Visit from Nana and Papa

 We were so lucky to have my parents come in for a visit from Arizona last week. We were able to show them a lot of things that make coastal Maine a special place. A few memories from the trip:

• Madie was so willing to help Nana and Papa adjust to East Coast time by going down stairs every morning between 6:30 and 7:00 am to snuggle with them in bed. 
• My parents chose a great time to be here, because Finn actually started to walk while they were here! It was actually while Dad and I were at Home Depot, so he did it for Mom, Mal, and Madie. Hurray for Finn. 
• The day Nana and Papa arrived was the same day the federal government shut down, which means Acadia National Park (our principle source of recreation) closed! We were actually still able to go inside without much push-back from park rangers. There are so many ways to get into Acadia that you really can't keep people out, unlike other National Parks such as Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, etc. 
• The fall colors were absolutely beautiful, and the weather was so perfect. There were a few days that even hit 75 degrees! October is the best time of year to be here. The air drys out, the colors are beautiful, the temperatures are crisp, and the bugs are mostly gone. 
• We picked over 40 lbs of apples! It was fun to pull Finn and Madie around in the wagon at the apple orchard. 
• We were able to see some big sites in Maine such as Moody's Restaurant, Reds Eats, parts of Acadia, Camden, Portland Headlight, and Old Port. 
• Papa helped work on so many projects we have needed to get done, such as installing a new bedroom door, fixing a light switch. To top it off, I got some early birthday presents which included some new tools. Much appreciated!
• Before Nana and Papa left, Madie went downstairs and told Papa, "I want you to stay here forever." She had so much fun. 

None of these photos are in any particular order. It's just a pain to order them chronologically in blogger (can't google fix that?!)

Madie playing with Papa's face on our walk on the carriage road Saturday morning.

Mal stacking rocks at the beach.

Walk to the cobble stone bridge. Our kids are always so happy to be outside.

At the apple orchard.

Fruit of our labor.

Got some good apples.

Along for the ride.

Dad and I.

We stopped by to pick up some pumpkins at a nursery on our way home.

She found a winner!

On Sunday morning, we went down to the Bass Harbor lighthouse which is on the southern end of the island we live on.

Nana and Papa.

We tried to get onto a boat cruise (locals can get free boat rides as 'standby' passengers), but they were packed with tourists due to Acadia being closed. They have a lighthouse tour cruise, whale watch cruise, puffin tour, and other nature cruises.

So we hung out in town a bit and enjoyed the park.

We walked on the Eagle Lake carriage road a little ways too.

We had to do everything we could to keep Finn from going into the water.

Madie was giving the funniest smiles!

We eventually caved...his pants were eventually soaked!

We celebrated Mals birthday with some friends.

Road trip down Route 1, we first stopped in Camden. I love this town, it is so beautiful.

We brought Madie's bike with us so she could cruise around while we walked. When you live on a gravel road, you've got to take advantage of the pavement when you can.

Waterfall right in downtown Camden and feeding the ducks.

Then, we stopped in Freeport at the HUGE LL Bean store. Wow...that was impressive! It's like Cabelas or Bass Pro Shop, only bigger!

 

They had some fun photo opportunities at the LL Bean store too.

We went down to Portland to walk around a bit. Old Port, which I mentioned in the beginning, is the old cobblestone and historical area of Portland. It's a fun place to visit.

Finn found some balloons and kept trying to eat them.

Portland Headlight in Cape Elizabeth. Good looking couple!

The kids were so happy to be out of the car, running around on the grass.

And climbing trees...

Not sure what Finn's doing.

Thanks again, Nana and Papa. Any takers for visits next fall?