A Visit with Gramma, Jac, and Brian

Less than two hours from our house, we can drive to the Connecticut coast to Auntie Jac and Uncle Brian's house. The boys displayed their competitive vigor in endless games of Sorry! and backyard games. We took a private tour of the Thimble Islands. Fun facts: The late 17th century pirate Captain Kidd buried treasure on these islands and they are names for thimbleberries (black raspberries). Lachen and Aksel scored great pirate hats and an "official" pirate map. Gramma Margie and Shawn scored authentic pirate beer. Despite a bit of drizzle, it was a great tour and the boys' favorite part of the trip.

We also sampled carnival rides at the Branford Festival. Shawn and I are now both too old for carnival rides. Aksel loves them, Lachen in his youthful wisdom already knows better. A seafood feast at Lenny's rounded out our evening, and with bellies full of clams, crab legs, and Maine salmon, we all slept soundly amidst the myriad of antique treasures at Jac and Brian's.

We strolled down the street to the ocean Sunday morning, and the boys each found shells to treasure. Then, well armed with maps and well fed with homemade baked goods (Thanks, Brian!) we explored the Yale University campus in New Haven. The ice rink is shaped like a whale, but its under renovation, so we'll have to tour it later in the year. After strolling around turreted buildings, grabbing some New York-style slices, and soaking up some erudite air, we headed home for a couple days before the trek westward for our Midwestern July.

We're so glad that we didn't take off for Wisconsin before Gramma arrived on the East Coast. I know of no other little boys with such a jet-setting great-grandmother. Lots of great memories made and no less than 10,000 calories consumed. We Hembergers do know how to eat!