I dropped Mark and the boys off at the airport this morning at 5am. Although it was a brief visit, I am sure Nicolai will remember it for a long time to come. He said it was his best birthday ever. 

On the way home we stopped to see the Old North Bridge and everyone enjoyed using the spotting scope to observe the local water fowl. 

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.