Barville Summer, 2014

This summer we made yet another trip to Barville, and this time we were joined by Marie and Topher, who picked up Granny, and our dear friends from California, Chris and Christine Hanson, who brought along their wee ones Avery (3) and Zeal (11mo). For the real details, you'll have to visit Barville and read the journal, but here are a few shots of what we were up to.

Beede's Falls:

 

Catching baby frogs (Liam's pastime)

Chatting with Granny!

Climbing up Beede's Falls (we went way up, it was marvelous up there!).

Sitting around the cabin at night, solving the puzzles, playing games, chatting.

Kayaking and boating. Liam became a real kayaker - he paddled all the way across the lake and back a few times.  No problem - no spills - just an eager little dude!

The family kayaking!

Liam did a lot of Kayaking as well, often with Reid on the front, a patient and well-balanced passenger.  Here we all are, coming back from a trip to mermaid cove.

The fearless grandparents Waring, looking particularly fearless.

Bloobs!

Look at that kid!  He's looking so old!  I feel like the face Liam will look something like this in another 10 years, provided you catch the right angle...

The obligatory table shot.

And, this, ladies and gentlemen, is Zeal.  Zeal Henry Hanson.  He's a real, live stwig.

The magical sandwich creamery.  Chris Hanson talking with Toph, Christine (behind Liam's head, talking with Katie).

Hummingbird at the creamery.  I really lucked out with this shot.

And I couldn't resist their instant-polaroid-shot sign board.

What a great couple!  Look at those two.

Hot dogs, marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, and a pasta salad made this night quite nice.  Oh, and kids with pointed, flaming weapons.  Yikes.

Barville is the perfect place to get up and get out early.  You will be rewarded with loons, beavers, silent fishermen, and all sorts of other wildlife.  Morning paddles are a rare and special bliss, and a glimpse at the world as it was.  This morning, however, in fact this entire visit, I slept luxuriously, with my snuggable friendie nearby.

Granny, in the mean time, opted - OPTED I tell you - to sleep on the deck, with a screen tent. She was a champ about it, picking up her things every morning as the invasion arrived.  I have to say, it was a beautiful option.

 Tea time on the baby beach.

Captain hook on the baby beach.

 Katie Quirk, in the smooth evening ripples.

 A daddy and his boy under a brewing storm.

The light. I didn't doctor this photo, the dark region of the sky created the effect.

 Here we are, enjoying the evening paddle.  It must have been 7:30.

Q: What happens when you put two Quirks in a boat?

A: I don't know, but they sure are cute!

Drifting.

A zonked friend, a happy mom, and a naked pirate.

I hope to continue taking this same shot for the rest of my life.

This one, too.

After the Hanson's left, we had our friends the Hale's visit.  They live in NH, so it's easier to have them drop in.  We spend a lovely day that ended something like this.  Zadi, sunshine, fire.

Salmon, potatoes, coals.

Adieu.