Last Night in MA!!!!!!!!!

It's been an amazing stay.  But, as with all things, it must come to an end.  The turn of events that led us back to MA was a bit disturbing.   However, now that dad has made a full recovery, I am thankful that it has become our starting point.  Our visits with family and friends were so marvelous!  Last year our whirlwind summer tour was sooo rushed.  Often we were only able to see people for a few hours before saying goodbye for another year!  It has been incredibly valuable having the luxury of time.  Time to help my mom and dad recover from a scary illness.  Time to see some people more than once!  Time to fix the trailer so that she is more ready than ever.  Time to feel truly ready to move on.  Yes, we will miss everyone.  Tremendously.  BUT at least we were able to get home to say a proper farewell.
     Mom and Dad, your hospitality has been unwavering.  The unlimited electric and water will surely be missed, but not more than knowing you were just a short walk away in "The Big House".  Having you both so close was not something we took for granted.  It has been a pleasure.
In this last week we were able to get one more sunny day in Nahant with the Brown's, a sleepover with Cate, a visit with my Aunt Melcie and Uncle Bill, dinner with Sandra in Winthrop, a night out for me with Cara in Ipswich, and a "last supper" with Meagan, Ellie and Jason here in Merrimac.  Tomorrow morning we pull away with happy hearts knowing that Gampy is healthy and we have seen those who we love, and who in turn, love us.

Ethan and Matthew on Short Beach.

Short Beach with the Life House.

The Brown's had 3 paddle-boards!  The kids had a blast!

Jim and Matthew.

Fiona with one of her oldest and dearest friends...Lucy.

Going after clams.

Adorable Bailey.

Sleepover with Cate!

My dad and his oldest brother.  

Uncle Bill seeing Ethan's championship ring!

Kids and Kinects.  Winning combination.

Oh, we missed Aunt Melcie.

Polishing his matchbox cars with toothpaste.

Fiona has been a baking fiend at Gammy and Gampy's house!!!

Turtle!

Check out this bad lad Fiona and Ethan caught.

Say "Cheesssssssssse".

Best family portrait ever!  Thank you selfie stick!

Practicing some good "duck lip" poses before bed with the new stick.

Helping mom chop down a dead cedar for some wood sculptures in the garden.

This creepy lady came out of the woods.  Scary.

Cake and frosting from scratch.  And, yes, it tasted as good as it looked.