Maine Vacation

Two weeks ago we headed out for our yearly week in Maine. We left with news of dreary Maine weather and rain for the past 28 or so days. Yeah, good times. We plucked the little ones out of bed at 3a.m. and hit the road for the 8hr drive to Uncle Randy, Aunt Joanna and Cousin Emily's house in N.H. The boys slept for the first 3hrs where we stopped for breakfast and morning 'exercise'. After that, we made it to N.H. with minor bathroom stops and 1 fuel stop. All in all it went very well with us arriving around 1:30pm.

Arts and Crafts time in the Minivan.


Nicholas enjoying the lacing cards.


Nathan enjoying Uncle Randy's pushing service in Emily's Buggy car.



We apparently brought the good weather with us! A sunny weekend prevailed to every one's delight. Some mornings started a little yucky, but that didn't slow down Ben!


The Boys hanging out at Nana and Papa's House


Uncle Sam / Daddy taking a beating during a game of 'Monster' with the kids.


In a time honored grandchild tradition, Ben got to have his first ride with Papa on the lawnmower. Nathan decided that didn't sound like a good time and chose to stay far away from the machine.



On Thursday all the great-grandchildren were present at Sam's grandparent's house for a BBQ and photo session. Organizing that many children for pictures went better than expected! Nathan enjoyed playing with a wheelbarrow, bu wasn't very happy when he turned to find Daddy had placed a special package in it for delivery!



Sam and I took Ben, Nathan, Ryley and Emma (my sister's girls) to the Cole Land and Transportation Museum. We had a really great time looking at the exhibits. They even had a real train inside (which the building was actually built around) that the kids could explore. After, we got some sandwiches and had lunch at a local park. The kids did some exploring in the park after eating. If I thought I got looks with 3 young boys, go with 4 kids! Nana enjoyed her day with Nicholas at home.


And of course, Nana and Papa's pride and joy - their 5 grandchildren.


Nicholas sums up an exhausting week during our last day in New England at Aunt Joanna and Uncle Randy's house.


The ride home did not go as well for us as the ride up! We left N.H. at around 7:30pm thinking the kids would sleep. Ben had apparently had way too much to drink and we had to stop about every 1/2 hr for the first 3hrs so he could use the bathroom. Nicholas cried for almost the entire drive. We did have about 2hrs of peace for the last part of the trip. We arrived home at around 3a.m. and tucked everyone in bed. They all slept for pretty much all of Sunday and Monday. We are just getting back into our routine. Traveling is such work - but we look forward to doing the trip again next year.