Nicolai hates his mother’s crutches and Kyle was kind and strong enough to carry him from the dockto the main lodge. Maya gets a ride from her uncle while Rory checks out the crutch situation for himself.

Peter really enjoyed talking to the kids and answering our questions. You could not help but admire his work ethic and simple life style. Here was a man who was happy with his work and living in harmony with his surroundings.

We eventually located the “Just ‘N Time” and came along side to talk with Peter, her skipper, about the life of a lobsterman.

Maya found warmth in the arms of her brother as all the kids huddled together. Thankfully, the temperature increased as the morning passed.

Mario came dressed for the weather and enjoyed all things related to the sea.

Mario and Nicolai did not believe us when we told them it would be cold on the water.

Naturally, the cooks in the family took great interest in the culinary history of the lobster which started out as a food fit for consumption only by prison inmates.

We learned a great deal about lobsters, which they call “bugs” in Maine and how they are captured. Captain Phillip shared with us many colorful stories about lobstermen in Maine who in many cases have descended from generations of lobstermen laying fierce claims to their preferred trap setting locations.

Despite some very groggy children we started the day with a trip abord the Ruth to learn all about lobstering. The ruth we discovered is the oldest continuously operated tour boat on the Eastern seaboard. Nicolai forgot his crutches which would have normally been a disaster. Fortuantely, Jeanine’s foot has recovered sufficiently for her to walk unassisted and we were able to adjust her crutches to fit Nicolai.

Mark and Alissa’s families stayed in the main lodge. Our family stayed in one of the cottages which I neglected to photograph despite taking over 2000 pictures over the course of our five day stay.

This week we are vacationing at the Sebasco Harbor Resort in Maine with my brother and sister Alissa and their families. Most of today was spent traveling here from Schenectady by way of Concord. Pictured here is the dining hall on the left featuring breath taking views of the harbor and on the right is one of the many guest accomodations called the lighthouse.

Last night after my parent’s anniversary celebration, I made the three hour drive back to Concord so that I would not miss our soccer season opener. During the game I went up for a header against their goalie, ultimately driving my head into his shoulder. I heard a deafening cracking sound and fell to the ground sure I had broken my neck. Two hours, 8 x-rays, and a back-board, neck-braced, ambulance ride later, I was released from Emerson hospital with nothing more than really sore neck muscles. My team stepped up and won the game 2-1 and I drove another 3 hours back to Schenectady to pick up Jeanine and the kids. No photos today, but I feel compelled to document the days events. Note to self: You can not take photos in the future if you are dead.

My parents with all of their children and grandchildren.

The party was my first opportunity to meet my newest niece, Sophia. She is nine months old and could not be any cuter.