I wish I had pictures to share, but I'm afraid that will have to be for another time. I did, though, have to share about Cate's first night at gymnastics. A few weeks ago, I came home from work and Rick said he and Cate had gone to the Y that day and signed up for preschool (ages 2-5) gymnastics. Of course, I, the rule follower, immediately said, "But she's not two yet! We're going to get kicked out!" To which Rick said, "I think we'll be fine. Look at what she does already."
So off we went last night for one hour of gymnastics. Luckily, we quickly paired up with another mom and dad who had a little boy who wasn't turning two until December, so we figured we were ok. There was another two year old, but he seemed much more advanced than Cate or Nat (her new little friend), so I don't know if he was 2.5 or closer to 3, but the three of them (and us parents) were all put in a group together.
Over the course of the hour, we rotated through several stations- first, cartwheels. HA! Seriously. The leaders seemed a bit off last night, but the usual teacher was out sick, so there were some teenage helpers, who obviously weren't up on their 2 year old developmental studies. Listening to this 14 year old try to explain to Cate and Nat, who were paying no attention, how to do a cartwheel was a riot. The other mom and I finally politely explained to her that they had no idea what she was asking of them and said, "Can we just let them jump off the mat?", which they did, and which they thoroughly enjoyed.
Then it was on to the bars, which were loaded up with mats below so that they could stand on the mats, reach up, and grab the bar. The teacher at that station then held on to them and helped them swing on the bar, then push themselves up on the bar. Cate loved this part, and each time she pushed up on the bar (then above even our heads), she got a big smile and would say, "Hi!"
Third station was the rope climb. Once again- HAHA!! The young guy at that station also took the "way over their heads" approach to explaining the rope climb, to which we had to say, "Yeah, they're not going to get that." So he then climbed the rope to let them watch him, and Cate stared in awe (ok, and so did I) as he climbed hand over hand (not even using his feet or legs!) up to the ceiling and back down. I then said to Cate, "Ok, now do you want to try?" And she took off running over to the rope and dove onto the mat. He held her feet, and I held her middle, and she sort of "climbed" up the rope a little. She seemed amused by all of it. As we left that station, the guy apologized and said, "I usually work with older kids. Guess I need to read up on 2 year olds!"
The final station was somersaults. They had a wedge mat, and this was definitely one the 2 year olds could do. Cate is already good at putting her head on the ground and her bum in the air, so the tuck and roll part came easily.
Overall, I think Cate had a great time. I was afraid she might hang on my leg the whole time, but she quickly took to running all around. The spongy floor seemed to invite rolling, flailing, bouncing, jumping, and the like. There were lots of smiles and laughter, even if she couldn't do a cartwheel or climb the rope.
Perhaps another week we can get some pictures!
Gramma and Papou got her this knit sweater and hat at a Christmas fair in Phippsburg. Papou thoroughly enjoyed asking Cate, "What's on your sweater?" to which she would emphatically reply, "Boat!"
All of that constant activity can eventually wear a girl out!! A rare moment of calmness caught on film.....
This morning, we had on the Macy's day parade, and Cate took quite an interest in the Sesame Street float. She plopped right down on the floor to watch.
A goodnight hug tonight for Papa. What a lucky little girl to spend Thanksgiving with all four of her grandparents!! 
The below sign we saw on one of the bathhouses as walked one of the campground roads. #1 under the "do not" list made us laugh, b/c it was a strong reminder that we're definitely not in Ohio anymore. Don't wash WHAT!?!?! :)
We found some hidden little sand beaches on our walk around the island. Never did see another soul back in the woods or on these beaches, though there were a few footprints and TONS of deer tracks. I think we even spooked a few deer in the woods, which I think spooked Mom a bit too! :)
Head Beach in the background.
When I picked Cate up at daycare last week, they were outside playing on the playground. So then we went inside, and one of the ladies said, "Take off her hat and check out what we did!" I pulled off the hat and, voila! Pigtails!! I was shocked! I didn't know she had enough hair to do that, and she really looked like a little girl. I'm still not sure how they managed to get them in, b/c Lord knows she pitched a fit when I had to take them out, but they were so cute. Sorry I couldn't get any really good straight on pictures.
Yep. She's smiling for the camera. :)
Cate, Gramma, and Rick heading up the street. We left Papou on the porch to hand out candy.
Upon coming back home, Papou helped Cate open up her pack of mini Oreos. Those were a big hit.
And Dad, in his typical jokester style, decided to be Harry Papou.
The other night, Rick went and crawled into bed about the same time I was putting Cate to bed (Cate wasn't up late- Rick was just going to bed early, after working the night before!). So when Cate came out of the bathroom after her bath, I told her to go down to our room and say goodnight to Daddy. She promptly climbed (with help) up into our bed and made herself comfortable.
Cate and Daddy working on their silly picture smiles.
Finally I got Cate out from under the covers and told her to say goodnight to Zoe.
A hug for Zoe (who was photographed mid-yawn; kind of creepy!)
And, of course, a hug and kiss for Daddy.
