Summer Vacation: Part 1

Before the Stockwell Fourth of July extravaganza, almost a month ago now, the four of us spent a fun and relaxing week up in Rockport at the "Duck House".  We experienced Mother Nature's Jekyll and Hyde tendencies, with four hot, humid, sun-filled days at the beginning of the week followed by four windy, cold, rain-filled days at the end.  The nice thing about mid-coast Maine is that there is plenty to do, rain or shine, so we had no problem keeping everyone busy and smiling.

The day we arrived, there was a Summer Soltice Festival in downtown Rockland, full of street games, kids' crafts, and music.

From there, our sunny days were spent at the pool, where our little fish were thrilled to be able to jump in/climb out/jump in/climb out to their hearts' content.  The temps were so balmy that even Mom and Dad partook in the jump in/climb out game in water that is generally way too cold for grown-ups to enjoy.  But before going to the pool every morning, there was the requisite vacation hang-out-in-our-jammies time.

Tons of vintage toys for little boys

Coffee and puzzles for Mom and Dad...and Luna.

We also spent our sunny days getting our mountain goat on.

Mt. Battie.  And yes, Adam is hiking in jeans.  Don't ask.

At the summit.

Beech Hill Preserve 

Signing the log book at the top after completing "The Quest".

Climbing a rock wall at Walker Park.

Helen came along for the fun too, while the Moms were having a spa day and dinner out, thanks to some awesome Dads.

And our sunny days were filled with many walks and bike rides around the beautiful grounds up there, 

out to the lighthouse, to the dumpster for daily trash runs, or to the abundant fields to pick wildflowers. 

Then the weather turned and we hunkered down.  We played lots and lots of games (Ratuki! is kind of addictive and super fun), ate some delicious food, went to the movies, bowled, visited the transportation museum, and played arcade games.  We snuggled and read and just enjoyed each others' company.  Although this sun goddess usually defines a good vacation by the number of beach or pool hours logged, I must admit that I loved the cozy, relaxing quality of our rainy days too.

Mom's attempt at Papi's world famous fried haddock.  Scored a 4 out of 10 from the boys (ouch!) yet they gobbled it right up.

Nervously wiggling that loose tooth again while watching his ball travel down the lane.

This one stayed focused on bowling for 6 frames or so before realizing he much prefers pinball and other arcade games.

I see a lot of this in my future.

Fun at the Owls Head Transportation Museum.

Pretending we're gold rushers.

Monsters University!

We feel so lucky to have not one but TWO amazing summer vacation destinations right here in our own state of Maine.  We'll spend Summer Vacation: Part 2 at the lake a little later this month, and in the meantime, there is much to catch up on here at the homefront (or in the garden, if you're Ben).