Mainly Maine

My sister and her family moved to Maine so her hubby could complete his residency for his master's degree in health administration. So, for our fall break the kids and I wanted to go up to visit. We heard that the fall colors in Maine are amazing and we had a great opportunity to see them AND get to play with cousins too.

On Columbus Day we actually got to go sailing on a schooner. Let's just say it was a once in a lifetime experience. We called ahead and the sailors said that we could bring donuts and hot chocolate on board as a little snack during our sail, which we thought would be perfect because it was freezing cold. Well, little did we know that when you sail on a schooner you are hanging on for dear life because the boat is literally sailing on it's side the whole time. Needless to say, none of the adults got any donut time but the kids managed a few while they were scrunched down in the cracks. Luckily, no one ended up overboard and we all made it back to land safely.

Playing games with Grandma is one of our favorite activities.

We went on a "hike" which I always feel funny saying because the hike wasn't really like what I consider a hike to be because I grew up around mountains. But, it was a little hike up to the top of a pretty big hill, but it was definitely worth it at the top. It was gorgeous! The trees are so dense and the colors are so bright and vivid, breath taking! I know Maine isn't really on anybody's list of places they hope to visit, but it is definitely worth giving it a chance.

We got to see Carter play one of his soccer games. He did awesome!

No fall trip is complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch and a little pumpkin painting. We got an extra special treat and had delicious homemade apple cider donuts---and they were delish.

This is one of my favorite pictures. Isn't it just beautiful! I can't remember the name of this lighthouse, but it was so incredible to see one in real life. The concept of the lighthouse is so amazing and to think that before electricity the light house keepers kept them lit on stormy nights all by themselves is such an incredible thing. They are such a symbol of safety that you can't help but compare them to our gospel and the strength and safety it brings to our lives.

Grandpa and Grandma flew into Maine on Grandpa's birthday, so we decided to surprise him and pick him up at the airport in a black limo. The kids thought it was so fun and it definitely was a surprise for him. We drove right past him and he didn't even see us until Tara got out and brought him over to the limo. We had a yummy dinner at the Sea Dog restaurant, and some yummy dessert at home. We were so glad we got to celebrate his birthday with him.

We went to the the beach twice and both times we were just going to play in the sand, but the kids couldn't resist and ended up getting soaked. This was the first time my kids had seen the Atlantic Ocean and they just wanted to dive right in. But, it was FREEZING cold! Grandpa helped them build a sandcastle, but half way through it turned into a turtle. Also, both times we went a couple of hours before sunset, and ended up getting to see some amazing sunsets as well.