Maine Vacation Part 1

My father-in-law grew up in Maine, so we travel back there every couple years to visit family.  It's definitely not the most popular destination site, but I'm so grateful we get the chance to go every now and then.  It's absolutely beautiful!

We stayed with Matt's aunt and uncle on Loon Pond for 12 days.  This is their backyard.  Not to shabby, ay?  You literally walk out of the house and there is the beach and lake.  While we were there my father-in-law mentioned that he would do it all over again if he could (meaning, relive his childhood).  I can only imagine how awesome it would be to grow up here . . .minus the harsh winters. . .

We had amazing weather the entire length of our trip.  Every day was sunny and warm.  I'm pretty sure this was the first time I've ever been hot in Maine.  The last two times we've gone it's been rainy and cold for most of our visit, but this time it was perfect.  We spent several days playing on the lake, kayaking, swimming, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.   

Last summer Alex was so terrified of water he wouldn't even put on a swimming suit.  This summer he will get in, but he's still very timid.  It took a couple days, but he even got up the courage to go on the tube and jet ski.  I'm so proud of our little boy!

I do not look nearly this cool on a wakeboard, but Matt certainly does.  He's got skills.

Alex has a fascination these days with ropes/bungee cords/tie downs.  He was a big help tying up the boat.

There was a lot of time spent playing in the sand as well.

Sunday was Somnang's birthday, so the grandparents took the kids while the cousins were able to go out to lunch.  I tried oysters for the first time.  Texture was a bit weird, but taste wasn't too bad.  The company was excellent. 

Monday night Rodney and Debbie hosted a family dinner.  Fresh lobster and clams. . .YUM!  It was so much fun seeing all of the family.  The kids had a grand time playing in the sandbox and trying to catch frogs in the pond.  Alex was in heaven having all of the kids around to play with.  He's been going through withdrawals since we got home. 

Seriously, this is no Red Lobster.

Cousins!

Tuesday we wanted to either go down to the Boston Aquarium or tour Portland with Matt's family.  While we did make it to Portland, we only got to see the inside of the ER at the hospital.  Boo!  Thankfully we were able to meet up with the family at Kennybunk Port later that evening for dinner.  Kennybunk is a cute little town with lots of touristy shops.  It's quite pretty.

  

Wednesday we took the kids to York Wild Kingdom, the largest zoo and amusement park in Maine!  It was really nothing to brag about, it was a mix of what Hogle Zoo was 20 years ago and Jungle Jims, but it was perfect for our kids.  They had a blast.   

They had deer and goats you could feed.  Caleb thought it was the coolest!  He loved being able to pet the goats!

Riding the train!