Summer holiday - 3.5 weeks down, 7.5 weeks to go

When I look back on British summer holidays they seem so short - 6 weeks maximum. Here they're 10 or 11 weeks - no idea why they're not always the same length, but this year is an 11-weeker.

We're a bit odd in that we don't dread the summer holiday. There's so much for the children to do, and we usually get some good weather to enjoy the beaches and lakes too, with a bit of camping thrown in. And of course I'm at work for most of the summer, so I'm not tearing my hair out after the first few weeks demanding to know when they go back to school.

So far this holiday Hannah has spent two weeks learning to sail with SailMaine, down in Portland. They're based fairly near Mike's office, so he spent some very happy lunchtimes entertaining her (or should that be being entertained by her?).

Somehow Hannah ended up with the most amazing weather almost every single day she sailed. I don't think it rained once, and most days it was in the 80s. The biggest problem was sunburn.

She's now confident at handling an Opti - whatever that is - and is ready to do Opti Intermediate next summer.

Mark and Hannah both did a week of lacrosse - only part days. I've yet to actually ever see lacrosse played, so I can only imagine what it's like, but they seem to like it.

Ellie did a week of Art Attack, which she thought was okay but she wasn't blown away by it. Then Ellie and Mark both did a week of Mad Science which they absolutely loved. It was held in the Middle School, right behind our house, and apparently Ellie found salamanders under a log in the woods out there. Also she found insects she calls roly-polies. She means woodlice - I think roly-poly is a better description though.

This week Hannah is doing Theatre Camp, and Ellie and Mark are having a week with Nadja - relaxing, swimming at Carl's brother's house, and having playdates.

It feels like it's been hot forever. It's been in the 90s this week, and the 80s over the weekend. I'm not complaining, but it is a teeny bit sweaty.

Last Saturday we went to Dundee Park, a beach on the Presumpscot River, and swam. Then Sunday we went to Crescent Beach State Park and did some body-boarding and sandcastle building.

The weekend before that was Independence Day weekend - we spent it at Kevin's house in Northeast Harbor. Kevin entertained us and our friends. We swam at the beach club, hiked up a smallish mountain, and ate pizza and ice cream in Bar Harbor.

As always it feels like a huge privilege to live here. Long may it continue...