Summer Breeze

Today marks a new month, the first day of school and the babies turn 8 months old! For as far back as I can remember, the anticipation of Labor Day weekend has been a weird mix of emotions for me. I am a summer girl all the way, and since I was a little kid I remember feeling a bit depressed as the season came to a close. September, though lovely in it's own right, symbolizes a closed book, a locked gate at my beloved Tobey Pond with a big fat "NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY" sign nailed to it (cue the Debbie Downer sound effects).

September is here whether I like it or not. Once again, I have failed my boys in keeping up with the ol' blog. I have to say I feel a little guilty, after harassing my own Mom for years and years about not giving me a baby book, despite my sister and brother having them. OK Mom, I get it. You didn't give up when you got to me, you were just TIRED and BUSY.

This summer was a good one, so here's my attempt at offering a brief synopsis of memorable moments.

Fourth of July weekend, was eventful. We took the kiddos to Lime Rock Park for the annual fire works display and got there early with Mexican takeout. 2 hours early. Oh and we didn't pay to get in to the park, we sat by the road, near a church, adjacent to a cemetery. We're a classy bunch. The highlight of the evening was when a car rolled by, then stopped in the middle of the road, threw it into reverse and stopped beside our chairs. The wise woman rolled down the window and decided to offer us a free parenting lesson in regards to fireworks and how although our twins were adorable, we should really think about covering their ears, since they are highly sensitive. Thanks for the tip, Einstein. I don't know what I would have done without you, being an early childhood major and all. Oh, and did I mention that the second the fireworks began, Carter wanted to go home? So we did.

In mid July we took our first vacation as a family of 5, joining the rest of the Patrick family in Cape Cod. We packed entirely too much stuff into the Mazda, including (but not limited to) a laundry basket full of clothes, two L.L.Bean boat totes, a diaper bag, an air mattress and pump, towels, sheets, pillows, a backpack full of toys and books, a pack and play, a cooler (two coolers), fishing poles...oh and three children. Ben's golf clubs didn't make the cut and had to travel in my parents car. As we hit the road, we swung through the local Dunkin Donuts to grab some breakfast, and as you all know, Carter's go-to treat, a donut with "sprinkles and frosting" (white frosting, colored sprinkles, if you please). We were back on the road for approximately 25 minutes when, surprise! Mr. Wonderful had to pee. Once again, we pulled into yet another D&D so that Ben could run in with the boy. I rolled down the window and requested another donut. He rolled his eyes and hurried Carter along. Moments later, as I pondered this new found experience of donut hopping through the entire northwest corner of Connecticut, they emerged. Carter looked a tad pale. He had puked while standing in line for donut #2. Woops.

Fortunately his car sickness (inherited by his Mother) held off for the remainder of the trip. Our vacation was top-notch and involved mucho family time, good food, sandy feet and really warm water. When we asked Carter what his favorite part of the trip was, he responded, "Watching 'Wonder Pets' on TV. So glad he has an appreciation for the finer things in life.

We returned on a Wednesday and on Thursday headed off to Home Depot to buy paint for the exterior of our house. We even managed to leave the boys with Ben's parents so that we could pick out colors in peace. Looking back, we were so optimistic we would get the job done in record time.

The very next week, I was curled up on the couch watching something mindless and trashy, the kids were asleep and Ben was at softball. The phone rang and it was the Hubby, calling to inform me that he was on his way to the emergency room. The big hot shot made the brilliant decision to slide into first base and busted his knee. Being the kind, caring wife that I am, my response was as follows: "Great. We were supposed to paint the house this weekend".

In August, we headed north again, on our annual trip to Ogunquit, Maine. We improved upon our packing situation, which was a holy miracle considering this trip was 3 days longer and we brought a second pack and play along for the ride. Maine was pure relaxation, since we were there with the Nadeaus and Carter, Reid and Landon are currently the only grandchildren. We had so much help and support, I now know the secret that so many mothers hold so dear. Nannies.

A highlight of this trip, was a delicious meal we shared with friends in Portland. In particular, the moment where Carter decided to pee on their beautiful rug. Furthermore, the moment in which I made the decision to let go of Landon (who promptly fell backwards) and catch the pee with my bare hands. Even more specifically, the moment where yours truly stood up, pee puddling in hands, baby screaming wildly on the floor, and went out to the deck to call Ben in to help. Way to make a good impression.

The summer had it's perks; Heather and Bryan's wedding, James Taylor and Carole King, Lobster Rolls at the Bistro, lounging in the mother of all kiddie pools....and it's pitfalls; pink eye repeatedly targeting my children with a vengeance, Carter tripping and going under at Tobey Pond and most recently, Carter falling into a toilet full of poo for Aunt Ky Ky. Two months later, my house is not even close to being finished, offering a classy two-toned look to passers by.

September. Bitter-sweet. Next on deck is Carter's third birthday, for which I hope to mail invitations by the weekend. Did I mention that today was his first day of preschool? After much anticipation, packing and picture taking, he proceeded to vomit in the car on the way there. Therefore, tomorrow is Carter's new first day of preschool. Summer may be over, but I'm willing to bet that despite my annual Labor Day "depression" there are many things that will keep me entertained as the cold weather approaches. Stay tuned.