The Wonderful Visit Winds Down...




Toby Bjorns Simon allowing the parents to pack.




Gwen comforts Tulip who became quite mournful seeing the red Prius getting packed and the Page/Bethels depart--doleful dog eyes and trying to get into the car. She saw her source of Cheerios depart as well as fun activities like following Gwen around on the lawn, at the lake, not even minding when Gwen frequently shooed her away from the compost pile. Why aren't these wonderful kids, Gwen and Simon, Maddie and Max, always here? She snuggled so closely with us Sunday night: everyone else--STAY!!!



Scene at Logan Airport--Simon trying to focus people on getting to the plane on time.




Gwen, waiting while Rachel and David decide on exactly which carry-ons to take, which to be sent later.



Then the family photo--best of Rachel and David and the luggage.

We love you, we miss you. It was a wonderful visit!!!

Exploring and Eating




Gwen in her new "house" -- the barn, upstairs and down.



Simmy, trying to help Toby on his computer.


Now, the eating part--



Simon LOVING his bottle,



Gwen sampling pancake batter,



and celebrating Rachel's 38th birthday!!!

Visitors!


Over the past few days, Gwen and Simon have been introduced to many new people, and re-met some they already knew.




Christina came from Maine exclusively, as Gwen imagined, to read stories to her and play on the lawn.




Linda came from Lake Champlain with bagfuls of art supplies to make sure the family art gene was well nourished.




And Andrew, the source of Gwen's beloved pig "Puerquito," came from New York City to be the accomplice in continuous play for both Simon and Gwen.




Saturday night, we hosted a group of Malcolm Coulter's friends who flew in from around the country for a reunion of field biologists.

Night Away

Rachel and David celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary by going away for the night to a rustic inn in Maine--leaving Gwen with the GP's but taking Simon, too small to be separated from his mom.




Gwen was the perfect companion. She went to her Tamworth pre-school in the morning, a place she seems to really like with a very nice teacher and four or five other girls about her age.




Then home for a nap--meaning watching "Polar Express" for Gwen and actual
napping for Tulip.




Then, before we knew it, her parents were back--Simmy too! Relaxed and refreshed.




A very happy homecoming!

This Weekend...




brought David's dad and brother up here on Friday--much to Gwen's delight, Simon's too.




and also Tom Diebold, who came over on Saturday afternoon after a 9-mile hike up (and down) Mt. Lafayette.

It looks freezing cold from this photo, but actually was quite nice for a Sunday morning brunch in September on the porch.

The Week in Chocorua




After some beautiful weather, it got cold and rainy.

but cozy inside with a fire in the wood stove and a late birthday celebrations for Theo!




Simon had his very first tastes of something besides breast milk--first, sucking on an orange and here, on a piece of canteloupe, and he was an instant convert.



And Gwen learned the morning routine--eating cereal with Tulip and Taisie on the breakfast porch outside the dining room.




Finally, a short visit from the Harris' and their dogs--here, three out of the four golden retrievers they brought with them. Tulip was a tiny bit overwhelmed and so dosed inside.

 Sunny Days

 

 

 Since the Page Bethels arrived, we've enjoyed some warm, sunny days,

 perfect for playing on the lawn

 or at the lake.

Remick Museum



Toby and I took Gwen to the Remick Museum in Tamworth--
Dr. Remick's old place (Toby's doctor when he was a kid) all renovated and made into a beautiful working farm. The Nubian goats were very pet-able,




the pigs very piggy,




and Clover the cow very milk-able.




Then I discovered, when I downloaded my pix,





David very photograph-able,




especially for a camera-prone-able curly red-headed 3-year old.

They've Arrived!



At Logan Airport on Thursday, after two flights and a very rushed and close connection in Atlanta, they're finally here!




Gwen twirling in the airport, waiting for the third bag to arrive,




which it didn't until an hour later, giving David a chance to have a long-awaited authentic American hamburger.




Tulip was tons and tons of licks for everyone and stuck close to Wren, happy she's here, hoping for some dropped Cheerios.




And Simon in his wooly hat being held by Gwen. "Simy," as Gwen says.
Chocorua welcomes them, Tulip does, Toby and I--we love it that they're here.