Here we see him with his new friends and band mates. 

Finally, after going three weeks without seeing him, we connect with Nicolai at the parent’s reception. He is positively bubbling over with joy over his experience at the Encore Coda music camp. Although he was reluctant about going, it took all of 30 seconds before he was inquiring if he could return next year. 

I love the lighting in this old barn. 

Last night we arrived at our bed and breakfast after dark. This morning, Jeanine visits with the Nubian goats. Somewhere on this farm hides a rooster, which if captured by this guest, will be promptly fed to the goats for crimes against those in need of sleep. 

As I am about to take a nice group photo, Kyle decides to leap across the stream. 

We climbed to the top of the Flume where a nice little waterfall is to be found. 

Maya, not one to take the easy way forward, pursues the road less traveled. 

Today I took my first vacation day of the summer. We traveled to Franconia Notch in northern New Hampshire enroute to pick up Nicolai from his summer music camp in Sweden, Maine. We hiked the Flume trail with Kyle and Maya. 

Maya is happy to be the little jewel on top of the brawny backs of Kyle’s friends. 

When Maya is around, Nala transforms from a quiet puppy into a half crazed flying wolf. 

Nala has doubled in weight since she joined the family. Last night she pulled every bit of white fluff out of a stuffed toy. The living room looked like it was covered in snow. 

As is the tradition in our family, we celebrate becoming a teenager with a father-son “Coming of Age” adventure.

Nicolai has chosen to attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. Climbing to the 19,340 foot “Roof of Africa” will be an incredible challenge. We begin our adventure on August 26th. Pictured above are our Visa photos for Tanzania.

Inspired by the documentary, Emmanuel’s Gift, the story of a physically challenged athlete from Ghana who brings attention and resources to the disabled people of his homeland, Nicolai has dedicated his climb to providing wheelchairs to the people of Tanzania in need. His goal is to raise enough money to pay for and distribute 550 wheelchairs (each one costing $44.40).

I am very proud of Nico for his courage, determination, and compassion. Whether he is able to reach the summit or not, I am inspired by his belief that he can and his desire to try.

Should you wish to support Nicolai’s cause with a donation, we have established a special fund with the Free Wheelchair Mission, an organization that has already distributed more than 240,000 wheelchairs worldwide. You can learn more about Nicolai’s adventure and the Free Wheelchair Mission by following the link at the bottom of this entry. Your contribution in any amount would be most appreciated.

It would be very helpful if you would forward this link to your circle of family and friends should you feel they would appreciate an opportunity to contribute to this very worthy cause.

Link to Free Wheelchair Mission

Maya leads us on a long walk to White Pond and back. Sally, the trooper she is, volunteered to handle Nala for the one hour excursion.  

Visiting us for the week is Sally Albachten, pictured here with a young Jeanine and her older sister Lauren.