The last week in August means another Savage gathering at Birchcrest in Maine, the grand family compound. This was our first trip back east after moving, and we were very excited! We had a fantastic time, Nathan got to spend lots of time with his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. We got to spend time relaxing, catching up, and remembering all we loved about Maine. We had an almost perfect week, weather wise, except it was a *tad* hot. And the hurricane that came through the end of the week. But other than that...
The Christmas CardWe attempted our usual family photo, but since people are constantly coming and going at the cabin, we didn't get everyone...
Water, Water, EverywhereThe main focus of our time at the cabin (especially with the hot week we had!) is the lake. Sitting on the dock, swimming in the water, riding in the boat, tubing, water skiing, canoeing, you name it, we do it.
Last year we managed to get Nathan's toe in the water, and then he wanted nothing to do with it after that. This year, we had a bit more success, as long he was distracted by something to play with (mostly rocks), since it was a *bit* colder than his baths at home.
Staying cool in the heat...
Working on that perfect tan!
Telling Aunt Carrie stories while dipping their toes in the lake.
Everyone has their chair!
Christopher was a bit braver with the lake water than Nathan. He had fun floating around with Mom and Corbin.
Nathan helping Dad throw rocks for Casco. 
First time in the boat! He wasn't so sure about the life jacket, but Papa was very reassuring. 
Sailing the high seas!If we aren't on the water, we tend to congregate on the deck, enjoying the lake views, cool breezes, and yelling at boaters who come screaming by way too fast (we are at the entrance to a river, too much wake equals erosion!). My wide angle lens came in handy this year being able to capture everyone at once.
The rocking chairs are a hot commodity. 
Nathan had his little chair, Christopher had his mat, so we could all hang outside. 
Shirtless was a common look for the little ones, it was too hot for much more than a diaper!Mangia!
While we all run around enjoying all that the cabin has to offer, we all return to eat dinner together. Eating in general at the cabin is quite the event!
The biggest cousin giving the littlest cousin his bottle. 
Nathan gently telling Casco he couldn't have his feed (ha right!) 
The littlest cousins enjoying a meal together. 
Christopher waiting for the next bite of food from his Mom.
Nathan showing the watermelon who's boss! 
Plate 'o meat. Somehow the only photo I took of the group dinner. My obsession with the little ones rears its head :-)Inside the Cabin
While the inside of the cabin is cozy (ie small), we make good use of it.
The cousins pile together on the couch with Papa and Carrie (Nathan is hiding behind the book).
Aunt Gingy hangs with Christopher. 
Christopher enjoys the comfy furniture. 
Uncle Ed gets a cuddle from Christopher. 
OMG! Look over there! 
Nathan's recent obsession with stairs was satisfied at the cabin, as he went up these 28172 times, and even learned how to climb back down on his own.
Think they coordinated the green shirts? :-) 
Showing Dory where her nose is.When the Sun Goes Down
After the sun goes down, we all mellow out. Some with a book, some with a board game...
Will and Lynn cozy on the couch.
It was HOT, so we did what we could to stay cool. Corbin, Andrew, Gin and Dory make friends with a fan. 
A rousing game of Othello played by Gin and Carrie! 
Corbin and Lynn trying to get the aerobed to deflate. Nothing worked! 
One last jump in the lake at dusk, with Casco and Will supervising. 
The final sunrise on the lake. Until next year! At the airport, Heidi and Jason met us for a quick lunch. Nathan loved hanging out with them and eating Heidi's oyster crackers. She had a serious discussion with him about the responsibility of being a ring bearer. Then it was back to Albuquerque!
Walking into the visitor's center, through a large corrugated steel pipe (usually known as a culvert to us civil engineers). 
Nathan overlooking the pond from the viewing room in the visitor's center. The tempered glass wreaked havoc with the polarizer on my lens, which is why the window looks so funky (thanks Dick for the trivia on tempered glass!) 
On the other side of the visitor's center, looking through the blind to peek at the animals. Nice view of the Sandias in the background. 
Heading out for the walk to the river. Nathan gets giddy when walking with us this way. He isn't too motivated to let go of our hands! 
After a nice long walk, we exit through the visitor's center. 
Nathan clapping for the horses (and just about anything else!) 
Fascinated by Aunt Lori's necklace. 
The first step in becoming a bull rider: mutton busting. Kids as young as 3 years old, holding on to a sheep for dear life! 
Cousin Randy getting ready to ride!
So far so good...
So close! As you can see, the rodeo clowns are right there to help out. They guide the bull away to protect the rider when they are thrown.
