Temple Run

I'm torn. There are so many great things about living in Maine. Even having to drive 5 hours to go to the temple is a blessing. Anything that requires you to lay something on the alter and sacrifice time or money (arguably two of the most valued things in todays world) is going to bring great significance to your life. Although I may seem a bit optimistic about having a temple 5 hours away, I certainly will not murmur if one was built close to us. In the meantime, we will enjoy our excuses to visit Boston and the great history that area offers. 

Mal booked an entire home through AirBnB in Ipswich, MA for Friday night. I think she has had it with me booking cheap hotels that house people on edge (see our Portland Motel 6 experience from summer 2017 trip out west). It was awesome to have an entire home to ourselves. We headed for the temple first thing in the morning. We went with Richie & Candice Roberts so that we could take turns watching each others kids. 

Afterward, we found a legit taqueria that filled my soul and stomach, and took our time driving back home. Boston is such a cool place, I can't wait to explore more areas. The kids did great traveling. A road trip with our van (built in TV/DVD player) is so awesome. We only use it for drives >2 hours, but it's so nice to lean on for those drives. 

Winter: That's a Wrap

Old man winter is loosening his grip over the state of Maine, and warmer days are ahead. Those moments where you look forward to a 40 degree day! Here are a few highlights from our winter:

The kids have been hanging upside down on the bunk bed a lot lately. Somehow, I was able to convince all of them to turn their face toward me for a quick photo. Madie usually resists any sort of paparazzi-type of treatment. 

We went for a fun hike and explored the ice. Finn has been very curious about peregrine falcons and birds of prey, so he is geared up for some wildlife. 

 Always good to check the guide book!

One highlight was building an igloo and taking the three older kids camping in it. I had been waiting for a good dump of snow, and it finally came! Conditions were perfect for making it, but I only had one night to do it. The following day, temps were going to drop significantly. Unfortunately, I didn't get a roof on the igloo during that narrow time slot. I threw a tarp over the top and called it good. Temps got down to 13 degrees that night. With windchill, it must have been close to zero. Being in that shelter made all the difference, though! Great experience for the kids.  

That's what survival looks like.  

 Mal and I got out to xc ski 2-3 times. It's probably my favorite winter sport, and makes for a great date night. My favorite type of ski date is under the dark night sky that is littered with stars and no head lamp. 

And hey, I was even able to get Madie out on skis. Her first time out, she went a whopping 4 miles! She is tough when she chooses to be, and I'm glad she chose to be tough around Eagle Lake this day. Way to go, Madie!