Our first hike was a quick late afternoon stroll through the Porter Preserve with southern views of the Sheepscot River.

We stayed at a very lovely bed and breakfast on Hogsdon Island, nestled among the rivers and inlets that define the Maine coastline in this area. We were part of a hiking group that explored a number of land trust conservation areas.

Jeanine and I took a long weekend to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. We spent the bulk of our time in and around Booth Bay Harbor, Maine, but stopped for lunch in Portsmouth, NH, on the way up.

Mother and grandmother see Maya off to school. Maya did ten really good pushups this morning.

My parents arrived today to watch the kids for the weekend while Jeanine and I take a long weekend in Maine to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. My father celebrates his 81st birthday and 49th wedding anniversary tomorrow and Jeanine treated us to a mango cheesecake to mark the occasion.

Nico heads out for school on his scooter. Note to self: Remind Nicolai that helmet is not a fashion accessory and works better when the chin strap is fastened.

This little fellow was perched on our porch railing this morning.

I happened upon Tower Place in Maynard last night. It is an old mill that has been converted into a mixed residential and business complex overlooking the water supply that used to drive the machinery.

Kyle looking rather handsome this morning.

Maya and Nico had their soccer games cancelled due to poor field conditions. Kyle rolled his ankle early in his game and was forced to sit out. I am still nursing my groin pull and missed another weekend. It was Maya’s family night and she picked Movies & Smoothies. We watched Virginia’s Run (about a girl and a horse – the boys loved it too) and made ice cream smoothies.

Nico and Jake posing with Aunt Mayela.

Sebastian is checking out the squirrel action in the back yard.

Maya is modeling an early Christmas present from Mayela to me. Please note, that the hat fit her as well as it did her father. I do not know what this means, but it cannot be good.

My sister Mayela and husband Stephen have come for a brief visit with canine children Jake (seen here stealing a kiss) and Sebastian. These children are quite remarkable. They rarely talk back, they clean up after themselves and anyone else who has dropped food on the floor, they eat everything you put on their plates and would rather run around outside than watch TV or play video games. Our kids could learn a thing or two from these guys.