Craft night in Maine

Grandma hosts two craft nights per year; one for all the girl cousins, who have been doing it for many years now, and for the past two years, one for the boys who were born in 1997 (and E, even though he's younger, because "he's my grandson"). So we headed up to Maine on Saturday after both boys' basketball was done, and arrived near bedtime.

Sunday morning found us at a diner having breakfast with E's namesake, and Aunt Debbie.
Sunday afternoon was filled with crafts.
Unfortunately, like last year, one of the cousins couldn't make it. Different cousin at least. Everyone had a wonderful time anyway, and Grandma found out that her thought that no one was really into it, was far off the mark.

My sister and I did some shopping and had an enjoyable lunch at Applebees during the crafts, since it's strictly a drop-off party. We arrived back early enough to ensure that we got a photo of all the attendees.




While in Maine, we also enjoyed the 12 inches of snow which had fallen before we arrived. The boys love going down the steps along side the house, down into Grandma's backyard. It's a good hill and the bumpiness is enjoyable; at least that's what I hear.











They also worked hard to make a tunnel in the plowed snow, and were very proud to get it done before we had to come home.

Grandma ventured down into her backyard to explain to the boys how her new pier is going to look when it's done.
We enjoyed some shopping with Grandma on Monday, and then when Aunt Debbie got out of work at four, a movie. We went to Smitty's, where dinner is served before the movie, and enjoyed some pizza, chicken nuggets, chicken quesadillas, and french fries before watching Enchanted. Heads up to parents of little ones, the ending of this movie is scary. It was very contradictory to the tone of the rest of the movie, and the previews gave no indication that it would end this way, so if you have kids who are sensitive to that sort of thing, beware.
We enjoyed it though, although it wasn't as funny as the boys had hoped. "They took all the funniest parts and showed them in the advertisement." A good lesson in marketing.

We also enjoyed some fun with my nephew Mikey. The boys had a blast playing with their little cousin, and E loved when Mikey wore E's Sponge Bob slippers as long as he did. What a cutie. I'm so glad he enjoyed being with the boys as much as they enjoyed him.
His dad, my brother, had gastric bypass surgery while we were there. I got to see him in the hospital, and other than a grouchiness which demonstrates the disappointment that his idea that the whole thing was going to be a walk in the park was wrong, he is doing fine. Unfortunately though, bringing him his belongings meant that we got a late start home, and missed R's soccer practice. Not ones to waste an opportunity, we stopped into the West Farms Mall, and got some Christmas shopping done for B, and a quick heely around both floors of the entire mall, before continuing home.

I've learned the beauty of listening to audio books while driving to Maine alone. I can listen to whatever I want since the boys watch the DVD player, and the three and a half hour drive zips right by. I still have two discs to finish though! Ender's Game has been great so far. I will probably pick up the next one (it's a trilogy) in book form.

B was making hamburgers when we arrived home, so when they were done we all sat and visited and recounted our weekend. We all had a really enjoyable time.