Amherst Shore 2012

At the beginning of August, we headed up to Nova Scotia for our annual trip. The boys and I were lucky enough to stay for 12 days, Matt had to return home after a week. It was a wonderful vacation. Most of it was pretty sunny and warm, so we spent a lot of time on the beach and playing in the yard at the Farmhouse. I was lucky enough to have all my siblings there for a few days and Mom and Dad around for the whole trip.

The boys loved the beach, having so many friends around, playing golf and badminton in the yard, and the garden. Daniel is a fish and loves swimming in the ocean and exploring the gulleys. I've noticed since being home that they boys really miss having playmates or wide open spaces available all the time. So much freedom at the Shore. They got to go to their first Kool-Aid-Kid meeting and participated in the Sand Castle Contest for the first time, too. Soon enough they will be in the Mini Olympics and staying up for bonfires. No bonfires this summer. It was too hot!

We adults had our fair share of fun, too. A few Famous People games, the Games, and plenty of afternoons spent on the beach. Being there for so long was a treat! Hopefully we will have many more summers at the Shore. Now for a few pictures...

The start of a large collection of beach glass and special rocks, yes Mom those shells full of beach glass in the cottage are grandson contributions ;)

A mini canoe ride for Elliot, Christopher, and Daniel with Uncle Mike and Matt.

Picnic at the Farmhouse with Gigi!

Getting ready for the sand castle contest in their squares.

Daniel was so suprised to hear his name called for a medal.

Bronze medal winning creation ... if only there were a vertical cutout to show the depth of his upside down Christmas tree. The beach glass topper would be stunning.

Near high tide on a lovely beach day.

No trip to the cottage is complete without a simple project...build a new deck in three days...the cottage received a major facelift this year with a new foundation, siding, and a huge deck! It feels like a different place when you don't hear the glassware clink as you walk.

Saying goodbye to Aunt Kelly.

Getting ready for their mule ride with Grampie to start their morning. They saw actual bear tracks!

Last day on the beach, climbing the rocks with Elliot.

They are working in the kitchen of their rock restaurant. They accept rocks for payment. My kind of place!