Topsfield Fair on my birthday

Matt and Alicia invited me to go to the Topsfield Fair since it was my birthday. They thought it would be a fun thing to do to celebrate. It was a gorgeous day and we spent 3 hours walking around the Fair enjoying the various exhibits, farm animals, wild animals and wonderful smells. Here are a few pictures from our trip to the Fair.

Painted pumpkins.

Delicately carved pumpkin.

Some funny looking leeks.

Creative fruits and vegetables.

Here is the Thai woman carving on a water melon.
She makes beautiful designs on fruits and veggies.

Alicia standing in front of the largest pumpkin.

This pumpkin weighs 1,400 lbs. How many
pumpkin pies could you make with that!

Photo opportunity in front of a pretty fall
arrangement.

Alicia, Thijs and Matt.

Thijs is getting very sleepy.

This sheep is getting a bath after being sheared.

Shearing a sheep.

Sand scupture.

This takes lots of patience.

Some of the prize winning foods.

Thijs finally gives in to sleep.

This is an old Coca Cola vending machine. Coke
was only 10 cents then. The one that Matt is holding
in his hand cost $2.50 at the Fair. Yikes!

Riding piggy-back.

You could take a ride on an elephant. We didn't.

Matt and Thijs enjoying the sights.

Mini ponies. Aren't they cute?

Baby llama and her mom.

Thijs is making sure he stays away from those
sharp horns.

This goat has four horns.

Getting down to ground level.

Little donkeys.

Thijs is amazed to see the little chicks hatching.

Who's looking at whom?

Some very different looking turkeys.

Gathering for Celeste

The family gathered here on Sept. 28th to visit with Celeste while she was vacationing here in N.H. Celeste got to meet Thijs for the first time and re-acquaint herself with Madeleine. It was great to see everyone.

Matt, Thijs and Madeleine.

Ray, Melissa, Alicia and Thijs.

Celeste and Brenda.

Here's Madeleine giving me the eye.

Thijs making his way around.

Charmingfare Farms

This week while Melissa and Madeleine were visiting us, we went to Charmingfare Farms in Candia, NH. This farm has an assortment of farm animals and wildlife animals. As you'll see in the pictures below we had a great time meeting some new animal friends. Check it out.

Madeleine is good to go. We're off to see
the animals.

The first ones we see are the llmas.

Next up are the cute, newly sheared sheep.
Their coat feels like a plush wool carpet.

This little sheep looks like a cuddly stuffed animal.
Madeleine is enjoying this.

The sheep are all lining up for a bite to eat,

Here's the black sheep of the family.

Madeleine is curious about the miniature pony.

Mountain lion enjoying some quiet time.

We got a look at some reindeer who are probably
getting all their energy to be ready for Santa's Sleigh.

Celeste was the one who fed the animals

Little goats with their strange slit eyes awaiting
some food.

A couple of goats got loose from their pen and
followed us around for more food.

The sun is in her eyes but she shows us her
smile nevertheless.

Once the goats got out, Celeste had
a hard time keeping them away from
the food. This one here ate her map
of the farm.

Celeste's two little buddies.

Two little donkeys

Madeleine loves the pumpkins that are on display.

Pretty fall colors.

Family Affairs

We've celebrated Alicia and her twin sister Alida's 30th birthday recently and had Madeleine and Melissa over this week because my sister Celeste is visiting from Oregon. The following are pictures I've taken. Take a look.

Madeleine is enjoying her spaghetti. We're
not too sure how much of it gets into her
stomach but she's enjoying it nevertheless.

It's almost like finger painting.

Taking a walk around the block.

Celeste and Madeleine

Madeleine is learning to walk but she's still
a little wobbly- and the sloping driveway doesn't
help.

Eating some fruit.

A little Pixie smile.

Alida and Alicia showing off their new purses
that I made for them. Happy 30th girls!

Matt, Alicia and Mathijs

Mémère and Thijs

Thijs and his grandmother Lydia, Alicia's mom.

Matt and Ray at the birthday party for the girls.

Thijs is doing a little walking.

Alicia and her twin sister Alida.

Trip to Rhode Island

On Wednesday this week we went to Lincoln, R.I. to visit with Austin, Ray's brother. We hadn't seen him in awhile. Austin looks great and has a beautiful home. We enjoyed our visit and caught up on news of the family. Austin took us to a nice Italian restaurant nearby and he picked up the tab. (Thanks Austin, for a great meal.) Here are a few more photos from our trip.

Austin and big brother Raymond.

The Italian restaurant we dined in.

Here's Missy, Austin's ol' pal. She's getting old
but still a love.

Austin's beautiful home.