Our Big New England Adventure -- Part I

We recently traveled to Massachusetts to visit the family. First it was off to see the Wards in Buckland. Gramp and Gram have a beautiful house nestled amongst the trees and mountains. You couldn't find better accommodations at any bed and breakfast.

Here's the view from the back deck. I mean, seriously, could it be any more gorgeous? I feel like I'm living in a spread from Martha Stewart Living. Except this is a hundred times better because instead of Martha and her perfect, ice queen cupcakes, there's Gram with a hug and her delicious ham salad sandwiches. Have another? Why yes, 

don't mind if I do.

Emerson and the great outdoors go well together. I'm so used to following him around really closely here at home -- especially outside -- because there are busy streets, zooming cars, etc. to contend with. But here, I got to let him run loose. Nothing but wide open space 

for him to enjoy.   

Who ordered a cab? Daddy and Emerson enjoying some pool time together. The weather apparently didn't get the memo that we were on vacation because we got quite a bit of rain. But we did manage to get in a couple of really nice, sunny perfect pool days.

Probably one of my favorite moments of the trip was getting these two little guys together. This is cousin Donny's little boy, Coleman. I've seen quite a few pictures of Donny and J.D. growing up together and I'm really hoping we'll have similar pictures of Emerson and Coleman through the years. Instant buds.

Here's Kohda getting what most people pay big money for, for free. Kohda was just laying there and Emerson got right in there and started making big swooping rubs across Kohda's back and belly. 

Emerson:  "Tell me where it hurts. Mm. Yes, I'm feeling a lot of tension in this area." 

Kohda:  "I've been really stressed at work lately. I have a big presentation this week."

They've recently opened up an "outdoor tours" facility in the area. We thought zip lining would be a fun thing to all do together. And it was! This place is literally 5-10 minutes from the house which amazes me. The tour could practically be of the Wards' backyard. Hey honey, could you run out and grab the paper? Sure thing, be right back -- zzzziiipppp!

It was both the scariest and most fun thing ever. I'm actually really scared of heights, which most people are surprised to find out since I rock climb (or did before Emerson anyway). But once you know the harness is your friend, even though your brain is trying to tell you, "Oh my god did you notice how high up we are," at least you can tell your brain to shut up. Next year, white water rafting!

That about wraps it up for this leg of the trip. Next stop, Cape Cod...