Charlie's Rendition of Jingle Bells (2012)

Summer - Maine Style

Ahhhh, the lazy days of summer spent doing little more than enjoying life.  No matter where we turned, we found something to explore and enjoy.  Whether we were inside celebrating a special boy's second birthday,

or reading,

doing home improvement,

parading about,

or playing, we were busy.

We spent lots of time outside.  When you live in Maine, this inevitably involves lots of water fun!
Sometimes in our own backyard.

But usually in and around the ocean.  There is just so much to learn and experience!

 Exploring is always fun with Charlie's friend Sofia!

This summer we even looked to the sky for entertainment.  The Thunderbirds did an air show in Brunswick.  It was loud, but Charlie couldn't get enough!

He loved those big jets!

We even made it up to Acadia National Park for some exploring.

We can tell our summers have changed now that Charlie is growing in size and curiosity.  He is keeping us on our toes; always looking for more things to do with him.   But one of my favorite moments is the three of us getting gelato on Charlie's birthday.  It seems like the one event that slows everything down and has a simple purpose: celebrating who Charlie is and being so grateful for having him in our lives!

Summer - Grunze Style

We were fortunate to have been able to travel to WI a few times this summer.  We celebrated my cousin Jenny's wedding, my parents' 40th Wedding Anniversary, Charlie's 2nd Birthday, and many lazy summer days together. 
Summer was kicked off with a gathering of friends for an afternoon of play, food, flying yoga, and reconnecting.
Charlie and Malcolm love when their friend Apollo comes to play with them.

Sara, Whaka, and Tahi also came to play and dine.

Although the food and drinks were good, the flying yoga kept their attention for the whole meal.

Whaka gave everyone at the gathering a turn and we all felt fabulous after!   Thanks Whaka!
The summer allowed for much time spent doing relaxing things....
like reading with Uncle Paul,

watching the race with Papa,

talking (or scheming) with Malcolm,

and general lazing about.

This summer also allowed for exciting adventures....
like going on a magic laundry basket ride,

visiting the WI State Fair and seeing awesome tractors (thumbs up!),

learning, up close, what BIG really is,

and doing silly poses.

We celebrated my parents' 40th Wedding Anniversary with a big party!  Malcolm lead everyone in prayer before the meal.

It was a great, fun, and exhausting night!  Happy 40th to an amazing couple!
Then we celebrated Charlie turning 2. 
My Mom helped me make his Mickey Mouse cake.

Charlie had so much fun!  We all did!

Guppy even got in on the celebration.

Charlie refused to wear his party hat, until we attached it to his other hat.  Then he was set.

Have you ever seen anyone so excited about blocks?!

What a great party!

What a great Grunze summer!

Summer - Franz Style

Summer is the time for doing, and we did quite a lot!  In fact, our summer was so busy and packed with family and friends, swimming and sand play, eating and laughing, that no time was left to blog about it.  I think that's the way it should be.  Thankfully, Autumn arrives and allows us time to reflect on our summer happenings.  We are especially thankful that we were able to see family so often this summer.  So this post is our Franz Summer Highlights in Review.
It started with some much needed hang out time with Jake and Chloe while Matt and Becca were at a wedding.  The cousins had a blast together!

Much of the summer was spent at Hampton Beach with Mia and Grandad.  Whether the day was chilly or perfectly hot, we had fun!

Here is Uncle Matt and Charlie on Cliff Island.

Then Jake came with Mia and Grandad to celebrate Charlie's 2nd Birthday.

We capped off summer with a road trip to Pennsylvania.  We stopped at Nuna's for Charlie's favorite meal - Mac and Cheese.

Our stay with Matt, Becca, Jake and Chloe was short, but sooooo fun!  These cousins are great buddies and Charlie is constantly asking to go back to their house.

Thanks for a great summer Franz Family!  We love you!