The adventures of The Leadbetter Family

Its that time of year again - the much loved week up at Lobster lake! We have a rack up top, a trailer attachment in the back and lots of boys and dogs! Wendy is sporting Drew's new shades from Silver lake. She just might prefer rocking the trek on his lap too.

Anyone need to fit anything else in? I love this full car!

We were so thankful to time out drive up to Maine to when Liz and Robert were heading out. We got to enjoy a meal with them at the Harraseekett in Freeport. One of our favorite stops. They were just coming out of camp and headed home to start up fall sports before classes begin.

Great family shot all together!

Just the kiddos - nice to hear them chatting about what was different at Lobster lake, what they look forward too etc

We left Freeport and made the final trek to Indian Trading Posts. Here we are letting the kids pick up their 'drive in' snacks. It was rather hysterical what they purchased. Happy to do the Dr. Pepper again, but the pudding - not again!

Time to open up the snacks! We are on the dirt road!

Guess who got to do some driving while on the dirt roads! These teens got to get some experience. Driving into camp - driving to the spring to re-fill water. They were always in for a drive!

Anyone notice the outfits? Flannels without sleeves are clearly all the rage - planned by Frankie!

Love this photo of Ashley hanging out of the truck. We are almost there!

We made it! Love that Mary captured this one as its their first (or hopefully many) trips up here.

Ah - doesn't it just feel good?

Its all over our smiles how happy we are here -and how happy we are to share it with our favorite people.

We had the biggest dog pack yet, Latte, Molly, Wendy and Nora.

This right here is my definition of relaxation and happy place. These girls on a walk

Pure beauty

This week before was upside down for the Mays - first off Tom and Mary had COVID. We were fine having them come (as long as they felt o.k.) as we really are outside and in separate cabins. Then on Friday they realized Charlie had Hand Foot and Mouth - now THAT doesn't sound fun at all. Again, we really wanted them to come because we knew how much they would love this place. So we took the risk - hoping that Charlie could keep it to himself. Her girls had previously gotten it when they were little. It was rumored they couldn't get it again..... until they did.

Yup, Sarah had a fever and started getting the sores, Than poor Lizzy - after getting a fish hook stuck in her hand, the next day she was feverish..... The May's cabin was a bit of a sick ward. But Tom and Mary were still thankful to be there. We just did meals outside when we could...

Booze cruise evening

The colors were amazing

We hiked to the top of Spencer! Tom stayed home with the dog pack and Sarah. They had a day of kayaking. We were thrilled we all made it to the top this time. Could have had more water, but we survived. Gotta admit - I was thankful for the walking sticks!

These kids and this group is hearty and adventurous. No complaints from anyone!

Catching a different angle

Happiness is

Meals outside!

even at the point! This was a great new idea!

One of my favorites. Every year and never gets old

Love this early morning capture of the fishermen out there.

Its our happy place and a happy place for the dogs too.

Hammock point

Today Chris lead a weapons range lesson. Each family had their own 22 to bring up. Everyone was very careful, aware and safe about it. It was a great opportunity for the kids to learn and experience weapons in a safe environment. They lined up cans filled with water and practiced their aim. I love how Chris lead the learning and how supportive the dads were on this training.

O.k. - so this photo doesn't capture the laid out and safe training, as these boys took this training to real life and shot one the the chipmunks out of the tree. See Charlie holding it? The funny part is, Latte ran right in to grab it, than is squirmed and she instantly dropped it. No longer the fierce

dog she was hoping she was.

Later that week, I found this poor toy attached and gutted. Clearly more their style.

One of the things to note about this week - lots of LOUD nature animals. Chipmunks, squirrels and what Barbara later told us where chicken hawks - they were SUPER loud and a true alarm clock.

Jumping rock was HUGE this year. Kids LOVED it and our captures were stellar!

Boat driving for Sarah

we didn't have much time inside at all - this was a rare game of poker.

Something about the colors of this photo. I love it.

Tibs rock - it was a bust - no fish, biting flies and no blueberries.

o.k. - maybe one fish. This photo says so much! The fish had a name (that is escaping me right now but I am sure Frankie remembers) He is his own man!

cruising

Lamb on the grill and pink crocs on the feet - Wyland is smiling on this one.

this is just the best.

Food art photo (courtesy of Mary) She sure made that pie look delicious!

These guys rocked the dish washing after every meal - honestly I think they had a blast.

Our last full day. The crew headed out early for a Katadin hike. Our bench mark is going into 8th grade, so Shane and Frankie were new to the experience as well we Tom and Charlie. I stayed back with Mary, Lizzie, Drew and Sarah. The lake was GLASS. I have never seen it so smooth. We LOVED today!

Some of our favorite photos.

I brought a swim mask and spent time underwater searching for a bracelet I was convinced I lost there 2 days prior. I searched back and forth. The bracelet was copper and blended right in with the bottom of the lake. I was OVER THE MOON when I FOUND IT! between that and the black water cap - it was a HUGE win of finding stuff.

Lots of Spit playing and thrilled Sarah is back at it

Meanwhile at a mountain not so far away - our crew had a shaky start. They had 3 parking spots reserve but the catch is they had to be there by 7:00. Guess what, they arrived at 7:08. Parking spots were GONE. They were devastated - however there were other lots they could wait and see if there was availability. The score spots!! It took them to a different part of the mountain. I believe they hiked up Cathedral. Look at this bowl!

Look at these hikers!

If you are interested to hear other snaffus? Asa left the premade sandwiches for the Briggs in the car. He realized as he was hiking and tastfully told Rebecca, Frankie and Ashley along the way. Thankfully this crew was happy to divide up what they had.

I am not sure I would be as smiley as Charlie is in this photo

I am wondering if this photo captures a little of Frankies oncoming symptoms - yup, crystall ball shows this one does get the Hand Foot and mouth. its spreads...he wasn't himself at the end of the hike. We were hoping he was just exhausted - however time told it was more than that...

they look pretty fresh in this photo. I am wondering if I am out of order.

These kids

They.All.Made.It!

I am pretty sure this photo was just for show - Rebecca can scale anything - hiking sticks aside.

She REALLY loves and relishes in moments like these. May you continue to be an inspiration for us!

This crystal clear cold refreshing lake was just what the hikers needed on the way home (it was just a bit too far from the cars...) Shane is in the photo exclusively so I need to give him HUGE props as I hear he was a rock star! MOUNTAIN SCHMOOPY!

Do we have to have a last day? Sadly yes, it is time. The Briggs headed out hoping to isolate the new patient before it gets to anyone else. We were taking it a bit slower. Here is the makings of a tree house that we believe Danville started with his kiddos.

Lets take one more ride out to jumping rock

I need to find the photo I have of Wyland and Shane driving the boat from 2012. Seriously 10 years ago!

I wanted to captures these photos. Sure its scary watching Nick diving - but that aside = it is striking. and with Spencer in the background this photo is a treasure.