Holidays

We had a busy and fun weekend. On Friday night we got the impulse to go camping, because why not? And the kids wanted to go to the ocean, because they always do. So we looked and found a place still open in Maine. Called for reservations and they laughed at us and said to just show up. We badgered another family to come along and did a last minute packing job. Saturday we spent the day babysitting for 3 two-year olds. Sunday was church and then we headed up to Wells for the best weather camping....seriously gorgeous. Also serious? Hudson's bad mood. Wooooohooooo was the boy a stinker. In his defense, he has a cold (everyone in this state has one I think) but wow. Leaving him behind next time. David also came with us.
We got there, set up, then headed down to the harbor and beach for wanderings. Henri will not step foot in the ocean all summer but as soon as the temp dips, you can't get her out. Then back to camp to meet up with friends and eat supper. In the dark. Yeah, big difference between camping in June and camping in October! But the kids love flashlights so that was a big plus in their book. Requisite campfire, and then we headed to bed. Where Hudson kicked, flopped, jumped, whined, and was generally a pill until he literally dropped at 11. We'll pass lightly over the night, it wasn't pleasant.
But at 0530 Hudson crawled into my arms and slept until 0800. Being the true hero that he is, Steve snuck Henri out of the tent and took her on a donut and coffee run.
We overate at breakfast (what is it about camping that makes you a glutton??), packed up, played some shuffleboard, and then headed to the beach for hours of sand fun. Home to unpack and early bedtimes for all. We don't have many more free weekends, so this might have been the last camping trip for the year, and we couldn't have picked a nicer weekend for it!

I got asked (by a mom with twins) what it's like raising quadruplets haha. I'm guessing extremely hard! Was very glad to have Steve along to help even though they all get along famously.

How we roll. Did I mention I got another double stroller? Phil&Ted. Love!

Best way to keep the littles happy. Park date and McD's

Views from the campground

The leaves were all changing, it was just gorgeous

My lobsters

We were up the dock here. On a lower one a guy was crabbing and stabbed a few. A tourist asked me (in a very offended way) why if he wanted to kill them he didn't just throw them into the water to drown?? I had no way to respond politely to such stupidity. Just smiled and nodded haha. 

Hudson wasn't too sure about the claws

Hen was thrilled. This child always surprises me with what gets her excited and what she takes well to.

Did I mention the weather was just perfect?!

It was Sunday, so Hen rang up some prayers. I like this much more than prayer wheels or flags. More intentional and very fitting for the sea location. 

Headed to the beach on the seawall

If she sees a beach or the ocean, she's always way out front to get there

Don't be fooled. I think it was temporary euphoria from chasing a seagull.

Tide was still headed out

Pant legs rolled up after she got drenched

Hung out for sunset

Steve found an intact sand dollar! Mom can do this too. I've never found one. 

David sauntering along the seawall in the sunset

Sunset

Fire gazing

Crazy Brett. Of course I failed to get a picture of the group, but along with us and David was Brett, Kate, and their 5 kids (the twins are Hudson's age)

7am. My left arm was dead at this point

Hurray!!! Also, best donuts ever. Such a wonderful thing to wake up to.

There was some version of whiffle ball going on, one of the bases was in the ocean?

You can't see detail here, but Ella and Henri were head-to-toe sand. And very very happy

Hud was in the same boat. Sand improved his spirits

So everyone is bathed and warmed and tucked into bed with a normal week coming up. It was a good family weekend :)