Maine Vacation 2011

Right off the bat, lemme say what an INCREDIBLE time we had in Poland, Maine, from July 2 through July 10. It might easily have been the best time, since the creation of T3... T4 and T5! Just awesome. Now - to backtrack...

Since the addition of our wee ones, we've chosen to make this trip through the night, for several reasons. Usually, it's cooler driving temps. Ahh. Less traffic (even with trucks) and of course, the idea is that the kids will (mostly) sleep through the night since they would be anyhow. So we fired up that plan again. This year, instead of Dad following us in his car, we consolidated the whole crew into our van. Since that meant adding the seat we normally have out, for Dad, that also meant packing ultra conservatively. And that didn't seem to be a problem either, which was great! I did not bring things like a Pack-n-Play (one there!), the double stroller, or lots of bouncy seats or play toys. Each kid had a small suitcase, Ron and i had our big one, and Dad's small one. Aside from other odds/ends IN the van, we had a roof pack that held all our towels, blankets and Hank's Bumbo seat. We done did GOOD for a party of 6.

A view of the... ahem... CAMP!

The drive was rather uneventful. We didn't get lost (we shouldn't, at this point!), gassed up a few times, and the kids (either both or one) only woke up now and then. Henry was a DREAM traveler, either sleeping or cooing or smiling. He was a happy guy.

Dad, ready for his big excursion!

[Quick side Henry Update: His anti-seizure medicine seems to be doing the trick. After a rough first week of adjustment (read: crotchety, cranky, ansy and whiny - poor bugger (poor us!)), he was back to his normal, cool, smiley cutie pie self. No more blue, no more sleepies. Maybe this is what he needed.]

CJ

We pulled into 'camp' around 9am and it was a beautiful day! The water looked AMAZING. The house was HUGE on a nice mowed lawn. We all checked out the nooks and crannies of the house. Despite it not meeting several expectations (which i will not get into for the purpose of this blog), we took some documenting pictures and made due. It was incredibly roomy and easily accomodated the 10 of us; my cousin Kathie and her family, who we always get together with on our annual vacations, joined us later that morning.

Warmin' up with a popsicle

Throughout the week, we had an awesome time swimming in the lake, playing with water balloons, roasting STUFF on the fire, taking bike rides to town (with bike-rack-on-the-van pickups!), puzzles, games, naps, grilling, EATING (!), and just plain enjoying our time together.

Sam and Thom were introduced to bunk beds for the first time, and took to them like seasoned pros. It was GREAT, and as a consequence, we've attained a great bargain on a sturdy good-looking set of our own, which is already up and being used (we don't fart around!). Thom is still in the process of potty-training and had many successes with a couple accidents; only 1 tub wash-down! Sam practically lived in his swim trunks and swim shirt and was getting more and more comfortable with the water. By the end of the week, he no longer felt like he 'had' to wear his float vest AND innertube combo. He was sans gear and getting thrown into the air and going under like it was his job. Not even holding his nose! Good boy. I'm betting by next summer, or soon thereafter, he's honest and truly swimming! I can't wait.

Sam. Is. Pumped!

Now THAT'S a boot!

 On July 4th, we took a side-trip to Freeport to visit The Searle's, family friends of Ron's. Bill and Jacquetta have always graciously had us over for lobsters and nice conversations. This year, our visit was a little more brief, and we brought Kathie's family too, but not without great stories and a full yummy spread of burgers, dogs, lobster, shrimp and corn! YUM! After our visit with them, we headed over to LL Bean (the original!) for their fireworks display. Several of us got Ben & Jerry's ice cream and enjoyed the crowds and some folk music. Their fireworks were good and Tommy sat on my back in the Ergo oohing and aahing and yelling "SEE THAT ONE MOMMY?!?!?!" Folks thought that was funny.

Sam's got the Gift.

Posing before the Big Ride to Town.

Suds Monster!

Kathie's mom Marge and her husband Dick had us to their house for a big roast dinner on Friday night. Even Tommy liked the meat and Sam couldn't get enough green beans (don'tcha LOVE when your kids want seconds and thirds of VEGGIES!?). Marge came over to our camp almost every day to hang out, sun and swim, being that she was only 5 min away! She was in love with Hank and was lookin' for snuggles!

On our last full day, Dad's 1st cousins Denise and Jean-Marc (and his wife Rita) drove an hour to see us. I have not see, these guys for about 12 years and they hadn't changed AT ALL to me. It was awesome. They were loaded full of memories of Dad and his brother, their parents, as well as my mom. I really enjoyed chatting with them and we talked them into joining us for lunch. I used the excuse that they were helping us finish up food, but that was only half-true! Ron, in true awesome-cook fashion, whipped up left over burgers, dogs and sausages.

L-R: Dad, Jean-Marc, me, Rita (back), Marge, Denise, Kathie

Hank and the LAAADDDIIIEESS.... *meow*

Saturday was spent casually cleaning and packing. Kathie and her gang headed out by evening to go home (Lewiston is 40 min away) and we decided to sleep until about 4am, being a little more refreshed for the drive back. That worked out well. The kids napped often and there were only a couple little screaming/ansy sessions. I think Dad was quite ready to get back to his space with peace and quiet. :-)

Next year, we're not sure if we'll be in NY or back to ME (due to Kathie's husband John's employment situation), but either way, we're sure to have fun again!

[For more pictures, click on Dad's FB album, ours, or Kathie's.]

The MAINE Gang!