Fourth of July fun at Camp and the Farm!

For the entire (gorgeous) week of the fourth, we went up to camp and enjoyed some quiet time as a family. It was amazing. We didn't have any distractions while we were there. We did so much but so little (if that's possible.) I'll let the pictures speak for themselves (but I'll add my two cents, of course.)

 

 

Fourth of July Parade in Winslow, ME.

My beautiful sista!

Dan was certainly feeling patriotic.

After the parade, we came back to camp to swim and enjoy a cookout.

 

I am SO glad Toby is taking swim lessons. He's so comfortable with the water. Honestly, I think they have made me more comfortable with him in the water. Granted, he's no Michael Phelps just yet, (and if he ever smokes pot I'll kill him!) but it has really taught us some of the basics. Only 2 more classes left until he graduates to stage II!

Getting loved up by Papa Dan. Toby actually said "Papa" while we were there!

Early the next morning we took the boat out to quench our ornithological thirst

 

 

But apparently it was too early for Mr. Mister, so Mama had to go out later in the kayaks with Mimi. We saw a beautiful Baby Blue Heron.

So, we tried again the next day with much success!

 

We also spent a lot of time at my folks farm (their farm is less than 5 miles from Camp.) Toby had a great time playing on their property.

And around the orchards.

And in the pastures.

 

Mimi Goose even prepared him a delicious farm fresh lunch.

 

And then we took a dip in her brook.

And Toby gave Mimi lots of lovies. He LOVES his Mimi and Papa.

I absolutely love this picture. It was such a precious moment. Toby actually initiated that kiss.

And I think he has his Mimi wrapped. (I love you, Mom!)

He went on a tire swing for the first time

And, after exploring her gardens and beehives, he wanted to check out all the animals, especially the cows. During the week we were in Maine, a calf was born; a very cute little calf.

We were trying to be sneaky, but we were spotted and had to feed the cows

lettuce from Mimi's garden!

One of the greedy cows licked Toby's hand. He wasn't a fan of the cows after that!

But, we did get to see the baby calf!

Show of hands: Who wants to live at my parent's farm? Is 32 too old to move back in your parent's house? What if you're married and you have a kid?
And two dogs, two cats and a fish?

Okay, fine. I'll just move to camp and go over to my Mom's house for dinner every night.

We had a great time at camp. I think I could spend my entire summer there (not that I basically don't already.) It's just so nice to be so disconnected from the world, responsibility, phones, and media. Just sunshine, family, water, loons, memories from my childhood, and fresh farm cooking.

This is about my fifth trip up this year and this particular time was really tough for me. For some reason, when I entered the camp, it smelled EXACTLY like Pepe. It was such an exhilarating and devastating feeling. It caught me so off guard that I expected to go out to the porch and see him sitting him his favorite spot looking out over the water. It hurt my heart a little bit. But, being at camp always makes me feel so much closer to him and the legacy he leaves behind. I look forward to building memories there with my son.

I really miss Maine. The majority of my family is three hours away; only my dad and step- mother remain in New Hampshire. Yes, Aaron's family is here and we are so very close to them but, I miss my Mom & Dan, My sister Nicki + Rich, Xander and Sarah, My Brother Wally, + Amity, and now my brand new nephew, Baby Wally. It makes me homesick for Maine and I sometimes day dream about moving back up there. But for now, lots of trips to the farm and camp will have to do!