What I Did On My Summer Vacation

When I was a kid, I kept a travel journal whenever we went away on vacation. It's kind of funny to think about when I look back, because our summer vacations were always pretty much the same (in that wonderful, comfortable, traditional way). But I recorded everything nonetheless - what we did, what and where we ate, what books I read on the beach, you get the idea. I'm sure it was a thrilling read. Anyway, while technology advances the medium, the idea is the same - I still love documenting what we do on vacation. I like, on the busiest and most stressful days, to look back at all the fun and relaxation we had, and to bring just a little bit of that vacation vibe into daily life.

To me, a great vacation is one that strikes the delicate balance between feeling as if you've done a lot while also doing a whole lot of nothing. Ben and I have always vacationed well together - we're both perfectly content to sit on a beach for hours (days) at a time. As someone who tends to have a few too many ants in my pants, I enjoy vacationing with my husband, who reminds me that there really is no harm in sitting around drinking coffee and chatting for a couple of hours before getting our day started. On the flip side, I think I've taught him that a little bit of fun and adventure goes a long way with the younger set (and in maintaining parental sanity).

So these eleven days away (or eight, if you're Ben and need to take a day to prepare, a day to recover, and a day to check on the garden) were just that - perfectly relaxing, perfectly fun-filled, just perfect. In addition to the wonderful mingling of family and cousins that always accompanies time at the lake, we also spent a lot of time as just a foursome, and catching up with friends we see far too infrequently. I have always liked the idea of a regular summer vacation, one where you go to the same place every year, do a lot of the same things (with a few new ones thrown in) - this familiarity allows for minimal transition time from real life, and almost instant relaxation. Our family quickly got into a rhythm on this vacation, mixing a little of our usual routine in with some old favorites and a couple of new adventures. Although I promise not to detail the meals I ate and the books I read (that's so junior high!), I am going to try to create a record of all the fun things we did on our summer vacation, 2011.

We....

• Watched (and participated in!) a family talent show (video to come at a later date - it's worth a separate post...any guesses which family member took part?)
• Climbed Mt. Tire'Em (Ethan the whole way without ANY complaints, Adam about 2/3rds by himself with lots of complaining and sitting down)
• Picked oodles and oodles of blueberries - from Grandpa's bushes, at the summit of Tire'Em, at Stone's Cove beach
• Canoed to Stone's Cove (twice), and built a killer sandcastle
• Took our maiden voyage to Storyland, which exceeded our very high expectations!
• Saw a jester perform at Deertrees Theater
• Visited with our friends (the Lees and the Densmore/Donovans) and their growing families
• Saw the boys' first movie (Winnie the Pooh), and explored the Storybook Trail in Bridgton
• Went out to breakfast with the boys and had an amazing date night dinner at the Waterford Inne (best ever)
• Got very, very-much-needed massages (us, not the boys)
• Learned how to jump off the dock and swim to the raft (Ethan)
• Went fishing with Grandpa (Adam's first time)
• And of course...played on the beach, sat on the dock, swung in the hammock, swam in the lake, climbed on the pirate ship, played shuffleboard, bonded with cousins - all the fabulous stuff that Keoka has to offer

And now for the photographic evidence...

Our little hiker in his "hiking outfit" (size 2T sweatpants and matching red t-shirt)

At the summit (Ethan inherited Mommy's sensitive eyes and didn't like the sun)

Lots and lots o' blueberries

Bear Caves!

Sleepy munchkin getting a ride down

In awe of Storyland



Adam Adam Pumpkin-Eater

or actually, Adam Adam Watermelon-Eater

Bridgton Playground

Storybook Trail

While Mom's away, the boys will...fish!

Verdict: Ethan loves fishing but hates actually catching fish.

Adam's not so sure either...

Older cousins are great 'cause they teach you how to build amazing beach forts

Blueberry pancakes with all our fresh-picked treats!

And, of course, a popsicle or two

Waiting to see Alex the Jester with cousin Aidan

Playing hair salon?

Was a nuclear physicist involved in the creation of this castle?

Look how we've grown

Four men and a dragon

Four men and four boats

Seriously, where did all these kids come from?