Portland Maine

We've had so much fun the last few days that we haven't found the time to post!  All is well here in New England - We spent the last 48 hours in Lebanon, New Hampshire.  From here we visited Burlington, Vermont (90 minute drive from our hotel) and we explored Waterfront Park where we walked down the path and got to see some beautiful sail boats.  For lunch we went to American Flatbread and got some delicious pizza.  We intentionally got a small pizza because then we headed to Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury, Vermont where we did the factory tour and sampled delicious ice cream.  In fact, we sampled so much that our stomach's ached after we left!  (Thats a good thing if you ask me :)) We rounded out our day by going to the Simon Pearce Glassblowing factory.  We got to see them making some beautiful wine glasses here in the 2,500 degree oven.  We were tempted to purchase a Christmas tree, but realized they were pretty spendy!

Friday morning we went to explore the Dartmouth campus where Maeve can officially begin her Ivy League college tour.  We also drove to Windsor, Vermont where we got to drive through one of the longest covered bridges in all of New England!  What a spectacular scene.  Then we packed up and drove the 2.5 hours from Lebanon, New Hampshire to Portland, Maine where we are staying the next 2 nights.  This afternoon we got to meet up with Kate's cousin Elizabeth and her husband Stephen in Portland as they were on their way to Northern Maine for the long weekend.  We enjoyed some delicious mussels and a couple of pints right on the waterfront!  What a beautiful afternoon!  For dinner Kate and I ate at a delicious seafood restaurant called Street & Co.  The only seating was outside and by now it had cooled down quite a bit, but we wanted to eat here based on the reviews so we braved it outside.  The food was incredible and it was tucked back in off a nice alley, although the dinner required Eric to walk Maeve up and down the street every so often while Mom could enjoy her delicious clams!

Tomorrow we plan to meet up with Eric's boss who lives in Portland, visit the Head Light Lighthouse and watch the Irish march on to victory versus Rice.

Everything has been great, including our 9 month old daughter!  We've logged over 600 miles on our rental car since Wednesday afternoon and we still have more to go!

Rumor has it from Elizabeth that the Bushes are in town at Kennebunkport this weekend, so maybe we will be lucky enough to cross paths :)

Enjoy the pics!

New England

We arrived to Lebanon, New Hampshire today.  Maeve could not have been any better on 0ur travel day - she did absolutely wonderful!  We flew into Boston, and then rented an SUV (we've learned no more small cars when traveling with an infant) and drove the 2+ hours to Lebanon, NH.  A full day of travel that started with dropping off Sadie K at the kennel at 8 am, and finally getting to the Lebanon area about 6 pm.

Tomorrow/Friday our plans include visiting Ben & Jerry's Factory for some ice cream in Waterbury, VT, touring the Dartmouth campus (maybe Maeve will become an alum some day), Burlington, VT for the waterfront, possibly seeking out a covered bridge in VT, and if we still have time heading up to Stowe!!!

Thanks Maeve for a wonderful travel day!!

9 month check-up

Maeve is meeting all of the milestones and eating table foods and crawling like a champ!

Here's the latest from her 9 month appointment:
Height: 28.8 inches (88th percentile)
Weight: 19 lbs 11 oz (73rd percentile)
Head size: 17.72 inches(80th percentile)

Sadie is 10 years old today!

According to our records, Sadie turns 10 years old today! Happy birthday furry friend. Sadie enjoys walks near the golf course and running freely in our backyard and chasing animals. She chased a chipmunk into the gutter this past weekend so with the help of Grandpa Steve and Uncle Jon Gilmore yesterday, Eric was able to fix the gutter where Sadie bent it. Never a dull moment!

Sadie K also loves to watch Maeve eat her meals and is happy to clean up after her. She is a great dog!

Celebrating 5 years

Yesterday, the 15th of August, we celebrated 5 years of marriage.  Grandma and Grandpa Kirchner watched Maeve for her first sleepover while we enjoyed dinner and drinks in Stillwater. We both gave the traditional gift of wood for our anniversary.

9 months old

Maeve is 9 months old today! She enjoys crawling, pulling up on everything to stand, eating everything, pulling Sadie's tail, climbing up one step, going for walks, and smiling at everyone! We're enjoying this age :)

An afternoon at the park

Maeve loved the swing the most! Here's a few pictures of us at the park near our house.