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.

Pittsburgh Pa, and the 4th

Thursday I mowed the lawn, while these darlings watched, with their babies and lawn chairs.

After the big mow, I ventured to WOLF TRAP for the evenings performance of

Mamma Mia!!!

It was a very last minute evening, but thanks to Andrea, was a fantastic night!!!

Going to Wolf Trap was on my Bucket List, and it was such a great evening, I hope to take Jeff and any other visitors there.

All set for the Americas Birthday!

Friday morning, at the crack of dawn we had the car loaded for our trip to Pittsburgh.

Some friends mentioned they were going for the weekend, so we invited our selves along, and before you know it, we were off to see Pa!

The drive up went great, with a 2 hr. layover at a charming park in Shellenberger, Pa.

I may have not come to appreciate the beauty of Pennsylvania before, but after driving through much of its landscape, realized how hilly, lush and diverse this state is.

Our first stop was the "Snows Nuthouse".

We know the Snows from Utah, and over various circumstances have seen one another!

We were delighted to spend time with Kris and Mike, and their charming children!

We talked, ate, talked, laughed, talked, laughed till we cried, played games, talked..

Kris, it was a dream! Thank you!!

We cannot wait to be with you again.

Day One:

The Duquesne incline and Mt. Washington.

This city may only be know for its past mining history, but I will tell you it is SPECTACULAR!

The water, bridges and tunnels took our breath away.

Waiting a turn on the "train".

A cable car that takes you down the mountain side, and back up again.

I think even brave Hank was a bit hesitant for this ride.

Lunch was a picnic on the lawn near the "Tower of Learning"

Andrea and her servants waiting to counsel us.

I still am not sure what the purpose of this very large and often lavish building was,

but it was fun to see the unique rooms as they each portrayed countries learning styles.

Lucy couldn't wait to get back to the hotel and swim, so thats just what we did before dinner.

Dinner that night, the famous Pimanti Brothers.

If you're a "Man vs. food" viewer, you may otherwise know this place as the restaurant that serves coleslaw and fries ON their sandwiches.

Jeff and Dave could have eaten this for breakfast the next day. Me, I though it was great,

but a once a life time thing.

Day Two:

The Science Center.

I was saying this place was overwhelming for an adult, let alone a child.

They had everything a curious mind would wonder about.

Here we are sitting in the earthquake simulator.

Charlie couldn't get enough of this water/river bed center.

He loved the balls and their interaction with the waters path.

Nurse Lucy trying to help our very ill patient Charlie

I see potential for his curious mind.

So COOL! Didn't you use to play "Operation" for hours when you were little?

Well, no need to be little. Its life size now!

Jeff was like a 5 year old at the Sports Center.

Here he is, shooting to the sky, after it launches you, depending on your downward pull.

Our tour of one of the Submarines.

It was amazing to see what a real submarine looked like, but my heavens,

you'd have to give me 100 times a sign on bonus to ever board one going out to sea.

Dinner that night, (of corse after our daily swim) was Pei Wei, take out style.

Joke of the night, both Andrea and Dave spilling their dinner plates all over the floor.

Day 3:

If the name Frank Lloyd Wright doesn't sound familiar to you, this next part will be a snooz.

In the sleepy town of Mill Run, Pa, you'll find the ever famous house that FLW was commissioned to build, Fallingwater.

Since no children were allowed, it worked out perfectly for Andrea and I to head off,

and take a tour of this famous home.

BUT, not before Landon had what would be the first of many blowouts.

I had some great expectations of this home, and let me tell you, they were EXCEEDED.

This home was truly amazing!

Built long before its time, in the sense of construction, style and design.

No cameras are allowed inside, with our tour, so you'll just have to take my word for it that

this place is spectacular.

On the way home, about an hour from our house,

I realized I had not yet given my kiddies a sucker.

By saying this, I am telling you they did fantastic, and did not need to be hushed with a ball of sugar in their mouth.

They all were great. Kept busy with their books, toys, coloring, stickers, and our favorite, Snacks!

All of this of corse could be considered a dry run for this upcoming weekend, when we take our 11 day road trip, up as far as Maine!! (Camping all the way)

We rushed home for a BBQ and fireworks with friends.

What would the 4th be with out watermelon, homemade ice cream and a big juicy burger?

Fortunately for us, the boys were exhausted, which helped our cause with getting them to bed with the booming sound of fireworks in the back.

Lucy, on the other hand, did stay awake, but after stepping on a sparkler, wasn't quite the same. It took us years to get her to like the fireworks, and I think we may have set our selfs back a few years.

What a whirlwind vacation and holiday weekend, but such great memories!!

Thanks Snows and Cooks!! We had a lovely time!