Memories from Maine

Family: Watching the children interact with their cousins was truly delightful. Because all the children are the same age in our house, they don't often get to be the "big kids" like they were for baby Avital, or the "little kids" following older children like they did with Isaac & Orly. It was so interesting to watch them in these roles. The kids ADORE their cousins and had a terrific time playing with them.

Food: Aunt Amy is an incredible cook. Truly, everything she makes is fantastic. My clothes fit more tightly by the end of the trip. This morning, I stepped on the scales and confirmed my suspicions...I gained 3 lbs in 5 days!

One of the most memorable things about our trips to Maine over the years is enjoying Lobster Bakes on the beach. Andy & Amy live in a terrific little town that is off the beaten path for tourists. Therefore, some of their friends and neighbors are lobstermen. They are literally able to call Pearl the night before and place an order that shows up at their door the following day...fresh from the ocean. The children all tried the lobster, then filled up on hotdogs roasted over open flame on the beach. They also experienced S'mores for the first time. Predictably, they were at hit!

Rest: The best thing about vacation was the absence of "responsibility" (and cell phone coverage). While the children napped, I read and enjoyed my own little siesta. What a treat!

Simplicity: Hanging clothes on the line was one of the most restful experiences of the week. It brought back such memories of running through the sheets on my Grandmama's clothes line as a child (and being mortified at my great aunt's big panties hanging out in the wind for all the world to see.)

Togetherness: There was a great deal of wallowing, unsolicited "I wuv you"s and even a couple of spontaneous exclamations of "You my best fwiend!"

New Experiences (through the eyes of children): Watching them try to learn to jump rope, eat crab and lobster, "help Daddy" roast hotdogs and marshmallows, and learn about buoys (K calls them "gooeys") and enjoy the variety of activities in Maine was a real treat.

Time with my husband: Even amidst the chaos, the quality time was such sweet medicine to my soul.

Noticeably absent are pictures from the airport. They did really, really well...but juggling a camera to document the process was far more than this weary Mommy could bear! As we took off from Bangor yesterday all three of the children were waiving out the windows and exclaiming, "Bye Maine! Bye Bye, Maine! I wuv you, Maine! BYE!!!" At least most of our fellow passengers found it cute...

Now it is back to life and responsibility...and LAUNDRY, oh my!