Meeting on Common Grounds

One of our favorite parts was watching the border collies work their magic with the sheep and the geese.



Last weekend we traveled north to Maine to enjoy a very "green" fair. The Common Grounds Fair takes place in a small town called Unity. It was a great opportunity to learn more about reducing our carbon footprint. It was also a good excuse to sneak in some quality time with Jude's favorite cousins. Jude had a great time dancing to his Uncle Jud's music. (We were lucky to hear him play....it had been a while since we saw him live.)

Belated B-day

The original plan was for G & G Hartter to arrive in New Hampshire in time to celebrate Jude's first birthday. Life took it's course and voila....we got to celebrate twice!

Hampton Beach

One advantage of a cold and overcast day... there's no such thing as fighting over parking spaces at the beach. We relaxed to the sound of crashing waves. Grandma and Grandpa Hartter got some much needed R & R before heading back home.

Day Hike - Northwood Meadows

Finally some drier weather... a nice day for a walk around a pond. Jack enjoyed all of the swimming opportunities. Jude got his first look of a toad, up close and personal. (He also got to see another snake....just a garter snake.)

York Beach

It's been over a week since Grandma and Grandpa Hartter were here for a visit. We had a terrific time despite the Oregonesque weather. (Drizzle and 60 degrees....) Here we're taking a stroll down by the ocean along York Beach.

Out for a Stroll

Every walk around the neighborhood ends the exact same way.... Jude gets his turn to push the stroller too. Watch out, or your car could fall victim to his reckless driving.

Choo-Choo

Jude's first train has been keeping him on his toes. Thanks Grammy for the b-day gift.

Making New Strides

Jude's confidence is growing. Soon he'll be chasing us around the house.




(It's been difficult to catch on camera because he's only walking across the room.)

Off to the Beach

It was another awesome day at the beach. We were able to extend our stay; Jude cooperated by taking a nap on our walk.



Dave was the grand winner of all 3 games of bocce.

Skip-Bo

Finally, we have proven that we can all play games together and stay friends by the end of the night.

Great Bay

While Jude was catchin' up on some much needed sleep...(he didn't nap at all on the day of our summit of Mt. Cardigan) Chris, Dave, and Joel got a chance to do some paddlin' out in Great Bay. (Unfortunately Joel got a case of poison ivy.)

Geology Rocks

Atop Mt. Cardigan Joel was giving Dave and Chris a quick geology lesson. Do you know what Mica looks like? (The mica group of sheet silicate minerals includes several closely related materials having highly perfect basal cleavage.) One of Chris's witty remarks, "Geology rocks!"



Often Jude's favorite toy is Jack's collar. He especially likes the one with the dog tags.
















We had 360 degree views. It was beautiful!