North Haven Days

After the reunion, our family headed up to North Haven with Tom Osteraas, his wife Kathy, their child Lauren and Larry Pratt. North Haven Island is off the coast of Rockland in Maine-a 1 hour boat ride from the mainland. Patrick and I went there for our honeymoon and it is a spot which is treasured by both Patrick and I. A quiet, small island with a peaceful way of life. Patrick spent his summers as a child there--exploring the ocean, beaches, and learning how to sail.

We stayed at Emmy's house and enjoyed grilled steaks and vegetables our first evening there. The night was a warm one-temperatures persisted in the 80's and it didn't cool down until late that night. The college roommates, Patrick, Larry and Tom stayed up late playing cards and laughing. Kathy and myself headed to bed at a decent hour. It was fun to hear them up laughing and reminiscing while playing a game of Hearts.

The Osteraas' and ourselves relaxed, barbequed, went for walks, on a drive, went to a beach and Dicky took them on a sailboat ride on his sailboat. Lauren, their daughter, is a lovely 7 year old who was so helpful with Stuey and Nora. She was able to carry Stuart-which was a sight to see!! Another highlight of the week was enjoying lobsters with them-their first time eating lobsters. Pictures of that to come on a future post. :)

The phone hardly rang there, there is no internet/computer at the house, no TV...just a wonderful getaway from the electronics of the world. I always feel so rested up when I return from there. Also, there is fantastic clothesline which I used to dry my clothes and LOVED that so much. The crisp feeling of clothes off the clothesline. Theres nothing like it!

A big highlight from the week was a beach picnic trip we took with Ella, Dicky and their boys. We went to the Little Dumpling Islands, which aren't far from Emmy's house at low tide. I made Lobster roll sandwiches to eat and we sat on the beach laughing and eating lunch while Leo and Nora explored the tidepools and the row boat on the beach. The day will be forever etched in our minds as we think back to the heat of the sun on us, the stories and jokes we shared and plain old good sibling time. And good times for the cousins together. Stuey and Zeke both fell asleep in our arms-in fact Stuey slept for much of the picnic.

Today we drove back down to Boston, will be here for 2 days and head back to Kodiak Monday morning (EARLY!!!). What a fantastic trip we have had.

Zoya

Pictures:
Top: Boat ride from Rockland to North Haven, Patrick, Zoya and Kids, Kathy, Tom and Lauren and Larry P.
Larry (left) and Tom (right) toasting on the first eve in North Haven.
Zoya, Ella and Kids before heading out on a picnic
Panoramic of picnic on Little Dumpling Islands
Leo and Nora playing in the row boat.