Ozarksbill

Our family has had some nice get togethers, sometimes to celebrate special events or sometimes just holidays...like a wedding in Kansas, Thanksgiving at the Florida Keys, Playa del Carmen vacation, 50th anniversary in Colorado mountain cabins. Not counting holiday gatherings. So now this July a week together in Ogunquit. Rental of a house: www.vrbo.com/272796ha.

It was agreed to take turns preparing evening meals. Some breakfasts prepared by volunteers...pancakes, bacon & eggs, etc. Lunches would be pick up unless a bite out somewhere. Also that everyone could do what they wanted. So some went sailing and some hiking and some shopping and some whale watching and some to the playhouse and some to a nearby museum and some tasting lobster rolls or other cuisine and some going into Portland for museums and some playing table games and some watching DVDs and some of course to the beach.

We got along pretty well I think. The group included our son and his DW from Kansas (with their 28 year old son), our daughter and her DH from Florida and our son with his partner (and two youngsters) from Medford. One night we had a special birthday dinner celebrating everyone's birthday. There were silly hats and candles and stories (each telling of some birthday memory).

Weather mostly pleasant...it is cool along the Maine coast. One thunderstorm and some drizzles. It's great for a family to bond in this way. Just chatting in the kitchen or sunroom. Or playing with the young ones. Sometimes just reading or relaxing in the sun or strolling up the path. No one forced to do anything except what they wanted. I liked having our three grown children interact and for us grandparents to have this time with them. Only regret that several other grown grandchildren couldn't come.

More details later. Anyone else celebrate family togetherness like this? As a young couple we took many trips with our three including lots of camping. That meant seeing places around the country and having new experiences. None of the spouses are campers really but that's OK. We likely wouldn't enjoy it the same way either. We are thankful to have health most of all and that our loved ones are happy.

dfrostnh

We fortunate to be able to have weekly family dinners but recently had a niece from CA and nephew from PA and their families join us for dinner. Last night our gds were spending the night with friends so there was only Sweet William to entertain while DS and DIL took a short break on the porch. At age 2, William is fascinated by tools, jeeps and tractors so he was thrilled that Bumpa had to replace a little lightbulb which required a visit to Bumpa's workshop.

We are so lucky to have beautiful places in New England where families can gather. You picked a great location with lots to see and do. DS's friend and his family visiting from AZ loved spending at day at Old Orchard Beach. The birthday party sounded like a lot of fun. Glad kitchen duties were shared although I fondly remember long talks with my MIL while we did dishes etc. Happy summer!

Ozarksbill

What did we do in our Ogunquit gathering? Sometimes we did indeed just chat in the kitchen or sun room. It was great to have our three grown children and their spouses and some of their kids. Each gathering has however provided opportunities for exploring the area. So some shopped and some sailed but some just sat (one a professor had on line course stuff).

But let me mention a few eateries: Brown's Ice Cream at Nubble Lighthouse has so many flavors and big dips.
Cornerstone in Ogunquit a good stop after a long walk up from the beach www.cornerstoneogt.com/food
Marcy's Diner in Portland: lots of breakfast fare but let me mention the butterscotch pie www.yelp.com/biz/marcys-diner-portland.
Barnacle Billys in Ogunquit: try the gazpacho and fried clam roll www.barnbilly.com/menu-home.cfm
Fisherman's Catch (recommended by daughter)
www.fishermanscatchwells.com/menu.html
Five O (recommended by son) five-oshoreroad.com/menus
Clam Shack...this is where DW wanted her lobster roll with fries http://theclamshack.net Wait in line and around corner in Kennebunk is Aunt Marie's ice cream
Cape Neddick Lobster Pond Whole family enjoyed many menu items http://capeneddick.com
Two further comments about the area: expect crowds, traffic is terrible and likewise the parking. But nice beaches and other things for families.

clarkgriswold

If you enjoyed it, and since it's an easy trip from Watertown, try visiting in mid-September. Lots of lodging bargains and the traffic/crowds are down about 70%.

Dukey1

We did an anniversary on the OBX several years ago in a 12-bedroom/bath home. Invited a bunch of friends and relatives and insisted they stay gratis.

We had volunteers do breakfast as well as dinner; they were encouraged to cook their favorite recipe. Lunches were out or food brought in and paid for from a food kitty.

No other "rules" or requirements and the two weeks were memorable.

flpab

Love your mansion by the sea. How fun. Sort of doing the same next July for the wedding in the Adirondacks. Rented a big house for overflow friends and rellies.

SandyBrit

Ozarksbill:

Did some of your group come and go during the week? The house only sleeps 8 according to the link you provided.

Son from Kansas family = 3
Daughter from Florida family = 2
Son from Medford = 2 +plus 2 youngsters = 4
You and DW = 2

I have always been reluctant to rent a property with zero reviews. The house does look nice.

Can you share how far it was from the house to the private beach.

Thanks for posting and glad you all had a nice time.

Sandy

Nepheline

Dukey
It's always been my dream to do what you did: rent a big house and invite all our friends to come and go as they'd like, gratis. Not in the position to do it yet, but maybe someday...
We have done the 4-5 bedroom house on the shore of Cape Cod for family reunions, and shared cottage rentals with another couple, and it's always been great. Very relaxing, just sitting around, chatting, drinking coffee together in the mornings. Success probably depends on how loose the participants are -- no rules, no regulations = fun for everyone.
One question: where is OBX????
gail