Searsport, Maine

We flew to Maine at the end of July to see Kristin and Matt. They were married at city hall in August of last year and this year they wanted to throw a party at Matt's family cottage to celebrate with friends and family. The kids did very well on our red eye flights out to the east coast, and were very excited to see everyone. We shared the cottage next door with my parents, who brought their tandem bicycle and afterwards cycled to Nova Scotia.  

We enjoyed the first few days of cloud, rain, and cooler temperatures. 

But soon enough the sun came out and Madeleine was prepared!

Madeleine loved "babysitting" Polly the dog and was very happy to have her at our cottage as much as possible.

We had so much fun taking the kayaks out from the nearby beach. Both kids loved it, and so did I.

Ross held his treasured crab very tightly...

... and stopped to smell the flowers.

M loved the slip n' slide that Kristin and Matt got for the kids. It was luxurious to have so much water and green grass to play in - the kids don't get much of either in drought-ridden California.

Uncle Matt set up a ping pong table in the garage and all the kids had lots of fun playing together.

The gardens around Matt's family cottage are beautiful and lush - the kids loved running and exploring and rolling in the grass.

The party day was a lovely sunny day and about 35 people gathered here for a delicious lunch with pie for dessert.

Matt and Kristin re-enacted their vows, and shared their story of getting three family wedding rings melded into two. 

Matt and his friend Melanie entertained us with music.

After a relaxing afternoon, we all headed to the beach for an impressive bonfire.

Here's the happy couple and Polly!