North To Chamberland Country

After spending just over a week in the Guilford area (where we used to live and the general area where most of my Rozelle relatives are) we headed north to spend some time with Matthew's parents. We will have just about the same amount of time here except it is more broken up with some comings and goings to other locations. Gramma and Grampa have a great house with lots of wide open space outside as well, so the kids, and their mother, have really been enjoying some room to run around after all the time in the vehicle. Their behavior when we first get out of the car is somewhat, shall we say, exuberant!!!

Alana absolutely LOVES her umbrella from cousin Layla and has been so pleased for the recent rain=)

Saturday afternoon the church family from Matthew's parents church got together and had a barbeque so that we could spend a bit more time getting to know the people. We had a good time not to mention some good food! The boys found some entertainment of their own.

Some nights, especially after long days in the car, the kids are pretty crazy and wound up. I get a little wound up myself when we are in someone else's house and they are starting to run wild. I do have to say that overall, the kids have done really well. We have had several complements on their behavior, which is great for us to hear as parents, and we're thankful for their patience with 5 weeks of this crazy schedule. So, some evenings, when it is time to settle down, we try to get creative with something that will keep them busy but calm. Here's Monica reading a new book we picked up at Wal-Mart for this very purpose=)

Sunday morning Matthew spoke at his parents church in Blaine, Maine (fun to say that, huh?) and then after lunch we headed about an hour and a half south to Matthew's brother, Patrick's, place. We were scheduled to be there for the evening service but went down early to spend the afternoon out at a camp we often went to when we lived here in Maine. It belongs to Pat's father-in-law but he has welcomed our crew there many times over the years. From ice-fishing to swimming in the summer it's been a fun place to hang out and it was nice spend some time there again. The kids really enjoyed it.

Fishing was the first thing on the boys agenda -

And now for my favorite picture of the trip...almost! But first, I need to tell you this - I GOT A MOTHER'S DAY GIFT!! A new camera and I'm so excited=) So from here on out the pictures are taken with a lovely new digital camera, a Kodak EasyShare Z1012 IS to be specific.

Pat and Kathy were there and we had an enjoyable visit with them and with her parents who own the camp. Her father, Laurel, came out to SD and visited a while back so it was fun to reminisce about that.

Matthew's brother, Patrick, has visited almost once a year so he's a face that they remember - not to mention his 'behaviour' which also makes him quite memorable to the kids=) They were all eagerly awaiting the portion of the trip when they could spend some time with Uncle Pat.

That evening Matthew spoke at the church in Sherman, Maine. His father pastored at this church for over 7 years when Matthew was younger so he is quite familiar with many of the people that still attend. We have been able to visit and enjoy our time in all the churches but it is an extra treat to be able to fellowship with some believers that we know.

Well, time to close, Matthew and the boys just pulled in from their third fishing trip this week....I'll update you on their success on a later post=)