This is Maine, y'all!!!!

The first six nights of our journey were spent in six different hotels over five different states.  When we were doing our planning we were so gung-ho about our adventure that we didn't recognize the logistical headache and undue stress that our rolling stone existence may incur with a large family.   So far the list of known items left behind includes:

1. Gigi's glasses
2. Leather monogrammed toiletry kit
3. Mac Airbook charger


With a tiny gasp of relief, we pulled into Boston.  Hotels in the Copley Plaza area aren't cheap.   Since two of our four kids still qualify as "littles" we elected to only book one room in Boston.   Needless to say, we were a little tight in our room but, all things considered, it was a welcome relief to lay our heads in the same place for three nights in a row!!

On our last morning in Boston the girls and the boys divided around breakfast time.   After the encouragement of several friends, the girls and I wandered back to Boston Common to see the "Make Way for Ducklings" statue.  I'm so glad we did!!!   On the way to the park, we picked up some muffins at a bakery.   Sitting next to Mrs. Mallard, Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Oack, Pack, and Quack, we enjoyed breakfast on a perfect day in the park.   Joy!

Soon, we were all back in the car and on the way out of Boston, but not before we detoured through Cambridge and Harvard to get a glimpse of their beauty.  Also on the checklist was Longfellow's home.

Oh yes, I, Donna, needed one last "Pinkberry" fix before we pulled out of Boston.  Pinkberry is absolutely, positively delicious yogurt we discovered here.  I had done sufficient enough research on my iPhone to realize it might be a very long time before I taste another Pinkberry again.   Runcie wasn't too pleased with my Pinkberry demands, as it meant we needed to head back to Newbury Street in the Copley area.  Once he tasted the Hazelnut coconut-covered Pinkberry I got for him,  however, he softened a bit and his complaints quieted.

Headed north on I-95, we quickly realized that we weren't the only ones headed out of Boston.

Once in Maine, traffic calmed a bit.  Deciding to catch a glimpse of Kennebunk, we pulled off the interstate and rolled through Main Street.  None of us have ever been to Maine and suddenly Runcie, filled with excitement and maybe a bit of bewilderment, exclaimed, "This is Maine, y'all!!!"  We all had a hearty laugh at his enthusiasm mixed with southern flair.

Choosing to take the scenic route, we dangled along the Maine coastline all the way into Bar Harbor. After quickly checking into the quaint cottage along the water, we headed out to a late dinner.  Our niece, Kristin, is spending her second summer here and is waiting tables.    Deciding to surprise her we arrived at McKay's and asked for her station.   We got the best service hands down and some of the best flavor in Maine.   Decades ago, Runcie (husband) dared his sister (Virginia, Kristin's mom) to eat a lobster eyeball.   So the generational bet lived on and my sweet Elizabeth was dared to eat a lobster eyeball.   She will not be out-dared... ever.   So, the lobster eyeball was ingested, much to my horror.   I will try to upload the video.   All in all it was a very good day.   We are very blessed.