Rhode Island Visit

Mike had to head straight back to work after Maine, but Norah and Gogo spent a few days together in Rhode Island with Auntie Zeez and Uncle Tommy. It was so wonderful to spend time together. Zeez and Tom are just the sweetest with the boys, and Lewis absolutely loved being with them.

It was a very emotional visit because the whole family was processing the very recent news that Tom is beginning a battle with throat cancer. We love him so much, and are so grateful to have him as part of our family. He and Louise are being amazingly strong already. They’re a wonderful support for each other. We have been praying for them constantly and sending them all the love and support we can.

The kids were a wonderful distraction while we were there. Lewis loved playing in the baby pool and spraying everyone with the hose. We were able to take him to the playground and the local beach and get in a jog on the bike trail. We also took him to the carousel, but we ended up just waving at Gogo and Beau riding the horses, because Lewis was a little "scary"...scared of it all! We drove by Gogo’s old houses. And, we did a couple good runs to the Daily Scoop for the best ice cream ever! Tommy also was so kind to gift his train set to Lewis who is in complete heaven to have new trains to play with! In fact, he told me just the other day that he has to take good care of Uncle Tommy’s trains. The time flew by all too quickly, but we’ll be back again soon.

Wedding in Bar Harbor & Acadia

After our visit to Tenant’s Harbor, we were back on the road to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. We had the most delicious meal ever at Chase’s Daily in Belfast on the way up. (Do not forget this place for next time we’re there!) We headed straight up Cadillac Mountain and spent a lovely afternoon taking in the views and climbing on the rocks up there. It was just stunning!

That evening, Gogo happily volunteered to stay in so that Mike and Norah could sneak away to Bar Harbor for a little clam chowder and ice cream. We visited some galleries, stumbled upon a Latin dance evening, and took in the charm of Bar Harbor.

Saturday was the day of the wedding, and while the morning brought rain and thunder, it had all cleared up by early afternoon, just in time for the ceremony. Lewis had a few memorable moments while watching the wedding ceremony. When the flower girls came down the lawn, he told us, “Here come the other childrens!” Then, as the bride appeared, he announced, “Oh, is that the little princess?” And finally, during a rather quiet moment in the ceremony, he yelled out, “I would like a snack!” Thank goodness Tim and Katie couldn’t love kids any more than they do! The wedding was just amazing. Gorgeous setting. Very family focused. Wonderful people. And, the most amazing, perfect couple. We were so happy for them! It was also such a treat to catch up with the Concord crew while we were there. Norah and Chris danced like it was high school again. We learned how to eat lobster. And Norah and Mike loved dancing and chatting the night away.

We had a brunch the next morning with all the wedding guests that was also lovely. And, after last songs and pictures and hugs, we said goodbye to our friends and headed back into Acadia. This time we headed to Jordan Pond - so beautiful. We ate the traditional popovers and spent time with Paul and Edie and their family – dear friends of mom’s from years and years ago. It was great to catch up.

We loved our trip to Bar Harbor. It was all too quick, so we'll have to get back there again!

RI State House Picnic & Tenant's Harbor, Maine

On Tuesday, July 5 (Mike’s 34th birthday!!!), we left for Maine. We felt rather organized with plenty of new surprises to keep Lewis occupied in the car and enough food to feed an army for our delicious, farm-fresh birthday picnic. We met up with Zeez, Tom, and Gogo on the lawn of the State House in Providence and had a delightful picnic together, followed by a tour of the State House itself. It was just enough time for the boys to get some energy out before we packed everyone in the car again, including Gogo this time, and headed the rest of the way up to Maine.

We arrived that evening at Uncle Earl and Aunt Kathleen’s gorgeous home in Tenant’s Harbor, ME. We just couldn’t have pictured how beautiful it is there! Their gardens are so lush and amazing. The view is just stunning. And, it’s all so rustic and peaceful. We felt so spoiled! Not to mention that Earl and Kathleen are the consummate hosts and made sure we enjoyed garden-fresh and freshly-caught meals during our stay. How lucky are we?

Lewis was just in heaven at their home. He loved climbing on the rocks at the beach and digging in the mud. He REALLY loved digging in the mud! Daddy spent a whole morning with him out at low tide making “tunnels for his train”. Lewis also loved exploring and watering the gardens. And, we just reveled in so much time to chat with Earl and Kathleen and hear different family stories and memories. It’s so special to understand more about the family you come from. Plus, Earl and Kathleen are such incredible people. What a treat!