We're On The Road Again...

Perhaps not on the road, but into the sky where we will land in London, England for a three-year stay. Yes, I said three YEARS. We are moving in July after celebrating our last 4th of July in Olde Catonsville for a while. Come visit as you please.

The Great Road Trip Part V - Niagra Falls

OK, everyone I've met who has visited Niagra Falls always said, "You need to view it from the Canadian side." Well, everyone was right. The whole Canadian experience was so worth the neverending ride from Munising, MI through to Sault Sainte Marie, MI where we spent the night. Then we crossed to Sault Ste. Marie, Canada and had a trek across Ontario, Canada (which all looks exactly the same and there aren't any big towns at all). We finally arrived in Niagra Falls around 10 PM. It was actually a good time to arrive, believe it or not, because the Falls are lit up at night in rainbow colors and were quite a sight. There were people everywhere! We would have missed this if we'd arrived earlier. So, we finally found our hotel which was very well-disguised, but well-situated at the same time (the Quality Inn Clifton Hill - stay there). Owen took a quick dip in the pool and we all went to bed.

Our hotel was just beyond this pavillion.

The next morning we went down to the Falls and were in awe. Just beautiful.

The Falls are literally right behind the boys. If you leaned too far over the fence, you'd fall right in!

This is the area that is illuminated at night, the view across to the American side.

We ate lunch, packed our stuff for check out and then explored the Great Canadian Midway. The Canadian Niagra Falls is like a theme park, sort of like downtown Disneyworld, but nice. It's hard to describe. I guess "a very clean family-style Las Vegas without casinos" sums it up. We went into a wax museum, a funhouse and played the tourists spending the rest of our Canadian money.

Then we waited forever to cross the border into Buffalo, NY and got stuck in traffic all through Buffalo. I think it took two hours just to get out of that city. After Buffalo, we drove as long as we could stand it through gorgeous countryside and farms and stayed somewhere near the Finger Lakes in NY. After a really good dinner at Jack's Place in a small town whose name escapes me and an acceptable night's rest in Cunisteo, NY, we drove home to MD via PA and were at our abode by 3 PM, happy to be out of the car!

That's it for our August adventure. Stay tuned for more news...

The Great Road Trip Part IV - Painted Rocks National Lakeshore

We travelled to Munising, MI to view the Painted Rocks National Lakeshore along Lake Superior. It was raining on the afternoon we arrived and we were afraid that we wouldn't get to see the sights. When we awoke the following morning, it was so foggy - actual pea soup - so we watched some TV since the kids hadn't seen any in awhile and then decided to go view the Munising Falls which was a short, fun hike. Then we decided to take our chances for the second boat tour. It was a very wise decision because the mist was beginning to fade, but made the scenery even more beautiful. This place was awesome and so worth the stop. You can't actually view the rocks from the land, but there are excellent hiking trails and primitive camping the entire length and we saw quite a few adventurous souls. Anyway, the rocks are multicolored because natural springs leach through them and each different mineral leaves its mark. Here are some pictures. Enjoy!

The Great Road Trip Part III - We're Feeling Superior

Lake Superior - that is. We set out to Houhgton, MI so we could meet up with our hosts, Dylan and Dawn Carlson and Dylan's mom, Eunice, who gave us excellent information and hospitality. Dylan & Dawn own a cabin on the Keewenaw Peninsula which is a stone's throw from Lake Superior and were graciously allowing us to stay there for the smaller part of a week. It was the most relaxing spot and the best part was no television reception or phone service and the views of the night sky can in no way be described - just amazing!

Owen is taking in the gorgeous view.

The Delaware Mine - an old copper mine we were able to explore.

Great Sand Beach past Eagle Harbor where we ate the hugest and densest muffins ever from a monk-run bakery called The Jam Pot - most delicious and interesting!

Finn at Ft. Wilkins State Park with the Copper Harbor Lighthouse in the background.

Campfires on the rocky shoreline in front of the cabin

Fort Wilkins right near lake Fanny Hooe

Eagle Harbor Lighthouse

This was one of our best vacation spots ever and an enjoyable slice of America. The restaurants were good and we enjoyed the Copper Harbor Craft Festival where Finn learned how to make a copper ring and got totally hooked on metals. The kids got to swim in Lake Superior and the wildlife and views were incredible. We even found a couple of small agates for which the area is known.

Next stop: Munising, MI and Painted Rocks National Seashore...

The Great Road Trip Part II - Circus World Museum

We departed Chicago and headed to Baraboo, WI. "What could possible be of interest there?", you say. Well, none other than Circus World, of course! We had a great time looking at the old Ringling Brothers memorabilia and caught a couple of shows - mostly kids practicing their circus moves. The kids got to play on a mini trapeze and ride an elephant.

The Great Road Trip Part I - Illinois

Yes, it HAS been about three months, but we are a busy group once the school year starts. Everyone has settled into our routine nicely. Evan is enjoying 7th grade and the decrease in homework from last year. Finn has a long-term substitute since his 4th grade teacher broke her wrist over the summer and has had three surgeries on it. Owen is a big time 2nd grader and is writing up a storm but can't spell to save his life! I am still doing the school volunteer thing and running the household while Craig enjoys a new position at work. He's also coaching both Finn and Owen's soccer teams.

Anyhooo... here is the first installment of our vacation. We did a super long leg the first day and drove all the way to Danville, IL, home of Dick Van Dyke. Spent the night at a hotel next to a gigantic cornfield and headed to Kickapoo State Park early the next morning, and yes, the park was chosen for its name which lent itself to a wealth of boy humor. It turned out to be a great park. We tubed down a very low Vermillion River and still had a fabulous time. We saw miniature frogs, muscatine clams as big as Craig's hand and a lot of geese. Then we made a beeline for New Salem where Abraham Lincoln lived during his late teens/early twenties. It was a reconstructed settlement much like Williamsburg, VA. Very cool to see, but it was so hot we were dragging toward the end.

The next day we were in Joliet, IL, Craig's hometown. I will say it had changed remarkably for the better since the last time we were there in the early '90s. We drove around and saw all the important landmarks including:

the statue of Louis Joliet in front of the downtown library

the Des Plaines River and a huge barge

as well as the quarry where Craig used to swim, Joliet Catholic High (now senior assisted living apartments), the Brandon Locks, elementary and middle schools, the McCarter homestead and his grandparents' house in nearby Rockdale.

Our next stop was Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin' town where we enjoyed two full days. We went up into the Sears Tower, went to the Field Museum, Millenium Park, and Grant Park. We saw old friends of ours at dinner: Dave Maher and his sons, Danny and Mac, Dave Kempes, and Chris James. It was fantastic weather until a torrential rainstorm soaked us on the way to Dave Maher's apartment building. We were going that way to swim in his pool and see the fireworks over lake Michigan. At the Field Museum we saw and learned so much. Finn and Craig particularly enjoyed the gem and mineral collection. Evan liked the dioramas in the mammal area and Owen and I enjoyed the gift shop the most. It was a great stay and we could have done so much more there, so I guess we will just have to return one day.

Owen reflecting off of "The Bean" which is a sculpture in Millenium Park resembling none other than a ginormous silver kidney bean. These pictures were taken pre-downpour.

The view of the El and the Sears Tower from our hotel room

Main lobby of the Field Museum featuring "Sue" the dinosaur

That's it for now. Next stop - Baraboo, WI to visit The Circus Museum!!!

He's Baaaack!

Craig was at the airport as scheduled. We picked him up and whisked him away to the house. Everyone is happy and relieved.

Tomorrow, we will start our vacation touring the Midwest and Craig's stompin' grounds, as well as the Great Lakes, Canada and Niagra Falls. We'll be back in a couple of weeks. Ciao!

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I Love Ya Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the day! We pick Craig up from Dulles at about 10:30. I can't believe it!

Beach Bound Part II

Here are a few shots of the kids at the beach in Wildwood, NJ. All of the guys were great this year, remembering to account for the current and come back up to me before going in for another ride on the waves. Owen occupied his time by collecting every dead jellyfish in sight that had washed up on the beach when he wasn't boogie boarding. The stench was memorable.


We spent our last day at Morey's Pier in Wildwood central, riding rides and then hitting the water park which was well-worth the wait - it was soooooo hot! Evan said, "This was one of the most fun days ever!". High praise from my discerning child.

Owen has his target in sight.

Finn on the rampage

Beach Bound

Happy August, everyone! Recently, we went to Sandy Point State Park right next to the Bay Bridge/Chesapeake Bay too cool off. It was a nice uncrowded day, but the sand felt like we were in the desert! On another note, Owen fell on a neighbor's steps and has a huge gaping gash across his knee and a loose chunk of skin in a semi-circle. It looked stitches worthy, but he pleaded to me not to take him to the ER. It is very funny because it's the same knee I gashed at 7 years old and I pleaded the same thing to my mom. My loose flap of skin was bigger though. Oh well, skin heals. Bad thing is that we haven't been going to the pool even though it's like 100 degrees today because I want the wound to close as much as possible before we go to the Jersey Shore for a few days (tomorrow to be exact) to stay at Aunt Kate and Uncle Tim's beach shack which they rent all summer, every summer. The kids are very excited to go and went to bed without the usual fuss because we are leaving very early tomorrow. All they want to do is boogie board - Sandy Point was NOT boogie board territory.

I think I'll have one more post before Craig is stateside. Until then, stay cool!

Quick Update

Owen came in sixth place overall in backstroke out of 18 or so kids. The ribbon he received is HUGE and decorative. He loves it.

Craig is scheduled to arrive in the US of A on August 9th. Keep your fingers crossed!

Divisionals and Fireworks

We are finished with summer swimming. Evan won his backstroke heat. Owen came in second in his backstroke and fourth in his freestyle heats. He also single-handedly swam his team into third place in the 100 relay. They were somewhat behind but Owen gave it his all! I am not sure about their overall places in their individual events as it was a yucky day today and we did not go to the pool.

Saturday evening, we celebrated the end of swimming at Oregon Ridge with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and fireworks. It was a summer outdoor concert featuring theme songs from popular movies and TV shows. The kids enjoyed it and recognized many of the tunes (Simpsons, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Copeland).

The McCarters and Henriksons go to Washington

Our wonderful friends, Sue, Hannah and Sophia Henrikson came to visit Maryland from Seattle, Washington for my birthday and to visit lots of friends. Sue, my good friend, Jane, and I had a grown-up girls' weekend at the beach in Wildwood, NJ last weekend. We all slept in and enjoyed visiting Cape May, NJ sans children.

On Tuesday, July 24th, we took the Metro to DC to see the White House and to visit the Natural History Museum.

Sophia and Owen waiting for the train

A McCarter menagerie

It was a great visit and we are trying to plan a trip to Seattle to see our Aunt Vic and the Henriksons.

Breaking News

Well, I just found out that Evan and Owen will be swimming in Divisionals. Owen is swimming freestyle, backstroke and mixed 100-free A relay. Evan is swimming backstroke, breaststroke and is an alternate on the 200-free B/C relay. Go ClanMcCarter! Finn is somewhat disappointed that he is not swimming. However, he was the only one to swim in Divisionals last year and he will be in the same age group next year. He also needs to apply himself at practices.

I am 40 today. I don't feel that old at all. It was a gorgeous day in Catonsville. I slept in thanks to my friend, Sue, who is visiting, then I had lunch with Evan and my Mom, relaxed at home with friends and went to dinner with Sue and our kids. A day well-spent.

Congratulations, Catonsville!!

Catonsville, MD has been named one of Money magazine's top 100 places to live! We are 49th on the list. Way to go, Music City!

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2007/top100/

On another note, there's big doin's in ol' Bawlmer with Cal Ripken's impending induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

A Correction

Last Saturday's meet actually was fairly productive for the boys. Owen placed third in back and eighth in free. Evan placed seventh in free and back. Finn placed eighth in breast and surprisingly enough was not DQ'd for his freestyle when he pushed off the bottom (a true accident) after his flip turn. They had to flip in the shallow end and Finn flipped so low that his foot touched bottom. I was surprised Owen placed at all, he really was moving SLOW! I do think a few kids were DQ'd in Owen's backstroke event, leading to his third place finish. Take what you can get, eh?

The Week in Review

On Tuesday, we celebrated Owen's birthday with family and friends at the pool. About an hour and a half prior to the party, a ferocious rainstorm rolled through Catonsville.

The pool cleared out and decent weather returned just in time for the guests to arrive to an almost private pool party.

Thursday was the most gorgeous day of the summer so far: mid 80's with absolutely no humidity. So after the kids' computer class, Owen, Finn and I went on a hike to search for raspberries. We found a smattering here and there, but we ate those as we went. After our hike, I took the kids to the field behind The Candlelight Inn and hit PAYDIRT!!!! We all picked raspberries for about 45 minutes with minimal eating. Here are the results after a small snack.

On Saturday, we had a swim meet against the Bolton Hill Barracudas (same mascot as us). I think they beat us soundly. I am not sure, but I don't think it was a good meet for the men of ClanMcCarter overall. However, Evan did win his 50-freestyle heat which is fantastic since he is back in the water again after his injury. His leg was a little swollen after the backstroke, so he sat out for breaststroke which I do think was wise since it's a different kick. Finn and Owen were moving slow in the water today. We had a giant thunderstorm last night at around midnight which woke them both up and they didn't get back to sleep until about 1:30 AM. Then Owen was awake before 6:30 AM for sure and Finn soon after. At least I didn't need my alarm clock to get me out of bed since I had two human alarm clocks.

Lucky 7/7/07

7/7/07 was definitely Finn's lucky day because he won his backstroke and breaststroke heats and placed seventh overall in breaststroke. This means that he actually beat two boys in the "fastest" heat after his! It also means that he was probably the fourth fastest 9-10 year old on the team for this meet. He was motoring and had a big grin on his face the entire time. :-) He also swam freestyle and was the first leg of his relay.

Owen had an almost repeat performance in the swim meet today. His relay came in second (he has been the third leg of the relay both times), he was third in backstroke (two boys from the other team were faster) and fifth in freestyle.

It was a hot, hot day in July and we are all wiped out from a long, productive day.

All the boys will be attending a half-day Techno Art/Cartooning class at Catonsville Community College next week. I will try to get some of their stuff up on the blog.

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy 4th of July everyone! We had a good ole Catonsville 4th. We watched the parade which was a bit shorter than in years past and awaited the fireworks, but it RAINED and RAINED and RAINED!!! The biggest thunderstorm and the first real rain of the summer. The kids put on their swimsuits and ran around while shooting waterguns at one another.

Last swim meet was another good one for Owen. He placed second in backstroke, his relay came in second and he was fifth in freestyle. There were at least 28 9-10 boys in Finn's events. He placed 17th in freestyle and 13th in breaststroke. Evan did not swim because he injured the back of his leg, has 11 stitches and wears a leg brace because the injury is right behind his knee and he shouldn't bend it. He was scheduled to get the stitches out today, but the doctor left them in for two more days. So he's out for the next meet as well.

Camp Invention

Finn and Owen attended Camp Invention this week. Here are their creative inventions:

Finn's is "The Quantum Freeze/Heat/Invisibility Ray" whose purpose pretty much speaks for itself. It is constructed from my neighbor's old sander and the cover from one of our old smoke alarms.

Owen's is "The Right Detector" which is an alarm clock keypad. It tells you via the lights on the top whether you get a math problem right or wrong. The lights really don't work, but it's a fairly cool idea.

Owen Is Seven

Owen's birthday began with the opening of the much-anticipated "Dad's box" which has been tempting Owen for at least a week but was so well-taped that there was no way he could sneak a peek. The waiting paid off since a true treasure was inside: a "real" Viking helmet, as Owen calls it, and I quote "The best birthday present I ever got!" It was perfect.

Owen also got a Fusion skateboard/scooter and was riding it by 8 am.

He spent the day at Camp Invention and when he returned we had swim practice. Then we went to Aunt Katie & Uncle Tim's for pizza and ice cream cake.

When we returned home, Owen used one of his gifts (a bug box) to collect fireflies until bedtime. A perfect ending to His Day.