Summer Part 1

We just got back from vacation in North Conway, NH.  We have been going to the reigeon for a few years but we really found a gem this time and will be going back next year if we can get a time slot!  It had everything we needed, kyak, canoes, fishing poles etc and close proximity to hiking and a great little town.  

I was sorely dissapointed by the local yarn shop - I had planned on getting a bunch of yarn and working on a new project.  But, on the bright side, I practiced my chanter a lot and made some improvements.  Getting better!  

It was only steps to the little sandy beach and the bugs were minimal and it had comfortable beds!  I miss it already.

The sunsets were amazing and the view, sigh.

We went on a couple of excursions into the woods.  Willow was having a bit of a tough time because she wants to do everything herself and in this spot there were beautiful pools and tiered waterfalls but a little much for a wee one.

This Diana's Bath.  Beautiful spot and a great spot to adventure.  It did make me a little nervous for the kids but amazing to see.  I can only imagine what it was like to be walking in the woods and just come across a place like this.

More awesome sunsets.

Eliot and his big kid cousin.  He and his sister was so great with the kids.  Willow just adores him and his sister.  I wish they lived closer I would have some awesome babysitters!

Family photo!  

This was Sabbaday Falls.  This was a little more mellow than the other spot and the kids had a good time tossing rocks and hopping around on the stones.
 

He is too cool for smiling now.  He lived in that hat, love it.

The lower falls.  So beautiful.

W spent most of the vacation in the buff.  Saved me a ton on diapers but now she is potty training like a puppy asking to go out and pee in the grass, lol.

Fishing off the dock was fun, too.  And really shallow so I didn't worry about my little water bugs.  The last day a HUGE snapping turtle came right up to the dock and the kids had fun feeding it the rest of the worms.  They caught a lot of fish through the week, I was pretty impressed.

On one of the longer hikes they highlight was wild blueberries.  Living the Blueberry's for Sal book!

Harpswell Vacation

We had our annual vacation up in Harpswell, ME again this year. We had mostly lovely weather and lots of fun with the kids. It is so nice to get them all together again to spend some unplugged time as a family. Summer light is just the best. We nicknamed this beach 'Sea Glass Beach' while we were there and the other cove as 'Hermit Crab Cove'.

Got to do some family pictures, too! My brother and Eliot (such a ham):

Silly family photo:

Lobster yoga:

Now we are gearing up for the possible hurricane. I am more worried about my tomatoes than anything else!

Cape Cod Vacation

We went to Cape Cod for our first vacation. We stayed in the house of Kurt Vonnegut in the town of Barnstable, MA. It was a huge, charming old house with fantastic sunsets and nooks and crannies galore. There were books everywhere and a little kids room under the eaves with teeny chairs and games and a teenager attic room with a ping pong table!

We stayed with Kevin's family with lots of people in and out throughout the week. I was only able to stay for a few days but I certainly enjoyed it.

There were even bunnies! I didn't see the fox that a couple of people saw.

Eliot went fishing with his 'Sandwich Grandpa' off the little dock that was at the end of the field. The pond was perfect for kids and fish alike. He caught a fish every time his hook went into the water! What a way to get 'hooked' on fishing.
There was lots of interesting art and various eclectic things around. We read The Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl. It was a really funny story.

The pond was home to this very brave swan, too. It swam over to the dock every time we were near it. It was fascinating to watch such a huge bird so close.

The sunsets were amazing. They made such beautiful photographs.

Even the little nick nacks around their garden were whimsical.

With summer closing it's doors for this year we will hold this trip close during those cold winter months until we can get together again next year.