New England Vacation: Part 3

The final part of our lobster and ice cream tour of Maine was in Kennebunkport. We had been looking for a house rental or something interesting and tripped over a hotel in Kennebunkport with great reviews as a family resort. Steve kept calling it the "Dirty Dancing" hotel because it looked to be that old New England style place with activities for kids. We weren't sure if it would great or washed-up, and it turned out to be terrific. A charming old place with plenty of character right on the river. There was a giant lawn with activities - bean bag toss, basketball, ping pong, and an activity tent for kids, plus a pool, poolside bar, and adirondack chairs overlooking the river. The kids were entertained for hours (we had to drag them inside) and we could just relax while they played - coffee on the lawn in the morning, drinks in the evening overlooking the river. And the many families were very mellow and friendly. We would love to go back, but probably won't have the opportunity before we move (assuming we move, which is likely).

The first evening was hot, and we walked into town for - lobster rolls and also had the most amazing lemonade we've ever had. Ever. After dinner of course we had to stop for ice cream on the patio. What's better than sitting outside on a hot summer evening, eating ice cream and people watching? The walk between the hotel and town was about ten minutes along the river and past quaint houses.

After (delicious) breakfast, ping pong (Steve and me), playing in the fairy house (Henry), crafts (Henry and Grace), and face-painting (Grace), we took our coffee and walked along the ocean. We were looking for a lighthouse that we never found, but it was so pretty and we did see the Bush compound. Grace asked all about it and really wanted to ask the guard if she could meet the former president. She then pushed hard for Steve or me to run for president. It's a lot to try to explain to a five year old with a fuzzy understanding of the nation-state concept.

Steve and Grace climbed out on the rocks.

 It all looked pretty benign.

And then, oops...

 They got drenched.

Steve thought it was funny. I found it hilarious. Grace was not amused.

Spent the afternoon by the pool and playing bean bag toss.

Henry had forgotten to nap, and he's at the most difficult age for restaurants, but Steve and I really wanted to go to a restaurant we had read about. We kept him awake as long as possible, and then he fell asleep just in time for us to enjoy most of our meal (lobster and fried clams!) and have a conversation. We love him, but his manners are wanting so now and then it's nice to not have to wrestle with him while dining.

 

And he was lovely company on the way home (after he devoured his dinner - we did feed him).

 

And then he was up so early! I guess he wanted special time with me, hanging out in the lobby and climbing up and down the porch steps (where we met a woman from Quebec who told me that her toddler son attends a daycare that runs from 3pm to 1 am because it's geared toward families with parents who are doctors, nurses, law enforcement, and in the restaurant business) and because it's government subdized, is $7 per day. She was kind enough to warn me that I may not want to know...).

Pajamas and crocs are the look for the one year old set.

Steve and Grace joined a kayak tour. I had a coffee and read for 20 minutes while Henry was asleep in the stroller. It was kind of amazing. I should have taken a picture.

One final stop to ensure we tested all the ice cream flavors.

It was such a good trip. As soon as we walked in the door at home, Grace collapsed in a heap, sobbing, because she wanted to go back to the hotel because it was so fun. However, we did learn that coming home on the Friday before a three day weekend makes for a great end to vacation. We caught up with friends, spent an afternoon having brazillian bbq (steve's favorite thing in the world, i think), and did some final summer in Boston stuff (splash pool, carousel, fireworks on the harbor) before buckling down for the new school year. I then took Tuesday and Wednesday off to be with Grace since school started Thursday - we hit the pool and library and got hair cuts and just eased back into real life (ok, well,  i haven't quite embraced it yet).

Oh, Maine, I liked you before, but now I think I love you. I'm ready to go back.