Pachy!

Nanna and Papa stayed over last night, and we had a busy morning with them, as they helped us continue to unpack and organize. One treasure we uncovered was Pachy - our favorite plush elephant. After the grandparents departed, Ace was very clingy with his long-lost companion.

From One a Grandma to Another

We say goodbye to the Payne side of the family and returned to Maine, where the Dyer side awaited us. The Critter enjoyed playing Legos with Nanna, and was happy to have her read him a book back in his own bed.

Turkey Day Two

Grandma and Grandpa joined us at Auntie Amanda and Uncle Johnny's house today. It was great to visit, and Cousin Sara got a particular kick out of pulling Ace's wet hair after his bath.

Giving Thanks

We are very thankful that Ace has such a wonderful cousin in Johnny (not to mention Sara, James, and Estelle) on this beautiful Thanksgiving Day.

Frozen

Chase had the day off from school and experienced the Maine Children's Museum with Mommy. Then, it was a short walk through the snow to meet Daddy for lunch near his office.

Tub

Another day, another bath.

Lovin' the Coast

Mommy and Ace explored the beach at Fort Williams Park this afternoon and discovered this amazing, free-standing heart arch. A sign nearby asked visitors not to disturb it - it was created by a roaming artist. We love it!

Casco Reunions

Chase returned to one of Mommy and Daddy's old stomping grounds today, the Casco Public Library. The longtime librarian is retiring, and we journeyed up to wish her farewell.

While Ace didn't remember his last trip to the library (when he was a few months old), he enjoyed playing there today, including finding a hidden pig in this Christmas display.

Cat's in the Cradle

The Critter crawled into bed with us this morning, where another critter was already comfortably settled in.

"Take a picture for Chase-a-Day with me and Birdie," he said. We couldn't refuse.

Sledding Without Snow

Chase and the neighborhood kids slide down the hill adjoining our yard without the slippery snow. It's only a matter of time before the sleds really take off.

Our House

Chase insisted our house must have a roof. Inside there were various Lego people.

Fishy Face

Post-bath silliness.

The Blue Hand of Chase

The bad guys might have the white hand of Saruman, but the good guys have the blue hand of Ace.

Relaxing on a Rainy Afternoon

Chase enjoyed some quiet time before dinner. Mommy even let him watch one of her favorite cartoons, Alvin and the Chipmunks.

Iceman

Today marks the day when ice formed on our pond and didn't melt during the day. Chase enjoyed breaking pieces of ice with a stick. This piece looked particularly like South America.

Kid Construction Worker

Ace dubbed himself "Kid Construction Worker," as he helped Daddy build a new set of steps for the basement. He really was a help!

The Boys

Chase loves playing with the neighborhood kids after school.

Rock Lobster

Chase discovered a rocking chair fashioned out of lobster traps while at the Maine Mall today.

Fast Friends

Still battling strep, Ace had to stay home from school today. Without his Breakwater buddies, he made do with companionship from Buzz Lightyear.

Sunset Construction

We enjoyed a low key Veteran's Day, which Daddy had as a day off. Although Ace seemed to be feeling better, Mommy's intuition proved correct when we took him to the doctor and discovered that he's fighting strep throat.

He felt well enough for a late afternoon walk to the beach, where he oversaw the heavy machinery as Mommy and Daddy appreciated the sunset.

Mommy

The Critter is feeling pretty sick, but he knows he has a Mommy who loves him.

Auntie

Auntie Amanda came up for a visit today. Ace enjoyed building a couch fort, taking a walk, playing games, and even practicing reading words with her. Thanks for the time and attention, Auntie!

Friday Night Party

While Mommy and Daddy attended a parent potluck dinner for Chase's class, he enjoyed evening shenanigans with Kendra, as her big sister Shayla babysat him. He was exhausted by the time we picked him up - but he didn't want to go!

Lookie What I Found!

Chase was ecstatic when we found the Perplexus balls.

Just Hanging Around

Ace explores a new playground in South Portland. He's getting much more adventurous with his climbing and hanging.

Vote Early & Often

Ace dances in support of his favorite candidates and ballot issues on election day. Too early to tell if the races will turn out in his favor, but he's especially pulling for the library addition in Cape Elizabeth. Chase voted in favor of it 3 times...

Roken' Grandmother

Nanna turned an appointment in Portland into an excuse to visit Ace and help out at the house today. The highlight was playing with the Rokenbok construction set, which is currently dominating much of our living room.

Snow!?!

The Critter enjoyed the sweet taste of snow as we experienced an early season snow squall in our new house.

Photo-Ecstatic

It was our turn to take the class photo book home for the weekend, and Ace delighted in seeing the family pictures of his classmates.