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We arrived home from our family trip to Maine this week, and the experience was just what we needed. First of all, it was Mateo’s first year at our home there, and it was Ian’s first time visiting with us! It was also our first family vacation with Ian, just the five of us. Such a big milestone in so many ways. For those of you who haven’t read my Maine vacation recaps, I grew up going to our property in Bar Harbor throughout my childhood. It was my Grandfather’s cabin (my Mom’s father), and it’s right on a lake and surrounded by woods. When my Grandfather lived there, it was a tiny cabin with barely enough space for us to stay over. But we still did, and many of our relatives did too. I have so many fond memories of summers spent with cousins, aunts, and uncles– and of course my Grandfather. He loved singing, fishing, and cooking, and had the twinkliest blue eyes. After my Grandfather passed, my mom renovated and expanded the cabin to include more space. We’ve continued going there ever since, and my cousins still bring their families up there as well. It’s such a special thing to have a property that holds so much meaning that all of us can raise our children visiting as well. It is still surreal to me to watch my own children splashing on the edge of the lake among the exact same trees I walked between at their ages.
This last trip was so fun, but to be honest, it was also EXHAUSTING. Mateo is at a really tough age for travel. I had forgotten how hard 15-24 months is with toddlers. He is into everything, running from one place to the next, and never wants to sit still to eat or take long car rides. We had expected to show Ian a lot of our favorite restaurants in the area, but it ended up being so hard to take all three of the kids out to eat that we barely did it. Instead, we visited a couple of our favorite spots but mostly cooked at home. Luckily, we had incredible weather the entire time, and we were able to be outside the entire day. The big kids even did some pretty impressive hikes! One of our favorite activities with all three kids was walking over to Bar Island at low tide when the water reveals a sandbar passage to the cutest island off of Bar Harbor. There are so many tide pools to explore, and even a kid-friendly hike you can go on, once you reach the island. The kids loved exploring there, and we met so many cute families.
On a personal note, it was also really special to share such an intimate location with my new partner! I think sometimes somebody can’t completely know you until they know the people or places that mean something really deep to your soul– and watching Ian enjoy Bar Harbor so much and create memories with us was truly special. I’ll admit that all five of us were happy to get home at the end and sleep in our own beds, though! Traveling with small kids is tough, and really drains you. I’m looking forward to next year…and maybe bringing one of my younger cousins or sisters to help out with the kids. LOL.
Let me know if you have any questions on any of the outfit pieces pictured in these photos and I will do my best to link for you!
I hear ya on travel with kids. I just have 1 kid and felt like I needed a “vacation from vacation” after our trip to Cape Cod this summer! (Does a partner who doesn’t help pack, cook, or clean count as another kid, LOL?) Good for you for going and it looks like you got to spend a lot of time enjoying the outdoors, which your kids will appreciate!
It’s really so so hard. But worth it in the end! And sounds like you need and deserve some ME time
What great photos and wonderful recap of your vacation. I’m glad you all enjoyed it!
Thanks!
Lovely pictures. Thanks for sharing ❤️
Beautiful pictures and memories to cherish for a lifetime I’m sure. It does not go unappreciated as I’m sure your children will have a lifetime of all the wonderful time spent together as a family. They will hold it close to their hearts as they grow older. All of the beautiful things you do for them will be remembered. Meals, hikes, stories you read, songs you sang, mouths and hands you clean. It doesn’t go unnoticed. ♥️
This is such a good perspective and something I definitely remind myself. I’m sure my Mom was exhausted at the end of our trips there at the time, but they ended up meaning so much to me
Absolutely LOVED this post! I’m glad you all had such a wonderful time! The pictures are gorgeous and and really captured how happy you all were! I’m glad you disconnected from social media while you guys were there. I have been looking forward to this blog post and it DID NOT disappoint. As always, thank you for sharing! ❤️
Yay, happy you liked it!
Maine holds a special place in my heart as well – have summered in Boothbay Harbor my entire life with my extended family. Love the pics and love that you all are able to create these memories.
I’ve never been to Boothbay harbor! Gotta add it to my list 🙂
Looks like a wonderful trip with new memories made. Thanks for sharing! xo
What fun! Your kids are so lucky to have these incredible adventures, and what great memories for them. I have to say, I am SO impressed again by how wonderfully your modern family is thriving. I don’t know if Ian has been around children a lot but he sure fits right in! It’s clear how much they love him and he them. It’s rare Eva to find a man that steps right into that role and looks like he is doing a splendid job. I just love seeing you all together (love seeing Kyle with you too!!! ?
I agree, and it’s so special for me. To answer your question, no, he really hadn’t been around children much before meeting mine and he has just fallen so seamlessly in to the fold. The kids adore him! 🙂