ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Acadia National Park
Maine
Scenic Overlook

This weekend our family took a little vacation to the first National Park East of the Mississippi. We visited Arcadia National Park in Maine, just a short 5 hour drive away from Boston.
Acadia had a breathtaking beauty about it. There were so many shades of green, brown, blue, and even pinks. We left early Saturday morning and Berkeley did so well in the car, what a trooper. He is going to be a wonderful little traveler. I was so pleased with how well he did with all the driving, in and out of the car and rides in the back pack. I hate to brag, but my child is a total ROCK STAR!

Our first adventure was a guided hike that showed the diversity of the Park. All within viewing distance there is a sandy beach, a pebble stone beach and flat rocks for rock climbing. It was a 2 hour adventure and Berkeley loved riding in this stylish backpack. Doesn't he
look ready to go on his first hike? He loved the view; we may have a nature guy on our hands.

Gorham Mountain Trail

Outside the park is an adorable small town, Bar Harbor. It had cute shops and wonderful restaurants right off the ocean. It was fun to walk around, get something to eat and enjoy the view.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Carriage Road Bridges

Jordan Pond

On Sunday afternoon we walked around the Jordan Pond. It was such a beautiful walk that took us about 2 hours to complete. We took at least 30 pictures during the hike because every opening had such an amazing view.

Cadillac Mountain

This huge 1500 foot mountain allowed us to see the entire park; these pictures cannot even begin to do the view justice.
We had a great time on our little family VACAY. It was great to be together as a family and enjoy the beauty and peacefulness that the scenery offered. I would recommend a trip to all you New Englanders if you have an opportunity. Just a short 5 hour drive and $10 admission to the park is good for a week.

Summer'z Here

Somehow this week we went from 50's to 90's! We haven't felt totally confident in putting our winter gear away just yet, but we are slowly (way too slowly) warming up to the idea. We finally got to enjoy some time outside which we have been waiting for so patiently! Berkeley loves to stick his tongue out lately and it cracks us up.

This past weekend, Berke and I gave Dad some time to write music at the house; we took a stroll down to the Charles River with our friends Leslie and Jonas. It was a nice day and we even made some friends with the ducks.

FIRE

"This morning at approximately 10:37 AM during the regional Stake Conference broadcast, the fire alarm sounded in the Longfellow Park LDS Chapel in Cambridge, MA. At first, most thought it was a false alarm, but as people poured onto the street, it was evident that the fire was already serious. Copious amounts of smoke were pouring from under the eaves and the fire seemed to be mostly in the attic. It quickly escalated and firemen are still working to put out the flames.
The building was constructed in the 1950’s just outside of Harvard Square in one of the most beautiful parts of Cambridge, just across the street from the Longfellow House. Countless general authorities, LDS scholars, and dozens of bloggernacle members have called this building their spiritual home at one time or another."(http://www.faithpromotingrumor.com/2009/05/tragedy-in-cambridge-ma/)

I still cannot believe this beautiful building burnt down. My heart is truly heavy. This is not the church we attend weekly, but it is in our stake and a place where I have worked as a therapist for LDS Family Services for over a year. It is a place where all the children in our ward are baptized, where many in our ward met their spouse, where Christian plays basketball, and where General Conference is broadcast. I have spent much time in this amazing church; I never found myself attached to any of the chapels in Utah, but the chapels out here have so much history it is hard not to grow attached.

This is a picture of the chapel I took last summer.

The Longfellow Chapel on fire

This picture brings a tear to my eye. This picture hangs in the church foyer; I always look at it as I am waiting for my clients to show up. So beautiful.

My very 1st Mother's Day!

I had the perfect Mother's Day this year. Christian went out of his way to make sure he knew how much he appreciated me mothering his amazing son. We headed to Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. It was a beautiful day and the flowers were spectacular; I love the way lilac's smell. We had a wonderful brunch with our friends Tom and Emily, then we walked to the Arboretum from their house. The weather was perfect!

Check out this amazing view; we could see the whole city of
Boston and Cambridge from this hill.
Being a mom is the most amazing experience of my life. I have only been a mom for 4 1/2 months but it has been my most memorable and enjoyable time as an adult. Being a mother brings so many challenges, but through those come a greater sense of meaning, purpose and love in life. Being a parent has made me realize how much I appreciate and love my own parents. It is sad that it took an experience like becoming a parent to realize the depth of love and admiration I have for my amazing parents.

I am so happy this Mother's Day to be the lucky mother of such an amazing son. He brings both Christian and I so much joy in life.
I love you Berkeley; thanks for letting me have the honor of being your mother.

Volvo Ocean Race

There have been so many rainy days lately; on Saturday I had to get out of the house. It was very overcast and there was chances of rain, but we took that chance and ventured out to Fan Pier in Boston. The Volvo Ocean Race around the World was going on and we decided to check it out. I had no idea that this was such a big deal, but there were a lot of people out to spectate. Unfortunately we went down the day the big boats were racing on the outer harbor and we could only view them on a big screen. It was a fun atmosphere regardless.
These are what the boats look like. This is team USA with the Puma boat. Looks pretty neat!

We did get to watch these smaller sail boats race around, but it wasn't as exciting
as watching the big boats.

Luckily we didn't get rained on, and we enjoyed our day out with some fresh air.

The Mac Gods........

have finally answered Christian's prayers.

Little Berkeles

What has this little dude been up to lately?

He's reaching and touching everything; he discovered how cool the
fruit basket was yesterday.

He loves wearing his muscle shirt that Grandpa S gave him.

Daddy is so much fun to play with. He shows his little guy how to play with his Underwater Sea Adventure.

Berke is finally getting to explore the city. We have been taking advantage of the warm days by going on walks and doing different fun adventures.