Mid Summer Fun

A return from vacation is always bitter sweet.  You still want to be checked out and away from it all, but excited to be home.  We celebrated Hazey's 1/2 birthday (and other birthdays) with friends while listening to music at Shelburne Farms:

Were so lucky to get a visit from my dear friend, Shannon.  We went to graduate school together and she's been living in Carbondale, CO for the past 14 years.  I don't get to see her nearly enough and it was so great to have her spend time with our famly.  The kids loved her and were thrilled when she got delayed enough times that she got to spend an extra night with us.

We got to go blueberry picking with Uncle Tom and Aunt Cara:

We hit the Stowe Bike Path again.  Hazey isn't certified to pedal on his own, but was thrilled to try the tag along.

More river fun in Duxbury:

And then Hazey got to spend four morning at Poker Hill Camp.  He was so excited and he had such a great time:

This also meant that Cally and I got to spend some mother-daughter time together.  Some of that time was spent doing errands and such, but she did request that we have a tea for some of her friends:

Addie, Annie, Cally & Ashwill

We also spent some hard time at playgrounds:

Camel's Hump II

I've been trying to be as unstructured as possible this summer. Most days I get some things done around the house and then ask the kids what they want to do.  They usually choose to go to the playground, library, or on a short hike.  When I asked them if they would rather go to the Sand Bar (beach) or hike a mountain on Friday, in unison, they yelled "Hike Camel's Hump". 

I was a little too optimistic about Hazen making it up on his own.  He's only 3 1/2 and while he gave it a solid try, the going was very slow.  He ended up on my back for about 1/3 of the way up, but did do the last .3 miles on his own.

We made it up in 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Even Zephy made it with her cute necklace on.

But this girl did it for the second year in a row-- entirely on her own, packing all her own layers and snacks.

We left the car at 9:30 am and didn't get back to the car until 4pm.  Carrying Hazen on my back most of the way was brutal.  However, both kids were in great spirits and so happy to have been on the top of a mountain on a gorgeous day.

Abbott Summer Tour 2014

I'm so far behind with my blogging....... Here is a little photo story of our most recent vacation/adventure.  It started in Portland (pictures to come) with a fantastic visit with MJ and Alex Johnston.  We got to sail on The Twead, watch cardboard boat races, run on the beach, eat delicious Thai food, and laugh a lot.  They are always the greatest hosts.

Next stop, Camp Pheonix in Baxter State Park. Our friends' Matt and Andrea invited us to this special spot.  A private inholding within the state park.  On a gorgeous lake, no electricity, no cell phone coverage, but running water, propane for cooking and hot showers, a lovely lake, and proximity to amazing hikes and bike rides and runs. Most importantly, fun times with a great family.

Frisbee boy in front of Pheonix Lodge

Lots of skipping rocks & jumping

sharing treasures

on top of Burnt Mountain

lounging at Ledge Falls

Sliding at Ledge Falls

Playing with Double Top in the background

art projects (compliments of Ya Ya)

a buggy family bike adventure!

Getting ready to race

Hiking to Howe Falls

Howe Falls

Watching swimmers

S'more Delivery

Next stop (7 hours later), Quebec City.  I can't say enough about what a great city this is!  So friendly, so beautiful, so fun!  Live music, street performers, and sunshine (and the most gorgeous flowers).  This should be on everyone's bucket list!

Heading out on the town

family selfie while listening to live music

Waiting to be seated for crepes

mon amie

breakfast on the waterfront

playing on the waterfront

oh the flowers, the gorgeous flower basket!

Roaring with one shoe on and one shoe off (blisters!)

And finally, a camping trip to the Seguenay Fjord.  A place I'd only seen and heard about.  A little piece of Norway in Canada.  We saw beluga whales almost every day, biked, hiked, and took in this gorgeous scenery.

our campsite

Bay St. Marguarite

looking for belugas

a real beluga

A view from the top of our hike

A little yoga at the top

Loot from the museum

more belugas

Tired passenger

riding the free ferry across the Saguenay

I feel so lucky to have found a man that matches my idea of fun and adventure and what makes a vacation.  And then, to have two kids who roll with the long car rides, dead iPad, hikes, lack of naps, moving beds every few days and inclimate weather.  I have won the lottery with this family!