Annual visit to the east coast this month. Although we did end up over there on two previous unplanned occasions this year, the summer trips are my favorite.
We started off landing in New Jersey and drove up to Mass from there. It was quite a relaxing trip this time and so so hot! I enjoyed hanging out at Fenway for a Sox game and Gillette Stadium for Patriots' Training Camp. The kids played at the beach and endured numerous shopping trips to Target and Walmart as well! We gorged on local beers, stuffed quahogs (love em!) and good old American food! I love visiting my friends; I don't see them enough. Everyone's lives are changing in so many ways (ours too) and I miss sharing in that not being home. The family is changing too... I am grateful that we were able to spend time with so many of them.
We were so busy and exhausted by the time we drove up to Maine where Jim was able to meet us for the weekend before coming home. A few fantastic days in Maine where we kayaked with cousins Jane and Pat, drank (of all things) Belgian beer at the local hangout and chilled in their middle of nowhere log cabin. We flew home to a rainy and cold Germany, avoided serious jet lag, and prepared for the start of school this past Monday.
It was a much needed break from the monotony of summer break with two kids hell bent on killing each other. I can't believe it is over that fast! It's great that we get to come home so often. I love that the kids know where "home" is and will someday appreciate all they are getting to experience. We have seen so many amazing things in our travels but nothing else can evoke the same emotions as coming home to New England. I wonder sometimes if that is where we are destined to end up when all is said and done. Maybe I idealize it in my mind because our history is there...where things are a constant for the most part. Who knows? For the time being, I hold on to the memories both old and new and enjoy the ride...
Bangor, Maine Sunset Before Takeoff
