Things that have happened lately that don't fit into any blog on their own so I lumped them all together.

Last month I had the pleasure of spending the evening with several members of my dad's family that I haven't seen in about 20 years. Back l to r- Kathy, my second cousin, me, Karen, also a second cousin, Scott, Gloria, mom. Front l to r- My 1st cousins once removed, Bill and Barbara Brock, Esther, CC, Dad and Robert.
CC spends time with Rybolt Miller every week now that Erin and I have arranged a baby swap when we would normally need babysitters. They are very good friends.
Robert and Esther help dad with breading the fish, above.
Do you think that CC looks like Delaney Mitchell (on her dad's shoulders here) ? We do.
Dear mom, when you leave your make-up on the stairs I like to play with it.

Trip to Maine: Part 2- Celebrating Laurence

While in Maine we had much to celebrate (a 40th birthday, a baptism, and a wedding!). The first weekend we were there Laurence was baptized into the household of God. I am very proud to be among his godparents.
After the baptism, BD and LM hosted a lovely party at the cottage. As always, flowers graced every corner.

Brothers in the kitchen.

CC and Laurence.
Rob and his beautiful nephew.
Two proud granddads. Big Daddy Burlington and Larry Daniels (who travelled from Georgia to come :)
Nonnie and the effervescent Anna B.
Stephie and her mother-in-law, Susan Daniels. What a pretty pair!
Nonnie with Laurence and Rebecca.
We love you little Laurence. See you in October. xoxo Laurie

A tribute to Gram and Pop Fiske

Ernie and Lorraine Fiske rented a cottage to my in-laws 40 years ago. The cottage was built by Lorraine's grandfather and as a child she rode in a wagon for 3 days to get there.
The Fiskes moved permanently to York Beach, Maine in the 1970s and during summers in Maine the Burlingtons adopted the Fiskes as grandparents.
I met Gram and Pop in the summer of 1999 when they welcomed me like family on my first trip to "Old York Beach."
The summer of 2010 was the first we have spent in Old York Beach without the presence of the Fiskes.
I missed them terribly and had a good old-fashioned cry on their porch. Looking out at the water I slowly filled with gratitude to have known Gram and Pop at all.
Since their funerals I have longed to make a tribute to two people who lived life so very fully.

This is it-

Gram and Pop, I miss you.

1st day of school!!

Above: ready for the backpack blessing at church yesterday.
After months of great anticipation and a really fun summer, Robert and Esther started school at the Main Street Academy, the brand new charter school in College Park. Robert is now a second grader and Esther is (big gulp) a kindergartener!
CC had a playdate with Jack Frilingos and I had some good mommy to mommy time with Beth. :)
The kids were still smiling after school!
While the kids started school I sat on my ---- and watched 2 people clean my house from top to bottom. Mama like.

Galzinbrad 2010: weekend of luxuriating in good company while gazing at the NC mountain view

At the Martin cabin in Bat Cave, North Carolina one looks out at this.
I attempted to define Galzinbrad last year on the blog. This year, I'll try again. Galzinbrad: a group of fabulous ladies who happen to be Furman graduates, class of '95, beautifully complimented with the addition of one Brad Fugate. Say it with me. Gals and Brad. Galzinbrad.
We spent the weekend cooking, eating, chatting, loving on each other and even doing a little yoga. I am a bit surprised and amused how often diet and digestion were the topics of conversation. I guess we are really approaching the big 4-0. We went out in Black Mountain for lunch and my heirloom tomato, melon and arugula salad with mango dressing was picture perfect (above). Brad and I were picture perfect too:) (below).
Dear Galzinbrad- thanks for remaining my friends for almost 20 years. You inspire me!
Laurie

Trip to Maine Part 1: en route

Let's call this post and future posts about our trip to Maine retrospective. Over a month has passed after all. Anyway, we picnicked in NC during our first day's drive. With 3 hungry kids this is undoubtedly the best way to eat on the road! You can eat good food for cheap. :) Mama like.
I think the kids like it too!
Our first night on the road was spent in Charlotte. Family friends, the Gambles, treated us to dinner. Claudia Gamble above. Eric Gamble below with Rob and Kirk Hall.
The next day we drove to Lynchburg for our annual pilgrimage to Chez Mortemousque. Sienna Mortemousque is the chillest dog EVER.
Moving right along, our final night on the road was spent with Mike, Meredith and Jack Sterner. They even got a cake for Rob's 40th.
Jack Sterner and Esther.
Mike and Jack bidding us farewell.
Dear Gambles, Mortemousqes and Sterners, letting 5 Burlingtons stay with you is not for the faint of heart. You have shown yourselves to be brave and very very kind. Thank you!

More Estherisms

"Mom, it's almost time for Communion right? Snacktime!"
After using hand sanitizer she urged me to smell her hands and said, "Mom, the smell fills your nose with sparkles!"