made me so happy!

Friday night with the 'rents.  Just her.

Saturday, July 31st

After a morning of shopping, baking, cooking, packing, we were off to the Cape!!!!  A week earlier than usual and for just a little longer than usual.  

We tuned into the Olympics each evening together.

Sunday, Aug. 1st

The 4th and final vehicle arrived Sunday with Maddy, Mason, and Nathanael who had all worked at church all morning.  So...finally together!