But onto happier accounts of the trip...
SALEM, MA
Because of United's aforementioned awfulness, we ended up in a hotel in Salem, Massachusetts at 4am. The boys slept until about 10am, but before we started our drive to Maine, we decided to check out this history-filled town.
SEBAGO LAKE, ME
Again referencing the travel nightmares, as soon as we arrived in Portland (one full day late), we had reservations for a cabin on the lake. We said hello for about an hour to Ryan's mom (who had been waiting for us for two days) and to the family we would stay with the rest of the trip and headed out again - first to Walmart for groceries and then to our cabin. All this on four hours of sleep!
Sebago Lake is beautiful though. We went straight to our cabin, and we all crashed by 8pm.
The next morning was chilly, so we bundled up to go explore. I got them to play on this little playground for a minute.
But as a mother of two (soon to be three) little boys, I should have known that as soon as they saw the sand, rocks and water that they wouldn't persuaded elsewhere, but I was still sleep-deprived, right?
That afternoon, while B and I napped, Coll and Dad built this beauty. Bren immediately kicked and sat on it when we arrived on the scene, so good thing they got these pics so I could see it in all its glory.
We took a hay ride with Stinky the Skunk (over-rated) that evening.
And then roasted hot dogs and marshmallows over our fire ring. I think this might have been my favorite part of the trip. It was so quiet and relaxing, and we were all alone with just our little family.
The next morning Ryan took the boys for more digging, while I showered and packed us up. They saw this cute family of ducks. B loved throwing sand instead of pretzels and goldfish in order to trick them. Does that give you an idea of his personality?
CHAMBER SINGERS - WINDHAM, ME
When we returned from Sebago Lake, all the reunion festivities began. Friday night was a reception for the former students and their wives. It was at a local steakhouse. There were lots of people and it was really loud and hot. I don't remember much.
Saturday was Windham's summer festival. Ryan had rehearsal all day (9am-5pm), so his mom spent two hours in the hot sun eating lunch and watching the parade with us. It was crazy hot, and I was delirious.
Saturday evening was the concert. It was amazing! I was super impressed. I had heard about his little town's choir winning an international contest in Austria in 1996, but I still thought it was mostly about loving where you grew up. But in all honesty, they were dang good!
This reunion choir was made up of graduates spanning the previous 25 years. They practiced all day and performed 12 pieces that night. It was fun to meet Mr Nick (aka Dr Nickerson), their teacher. He invited a few volunteers to share what Chamber Singers meant to them. Ryan shared about how music recharges his soul after work so he can come home to us. He did a great job, and everyone commented on it later.
Brennan got a little rowdy/noisy a few times, but each time I started to take him out, he would beg me to let him stay. Now if only he wanted to be in sacrament meeting that bad!
Sunday was filled with church and a Chamber Singers BBQ. Once again, I met a ton of really nice people, and it was really hot. I can't remember much else.
PORTLAND HEAD LIGHT, ME
The boys did lots of climbing and exploring, but it was all I could do (it was over 90 with crazy humidity) to walk down the path.
Lori and I went from bench to bench. Sad huh?
SCARBOROUGH BEACH, ME
Tuesday morning we headed to the beach. I love the ocean! Lakes are great and all, but I love the pull of the waves on your toes. Of course, the breeze off the icy water was super welcome as well. The boys enjoyed more exploring (lots of sea shells and even a sand dollar) and digging (another sand castle), while I stood in the water.
Brennan was terrified of the waves and didn't get wet at all, but Collin loves them as much as me. Aww, take me to the beach any day.
PEAK'S ISLAND, ME
We spent what we thought would be our last morning in Maine on Peak's Island. (United called as the ferry was departing to tell us our flight had been canceled and we'd been rebooked for FRIDAY - two days later!).
The real reason this stop was on our list was for the boat ride, and it was well-worth it. The boys loved getting to ride on a real boat, especially watching the cars drive on and off and watching it dock and undock.
By far the silliest thing we did the whole trip was wander into this little doorway under the heading - Umbrella Cover Museum. Curious? It deserves its own post; you'll have to wait.
We had lunch (actually they were still serving only breakfast at 11:30 - love little relaxed places!) and then headed back to the boat.
CONCLUSION
Despite the horrendous traveling experience, Maine is a wicked awesome place. I can see why so many people want to vacation there. Their accents truly make me want to cringe, but it was beautiful and relaxing, and it was super fun to see all the places Ryan romped around growing up. We stayed with the wonderful Miele family, who made our stay perfectly comfortable, even when we left a full day late.
