Matinicus Continued

Here it is Wednesday already - midway through the week.  The weather has been remarkable and the beaches are so sandy I almost can't believe this is Maine.  The boys have absolutely been having a blast.  Cousins, uncles, grandparents, and an island in Maine - all for the taking.  They have been spending a lot of time with their Uncle Claes and Uncle Pete.  Reveling in uncle time. 

Things we have done:
Gone to Marky and Sandy Beach.
Hiked to the end of a great trail that took us out to a rocky point. 
Went to a tiny (and I do mean tiny) Wednesday market sale.  We didn't buy anything.
Ate lobster and other amazing meals.  We have been Eating too much really.  Flank steak, pork loin, grilled chicken, pesto, home baked apple crisp, etc. 
Soaked up the sun and got sunburned.
Watched 2 turkeys walk around the house each day.
Spotted a bald eagle.
Picked wild strawberries.
Read.
Played beach games.
Hiked over rocks.
Collected rocks.
Made piles of rocks.
Had a bubble gum bubble blowing contest.
Played lots of games: blokus, boggle, pounce, and a 3000 piece puzzle which has taken over the kitchen.  No kidding.  We are eating meals in other chairs b/c we can't sit at the table unless you want to mess up the puzzle.
Gone bike riding.
Read.
Taken outdoor showers.
Drunk a lot of coffee and iced tea.
Explored the coastline.   
And relaxed.  Really relaxed. 

HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR:  Napping in the hammock, the beautiful rental house, the stupid turtle in the puzzle, sunsets each night, being together. 

 

Matinicus Maine

July 6, 2014 we all boarded the Jackie Renee to Matinicus Island off the coast of Maine.  Twelve of us Thelemarck's set off on a weeks vacation.  The boat ride was about 80 minutes long and it was wet, wild, and wavy.  The kids got soaked, especially Kuba because he refused to put on his raincoat.  It was quite the ride.  Just 2 of us felt seasick which was remarkable because it was so rough on the water.   

We pulled into the harbor and the tide was out.  This meant we had to haul 13 very heavy boxes of food, 4 coolers, and everyone's suitcases straight up about 5 feet to the dock.  And we had to do this quickly as the boat was afraid it wouldn't make it back out if the tide went out any further.  It was a team effort.  The harbor was charming and full of lobster boats.  This is a small island with only 13 families that live here year round. 

We were driven to our house except for a few who walked and biked the short distance. 

We have a pick-up truck for the week.   

 

We have a stunning house with the best view you could imagine.  There is a steep set of 23 steps that lead down to the rocky coast.   The rocks are amazing and as the tide goes out it sounds so much like a rain stick.   Kuba thinks it sounds like fireworks.  I just think it is beautiful and musical. 

 

We have a hammock and a great canvas swing that hangs on the porch.  Here Anna is swinging with Anders while Kuba plays nearby. 

We have been exploring the coast directly below the house and taking long walks as we find our way around.   Today we made it to Sandy Beach and it truly was sandy and so beautiful.  We had more than a 180 degree view of the water.   It was hot and sunny today with more good weather on the way.   We plan to go to Marky Beach tomorrow, which is  the only other large sandy beach on the island.  

 

This Gentle Boy

This gentle kind boy

friend to all tender hearted

children and animals alike

 

I love the way Anders is with young children.  He is gentle, patient, adoring, loving, and truly smitten.  Here he is at a party helping this new friend apply some stickers to her dress.  She followed him all around and he treated her as if she were the most precious child at the party.   He is such a great kid, such a kind boy. 

All Dressed Up

Famale

 Came home in Kuba's kindergarten folder.  It's a keeper. 

Painting at Arts Field Day

 

This was just one station of 12 at school the other day.  The boys did cartooning, a costume relay, hip hop dancing, circus arts, drumming, story telling, marble painting and more.   This is an annual event at school and it's pretty cool.  Here they are painting pieces for the posts in the school yard - beautification of our gardens.    All 300 kids got a chance to paint these.  It's a mighty fine way to end the school year if you ask me.   

Honey Bee

Beekeepers. 
The boys had their first experience as a beekeeper's assistant this weekend.  They suited up in kid sized bee suits and helped  our neighbor smoke out and check his hives.  The boys were brave, very brave!  Kuba calmly watched and Anders took his job seriously, using the bee smoker to interrupt the bee's alarm system and help calm them down.  Our neighbor lifted each section out and checked them as about 30,000 bees crawled back into the comb, or flew around in a swarm.  NO one got stung, and Kuba stated "I know I am safe, but I don't know that I know it yet."  The neighbor was impressed with their steady focus and lack of fear.  How cool is that?  Neighborhood honey being made by our local bees right now.