Wednesday - August 31

The last day of August and Labor Day coming up....this year is flying by entirely much too fast!

 

Annette ran some errands and met friends for lunch    Philip and I straightened up the house, enjoyed the kiddies and he went to the gym.

Maeve is 6 weeks today.....can't believe it!     She's starting to smile and coo!

 

 Maeve Kathryn at 6 weeks

 

 Cute little ruffled bottom

Sometimes I like tummy time!

Had some rain in the afternoon - last remnants for us from tropical depression. 
  A big part of FL is getting soaked!

Had delicious rotisserie chicken and some salads for dinner.   Philip went to work around 4:30 and won't be home till late tonight!

Mark had a good day on the boat getting some things put back on, cleaning and organizing.    No workers there today!    Other than the bedrooms, rest of Catrina is accessible to get to.

Our kiddos....Philip and Annette










 

 

 

Tuesday - August 30

Mark was up early and out the door to open up Catrina (so hot working in there).....he came back to hotel around 7:30 and we were off to breakfast at the Corner Café - good spot and close by.    Off we went to Baltimore and sending Grandma back to FL.   Good flight although the Fort Lauderdale (and big chunk of F) is having very heavy rain due to the tropical depression that is going on (very thankful it didn't turn into a hurricane)!

 

The ride back to Lake Worth was awful with very heavy rain, poor visibility, heavy traffic etc.   But so good to be here....fed Maeve her bottle and the fun begins!

 

Meant to correct one thing about the Annapolis Target.....I had said earlier that it is a 3-story building.    Well, not so.    Entrance on 1st floor with some parking, 2nd story parking and store on top floor.    Even have a special track to get carts down from top and into parking lot!    Not that this is a real biggie, but just wanted to set the record straight!    Ha....

 

Mark is optimistic and happy after today's work on Catrina.   Both engines are in and they expect 2 more work days to get everything hooked up and ready for sea trial. Of course no promises on which 2 days they do the work.

 

This little "Bundle of Pink" was sent to me via text this morning while I was at the

airport!!!

 

Philip and I are holding down the fort tonight while Annette is at a gathering

of neighborhood gals. 

 

Lots more rain coming our way...

 

Monday - August 29

Busy, fun last day for me in Annapolis.    Mark went to check on Catrina and talked to mechanics, but she was not on the list today, so....nothing done!    We ran some errands and met friends, Charlotte and Doug at Miss Shirley's Café for breakfast/lunch.   It was excellent (we girls had breakfast and the guys had lunch).

 

Doug, Charlotte, Pat, Mark

 

Chicken and Waffles

 

So enjoyed our visit and then said our good byes (hope to see them in FL this winter).    We drove to Wayson's Corner and emptied out our storage unit.   Car is jam packed, but one more thing to cross off list.   All this stuff will go back on Catrina once those engines are installed.

 

Came back to hotel for a bit and later in the afternoon we went to the Westfield Mall....I walked and browsed.   So many of my favorites....Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn + for kids and also for teens (had never seen of those before), Vera Bradley, Papyrus, Nordstrom, and so many more!

 

Had delicious dinner at Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant.   This restaurant originated in Chicago and there are 8 locations in IL and 7 other states.    Really good....

 

Napa chicken salad

 

These past 4 days have been so much fun with Mark in Annapolis.....

tomorrow I fly back to this little doll!

 

I think she's smiling cause Grandma is coming back...

 

 

 

 

Sunday - Aigist 28

Beautiful day in Annapolis and not so hot - with a nice breeze, it was really quite pleasant.   We went to 9:30 Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Crofton.    Nice church with all the bells tolling after Mass.   Drove downtown and met Mark and Heather DeBuse for brunch at Harry Browne's.   Mark is former flight surgeon for the Blue Angels and now in his 2nd year of residency to be an orthopedic surgeon.   Mark and Heather are good friends of Ryan's and we've been with them at some of the air shows - great couple and what a delicious brunch and good visit!!!

 

Mark, Heather, Pat, Mark

at Harry Browne's

 

We made a quick stop by Catrina to get a few things and then to The Annapolis Harbor Center where Mark settled in at Barnes and Noble and I had great fun getting my retail therapy fix!    Some super neat shops and I did my part to boost the local economy.  

 

Back to the hotel to rest a bit and then waked to Squisito Italian Café - we weren't really hungry - Mark had a glass of wine and I had some gelato!

 

 

Saturday - August 27

Today was off to a very early start with Philip taking me to the airport and then he went onto work.     I landed in Baltimore at 9:30 and Mark was there to meet me.    We drove to Annapolis and what a fun day to be together again here in one of our favorite cities.

 

We had lunch at the Wet Dog Café, strolled thru some of the neighborhoods and since Mark has been out here now awhile, getting really acquainted with the different parts of town.    He also took me to Catrina....oh my....what a mess but progress is being made, so...    As many times as we've visited Annapolis, we had never been to the mall (Westfield)   Wow.....there are malls and then this very nice, upscale one with many of my favorite shops!    Been a long time since I've been shopping but we mainly came here to get out of the heat and also.... tah dah...got my 10,000 steps in.

 

Tonight we went to the Annapolis Towne Centre - wow....more great shops (including a 3-story Target) and restaurants.   We had dinner at Brio - so good and now back to get some sleep.   The 4:10 wake-up time this morning has caught up with me!

 

I've thought of Annette and the kiddies so many times today......

love this newest pic Mommy sent!

 

Sweet Baby Maeve

 

 

 

Friday - August 26

More rain overnight and another steamy day.....after sleeping 9 hours Wednesday night, Miss Maeve wanted a bottle at 2:15 AM today???   

 

Mark says Annapolis is having brutal heat today, too.  One of the engines is now in place...tah dah!

Philip was off by 4:30 AM to work but home before 10, so he, Luke and Grandma went to Mom's Kitchen for breakfast.   He dropped Luke and me off at Barnes and Noble while he went to Costco and Lowe's.

Attacking Mickey Mouse with a vengeance!

 

Trains

Legos

 

So much fun stuff at Barnes and Noble!  Grandma had her skinny vanilla latte and a good

time was had by both of us!

 

Good morning all 

A bit twisted here, but still a good peaceful nap!

Enjoys snoozin' in her stroller

I'm getting so strong!

Annette ran some errands this afternoon.    I'm flying to Baltimore tomorrow morning and spending 4 days with Mark in Annapolis.   It will be a nice break for all and Annette will have her little kiddos daytime....Philip will be home in the evenings.

 

 

 

Thursday - August 25

What a stormy night here in southeast FL.....started around 4:30 with some major lightning and thunder followed by very heavy rain.....keeping tabs on Hermine now and if/when/where it may hit???

 

Maeve slept till 6 AM....what a girl!!!    She was up till almost 9 last night just taking an oz. or so off and on and finally clunked out and went this nice long stretch!!!

 

Such a big yawn after a full night's sleep!

 

Luke and Grandma went to Trader Joe's to browse and pick up a few groceries/wine/flowers/goodies!  He had so much fun pushing the little cart.   

 

Today Luke was really into Pocoyo and all the characters, so..... Luke is Pocoyo,  Mommy is Elly, Daddy is Fred, Maeve is Loula and Grandma is Pato.    All the while we were shopping it was Pato this and Pato that....I was cracking up with my little Pocoyo.

 

 A man on a mission

 

This is a fun store that even provides paper and crayons in the wine section

 

Maeve likes to listen to her little lamb saying the "Our Father"

(a gift from Grandma's friends, Claire and Kathy when Luke was born)!

Awww...just a bit of bonding time

 

Philip got home around 2, mowed the lawn and Grandma and the kiddies took a nap.  

 

Bath time and face time with Blair, Brady and Auntie Brooke

 

Mark had dinner tonight with Ann and Don in Easton, MD.......Don and Mark used to work together years ago!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday - August 24

48 years ago today, Mark proposed and what a wild, crazy, fun ride we've enjoyed!    So many adventures and memories and extremely blessed and thankful for our family and this nomadic lifestyle....

 

Maeve is 5 weeks today....

 

My little "Mammy" Doll

 

We've already had to put several little outfits away (0-3 months) - she has really filled out since I've been here!    Maeve has a huge wardrobe (every little girl's dream) thanks to cousin Blair.   Trying out the little headbands/bows today!

 

Annette and Luke had a date this morning to Playmobil Park, a favorite of his.

 

King Luke in his throne

 

Maeve was happy and content with her passy strolling around the house with Grandma and then taking a nice long nap1

 

Heavy rain shower came thru around 1130.   Philip got home at noon.   I got a haircut, Annette went to Target, Philip went to the gym when I got home and the kiddies took naps

(none for the big folks today)!

 

Mark was excited as both engines are now on the boat - not installed in proper place, but

"ON THE BOAT"!!!!!!!!!!!!   Taking this whole installation in "baby" steps!

 

Sean, Gina, Austin and Colton (Sean and Philip work together) came for a visit and gifts for Maeve!

Annette made 7-layer Mexican dip

 

Philip, Luke and I picked up Thai for supper - awesome!!!    It's a rainy night in Lake Worth!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday - August 23

Philip went to work early....and effective today, our grandchildren have started the

2016-17 school year.

 

Drew - Junior

Davis - Freshman

Liam - 6th

Brady and Connor - 5th

Blair - Preschool

 

Annette took Luke to the dentist for teeth cleaning (NOT his thing but teeth sure look nice 'n white)

 

Maeve and Grandma did their thing  which in Maeve's case was little cat naps all morning.    Yesterday she slept most of the day....you never know what's what with these little people!

 

This afternoon, we all took great naps and I woke up just before Philip got home!  

Daddy and his "Little Bundle of LOVE"

It's a family affair for Maeve's bath

 Grandma getting in some last cuddles before night night

 

 

 

 

Monday - August 22

Heat index only hit 102 today!    Ha......Luke and Grandma went to Monkey Joe's bouncy house.   It has about 5 different bounce areas and after meeting his friend, Maddie from his playdate group who just happened to be there AND making a new friend, Leo, it was a fun, busy morning!

 

But while we were gone, sweet Maeve had some tummy issues (we recently changed formula from  sensitive to regular).    She had been doing great, but....today had that projectile vomiting thing going on ....arghhhh.   We are back to sensitive!     

 

So we are learning the ropes on Miss Maeve's likes and dislikes.....she likes being swaddled for naptime and overnight, but also is a little Houdini breaking out a little arm and trying to escape!   And after a nap, she just loves to stretch and enjoy her freedom!   She prefers to sleep in her bassinet over the crib and when awake, loves lying on the kitchen, coffee table or changing tables.   She does not care for the swing and the boppie pillow is so-so?

Here are some pics from our little outing this morning... 

The long climb to the top

 

And then the long slide down....

his cousins, Liam, Connor, Brady and Blair would've loved all this!

Leo and Luke "watching a movie" - actually inside a little photo booth

Playing Batman

 

Mini Houdini with one arm out loves to be strolled around the house!   

 Good way for Grandma to get in her Fitbit steps!   

 

Mark was up and going this morning to talk to the mechanics - long story short, Catrina probably won't be finished till mid September?    Just a very long ordeal.....

I'm staying here in Lake Worth doing my nanny/grandma duties.    Mark is staying in Annapolis for several more days and then we'll see what's what!   

He's got some odd jobs on the boat he's working on, so keeping busy!

 

We were so very sad and shocked to hear this afternoon that our long-time friend, John Bair passed away yesterday.    We've known John and Heather since the late 80's thru boating and have many fond memories of boating vacations, camping trips, Alaska, etc.    The Bair's retired to TN from IL.

 

John and Heather were to join us in Knoxville for the air show this spring when his heart issues (complicated by diabetes) started and they canceled as he was in the hospital.     And we were all looking forward to a camping trip with 3 other couples at Caney Creek, TN next April, 2017.  

 

This news puts the boat issues in real perspective!!!

 

Annette picked Philip up at the Fort Lauderdale airport around 4:30.....Luke was so happy to see his Daddy.   We had Publix fried chicken, baked potatoes and salad for supper!

 

Daddy happy to see his baby girl again...

 

Annette, Luke and I went for a walk around the neighborhood - still very sticky and humid out here!

 

 

 Ryan taking off in Anchorage on Friday, July 29

 

 

 

Sunday - August 21

LOTS of thunder rumbling this afternoon, but nary a drop of rain here!    Skies really looked threatening but seemed to be north or south of us and we were high and dry AND hot!    The heat index was 108.

 

Had another yummy bacon and egg breakfast (Annette is spoiling me).

 

Our breakfast centerpiece!

Maeve loves to lay on the kitchen table which her Daddy built - the hard surface feels so good!

 

I went to 11:30 Mass at St. Therese and then to Publix for a few groceries.  

 

We all took naps this afternoon.   Luke and Grandma went outdoors for a bit and he rode his tricycle.

 

Out for a "short" trike ride - but so darn hot!

Sweet girl in yellow

My friend, Barb made this pretty towel for Maeve

 

Grandma is so enjoying her time with this little doll

 

This was taken in Seattle - Ryan flying over boat we were on flying #6 flag!

 

The boys (big and small) enjoyed the NASCAR race last night although it was cut short by rain.    It finished up this afternoon and they watched on TV at Lake James!

 

Hope you all have a great week....stay safe, healthy and happy!

 

 

Saturday - August 20

Happy Birthday, Maeve

 

I've got my pretty dress on, so let's PARTY!  

I am ONE MONTH today!  

 

We had a good day.....leisurely morning hanging out in our jammies, Annette making bacon and eggs, enjoying the little ones and talking to Grandpa and Auntie Anne.

 

I ironed this afternoon, did some laundry and Annette tackled some household projects. 
We had cupcakes this afternoon celebrating Maeve!

 

Philip, Michael and boys are in Bristol, TN for NASCAR race tonight.    Mark drove to Annapolis with very heavy traffic!   UGH...What should've been a 7-hour trip ended up 9.5 hrs.

Happy to hear that the Blue Angel family welcomed 2 new babies recently:
Jackson Montgomery (Daddy is Fat Albert pilot) - August 2
Cora Talbott (Daddy flies #4) - August 15
 
All tuckered out after my big day!

 

 

 

 

Friday - August 19

We had our usual morning of Maeve waking up for Grandma (Mommy did earlier feeding); Luke sleeping in till 9, laundry, etc.    Annette and Luke went to the library and Susie (Grandma's friend formerly from IL) came to visit.    It was so good to see her....

 

Susie and Maeve meeting for 1st time as Maeve lets out a big yawn...

 

Off to the doctor we go....

 

Annette brought home Mexican from the truck just down the street outside their subdivision that's selling good stuff daily!    Susie left and Annette and Maeve left for her 1-month (tomorrow)

check-up.

 

Out little Miss gained 2 lbs. 3 oz. since birth and now up to 9.5 lbs and she grew 1".    Tah dah....She's a healthy, happy baby!

 

Luke took his usual 3 hour nap (Grandma got a little nap, too).    Annette went to Target and then made Stuffed Peppers - yum!   She loves to cook and I love to eat, so it's a win win!!!

 

Maeve loves her bath so that's always a fun, soothing, calming time!

Oh me, oh my.....this has been a big day!

 

Hanging on to Clifford and my passy as tight as can be!

 

The guys had a good day in NC - tomorrow, Mark will drive to Annapolis.

 

 

 

 

Thursday - August 18

Mark and Philip were up and outta here before 5 AM....with a few stops including Green Cove Springs to pick up our mail, they made it to Newton in 11 hours.    Blair said "Hi Grandpa, where is Grandma"?    Awwww......

 

Sweetie Pie

 

Annette and Luke went to a park in the morning for a playdate with Luke's friends.     Maeve and Grandma hung out here at home.    Just too hot to take her out - tomorrow she has her

1-month check-up.

 

Annette and I were looking at pictures from spring of 2013 when Luke was born - definitely a resemblance between Maeve and Luke!

Newborn Luke

 

 

Newborn Maeve

 

Today's Maeve pics 

Dainty little girl

 

My mint green ensemble with little print panties

 

Mommy and her little Mummy

 

We did face time with Grandpa and Blair - last night Michael sent a video of Blair singing

"You are my Sunshine" in the bathtub!    She's a great little entertainer. 

 

Annette made some peach wine spritzers in the afternoon  yum!

And then she beat me 2 out of 3 games of 2-handed euchre