Origami Titanic

I've never been a fan of origami.  I should say, I've never been a fan of doing origami.  Seeing the end product of something someone else has done is impressive, but trying to follow all of those step-by-step folding instructions and trying to decipher the diagrams - I can feel the migraine coming on just thinking about it!  However, the other day I stumbled across this book at the library, and how could I pass it up?  Because do you see what it shows on the cover?

In the back of the book are the printed sheets of origami paper that you could use if the book actually belonged to you, but since this was a library book, we had to make our own paper.  Cole paints with watercolors to match the Titanic.

Then we attempt the folding part. I had to practice this beforehand while he was at school, so I would sort of know what I was doing when I helped him.

Here is his final product.

And one that Wayne made. I won't even bother to show you the one Heather made.  She got tired of all the folding steps and decided to cut hers up into little bits with scissors.  Much more fun for a 3-year-old.

Here are just some fall leaf photos.

I only got this one of Wayne before my batteries died.

Bright and sunny but cold today. Off to Wayne's soccer tournament.

Welcome October

September seemed like a very long month.  When I think of our trip to Maine and Wayne's birthday, it seems like a very long time ago.  So, here we go with October - the month of hunting, Halloween, Wes's birthday, and about a bazillion doctor, dentist, orthodontist (yes), and veterinary appointments which somehow all got crammed into this month.

I almost always take Wayne and Cole to school and pick them up in the afternoon, but every once in a while I have them take the bus.  Here is Heather running ahead of me as we walk down to meet the bus.

Cole is showing you the building plans of the Titanic that he took to school with him.  At Open House the other night, his teacher Mrs. D, said that he's been teaching everyone all about the Titanic.

Wayne has started learning how to use a bow.  He's doing a really good job - hits the target every time.

 While he was practicing, we saw some Canadian Geese flying in their V formation.  A few minutes after this flock flew over, another big group went over.

With this chill in the air today, I think they've got the right idea!

A Double Dose of Heather

With School well underway for Wayne and Cole, things have been a little slow around here as far as blogworthy events.  This is the best I've got for now, Heather making homemade soft pretzels.

She went a little heavey on the salt!

Fresh out of the oven, they were a tummy warming snack. Wayne and Cole each had one when they got home from school, but they were uncooperative about photos.

And just looking cute under the apple tree.

Have a great weekend!

Misc.

On Friday afternoon, as I brought the kids home from school, we found invaders in the C&W.  Imagine our surprise as we drove by and found these crazy ladies waving at us.

Then back at the house, Martha helped plant Wayne's blueberry bushes.

Wayne picked a lot of corn.

And then gave the blueberries a good drink.

The next morning a soccer game.

Martha and Grammie were able to come before going to the Perron Reunion in the afternoon.

Wayne got a rocket kit for his birthday.  We put it together and set it off.

I didn't get any pictures of it in the air, but it worked !

Sorry this is all so hasty, but gotta get this day underway. Have a great day everyone.

Just a Few Birthday Photos...

Much to Wayne's alarm, we didn't do a kids birthday party this year (that April Fool's party did me in) so we just had a nice little family celebration with all of us and Grammie and Joanie.

Here is Wayne with his gift from Joanie, two blueberry bushes! What a great idea.

A gift from Grammie - a Melissa and Doug lisence plate travel game. Wayne loves to play games in the car.

Joanie and Grammie

Wayne's cake - yellow cake with raspberry cream frosting and raspberry sauce.

Thanks to everyone for all the calls, cards, and gifts. He had a great birthday, even if he was feeling a little run down from a miserable cold.  The school year has barely begun and already the germ exchange is on!

Labor Day Weekend in Maine

Last weekend I took Wayne and Cole to Maine to visit Grampa and Gramma.

Here they are at Stevens Pond, which was the Shadow Lake of  my childhood.  It's a very short walk from my parent's house.  I spent all of my summer days here, and skated here in the winter.

They explore the river on the other side of the dam.

Cole wanted me to take a picture of him trying to eat an acorn and post it on the blog, so here you go.

Later in the afternoon, we took a little drive to Lincolnville Beach where Wayne and Cole became young marine biologists, searching the shore and tidal pools for all the fascinating creatures that the ocean leaves behind at low tide...

...such as these hermit crabs.  There were hundreds of them.

Cole jumping waves. 

Then back to Gramma and Grampa's house where the boys enjoyed some cupcakes to celebrate Wayne's upcoming birthday.

I feel bad for Wayne when I look at these pictures - he looks so tired.  They had both just finished the first week of school, which was a full week, no less.  Not to mention the fact that they laughed and talked all night instead of sleeping while we were there.  And, as it turns out, Wayne was/is coming down with a nasty cold.

Thanks Gramma and Grampa for a great visit!

9 Times Around the Sun

Happy Birthday Wayne!

A New Titanic Theory

The boys and I spent the Labor Day weekend in Maine.  We'll have pictures of that later, when I have a chance to sort through them all. In the meantime, this is something I've been meaning to share with you all for a while.

Cole has a new theory on what really happened between the Titanic and that iceberg.