Here we go! Another school year underway.
Our flight left Friday evening, so we headed to the airport about 4 o'clock. We boarded the plane on time but then - due to weather - sat at the gate for more than an hour. Finally, we flew for San Antonio to Atlanta, where we ran, squished, and barely made our delayed connection to Boston, arriving at 3:30 in the morning. We filed paperwork for our checked bags which didn't make our connection and got a rental car - after waiting for the shuttle. At 4am, we finally headed to Rob's in-law's pond house in Harvard, MA - about an hour away. We got there about 4:30am. Yes, it was a LONG day.
SATURDAY
We played with the babies (Peter is 2-1/2 and Christopher is 6 mos) and enjoyed some time in the water paddling and swimming. Rachel's parents were the perfect hosts, and we had a great time.
We got delicious ice cream and the best pizza ever.
Christopher had had a busy day of flying and being in a new place and was pretty sad. He'd be smiley and happy, and then a look of terror would cross his face before he started screaming again. Prayers from Rob & Rachel! The kids enjoyed time with Peter, and it was fun to all swim together.
SUNDAY
On Sunday morning, our lost luggage was finally delivered, and we headed out for Vermont. We hiked to Killington Peak, a steep hike. It was about 3 miles up and rated strenous. The views from the top were epic, and we all loved all the fir trees and green moss.
We rode the gondola back down (congrats to my boys who were brave enough to ask!), and then enjoyed more delicious ice cream and pizza (not so delicious) back at the hotel. The pool and hot tub were huge disappointments at the Killington Lodge, btw.
MONDAY
We checked out of the hotel and headed to Thundering Brook Falls. We started the hike on a boardwalk to the base of the falls, and then climbed up beside them, hooking up with part of the Appalachian Trail. It was an easy, gorgeous climb, and Collin's favorite part of the trip.
Then we drove to Somersworth, NH to get ice cream (this is a running theme; keep reading) with our friends from Wisconsin grad school - the Chastons - who are taking a BYU sabbatical this 6 months and doing research at the University of NH. They are both microbiologists, so it was fun to talk about the research and reminisce about days before kids.
We also made sure to get some frozen Whoopie Pies, in lieu of ice cream, and wandered around LL Bean's flagship store. In the evening, we had Dr Pepper chicken and spicy baked beans and relaxed at the house.
WEDNESDAY
To start the day, we took family pictures by remote with Ryan's tripod at the house.
Then, we headed to Two Lights lighthouse to have lunch at the lobster shack. Ryan got his first lobster roll, and I enjoyed my first basket of fried shrimp and french fries. The kids spent some time climbing on the rocks.
Next, we headed to Fort Williams, aka Portland Headlight, where we climbed on the rocks some more. We took some pictures and looked around the abandoned fort.
Then we headed to Red Barn Ice Cream.
In the evening, we had tacos. Nana made a special video with pictures from her kids' childhoods, and it was fun for the grandkids to see their parents as kids.
THURSDAY
We spent the day at the beach. The contrast to Port Aransas was striking, being only two weeks apart. Yikes, that water is COLD! I didn't get in, since I was buddled up in sweats and a hoodie, trying to protect myself from the high winds. We did find the most amazing seashells, and Ryan's friend from high school that lives in Boston now met us there with her 5 kids. That night, Ryan grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, we made smores around the fire, and I made brownies and ice cream.
FRIDAY
It rained and rained all day, but we were able to get to Bradbury Mountain for a quick, steep hike. Ryan was able to take a group picture with his drone. It was buggy, so we headed in search of ice cream.
We ended up back at the house eating leftover brownies & ice cream. We spent the afternoon relaxing inside away from the rain! That night, Ryan took Katelyn took see Maine State Ballet's production of Hansel & Gretel. All his sisters took their daughters, and she had a great time. She got a lollipop the size of her head that she still hasn't finished.
SATURDAY
We checked out of the big house and headed to Kennebunkport for a whale watching cruise. The other families didn't want to join us, but other than the flight, this is what our kids wanted to do most!
We saw two minke whales, a sunfish, and lots of sea lions. I was very motion sick the whole time. but Ryan took a bunch of pictures of him and the kids having the time of their lives. Yay!
We ate at a cute bay-front seafood stand - lobster roll for Ryan and fried shrimp for me. Then we headed to Beal's for ice cream. Yep, every day!
That night we slept at a Holiday Inn Express. Ryan took Katelyn swimming, but I just went to bed. I'd taken a bunch of Dramamine to try to stop vomiting, but instead I was just sleepy and nauseous. So fun.
SUNDAY
We attended the Windham Ward, where Ryan grew up, for church. Then we spent the rest of the day driving around the town he grew up in and chit-chatting with ward members at the Miele's. They hosted a little luncheon, and Ryan says this was his favorite part.
We stopped at McDonald's on the way home so the kids could have dinner, and then we repacked and fixed up our luggage from heading home the next day. In the evening, we left the kids at the hotel and the adults headed to a nice sit-down dinner. I had caesar salad with shrimp, and Ryan had seared ahi tuna. We had ice cream & cookies for dessert.
MONDAY
Our flight was delayed about an hour, but when we got to Detroit, we learned our connecting flight had been delayed too. It continued to be incrementally delayed until 6 hours later (2am), we left for San Antonio.
We got home about 4:30 in the morning to the boys' overflowed bathroom sink (a/c condensation plus clog) and a leaking water heater (pressure regulator failure). We are exhausted, but it was a great time with family!
And now, school starts Thursday. Yikes!
