Maya cantered for the first time today. She has great form and her teacher is encouraging us to consider a riding competition. 

Jeanine prepared the batter and I cooked no less than 15 Belgian waffles for Nicolai’s birthday breakfast. We then left to watch Maya’s riding lesson. Here she retrieves her horse from the field. He is wearing a protective cover to keep the flies off his eyes. 

On a total spur of the moment decision, my brother Mark and nephews Mario and Rory flew out this evening. It is Mario’s birthday and this was what he wanted for a present. Nicolai’s birthday is tomorrow so we had a joint celebration this evening. Maya made the cakes from scratch. 

Along the way we spotted this baby swimming near the beaver damn. We think it is a pine marten but still need to confirm this. Nicolai took this photo and several other good ones as we paused for several minutes to observe. 

Nicolai and I climbed Wachusetts Mountain this morning. Compared to Monadnock this was a cake walk. We were up and down in three and half hours. 

It has been a nice week and the weather this evening is just perfect. Everyone wants to be outside. 

After a nice walk in Mattison Field. Maya races with Nala in the backyard. 

This rock was in my way, so I balanced it on top of the other one. 

I almost stepped on this spotted orange salamander and regretted not bringing my macro lens with me. 

Along the way we encountered evidence of beavers at work. Their damn looked to be about half way done. 

Today was a company wide holiday and Jeanine and I took advantage of the opportunity to get away for a little hiking. We climbed Wachusset Mountain and had lunch at the top. 

This afternoon we attended the annual 4th of July party thrown by good friends Tom and Karen. Tom and I attended high school together and were wrestling partners. This year there was an organized 4v4 soccer tournament and Nicolai could not have had more fun. Despite some light rain, Maya spent little time finding her way to the pool which incorporates this beautiful waterfall that doubles as a diving platform. Nala came with us and enjoyed all the delicious food that found its way to the ground. 

Bees are very hard to photograph because they never stop moving. No trouble getting very close as they are completely drunk on the nectar from these flowers. 

Came across this in the garden this morning. Perhaps Jeanine will identify it for me. Click on the image for a closer look. 

Nala gets her first bath after an excursion into the Mattison pond. 

The pigs have been getting a lot less attention since Nala arrived. Of course they can always count on Maya for a little play time. 

Is it possible that my little Nicolai is going to become a teenager next week? What happened to all my babies? 

Maya cuddles with mommy after dinner. Maybe she did miss us a little after her Texas adventure. 

It was a little cozy getting 8 people aboard this 30ft racing boat but everyone had a great perch. Wade is an expert sailor and I have never been more impressed with anyone’s sailing skills. He took us on a tour of the harbor and then out to sea. The weather was perfect and the wind was great. Truly a fantastic experience. 

Today we were invited by good friends Eliza and Wade to Marblehead for a bit of sailing and dinner at the Corinthian Yacht Club.