Maine in July

 Now that it is August and tomorrow we head out for another adventure I felt I had to go through July's adventures and share.

 July was the same as June, a trip to Maine, however so very different.  This time we headed to Islesboro, a short trip on the ferry and a world of change.  Blue sky, green grass, cool water, and everyone you pass gives you a wave.  It's a slower way to live.

 There aren't too many places to go on the island so we make do with what we have.  One thing we do have is GrandmaNan's enormous garden, I do think she could feed the entire island if they were cut off from society for the summer.   She had a jolly time setting up a scavenger hunt for Lila and Max.  They traveled under bridges, over bridges, looked under plants, and dug holes.  At the end each kid found an picture of an ice cream cone, then we headed to one of the shops on the island, The Dark Harbor Shop, to enjoy our rewards!

 

 There always seems to be one dark and story day on the island, which is nice and cool.  This time we spent the day with a puzzle, even Max got to help.  He was so excited to find the moon, and actually help make it fit.  Don't tell anyone, but dad kind of helped.

Every other minute was sent down the short walk to the water, where Max played with boats for what seemed like hours.  Mix in a few bike rides, some knitting, and more ice cream and you have summed up our July. 

Tomorrow we head to Iowa to spend time with my family.  maybe I will actually post a photo while we are in the middle of an activity... maybe I'll just enjoy the moments and get back to you!

Maine in June

Tomorrow we head back to Maine.  Life is hard.  Before We head out I wanted to share a few of of my favorite photos from our last trip. 

Max loves driving the boat.  In fact he gets upset when dad has to help steer away from rocks and such.  Charlie is already planning the "Test", kind of like a driving test.  Good luck with that dad.  On clear days we boat across the lake to a small beach and let Max play in the water and checkout the camp sites.  You should hear the plans Charlie has made for next summer when Max is old enough to Camp!  There are a few trail heads behind the beach that we plan to discover next time, I can't wait.

We had a great day out, starting very early with breakfast at Two Cats, fantastic restaurant, they brought toys to the table and Max was busy the whole time, mom and dad actually ate their meal together.  Then some hiking behind Jordan's Pond House, Max drove his cars along the bridge.  Now that he's getting bigger he really does not like to be carried, which means shorter hikes, or a screaming toddler.  I opt for a shorter hike, but either way nap time is awesome.

After nap it was time to hit the playground, and get some lunch!  Thank you Jordan's Snack Bar, no relation, for existing at the outskirts of town and about 20 minutes from the lake. 
The house on the lake is still new and not completely child friendly yet.  There are some plans but for now Jordan's is the place to be, and get the best fried clams you have ever had.  We like to order a small basket with a large salad and the whole family eats, followed by ice cream of course. 




Splitting our time between two places can be difficult, the minute we get into the swing of things we change locations.  Mind you we go from one fantastic spot with loving family into another.  Both a little out of the way with great adventures. 

On the second leg of our voyage we headed out to Islesboro, a small island off the coast of Camden.  This trip included a 15 minute ferry ride.  We got out and explored the ship, Max practiced parking his cars.  He may have a job someday working that ferry, he loves it so much.  We never seem to have enough time.  Oh well, I guess that is why we are going back.  More Maine photos and stories to come, as soon as the memories are made! 

After a brief break... we are back!

Just a  few photos to keep the people happy.  You have missed...

Playgrounds, Puddles, and Sprinklers!

More to come in the next day or two!  Maine photos and stories!

Time with Max

Since the return from Iowa things have been a bit crazy around here. Asher has gone into the hospital a few times with an obstruction in his intestines. He is now home, he still has a long recovery ahead, but he seems happy to be home.

Max has been growing like a weed, he is now 34" tall and in the 90% for height. What a big 18 month old. The weather is turning warmer and we have been able to spend a lot of time outside, our favorite place.

We are now in the beginning of remodeling the kitchen. We had originally planned to add a few cabinets however Asher's Hospitalizations took a bit of the money planned for the project, so for now we are going to paint and replace the cracking linoleum. The plan is to continue working on the kitchen once we pay off a bit of the hospital bills that have come up.

However, I thought I would take a minute to share our trip to Ikea the other day to research material costs. We ended up having a great family date night out of it.  While walking through the store we came across the children's bedrooms.  Max found one he liked, after checking a few out, climbed right up into bed and said night-night.  I laughed so hard!  He then started racing his Hot Wheels all around the bed frame and really didn't want to leave.  Finally we started talking about dinner and walked over the the cafeteria and had a quick playtime in their "playground area" after dinner.  It was just the right amount of distraction and entertainment to keep us going.  I also have to mention that the three of us ate for $15.88, including dessert.  I know what we are doing next month!

The changes a week can make.

Max is officially walking! He loves running errands now that he can run around. I thought I would share a few photos of our new adventures! So far his favorites are the grocery store and the park.

Today Max starts at Rascals gym, a local gym and play group, down the street. I can't wait to see how this goes. Wish us luck. Pictures to follow!