Okay, so I’m finally back from the most epic, exhausting, and absolutely unforgettable 18 days of my life. If you follow The Chaos Planner or even follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you’ve probably seen a glimpse of the chaos and beauty that was our Maine adventure. But there’s no way I can capture the full experience in a quick scroll. So, grab a cup of coffee (or wine, I don’t judge), and let’s dive into this.
I’m a mom of five boys, ages 10 down to 2. If you’re doing math, that means my life is a constant whirlwind of energy, laughter, and the occasional meltdown. I’m also an entrepreneur, running a small business from my home office. Juggling it all is a daily challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. And then there’s Papi, my partner in crime, the man who keeps our circus running smoothly.
The Digs:
Our summer plans were simple: escape the Florida heat, reconnect with nature, and make memories that would last a lifetime. And where better to do that than at our little slice of heaven in Maine? My grandfather built that lake house in the 70s, and it’s been a magical place for our family ever since.
From the original wooden plank walls to the loft where the boys sleep and the pristine sunset views from the front porch, the house itself just smells of home and love. As you step out the front door, you’re greeted with soft grass, a rocky beach and the cool waters of Lake Annabessacook. The first step onto that property every summer is truly a heart explosion of the best kind!
The Adventures:
The evenings were spent roasting marshmallows over the fire, telling stories, and playing board games. And the days were a whirlwind of activity. Mornings started with pancakes on the flat top grill and a mad dash to the lake for some early morning fishing. The boys spent hours exploring the woods, swimming, and catching all kinds of creepy crawlies like crayfish and frogs. Papi was in his element, teaching them how to fish and kayak. Three of the five boys were up on waterskies this year! And for the first time ever, productivity wasn’t the point of this trip. Both Luis and I were completely off from work during our vacation. It was about being fully present with my family and soaking up every moment.
The Bonus:
One of the highlights of this summer was having our MJ’s (10) best friend, Matias, and his family join us for four days. Watching these two ten-year-olds bond over shared adventures was pure magic. There’s something truly special about witnessing that kind of childhood friendship unfold.
I’ll never forget the countless hours they spent exploring the lake, either in a little paddleboat, armed with a secret stash of Cheez-Its and Capri Suns or racing Matias’ older sister and friend out to the island in their kayaks. They’d disappear for hours, their laughter echoing across the water. It was in those moments, watching them navigate the lake and their friendship, that I felt a profound sense of gratitude for this place and the experiences we were creating together.
The End:
As our trip came to an end, I felt a mix of emotions. I was sad to leave this magical place and wished for just one more night. But I was also excited to head back to the normalcy of home and be able to share all our adventures with friends and family.
As we loaded up for the airport, we got the dreaded email… the trip back home was being disrupted. Greatly. Airline delays, layovers, and stress led to cancelled tickets and a 30-hour car ride back to Florida from Maine with 5 boys under 10 in the car. But alas, that’s a story for another time! I’d rather just sit and revel in the complete amazement of one of our most perfect vacations ever.
I knew that these memories would be cherished for years to come. Being a mom of five is no easy feat, and being a working mom adds another layer of complexity. But moments like these remind me why I do it all. It’s about creating a life filled with love, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
So, until next time, Maine…
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