Mother's Day Adventures

We had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend and had an opportunity to spend time with both sides of our family.  On Saturday we loaded up the car and drove to Portland, ME to visit Brian and Sarah.  Both Scott's (and Brian's - yes, they're brothers) and Sarah's parents joined us for the day and we all had a wonderful visit.  One of the highlights was the delicious ice cream and animals at Toot's!

 Checking out the animals with Uncle Brian...

 Ice cream!

Today we went to church and then met both sets of our parents at White Park in Concord.  I had never been to this park and I totally feel like I've been missing out on a great place to take the kids!  They have a huge playground, a big pond, lots of trails.  It was wonderful.  My Dad got a 1/2 day pass to leave his rehab facility and it was so nice to let him enjoy the fresh air and watch the grandkids play. 

 Camden had lots of fun with Ami...

 Swinging with my boy.  Isn't this what motherhood is all about?!?! 

 

My parents and Pop waiting on the other side of the pond for us...

 An attempt at a Mother's Day photo!

 I love you, Mom!

 I love my family.

 Camden wanted to help me push Bepa...it was pretty precious!

We had a wonderful weekend and I feel so incredibly blessed by both of the Moms I have in my life.  Love you guys!  (Caren - we missed you!)

Pancake Breakfast

All four of us were showered, dressed and out the door this morning by 7:00am to pick up my Mom and head over to the elementary/middle school for the big Pancake Breakfast benefit.  Some incredible people have been working on organizing this breakfast and a spaghetti dinner to raise money for both my Dad and another beloved local man battling cancer.  I wasn't quite sure what to expect, and I was blown away with the number of people who showed up for these two wonderful guys.  It was completely overwhelming in such a good way.  My Mom and I were floating around the gym trying to connect with as many familiar faces as we could and Scott and the boys played outside for a long time on the playground with some friends.  I even snuck away for a few minutes to give a tour of the little school to my in-laws and Scott and the boys since none of them had ever really seen it.  It was fun to show them all the classrooms that I was in as a little girl - it brought back many wonderful memories.  I can't believe my boys will be starting kindergarten there in just a couple short years!

Dad - this blog is mainly for you.  You were very missed by many wonderful friends this morning and the number of people who came out is such a testament of how many lives you have touched.  You're one popular dude and I love you!!!!!  Here are a few pictures of the event...

 These signs have been everywhere the last few weeks! 

These cute little hearts were all over the school...

 Yummy bake sale...

 The elementary school kids colored placemats for the tables.  My favorite: "Hedge hogs are nice."

 I think my Dad went to high school with this guy (Bill) and played many years of soccer together!

 This was taken pretty early on.  They ended up having to set up more tables!!

 After a while people couldn't even find a parking spot!

It was good for my mom to feel so much support from the community.

 My mom gave a really nice, brief, heart-felt thank you to everyone for coming and for supporting both our family and Gary's.  Good job, Mom!

 Lots of friends!

 This might be my favorite picture.  These two men with their Lion's Club hats on...I love it.

 Jen, Raz and Elliott helped to serve...

 These guys manned the griddle. 

 Dave (on the right) headed up this whole thing!  THANK YOU!!!

 The boys having a little treat from the bake sale table after a long morning. 

I love this town.  I feel so blessed to have grown up here and I am so blessed to be able to raise my kids here.  The sense of community is unmatched and for a town of only about 2,000 people the generosity and kindness shown to these men and their families is amazing.  Thank you to everyone involved for helping my family in this way.  See you all at the Spaghetti Dinner on the 19th!