Sean, Alex & Clem did us (me at least!) a huge favor by getting up during the wee hours of Friday morning to see sunrise atop Cadillac mountain! First light is around 4am and it’s over an hour to drive to Acadia National Park, so – that means they got going WAY early…

Then they did our favorite – the Schoodic Loop!

Meanwhile Galen and Richard hiked up Cadillac mountain!

Wow! Chris and I definitely need to drive up Cadillac mountain with our binoculars! Spectacular!

Amidst *that* flurry of activity Rex, Rick and I wisely decided to enjoy quiet patio life this morning before heading back!

We had planned to leave the pupsters in the Maine Mansion but it was another brutally hot day so it felt safer to bring them along. They love the game room anyhow!

While we were chilling in the game room, Lily and Neal took off in search of puffins, seabirds and seals on a cruise from Bar Harbor!

Puffins being ridiculously adorable, like this clumsy fellow trying to haul his awkward little self into flight!

Harbor seals! With a precious little seal pup!

As an added bonus, they saw Whales! A mother and calf humpback! How cool is that?!?

Thank you Lily and Neal for braving the queasy-making waves to get us these amazing photos!!!

Fortunately while they were off on their ocean safari Paul was able to “fix” the air conditioner at the party house! Everyone was happy when cool air started flowing in the great room as the World Cup played on.

Then it was time for the traditional O’Brien family photo frenzy…

After another delicious dinner, Friday closed with a relaxing boat ride on the lake, where Nancy captured sunset!

Beautifully bookending a day that started with sunrise on Cadillac mountain!

Saturday morning we took a final ride on the Party Pontoon (or PUNtoon, as Chris was aboard & in fine form!).

Sunday morning we’ll all go our separate ways. Some will continue the journey north, others return home. It has been a wonderful family reunion in Maine generating memories to last a lifetime!