8 States in 8 DAYS

Virginia: Starting Location

through: Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

We planned a 10 day camping trip, up the East Coast, through some of New England.

Although these pictures don't come close in explaining the things we saw, adventures we had, or memories we made, perhaps they'll give you a glimpse into the great time that was spent!

I wish I was lying when I say the kids did FANTASTIC in the car.

They read books, sang, made neclaces, ate, sang, ate, slept, told stories....They were just super troopers.

First stop, once past the New Jersey Turnpike, (every bit as congested as you've heard of) MYSTIC Connecticut. Whatever you've seen or heard about New England, came true on our trip, especially after spending the night in Mystic. It was a charming little town, with all the charm. Draw bridges, sail boats, Ice Cream shops. One of my favorite places on earth!

Welcome to Newport, RI.

Among other things, we took a boat cruise around some of the famous homes that surround this area.

The money people have is just astounding, but I can guarantee if I had that type of money, I'd buy a second home up in a heart beat.

We also took a sail over toMarthas Vineyard. This island proved to be every bit as charming as I'd heard. Plus, was home to the most fantastic, detailed cottages, USA's first mary-go-round and beaches.

Check this out! Our very own Charlie was the winner of the gold ring. While riding the mary-go-round, the riders are suppose to collect rings, and whoever gets the ONE gold ring gets a free ride. Way to go Chars.

The trip was not with out tears, but lucky for Hank, he won't remember a thing!

Our great camp site!

The kids kept busy with cars, turns on the red chair, stacking the pine needles, and making friends with other campers. One of our favorite nights was enjoyed an invitation for a beer and fire with some fellow campers (or in our case, flavored water)! They were there for 2 weeks, from Quebec, had kids around the same ages, and we really enjoyed our time with them

After days at the beach, Martha's Vineyard, swimming at the camp site we set sail for P town, otherwise know as Province Town, the last town on the very cape of Cape cod.

It was quite the cultural shock, as P Town is know for its appeal to Gays. We certainly we out numbered, but loved the sea smell, views of the water, and our first bowl of Clam Chowda!

Rise and shine campers!!! Camping for Jeff was a bit more difficult then he'd anticipated, being that the kids required laying with every night, and woke up nice and early. However early, this one took the cake, 5:30 am. complete with poop in the panties, we made our way as fast as we could out to breakfast.

Dare I say this was my favorite day? Mayflower beach inDennis Ri. At first glance, this beach was no ordinary place. But due to limited parking, and the crowds, we knew there had to be something special.

Sure enough, around 11:00 am the tide starts going out, and you're left with little inlets of 6" deep water, or soft, water soaked sand.

It was a DREAM beach, ideal for children, crab hunders, or anyone hoping to enjoy the sun.

Soon after our Cannon Cameras battery ran out, we made our way to Plymoth Plantation. We got great in site from native indians, and the english men.

We also jumped aboard the MayflowerII, that was an exact replica, that once sailed across to the Americas. It was a fantastic display and tour. ( The candy shop as well was a favorite)

Ok, maybe I was joking when I said my favorite place, because Boston Ma. may take the cake! We were blown away at the cities cleanliness, child friendly activities and obvious historical attractions. Boston had some of our favorite highlights. Frog Pond, the down town market, Charles street, and the Freedom Trail. The kids were troopers as we followed the 3 plus mile walk, taking us through historical land marks and homes.

Our final day began with breakfast out for Charlie and me, and early morning swim for Luce, Jeff and Hank in Boston, a quick tour of Yale Univ. and ended with a Seafood Feast, fit for any king, in Hagerstown, Md. Some of the trips highlights were (or low lights) cruising past traffic, on the opposite side, and only getting stuck at the New Jersey Turnpike, Getting stuck under the Marriott parking garage, (with our roof top carrier), Lucy pooping her pants for the FIRST time, EVER, record flooding rains, as we tried to sleep in our tent, eating rice, pasta and corn for one nights dinner, Lucy and Charlie going to the bathroom, in our car (in various "containers") because we simply could not afford to stop. (that sounded scarier then it really was, and for the sake that I'm sure my mom is already cringing, I'll spare the details, but I can assure it was nothing to traumatizing, waking up what seemed like earlier and earlier each morning....

Jeff said, "I don't even want to think about the next vacation" and the next day, I said " whens our trip to the beach? "

We'll see where we head next, but for now will enjoy looking at our pictures of this adventure.