The next day, JD, Adam and I went out for morning bike ride after breakfast. JD and I had planned on going down to Junction road because there was a dirt bike trail he wanted to explore.
I put Ad on the back of Mom's mountain bike and off we went! JD you are riding you bike like its second nature at this point. You ride one handed, pop little wheelies, and stand on the middle bar with both feet while riding. Its very fun to watch and it reminds me of doing similar tricks when I was younger. I am working with you now on a, "Kick out" and an "Endo."Adam, you love to ride on the back of the bike. You sit so content and sometimes tickle my back (on purpose) when we ride. When you get a reaction out of me you laugh and laugh. For this trip you had your bag of "Sun Chips" with you to keep you entertained. You LOVE to carry bags of food with you anywhere you can. We got quite a few smiles from passers by as we made our way along on our trip. You must have looked like you were at the movie snacking while JD and I peddled along. It doesn't seem like long ago that I was carting JD around in that little bike seat. I'm sure you will be riding your bike along side us before I know it.
I have to say that I love the age you are at right now, Ad. You're so little and impressed by the smallest things. I can put my whole hand on your torso and tickle you. You have the biggest, brightest smile I have ever seen. It reminds me of my friend Jim' s smile. It immediately makes you happy and brightens up a room. You have come into your own sense of humor too.
You truly make jokes and find them so funny. You follow JD around like a little brother does, but you also take the leadership role during some of your interactions. You give me a hug, kiss and high five before I leave for work every day, and before bed every night. We started this routine with JD when he was your age and you have kept it going. This morning in fact, I was running a little late and was rushing out the door. I yelled, "Bye Ad", and you came running over with your arms extended for a hug. You started my day off great and I thought about that hug on my way to work. You and I truly connect just as I do with JD. You are a special boy.ANYWAY! We went on this trip and the dirt road was not what we expected. We got about 100 feet in, and we came to a stream in a small ditch. No big deal, we crossed it after a few minutes and got to the other side. On the other side was a trail that had not been kept well. We had to turn around, cross the stream again and head out of the woods. It was fun while it lasted! From here we went toward South Berwick for another mile or so. This was probably the longest bike ride that JD has taken, and you did SO well! Adam proceeded to chomp on his chips, "OOH and AHH" at "Birdies" and tickle me on the way home. It was a nice, relaxing, ride.
The next day Mom, Az and the three of us went to Massachusetts for a cookout at Caufs on Sunday and Nana's on Monday. We arrived at Caufs around 2:30 so we could spend some time with the Caulfields before everyone else arrived. Riley is a few months younger that Ad and she is beautiful.
Soon enough a whole bunch of other people arrived. Jim and his family, Chris and his, Mikey, Kiki, the Kanes and plenty of others. It was such a fun night. All of my friends from back home just adore both of you and you both feel the same about them. JD you played with Bryan who is 9 days older than you, as well as Jordan, Jamie, and Casey. You guys were running all over, in and out and all of you were up very late! I had just as much fun watching you play with them as I did spending time with my friends. Times like that make me wish we stayed around..
The next day was lots of fun too. Meg, Greg and the kids came to Nan's as did Gram and Grampie and Grampie B. JD, you spent most of the time playing on my old skateboard. We also put the TV in for Nana, played ball and spent some nice time talking and waking up together in the morning. Adam, you were playing with a push toy outside and climbing all over chairs and couches inside!
David and Livy played with us almost all of the afternoon. This is the first time I was able to see Dave so animated. He was also climbing everywhere it was so fun to see him so mobile. Liv and I
were able to spend some time together too. Her time means a lot to me and she is my only niece and she couldn't be more special. I love her personality and that little twinkle in her eye. I also enjoy seeing her giving my sister a run for her money. She picked up right where I left off!On our trip back home to Maine, I was sad to leave. Millis is my home. My comfort zone and it always will be. A place where I can truly exhale. Like in the song "Small Town" where Mellancamp talks about all the little aspects of a small town that go unnoticed or are taken for granted. It was nice to come home with everyone and spend time in a place where, "People let you be just who you who to be."
