2 weeks, close to 2000 miles later we have completed our first real family vacation and it was great - a lot of work of course - but great. What follows is a combination of my narration and Brent's log of our trip. He did a great job of planning our route - putting in stops at various places for the kids to have breaks from the car and it really made the trip more enjoyable to enjoy the journey instead of just pushing to get to the destination so kudos to Brent!!
Day 1, July 21st (Wed) – Pittsboro – Grantville PA (Hershey)
Weather and travel nice. Ahead of schedule by second stop, despite 25 minute late start. Had break just before Lynchburg. Sam got carsick at the very top of twisty-turny VA 6 before Waynesboro, so we pulled over to change outfits and clean him up. Drove on to Barnes and Noble bookstore in Harrisonburg where we ate picnic lunch, played with toy trains at train table in kids section and read some books. We gassed up, then it was naptime for all but Brent. We bypassed the Winchester VA gas stop and made it to Poppop’s at 3:30. We had a nice time and salmon dinner with lots of first-time-ever (for the kids!) jello. Hannah enjoyed the kitties – Rosa was reclusive, but the other one was very inquisitive and really wanted to be sociable, but the energy level of Sam and Hannah forced him to keep distance. Poppop reminded us that his 90th will be in February – amazing that he still swims every day, drives, hears well, and seems to be in great shape. Hope I inherit those genes! Departed right at 6:00 and made our hotel reservation at Mainstay suites (love this place - hope it will be our stop in coming trips! Not the cheapest but not the most expensive) in Grantville by 7:30. Hannah was pretty hyped up on too much jello, and Sara took her for a swim in the pool. She came back hungry and ate TWO yogurt and a stick of string cheese. Even after, we couldn’t get her quiet and had to move her pac-n-play into the closet/bathroom foyer space, where she did fall asleep pretty quickly. Unfortunately, the bathroom was blocked for us, so…. I went to bed, and Sara soon followed. Looking forward to an adventurous day and an Indian Lake arrival around 5ish.
The following is the log followed by pics - we soon realized that we weren't going to have a ton of pictures b/c it is hard to take them when each of us has a hand on a child so they don't drown or try to swallow a rock :)
Day 2, July 22nd (Thur) – Grantville – Sabael
Again, weather and travel exceptionally nice – except for the usual proliferation of the Pennsylvania state flower, the orange traffic cone, around Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Actually can’t complain. For $1.40, we took the 476 bypass and really missed most of the construction. I had some fears, after checking the DOT website early this AM and finding predictions of delays. Our first stop today was a powerwalk at Wyoming Valley Mall in Wilkes-Barre, which was cut short when we got completely to the far end of the mall and Hannah announced she “Had to go!” So she went and we went, eating a nibbling lunch all the way to Binghamton. Thanks, Opa for the peaches! We skipped our third stop in Poland to play on a playground, because Sam was still asleep, and Hannah was fine. We pulled into Speculator around 3:15, bought MORE groceries at the store and made it to Sabael by 4:00 – in time for a swim! Hannah wanted Daddy to carry her across the sand and wouldn’t put her feet down, even on the sandy bottom under water, but Daddy got her over that quickly by pointing out things she could throw in the water. Beautiful weather made for a beautiful evening. Even spoke with neighbor Bob Miller briefly. No problems with kids falling asleep tonight! Even in the same room! We were all asleep by 9:30.
Day 3, July 23rd (Fri) - Sabael
Woke up to 60ยบ beautiful sleeping weather. Kids slept hard, and so did we even after getting a little chilly. Cloudy start, so we took a walk early to cove, where Hannah enjoyed throwing more things into the water and walking in her pink garden “muck-muck” boots. Saw Bob and Buddy – Hannah wasn’t thrilled to see a dog. After some snack, it was raining, so we played in the upstairs of the new garage, which Hannah calls the bonus room. Early naps this afternoon, but still raining, so into town to visit the library and check the internet for the weather forecast…the library had some really good toys, so it was too bad they closed at 4!
Day 4, July 24th (Sat) – Sabael
Better weather today! Who cares as long as it’s not raining! We pulled the 13’ canoe out and piled in – Hannah and Daddy paddled, while Momma Sara held Sam. A short pass through the cove and we were done, but it was fun for Hannah to hold a paddle! We came back to the little brown house and climbed into the van for a hike to Rock Lake (between the village and Blue Mountain. Hannah hiked most of the way in through rocks and roots, while Sam rode on Daddy’s back. Many rocks were thrown into Rock Lake that day! Hannah let daddy carry her on the return, and Mommy carried Sam in the Ergo pack. It was beautiful in the hemlock and red pine woods. We saw lots of moss and some beautiful orange mushrooms (Don’t even touch!!!) Wendy and Grammy arrived at house while we were making lunch, and after getting kids napped and all settled, we all enjoyed some swimming. Hannah did better in her purple muscle suit (rather than wearing a lifejacket) She liked to jump off the jumping in rock while daddy held her hands and pulled her right back in. She even let daddy swim her out into the deep water. Sam needed eyes on him constantly, since he would quickly put pebbles in his mouth. Wendy and Grammy really were encouraging and helpful! After a great dinner on the side porch, and the kids went to bed, Daddy took the kayak out for a beautiful paddle around the islands. Sara and the ladies hung out on the front porch. Wonderful, full Adirondack day!
Day 5, July 25th (Sun) – Sabael
Another morning paddle, Hannah and Sara took a good walk while Sam napped, then Sara took a paddle across the lake while Hannah napped. The sun came out, and it was beach time! Wonderful salmon dinner and good time talking with Wendy and Grammy. What a cool family!
Day 6, July 26th (Mon) – Sabael
Grammy and Wendy were out by 8:30. After Sam’s nap, we walked to the lake store. Maybe not the best idea, but we split a scoop of chocolate ice cream with Hannah, and walked home. Hannah thought it was fun to “flip” dad, pulling on his leg, and then he would do a cartwheel. She ran most of the way home, and didn’t show much interest in lunch. After naps we had a great water day. By now, we had perfected the tidal pool in the big jump-off rock for Sam. We collected a few stones to take home, and began preparations for our morning departure.
I am missing a few pics so hope to add them later -
Day 7, July 27th (Tues) - Sabael – Mentor/ Fairport Harbor
Sam woke us up at 4:00 AM, so our 9:30 departure time turned out to be 2 hours late, and we piled into the Honda at 7:30 AM! We made good time, and altered our stops to include a hike at a mall in Buffalo where Hannah had her first escalator rides. The kids both rode well, and we made it well past our Erie PA planned stop, arriving in Mentor/Fairport Harbor around 4:30. We had been catching glimpses of the water from the highway. We quickly took off to see the Headland Beach state park – impressive to step into this inland sea and feel its temperate water. After a good Panera dinner, we headed back to the hotel to play in the wonderful pool. Hannah seems to be having some difficulties with her routines, especially eating and potty training. Twice tonight has caused us to abandon what we’re doing and run to clean her up – hopefully we can allow her more quiet time and more routine when we get to Aunt Alicia’s tomorrow. Sam, on the other hand has been eating like a champ. For him, Aunt Alicia’s will hopefully allow more opportunity to crawl freely.
Day 8, July 28th (Wed) - Mentor/ Fairport Harbor – Alicia’s house
Good night sleep, and a good breakfast, and although Sara’s first instinct is to drive on to Alicia’s, I encouraged the return to the Lake Erie beach. A lady at breakfast had encouraged us to visit Fairport Harbor beach, because it was sandier and shallower than Headland State park. Turned out to be excellent advice, and we all had a great dip at the beach, with the added bonus of some play time on the playground equipment for Hannah.(Neither Brent nor I had been in a great lake and it was awesome - will have more pics of this later - it was just like the ocean without the salt stickiness) Since we had made the extra 90 miles yesterday, we were able to be fairly leisurely, and enjoyed the extra time, leaving for Cinci according to the plan. Even after a Cracker Barrel lunch, we still arrived at 3:30 – about 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Wasn’t long before we were all in the pool, and I have never seen Hannah SO EXCITED! Amazing how she is holding conversations with everyone, and letting Michael and Avery play with her. The more safe to explore environment allowed her and Sam to expend some energy, work up a good appetite, eat a good dinner, then easily fall asleep at 7:00!
Day 9, July 29th (Thur) – Alicia’s house
Brent had a good morning run, and after Sam’s nap in the morning we spent until lunch in the pool. Hannah and Sam are both doing well with Avery and Michael – and their routines seem to be coming back into line. Hannah is eating well, as are all of us. Alicia took Avery to a friend’s birthday sleepover, and Michael had football practice, so we took Hannah and Sam to Fort Liberty playground, and Hannah had a blast! She climbed and hopped and swung – and cried when we had to leave, but was consoled when we told her that we would come back with Michael and Avery and Aunt Alicia, who wanted to go, but had their previous plans. We came home and had yummy bourbon slush, and a good dinner.
Day 9, July 30th (Fri) – Alicia’s house
Alicia likes to cook! (and we enjoyed the fruits of her labor) I spent the afternoon in the pool – first with Sam who wanted to go in and that is where Sara spent her afternoon, and then Hannah woke up and joined us. Avery and her friend Peyton were very cooperative with her! And Hannah enjoyed saying “You go Avery!”and then “You go, Peyton!” and then she actually would jump off the diving board while holding Daddy’s hands! Hopefully we’ll get a picture of that some other day! Greg was out to a KISS concert tonight
Day 10, July 31st (Sat) – Alicia’s house
Started today by watching Michael’s baseball tryouts. He’s already on the team, but his presence was required to try the new guys out. After a while, Hannah was a bit antsy, so the Hubbell’s, Alicia and Avery went on to IKEA. Of course, our short list of 3 items was soon blown up to over $100! Cool store….Since it was a cooler day, we didn’t get in the pool. Instead, everyone but Greg (he was still sleeping off the concert!) went back to Fort Liberty, and played for a long time. Alicia got some great pictures of the kids. Hannah showed some amazing leaps in agility, walking on the balance beams, and climbing the structures. I guess she’s going to remember this…..
Day 11, August 1st (Sun) – Alicia’s house
After breakfast, we drove to Pyramid Hill sculpture park (very fun place!), which is a bit advanced for a 1 and 2 year old, but Hannah did really well, other than an accident in her pants without telling anyone. But we got her cleaned up. We all had a great time and Aunt Alicia got some really good pictures of the day. After lunch, Avery, Alicia and Sara looked through all the pics, and Greg and I took Michael out to the back yard to practice some baseball. Michael can hit the ball well!
Day 12, August 2nd (Mon) – Alicia’s house
Some morning shopping at Costco and Target, and a good lunch and naps – THEN… Sam’s first ice cream at Graeters. Guess what? He likes it!!! Then, into swimsuits and into the pool. 10 minutes in, and Hannah required a new swimmie, but then we were good to go. We ordered dinner, which was delivered poolside, and after Greg showed up, Hannah and Sam went to bed, and many pool games were enjoyed. Michael let me teach him how to dive, and by the end of the evening, he was diving like a pro, and Avery let me show her how to get a “step-bounce” start on the diving board and was getting a lot of air off the diving board. Alicia lit a fire in the firepit, and as it was turning dark, we roasted the oversize marshmallows that Alicia had found at Meijers and made s’mores. It was a beautiful evening, after a stiflingly hot day.
Day 13, August 3rd (Tues) – Alicia’s house – Wurtland
Today we said our sad goodbyes to the Fehrenbach’s and hit the road across southern Ohio and crossed the river at Portsmouth into Kentucky, where we stopped at Aunt Becky’s library, picked up a few books (Aunt Becky checked some out for Hannah which was a big treat!), and met the family at cousin Julie’s for dinner with Aunt Vicki, Uncle Jon, Uncle Clayton, Aunt Becky and Julie’s husband Bobby. Late to bed at Granny and Papaw’s old house. Early day tomorrow heading back to NC, planning stops at Tamarack in the Beckley area and a hike (weather permitting) at Pilot Mountain.
Day 14, August 4th (Wed) – Wurtland – home
The final leg! Hannah had a tour through construction-ridden Charleston, ran around Tamarack, and hiked to the Little Pinnacle overlook at Pilot Mountain – all in her pajamas! She said she wanted to wear them all day, and every time we offered to change her, she said no. We were all glad to pull in at home! Great trip.
So here are some pics from our time in Ohio - we were very blessed to have Alicia take some great pics of the kids - Avery and Michael included! So glad Alicia loves taking pics :)
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