SCHMID KIDS: EAST COAST STATE OF MIND....

Ben, Kyle, and I headed off for a week in Maine at Papa and JuJu's at the end of September.

Benny anxiously awaiting the arrival of our plane- ready for take off.

Our well seasoned traveler was a trooper once again (Maybe it's because we let him have his "binky" as a special travel treat on these very long trips? You're welcome fellow travelers in the surrounding seats! Although, he did notify me when we got home that he doesn't want his binky on the next trip, because "He's such a big boy now!")

We caught a few days of sunshine on the trip and squeezed in some boating. Benny captained both the launch boat and Papa's boat around Casco Bay.

Not every day was sunny, but we still hit up the "crowded" beaches as evidenced by the small speck next to the playground.

We also did a little shopping and exploring at LL Bean. Benny got to step "inside" a fish tank... pretty cool.

As always, Benny enjoyed lots of good cuddling and reading time with JuJu.

Papa showered him with ice cream, toys, and lots of goofing around time.

A new sandbox and toybox. Gobs of trucks, puzzles, and crafts. Thank you Papa- what a treat!

Kyle and I attended a whole slew of events for our friend's Erin and Peter's wedding.

Here we are all cleaned up for two of the events.

Maine girls! (Congrats, Sheil/Christian on Baby Luke! Almost there-#2, Carrie & Ben!! Bets- so happy for you and Corey- a little Sidesy on the way).

The beautiful couple... we had a blast in NYC for their engagement party and in Maine for all of the festivities. Despite the "slight" delay in the wedding ceremony, due to poor Erin's serious case of food poisoning, they pulled it off in style. A union of two amazing people and two wonderful families.

Cheers Erin and Peter!!

And one of the highlights of Ben's trips to Maine is always getting to see his buddies Brady & Nathan.

They are a damn cute trio.

Pam and I (and our Moms) enjoyed a nice afternoon catching up while the musketeers played and Kyle & Jon wrapped up a bike ride.

Rounding out the trip, we returned to Boston via train and walked the city for a few hours beforing heading back home. Benny got to ride on a carousel for the first time at the Frog Pond in Boston Commons. Weeee....