Farewell to Newton!

 It has been a fabulous (at times), go of it here in Newton.  We arrived hopeful that Scott would easily find a job that suited him in nearby Boston.... Well, we all know how that turned out!  My hard-hat wearing, traveling, sales-headed, civil engineering loving husband found nothing of the sort in the tech-strong city of Boston.  His calling was up north in Maine.  And so we go.  Excited again to move.  Thrilled that Scott has a job he enjoys.  Having explored the city of Portland at length this past summer we are ready for the excitement of its "newness", and look forward to getting comfortable with a fresh routine.  That being said, we took this last week to really get the most out of our current location.  The kids and I explored two historic home locations here in town.  Each with excellent interactive displays, and period rich artifacts.  We also cashed in on a gift card from my sister from Christmas to rent kayaks.  With mom, Meagan and Ellie along for the ride we all took to the Charles River.  What a gorgeous afternoon we had.  The evening was perfectly capped off with a farewell meal at Cabot's.  YUMMY!  Diner food with ice cream sundaes as big as your head!
Cathy and Cate are back from their month long tour in Europe, and Fiona and Ethan were beyond thrilled to spend a night in Salem while I packed up their room.  Of course Cathy spoiled them to no end!  My next entry will be from our new Portland location!

Fiona took down the curtains in her room and sewed these wings for our neighbor Mei, who believes whole-heartedly that she is a fairy.

Here is Mei, taking off!

We said a fond farewell to Avery (lived in the other half of the house) who moved last week.  This was the boy's last breakfast together.

We had great fun tinkering with old fashioned toys in one of the historic houses.

Check out the add for hand soap.

This home was built in the early 1700's.

We had a picnic on the grounds.  I think we were near where the old slave "cabins" were located.

Kids on their way into the movies with Cathy.

Ethan and Cate in deep conversation.

The kids were naturals!

Go Gammy!

Go Auntie!

What a superb day!

Team Jason

Scott's Uncle Al challenged Scott and the kids to beat him in the 5 K at Yankee Homecoming earlier this summer.  If the kids finished before him, he would treat us all to ice cream.  Al registered "Team Jason" and in doing so probably got more than he planned for!  I thought it would be fun if they all had some matching shirts to solidify them as a team so we set to work tie-dying!  I also crafted a team flag so that they could easily find their biggest fan in the crowd of thousands!  After getting a tour of Al's spacious light-filled apartment located a walk from downtown Newburyport, and getting to know his adorable dog Sammie... they were ready!  Team Jason headed to the starting line.  The kids were plenty nervous due to the fact that this was the longest race they had ever run!  Alan and Scott seemed cool and collected.  I was in place to cheer them on at the start and on their final turn. Then scooted my way through the crowd to hand them their hard earned Gatorades!  I was so proud of the kids!  (And Scott and Al!)  The best part was having ice cream for dinner on Plum Island!  Thank you Uncle Al for inspiring Scott and the kids, and for following through on your promise of ice creams!

We had Avery get in on the action too!

So messy!

Kids and I took a little walk near Uncle Al's house before the race.

And of course Fiona ended up in a tree!

Scott assisting Al.  Gotta get that number just right!

Go Team!

How awesome are they?  Right?!

'

Here are the "after" shots!

"I did it!"

No one walked even a step!

Great spoon placement ETHAN!

These two nut-heads came downstairs the other day dressed as twins and completely shocked themselves!

An image from a walk Scott and I enjoy here in Newton.  This town will be missed.