A little over a week ago was Bug Maine-ia Day at the Maine State Museum behind the capitol building in Augusta. Bug Maine-ia is rather fitting for a state that's infamous for its plethora of flying, blood-sucking insects. So, why not make an official day of it...??? If you can't beat 'em, study 'em...right? Right! A couple of our homeschool families decided to trek down so I called up Jennifer...spur of the moment...as usual...and asked if she and the boys would like to ride down with me. She was game. We met Sherry and Tracy with their kids picnicking outside the museum. The day was gorgeous and the bugs...excuse me, insects....were plentiful!

After we perused the hands-on exhibits set up in the foyer of the museum, we heard that there was more to see on the second floor of the capitol building. This was a great excuse to re-visit this grand building...and take in more than just bugs.

After looking over more bugs and visiting the stately rooms of the senate and representatives, and the massive balcony overlooking the river, we decided that outdoor time was very needful for the kiddos. Tracy knew of a great trail just a few miles down the road near the river in the village of Hallowell. I had never been this direction before and oh!! what we've been missing! The absolute best, most delightful part of our whole afternoon was this hiking trail she led us to! I (dunce that I am) left my camera behind in the car, so I can only in my lamest attempts describe this lovely trail to you!

It reminded me of the woodsy path we ambled along on Prince Edward Island last year near Green Gables. After strolling through a rolling meadow we followed a wide path high above a respectable stream gurgling melodically somewhere below us. As we passed over low places, huge stones made small bridges, until finally we came to a large stone bridge over shallow pools and rocks that flowed on down the stream to the mighty river behind us. This spot was quintessentially romantically idyllic and the children splashed and waded with glee...and lots of wet clothes! We've promised ourselves to make this place a regular visit...and next time I'll have the camera...or else! And thank you, Tracy, so much for not allowing us to just wimp out and go home before seeing this lovely, lovely trail!

(NOTE: As a matter of fact, Jen went back that following Sunday and you can check out her photos. Thanks Jen!)

I also must mention this little town of Hallowell, too. The whole place is just as charming as can be with antiques, boutiques, art studios, coffee shops, and ice cream shacks to make your heart go totally pitter-pat...at least mine and Jen's were anyway. And all this right next to the huge river that runs in front of the capitol building just a few scant miles back up the road. I had no idea all this was just around the corner from Augusta! Welp, now I know!

Just to top off our Day of Bug Maine-ia, when we went back to our land to pick up Daddy who had been pulling logs up all day, he had happened to capture a praying mantis! And he even manged to get photos of this insect in the dark next to our shed. What a Daddy! And how I love homeschooling!

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