Prepping for 'Irene'....

After some preparations for Hurricane Irene, our tiny family of royals escaped northward to the coast for some school shopping, park crawling and of course, a walk along the Maine coastline to investigate the increasing winds, waves, tides and horror that we're bracing for in the next 24 hours. While the beaches and general area, typically CRAWLING with summer renters had become a vast ghost town, the eery mood was quite captivating so we hung around and took complete advantage. This is one of our favorite spots to bring the kids. Sadly though, we've been so busy that we've not been since September 2008!http://kingdomandcastle.blogspot.com/2008/09/adventures-on-north-shore.html :(

But, we finally made our way back (SANS strollers) and it was another adventure to pack into the memory books! :)

Taking a quick 'pit stop' along the cliffwalk, (http://marginalwayfund.org/ )

Marginal Way in Maine...

Waves are looking a bit more trecherous....

The wind is kicking up, the skies are darkening, but it actually looks quite beautiful....

"OK, Hurricane Irene...we're ready for you...." (said out loud...right on the easternmost coastal point, in the undertow, staring down the forthcoming storm). All we can say at this point is that she doesn't look like much from here. We'll have to see what tomorrow brings! :)

Black Belt Navigation....

And so it begins, our little princess who just isn't a soccer chick (sorry Papa Tony), but who IS extremely talented at martial arts. She's the only girl in her class, but in just one visit, has made all the little boys fall madly in love with her. They are helping coach her through new moves, letting her cut in the sparring line, and encouraging her to 'run like the wind.' We couldn't be more proud of our little lady, who is venturing into very new territory. As her parents, we are almost speechless. Not long ago, our precious little girl moved from place to place by bouncing/scooting on her tushie. We weren't sure what type of physical future her life would hold, and today we got our very first glimpse.

Simply put: It'll be just like everyone else's!

Definitely a day and a moment to remember...forever. :)

Abby earns her first official belt. Sensei Louie teacher her to tie it.

"Arms up" for Fighting Stance....

Stretch...stretch and rock like a spider....

Don't forget to hand in your attendance cards!! :)

Candlepin and Cream....

Our weekend didn't really begin with this massive ice cream mess. It actually ended with it! :)

No matter what time of year or when it happens, whenever we meet up with Alec's Godparents, something unusual and absolutely memorable ensues. This weekend was no different. After catching up with the Dube's over brunch, the New England rain ended our outdoor plans, so Uncle Regis made a suggestion that we'd never even considered...candle pin bowling.

Bowling? Are we ready for this? Ready or not, off we went and what a spectacular day it was! :)

Abby steps up to take her first official roll.....

and she likes it! :)

Aramis gets a little coaching from Papa....

..and he too, loves it! Whew! Prince Alec took to bowling like it was his regular job, so we now know that we'll be heading back to the alley, very soon. :)

After bowling, Uncle Regis was again hungry, and suggested we go out for ice cream. Hmmm..who could say no to that? Not us! Once we sat down and saw the menu, the boys immediately ordered the 12-scoop (6 topping) sundae and mowed through it like it was a single scoop. :) See Uncle Regis 'finishing' up the 'trough' below. :)

Moral of the story, candle pin bowling makes you hungry!!!

Next up for Tony and Regis: Harvest Hell Night 2011...get ready Uncle Regis!

Summ...summm..summertime!

The summer of 2011 has already been a flood of activity. Between traveling, parties, weekend excursions, real estate hunting, and all sorts of recreational activities, the royals have had little 'down time' and tons of memorable experiences with still an entire month of summer to go! Just this past weekend, the kids attended a friend's birthday party, with a theme of Monster Trucks. No one could have imagined the 'cool factor' of this party, yet event planner extraordinaire Stacey Pizzano, orchestrated an absolutely overwhelmingly cool event--complete with a visit from a professional monster truck driver--and his TRUCK--the Towasaurus Wrex. The kids were beside themselves as they got to sit behind the wheel and climb in/on the massive tires. Even the parents were speechless. It was an absolute hit!

Abby with friend, Sofia, and Monster Truck Owner/Driver Jeff Bursey's son, Gage.

Alec investigates the 'interior' of a tire...'just enough room for me, mama!'

Aramis was sizing up the entire truck--making mental notations of measurements so that when he got home, he could start building his own! :)

Bye bye Towasaurs Wrex..!

The kids have also enjoyed lots of adventures around New England--several zoos, parks and even the Ecotarium (Worcester, Mass.), an all-inclusive science/discovery museum, zoo, amusement park and nature reserve.

Alec and Aramis loved watching the river otters. They were so playful!

The train ride was their favorite part--of course!

Aramis got up close and personal with a boa constrictor that had just finished shedding its skin and was likely looking for a meal. Scarily, Aramis is quite possibly the perfect size for what this snake was on the hunt for....yikes!! :(

Hi from 'Sigfried the Stegasaurus'

Off to the zoo to feed those crazy-hungry deer.....

Aramis has an amazing gift/touch with all animals. Mama thinks either a vet or

rocket scientist. :)

"hey, you zebra's ass!!"

Sloth

So sweet...petting the goats...

Hey Mama! I want a chocolate-covered banana...puuullleeeassseee!!!

Okay, okay, I'll smile for the camera...if you promise to take me over to the beach to play in the waves....

Done! :)