Whale Watching

We had the wonderful opportunity to go whale watching today! Our friend Joanne is the naturalist aboard a whale watch boat leaving from Plymouth. So we went up to Plymouth today and enjoyed the wonderful cooling breezes out on Stellwagen Bank.

We saw six humpback whales: Firefly and her calf, Nile, Giraffe and her calf, and Gunslinger. Firefly, her calf, and Nile hung around with us for a good part of the afternoon.

I discovered that in the fall the whales are more active, but the weather is much better in July!

Joanne, the naturalist and our friend.


Nile showing off flapping her flippers and backstroking! Those are 15 foot flippers, quite a sight in person!



We got to visit with the captain (it is amazing what a bag of homemade cookies can get you). Teagan accepted the invitation to sit in the captain's chair.

It looks as if Braeden and Jeff didn't attend but they did! They just did not want to be photographed until after my camera battery gave out.

Sarah Swain at the park

We went to see Sarah Swain play at the park this evening. It was a beautiful day, with a slight breeze to keep us cool and no bugs out. Sarah was wonderful as always!

Teagan danced with her friend Grace and Lucy and Jessie, Sarah's daughters.

Fun day

Today Teagan attended a pool birthday party in the early afternoon. She was given a little water squirter at the party. I told Braeden he could come to the store with me and could get his own if he wanted. So, two dollars later he came home thrilled to have a water fight with his sister. It started raining as they were playing, but we let them stay out in the shower and really up the chances of getting wet in the water fight.

Since Braeden came to the store with me I was talked into s'mores for dessert. We tried the big huge "roaster" marshmallows. For those who care, it really messes up the marshmallow to chocolate ratio. I will not try them again :)

Teagan declared it the best day of her life (so far) and Braeden tended to agree with her! What a fun, easy day to be the best day ever!

Hmmm...I'll try to straighten this one out later.
Braeden making his masterpiece (mom had to point out that the reason it didn't taste right was he forgot the chocolate).
It might be bigger than her!
Roasting on the grill.
At Lily's birthday party.

Teagan performs with Randy and the Oak Trees

Our friend had a grand opening at his gallery (The Fryingpan Gallery) and Teagan performed Rockin' Robin with the band! (To share all the info, Sarah, one of the guitarists was her music teacher.)

4th of July

Oops, I loaded these pictures backwards. Went went to the Barnstable/West Barnstable 4th of July parade again this year. Both kids decided it was better to watch than participate. We saw all sorts of old cars, dogs decorated in appropriate colors, kids on bikes, horses, and some floats. Everyone threw candy which the kids loved. Afterwards we braved "the hot pit" as our friends call the Hallows, and joined the activities there. Both kids were anxious for the dunk tank--the line was longer to be dunked than it was to throw and try to dunk someone! Both kids made a try at the greased pole, but did not get too far.

Teagan
Braeden
Teagan attempting the greased pole.


At the parade.

Frying Pan Gallery grand opening

We went to Wellfleet for the opening of the Frying Pan Gallery--Steve Swain's gallery. Randy and the Oak Trees (Sarah Swain's band) played.

Lori came down for the weekend and went to Frying Pan Gallery with us.
The front door with a bait ball sculpture by Steve.
Ornaments
A wine rack I particularly liked.

Teagan sings Rockin' Robin with the band.

Dancing

Enjoying the band.
The girls' decided to try to sell their piece--they asked $70 and displayed it nicely.
Creating their own art work.
Teagan, Jessie, and Lucy

A walk on the beach in Wellfleet.

Our temporary Florida housing

The vineyards and grassy play area.
De Soto statue
Vineyards
The building. We will live in the upper right side. Our entrance is in the back.
Braeden's room (that stuff won't be there).
Teagan's room (the desk will be gone)
Two of the three horses.
The kitchen
The hairless cats :)

There is a pet dog we can play with, and some dogs they show. It is a bit of a drive from school, but only three tenths of a mile from Manatee Lake State Park. It will be wonderful while we finish selling our house and find a new house!