memorial day weekend

My dad came to visit this weekend! He got here midday Sunday just before Tanner left for work. He, of course, brought presents: several books that I unfortunately can't read right away, quarters for laundry (!), and six bottles of wine. Yes, six. Oh, and a bottle of Scotch for Tanner. My goodness. after Tanner left for work, my dad and I walked down to the Old Port and had a relaxed lunch before I went to work and he watched a movie at the theatre across the street.

On Monday we made the short drive to Freeport so my dad could do some shopping at the big L.L. Bean store. Tanner and I poked around for a bit and were almost convinced by an employee to go on a short kayaking trip for only $20 a person. We said we would definitely be back. We then found ourselves in the hunting section and Tanner struck up a conversation about archery with an employee who then took us to their indoor shooting range and he immediately got me hooked up with a bow and some arrows. It was so much fun! He then gave me a more intense bow (compound?) which was much harder for my muscles but still enjoyable. We left after that and did a bit more shopping before stopping for a few drinks and a snack. It was such a beautiful day and we sat on the back patio under an umbrella and we just had a really good time. When we got back into Portland, we headed straight for the Old Port but the pizza place we wanted to go to was closed so we went across the street and had a pizza specially made for us! There were a lot of people walking around, dogs too, and it was getting just a bit cooler outside.

We got back to the apartment and watched 180 South, an excellent documentary, and then watched part of the sunset from the roof of the parking garage across the street. We were a bit early so we didn't stay for the whole thing but it was still beautiful and we all had a good time looking through my dad's binoculars and taking pictures. We also discovered a nesting gull and Tanner saw two large eggs in her nest. I wanted to get closer to take a picture but I didn't want to aggravate her too much by getting close to her babies. We didn't do much the rest of the night; my dad went to bed early and Tanner and I made smoothies and watched some TV online before going to bed ourselves.

This morning I got up early with my dad and went to the fish market so he could bring back some lobsters and cod. We then went to Two Fat Cats Bakery and picked up a couple whoopie pies (which are delicious) and then he brought me back to the apartment and he left. It was a great visit and we're so glad he came. We're expecting more guests soon and throughout the summer; I'm so excited to explore this area even more with people who will be new to it as well.