June 22nd
When we woke up it was raining (the storm woke me up during the night), which scrapped our plans to go to a water park. So the morning turned lazy and I caught up on writing, downloading pictures and paying bills. But, sometime during my second cup of coffee, Barrett and Uncle Eggie had a “disagreement.” Barrett thought that Uncle shouldn’t be using his computer (Ed works from home) because Bear had plans for surfing the net. When we successfully got Bear away from the computer…he made sure to be loud enough, that Eggie couldn’t talk to clients on the phone.
It was time for plan B. Showers and the mall. Fortunately, Rich took mercy on me and said we could leave Bear behind with him (which ultimately cost him and Eggie quite a bit of work time). On the way to the Mall, the sun came out…so we tried to keep our visit short. Then Kelly & I stumbled upon a sale at Lord and Taylor, so we stayed longer than anticipated. The natives made us pay for it, too.
Once we got home, the kids all hit the hot tub, while the grown-ups had cocktails and appetizers. Edmund made another fabulous dinner…shrimp on the grill, crab cakes, salmon, grilled vegetables and tomato salad. Delicious.
It was a quiet day, a quite night. It was what we all need after a couple crazy days. It was nice to end our visit on a peaceful note. Tomorrow we are Kentucky bound.
Silly Band Award: Cammy…so sweet today.
Quote of the Day: Hunter - “I’d like to have a reasonable amount of coke.” – after mommy poured him what was, apparently, not a reasonable amount.
Quote of the Day 2: Hunter, to Kelly, after she asked him if he was ready for 4th grade. “I’ve had my challenges in third grade, but I am a master at arithmetic. I think I’m ready.”
Friday, June 25, 2010
June 21st - Pseudo-Calm Again
June 21st
Well, everyone seemed to be in a much better place when we all got up this morning. Thank God. Typical family drama….just sweep it under the carpet (and let it fester for years:)).
I love my sister-in-law. She absolutely Rocks! I am so blessed to have Kelly in my life. Kelly is the most patient, honest & caring person I know. She is truly nice. How it is that she didn’t turn and run for the hills when she met all of us, I will never know.
Kelly and I took the kids to the Detroit Zoo. They were so excited when we got there and told every person whose path they crossed that this was “their first time at the zoo.” Such a bad mom. I am just not an animal person.
The Zoo was cool, but the animals were no cooperating. It seemed as if every exhibit we went to the animals were passed out asleep or totally OUT OF VIEW. Audrey was bummed because there weren’t any Elephants and the Lion exhibit was under renovation.
We ate at the Zoo’s outdoor cafeteria where, surprisingly, peacocks were roaming free. They actually came up to us at the tables, begging for food. It was unsettling for me (I’m not a bird person).
Oh, I did forget to mention that the chimpanzees were cool. They were in mating season and could not keep their hands off of each other. It was sweet. But the kids were much more impressed by the fact that they chimps peed and pooped for them.
After we put in 3 hours, we rode the zoo train and left. Quick stop for ice-cream and the a few errands. By the time we got home, Ed and Rich were in excellent moods…yeah! We hung out on the deck, Kelly and I indulged in some champagne while the kids all played in the yard. We grilled lobster tails (fantastic) and watched Kid Rock on the CMTs (dvr-ed). It was all good.
Quote of the day: “OMG, Gross! – Aud, after the peacocks solicited our table.
Silly Band Award – Four way tie.
Well, everyone seemed to be in a much better place when we all got up this morning. Thank God. Typical family drama….just sweep it under the carpet (and let it fester for years:)).
I love my sister-in-law. She absolutely Rocks! I am so blessed to have Kelly in my life. Kelly is the most patient, honest & caring person I know. She is truly nice. How it is that she didn’t turn and run for the hills when she met all of us, I will never know.
Kelly and I took the kids to the Detroit Zoo. They were so excited when we got there and told every person whose path they crossed that this was “their first time at the zoo.” Such a bad mom. I am just not an animal person.
The Zoo was cool, but the animals were no cooperating. It seemed as if every exhibit we went to the animals were passed out asleep or totally OUT OF VIEW. Audrey was bummed because there weren’t any Elephants and the Lion exhibit was under renovation.
We ate at the Zoo’s outdoor cafeteria where, surprisingly, peacocks were roaming free. They actually came up to us at the tables, begging for food. It was unsettling for me (I’m not a bird person).
Oh, I did forget to mention that the chimpanzees were cool. They were in mating season and could not keep their hands off of each other. It was sweet. But the kids were much more impressed by the fact that they chimps peed and pooped for them.
After we put in 3 hours, we rode the zoo train and left. Quick stop for ice-cream and the a few errands. By the time we got home, Ed and Rich were in excellent moods…yeah! We hung out on the deck, Kelly and I indulged in some champagne while the kids all played in the yard. We grilled lobster tails (fantastic) and watched Kid Rock on the CMTs (dvr-ed). It was all good.
Quote of the day: “OMG, Gross! – Aud, after the peacocks solicited our table.
Silly Band Award – Four way tie.
June 20th - Father's Day
June 20th
Father’s Day! Although, momma slept in - big time. By the time I got up around 9 a.m., most everyone was on the back porch cocktailing…I kid you not. Oh boy!
The guys were supposed to tee off at 7:15, but they overslept and missed their time. They next available one was 11:30…which meant “the women” were basically on duty, all day. It was Father’s Day. Kelly wanted to plan an excursion, but Jan wanted to stay put. I was on the fence, but the thought of entertaining 7, at home, all day….daunting. Later events, however, forced us to stay put.
I was making beds and folding laundry, when I asked one of the kids where Barrett was. They told me he was outside with his dad. I went out….garage door was open… the dads were gone. Shit. Here we go again.
I ran through the neighborhood yelling for Barrett (at one point, I could hear him yelling his name back). Jan & the girls covered the golf course and Kelly alerted the neighbors. I was scared, obviously, but pissed….because the guys had left the garage door open when they left for golf. I had secured the front and back doors, so I thought we were good. Later, once we found Bear, I’d also find out that they actually sent him inside to tell mommy to take his sweat shirt off, before pulling away (and not closing the garage door). I have no idea what they were thinking.
Fair or not…I was pissed…at everyone. And scared.
Ed & Rich returned to help in the search and I got predictably hysterical….all the houses had open garage doors, so I was terrified. Twenty days on the road, twelve states, most of the time…on my own, and I never lost him. Two days at my brother’s (most of the time…TENSE), six adults – and he’s gone.
We found him….Jeff did. He’d made it across the fairway to the clubhouse where Jeff was. Son of a bitch.
My day was shot. You can’t help but feel everyone’s pity and god-knows-what-else-they’re thinking. It took me well over an hour to come out of my room. Bear was laughing at me (I wouldn’t let him leave my side) and that really ticked me off, as well as broke my heart.
The rest of the day was a blur of screaming kids, wet towels, meal prep and frozen cocktails. Kinda sucked. When the guys came back, Rich – inexplicably - was not talking to me. Oh-so-much fun. He seemed to get over it by the end of the day and Ed’s attitude started to thaw as well. I’m not sure if it had everything to do with the alcohol or with true forgiveness? Whatever...
The Cochrans left after dinner and I went to bed soon after.
Quote of the day: Bear, while in the hot tub, after I asked him if he was having fun. “What? Are you crazy?” I hear ya!
Silly Band Award: Cammy Bo-Bammy
Father’s Day! Although, momma slept in - big time. By the time I got up around 9 a.m., most everyone was on the back porch cocktailing…I kid you not. Oh boy!
The guys were supposed to tee off at 7:15, but they overslept and missed their time. They next available one was 11:30…which meant “the women” were basically on duty, all day. It was Father’s Day. Kelly wanted to plan an excursion, but Jan wanted to stay put. I was on the fence, but the thought of entertaining 7, at home, all day….daunting. Later events, however, forced us to stay put.
I was making beds and folding laundry, when I asked one of the kids where Barrett was. They told me he was outside with his dad. I went out….garage door was open… the dads were gone. Shit. Here we go again.
I ran through the neighborhood yelling for Barrett (at one point, I could hear him yelling his name back). Jan & the girls covered the golf course and Kelly alerted the neighbors. I was scared, obviously, but pissed….because the guys had left the garage door open when they left for golf. I had secured the front and back doors, so I thought we were good. Later, once we found Bear, I’d also find out that they actually sent him inside to tell mommy to take his sweat shirt off, before pulling away (and not closing the garage door). I have no idea what they were thinking.
Fair or not…I was pissed…at everyone. And scared.
Ed & Rich returned to help in the search and I got predictably hysterical….all the houses had open garage doors, so I was terrified. Twenty days on the road, twelve states, most of the time…on my own, and I never lost him. Two days at my brother’s (most of the time…TENSE), six adults – and he’s gone.
We found him….Jeff did. He’d made it across the fairway to the clubhouse where Jeff was. Son of a bitch.
My day was shot. You can’t help but feel everyone’s pity and god-knows-what-else-they’re thinking. It took me well over an hour to come out of my room. Bear was laughing at me (I wouldn’t let him leave my side) and that really ticked me off, as well as broke my heart.
The rest of the day was a blur of screaming kids, wet towels, meal prep and frozen cocktails. Kinda sucked. When the guys came back, Rich – inexplicably - was not talking to me. Oh-so-much fun. He seemed to get over it by the end of the day and Ed’s attitude started to thaw as well. I’m not sure if it had everything to do with the alcohol or with true forgiveness? Whatever...
The Cochrans left after dinner and I went to bed soon after.
Quote of the day: Bear, while in the hot tub, after I asked him if he was having fun. “What? Are you crazy?” I hear ya!
Silly Band Award: Cammy Bo-Bammy
June 19th - The Cochrans Come a Callin'
June 19th
Today was gorgeous…perfect temperature, in the 80’s…and the sun shined all day. Yeah.
Despite the tumultuous pre-bedtime events, I had the most incredible night’s sleep. The bed in Ed & Kelly’s guest room is so comfortable…I enter a coma-like state. After a tense breakfast (Edmund was completely ignoring me)…Kelly and I headed to Howell to see Jake and Jesse.
Jesse is Kelly’s niece, but she’s only 5 years younger than Kelly. Jesse’s cool. We were pregnant at the same time (Aud) and her second child is only 1 year older than Cammy. Her husband is a sweetheart and I’ve always enjoyed spending time with them. They always send us packages, with presents for everyone…for no reason at all!
So they invited us out to their house, which is on a lake, for a boat ride. I never say “no” to a boat ride! Bear was so excited, but I was nervous, because he kept trying to jump in the lake, en route to the little island where they usually dock. Once we did dock, and everyone got in the chilly (imo) lake water…peace and calm were restored. We had a really fun time.
Back at their house…the kids had a blast. Barrett was jumping on the trampoline, naked. Hunter found a Wii! Aud was flying on an honest to God tire swing, while Cammy mowed their grass with a bubble mower. We could have stayed all day…but our phones were starting to ring. The Cochrans had arrived back at Chez McGrath.
I love my cousin Jeff…when he gets going on the bourbon/vodka…he can be funny, loving and sometimes annoying – he likes to stir the pot. He’s also a teaser and anyone who knows me, knows I don’t take well to being teased. I also have a very colorful past with his wife, Jan (Miss Lavender). So although I was looking forward to seeing them…I was more than a little nervous at the possibilities…especially with my brother so firming in the enemy camp. I would be a walking target.
Jan and Jeff have three kids. Their son has Aspergers, so we were an interesting crowd. The sun was shining and the kids were in and out of Ed’s hot tub and their neighbor’s kiddie pool. Everyone was nice to each other, even with the cocktails flowing (a frozen concoction of Jan’s – Sweet Tea Vodka mixed with ice and crystal light lemonade).
We put most of the kids in tents in the basement with a movie. Jan bowed out early, which I also really wanted to do. But for the sake of harmony, I had to wait for dinner, which didn’t hit the table till 10 p.m. During dinner, Cousin Jeffy dropped the first conversational bomb by mentioning that he missed my dad. That was my ticket out. I very quickly excuse myself…I wasn’t ready to go another round.
Quote of the day: “Where’s my breakfast?” – Camden, fist on the table, demanding daddy cook faster.
Silly Band Award: Barrett (although, I think that Auntie Kelly gave out bands to all the kids, from her own personal stash).
Today was gorgeous…perfect temperature, in the 80’s…and the sun shined all day. Yeah.
Despite the tumultuous pre-bedtime events, I had the most incredible night’s sleep. The bed in Ed & Kelly’s guest room is so comfortable…I enter a coma-like state. After a tense breakfast (Edmund was completely ignoring me)…Kelly and I headed to Howell to see Jake and Jesse.
Jesse is Kelly’s niece, but she’s only 5 years younger than Kelly. Jesse’s cool. We were pregnant at the same time (Aud) and her second child is only 1 year older than Cammy. Her husband is a sweetheart and I’ve always enjoyed spending time with them. They always send us packages, with presents for everyone…for no reason at all!
So they invited us out to their house, which is on a lake, for a boat ride. I never say “no” to a boat ride! Bear was so excited, but I was nervous, because he kept trying to jump in the lake, en route to the little island where they usually dock. Once we did dock, and everyone got in the chilly (imo) lake water…peace and calm were restored. We had a really fun time.
Back at their house…the kids had a blast. Barrett was jumping on the trampoline, naked. Hunter found a Wii! Aud was flying on an honest to God tire swing, while Cammy mowed their grass with a bubble mower. We could have stayed all day…but our phones were starting to ring. The Cochrans had arrived back at Chez McGrath.
I love my cousin Jeff…when he gets going on the bourbon/vodka…he can be funny, loving and sometimes annoying – he likes to stir the pot. He’s also a teaser and anyone who knows me, knows I don’t take well to being teased. I also have a very colorful past with his wife, Jan (Miss Lavender). So although I was looking forward to seeing them…I was more than a little nervous at the possibilities…especially with my brother so firming in the enemy camp. I would be a walking target.
Jan and Jeff have three kids. Their son has Aspergers, so we were an interesting crowd. The sun was shining and the kids were in and out of Ed’s hot tub and their neighbor’s kiddie pool. Everyone was nice to each other, even with the cocktails flowing (a frozen concoction of Jan’s – Sweet Tea Vodka mixed with ice and crystal light lemonade).
We put most of the kids in tents in the basement with a movie. Jan bowed out early, which I also really wanted to do. But for the sake of harmony, I had to wait for dinner, which didn’t hit the table till 10 p.m. During dinner, Cousin Jeffy dropped the first conversational bomb by mentioning that he missed my dad. That was my ticket out. I very quickly excuse myself…I wasn’t ready to go another round.
Quote of the day: “Where’s my breakfast?” – Camden, fist on the table, demanding daddy cook faster.
Silly Band Award: Barrett (although, I think that Auntie Kelly gave out bands to all the kids, from her own personal stash).
June 18th - Batten Down the Hatches
June 18th
I got up early – before the kids, to get the car loaded. When I got back to the room, they were still asleep! After rollin’ their butts out of bed, we went down for breakfast and were on the road by 8 a.m.
Super easy drive…until we got to the beltway in Detroit. I have no reason why – but only one lane was open for about 15 miles – and no obvious explanation as to why this was so. Still, we got to my brothers by lunch time.
After quick sandwiches, Kelly, Aud and I went out for some “maintenance”. While Kelly had her hair done and Aud annoyed the salon’s clientele, I got a facial. We also did some quick shopping for Father’s Day gifts, before hitting the nail salon for mani-pedi’s for three.
By the time we got home, the sitter was on her way….so I very quickly got ready for dinner out. We went to a FABULOUS restaurant on Union Lake…gorgeous view. The menu made my mouth water, simply by reading it. I had mussels and mushrooms in a cheese sauce for appetizers, while also nibbling on a caprese salad. For dinner I had a house salad that had white cheddar, carrots, hazelnuts ‘, apples and cranberries…omg! And I had stuffed artichokes. It was all so freakin good and (aside from the one lobster on the Cape) the only adult food I’d had in three weeks. The two bottles of wine we shared didn’t hurt, either.
On the way home, we stopped for a drink and this wicked storm moved in, with the rain pounding down. The wind was so bad - things were flying in the air. Momma was buzzed and we were laughing sooooo hard….it was fun night, despite Mother Nature.
Then the storm came in-doors….thunder and lightning can’t compete when my brother and I fight. It was bad. We were all just chit-chatting along when it was like I stumbled on an IED….Edmund exploded…all my fault, of course. I say that, because it just always seems to be something I say. Always. No matter how careful I am. But there are two sides to every story, I know that. I just don’t know what his is, because we never get that far. Fortunately, I didn’t engage him (in the past I would start screaming too and it would get hateful and I would pack up and leave). Kelly and Rich were witnesses, so there wouldn’t be two versions…just four…ha,ha. It’s all so GD embarrassing, that I will not rehash the details. But man, is he mad at me! Suffice as to say, it’s exhausting…especially considering we’re staying at his house. I hope it doesn’t ruin the trip.
Traveled: Columbus to Detroit 221 miles/3 hrs 40 minutes
Staying at Chez McGrath…nicest place so far (except for the host).
Silly Band Award…I forgot to do it today.
Quote of the day: Hunter, laughing…”But you’re supposed to love me!”…after daddy told him to get out of the kitchen.
I got up early – before the kids, to get the car loaded. When I got back to the room, they were still asleep! After rollin’ their butts out of bed, we went down for breakfast and were on the road by 8 a.m.
Super easy drive…until we got to the beltway in Detroit. I have no reason why – but only one lane was open for about 15 miles – and no obvious explanation as to why this was so. Still, we got to my brothers by lunch time.
After quick sandwiches, Kelly, Aud and I went out for some “maintenance”. While Kelly had her hair done and Aud annoyed the salon’s clientele, I got a facial. We also did some quick shopping for Father’s Day gifts, before hitting the nail salon for mani-pedi’s for three.
By the time we got home, the sitter was on her way….so I very quickly got ready for dinner out. We went to a FABULOUS restaurant on Union Lake…gorgeous view. The menu made my mouth water, simply by reading it. I had mussels and mushrooms in a cheese sauce for appetizers, while also nibbling on a caprese salad. For dinner I had a house salad that had white cheddar, carrots, hazelnuts ‘, apples and cranberries…omg! And I had stuffed artichokes. It was all so freakin good and (aside from the one lobster on the Cape) the only adult food I’d had in three weeks. The two bottles of wine we shared didn’t hurt, either.
On the way home, we stopped for a drink and this wicked storm moved in, with the rain pounding down. The wind was so bad - things were flying in the air. Momma was buzzed and we were laughing sooooo hard….it was fun night, despite Mother Nature.
Then the storm came in-doors….thunder and lightning can’t compete when my brother and I fight. It was bad. We were all just chit-chatting along when it was like I stumbled on an IED….Edmund exploded…all my fault, of course. I say that, because it just always seems to be something I say. Always. No matter how careful I am. But there are two sides to every story, I know that. I just don’t know what his is, because we never get that far. Fortunately, I didn’t engage him (in the past I would start screaming too and it would get hateful and I would pack up and leave). Kelly and Rich were witnesses, so there wouldn’t be two versions…just four…ha,ha. It’s all so GD embarrassing, that I will not rehash the details. But man, is he mad at me! Suffice as to say, it’s exhausting…especially considering we’re staying at his house. I hope it doesn’t ruin the trip.
Traveled: Columbus to Detroit 221 miles/3 hrs 40 minutes
Staying at Chez McGrath…nicest place so far (except for the host).
Silly Band Award…I forgot to do it today.
Quote of the day: Hunter, laughing…”But you’re supposed to love me!”…after daddy told him to get out of the kitchen.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
June 17th - Chillin' in Columbus
June 17th
Today was a nice day! Sunny and warm on Ohio, again. Wow. Kids and I slept late - 8:30 a.m. Woo Hoo! We went down for the free buffet and the kids were good. Another woo hoo! Then we went back to the room to get into swim suits. Pool time!
The hotel has an indoor/outdoor pool that was nice, although I had to keep moving…in and out. The pool wasn’t too crowded, which is always nice. The kids swam for about an hour, before the ball players showed up. Apparently, there’s a big baseball tournament nearby for kids who seem to be between 10 and 14. Boys everywhere. In all our encounters with them, they’ve been very polite.
The kids and I went for drive, in search of lunch…and ended up at Subway. We had trouble at the drive thru (see quote below), but eventually got our sandwiches. We drove in search of a park, to have a picnic. But, it turns out we were in a “dark” area, so we head back to the hotel for lunch and showers.
After lunch we went over to Easton, where Kristen works. It’s a cool area. We landed at Barnes and Noble for an hour. Again, kids were awesome. Pinch me. After books, trains and cupcakes we went to pick up Madison, Kristen’s daughter.
Madison is gorgeous! She looks just like Haley Chamblin, but with dark brown hair. She was very sweet and really helped me with the kids, while we walked around the MASSIVE outside mall in Eatson. Then we went to Kristen’s office – she works for a plastic surgery center – for my impromptu appointment. Kristen set up a consultation for me with one of her doctors, to talk about my God-forsaken baggy under eyes. Like the previous doctors I’ve seen…he thinks my face is too thin and I should wait a couple years before I do anything drastic. But…he was all too happy to tell me I needed botox…everywhere! My forehead, the bridge of my nose, my crow’s feet and under my eyes. Good God. He was ready to whip out his needle right there. Aging is a beyootch.
We went to dinner at Red Robin and then Kristen came back to the hotel to hang out for a little while. God I miss her. It seems like yesterday we were two little Miss Lonely Hearts, in our little apartment eating popcorn, drinking white zinfandel and watching Pretty Woman. Where does time go?
Quote of the day: Aud, “It’s because he doesn’t speak our language.” – Aud’s explanation to Hunter’s question about why mommy couldn’t understand the guy at the Subway drive-thru. (He was Indian). How does she know this stuff?
Cammy, “It’s magic!” – Cammy, while walking through a revolving door.
Lodging: Still @ Embassy Suites, Westerville, OH
Silly Band Award: I had to give it to all four. Cammy & Bear really won, but Frick and Frack did the best they’ve done in well over a week and their big pleading eyes got me.
Today was a nice day! Sunny and warm on Ohio, again. Wow. Kids and I slept late - 8:30 a.m. Woo Hoo! We went down for the free buffet and the kids were good. Another woo hoo! Then we went back to the room to get into swim suits. Pool time!
The hotel has an indoor/outdoor pool that was nice, although I had to keep moving…in and out. The pool wasn’t too crowded, which is always nice. The kids swam for about an hour, before the ball players showed up. Apparently, there’s a big baseball tournament nearby for kids who seem to be between 10 and 14. Boys everywhere. In all our encounters with them, they’ve been very polite.
The kids and I went for drive, in search of lunch…and ended up at Subway. We had trouble at the drive thru (see quote below), but eventually got our sandwiches. We drove in search of a park, to have a picnic. But, it turns out we were in a “dark” area, so we head back to the hotel for lunch and showers.
After lunch we went over to Easton, where Kristen works. It’s a cool area. We landed at Barnes and Noble for an hour. Again, kids were awesome. Pinch me. After books, trains and cupcakes we went to pick up Madison, Kristen’s daughter.
Madison is gorgeous! She looks just like Haley Chamblin, but with dark brown hair. She was very sweet and really helped me with the kids, while we walked around the MASSIVE outside mall in Eatson. Then we went to Kristen’s office – she works for a plastic surgery center – for my impromptu appointment. Kristen set up a consultation for me with one of her doctors, to talk about my God-forsaken baggy under eyes. Like the previous doctors I’ve seen…he thinks my face is too thin and I should wait a couple years before I do anything drastic. But…he was all too happy to tell me I needed botox…everywhere! My forehead, the bridge of my nose, my crow’s feet and under my eyes. Good God. He was ready to whip out his needle right there. Aging is a beyootch.
We went to dinner at Red Robin and then Kristen came back to the hotel to hang out for a little while. God I miss her. It seems like yesterday we were two little Miss Lonely Hearts, in our little apartment eating popcorn, drinking white zinfandel and watching Pretty Woman. Where does time go?
Quote of the day: Aud, “It’s because he doesn’t speak our language.” – Aud’s explanation to Hunter’s question about why mommy couldn’t understand the guy at the Subway drive-thru. (He was Indian). How does she know this stuff?
Cammy, “It’s magic!” – Cammy, while walking through a revolving door.
Lodging: Still @ Embassy Suites, Westerville, OH
Silly Band Award: I had to give it to all four. Cammy & Bear really won, but Frick and Frack did the best they’ve done in well over a week and their big pleading eyes got me.
June 16th - Hunter's Godmomma
June 16th
Sucky ass day. It just was – at least the first half. After leaving Pittsburg, we headed for Columbus and the kids fought the whole time. It was awful. Oh…news flash…there’s sun in Ohio. Who would a thought?
Columbus is where my girlfriend Kristen lives. We met at 18, when we both worked in the Sundry Shop at the Ritz Carlton Naples. We hit it off right away, eventually becoming roommates for almost two years (until I left for grad school). Kristen was my best roommate. I love her like a sister. She was one of my Bridesmaids and she’s Hunter’s Godmother. Sadly, we haven’t seen each other for a very long time. Much too long.
Once we were here…we had nowhere to go. I was here a week early, due to a last minute itinerary change and Kristen was working. I tried to entertain the kids with lunch and an outdoor mall…but it was too much. Back in the car, I made some calls to Rich and Marriott in the hopes of finding cheap accommodations. No luck…what-so-ever. I couldn’t drive around for three more hours either, cause someone would get seriously hurt. They were being BAD. Eventually, the Embassy Suites took pity on me, but for just one night! They’re sold out for tomorrow…not sure what we’ll do, but I will worry about it tomorrow. The more pressing question: what in the world is so exciting about Columbus Ohio that so many hotels are sold out?!?!?!?
Once in the room, I had to kick some butt. As I write this, I’m not talking to any of them. Kristen’s on the way with some wine. Perhaps that will help!
When Kristen finally got to the hotel…we were in PJ’s, eating room service. Kristen burst into tears when she saw the kids. I’m not kidding, honest to God tears. I was like, “are you okay?” It took her all of about 30 seconds to win the kids over…with presents and her sunshine personality.
She looks fabulous!
We played with the kids for about an hour before plopping them in front of a movie. Then we drank wine and talked for 3 hours. My Kristen hasn’t had an easy time. She’s a single mom, with a preteen and a SOB of an ex-husband. She’s killing herself to get ahead, but road blocks pop up all the time. She’s had some health issues lately, too – neck surgery and many accompanying complications. The poor thing has had it rough and I think she’s struggled mightily to keep her head up. I swear, I just want to pick her up, take her home and make everything better. She deserves a break…a BIG break. Her dating life, since the divorce, has been a frightening rollercoaster. I need to find her a mature, financially stable, caring, cute guy who will love her and her daughter. Anybody?
Traveled: Pittsburgh, PA to Columbus, OH 202miles/3 ½ hours
Lodging: Embassy Suites, Westerville
Silly band: Barrett & Cammy
Quote: Hunter, giggling, “Oh! Sorry! He has issues” – after Barrett stripped down naked in front of the bellman. Et tu Brute?
Sucky ass day. It just was – at least the first half. After leaving Pittsburg, we headed for Columbus and the kids fought the whole time. It was awful. Oh…news flash…there’s sun in Ohio. Who would a thought?
Columbus is where my girlfriend Kristen lives. We met at 18, when we both worked in the Sundry Shop at the Ritz Carlton Naples. We hit it off right away, eventually becoming roommates for almost two years (until I left for grad school). Kristen was my best roommate. I love her like a sister. She was one of my Bridesmaids and she’s Hunter’s Godmother. Sadly, we haven’t seen each other for a very long time. Much too long.
Once we were here…we had nowhere to go. I was here a week early, due to a last minute itinerary change and Kristen was working. I tried to entertain the kids with lunch and an outdoor mall…but it was too much. Back in the car, I made some calls to Rich and Marriott in the hopes of finding cheap accommodations. No luck…what-so-ever. I couldn’t drive around for three more hours either, cause someone would get seriously hurt. They were being BAD. Eventually, the Embassy Suites took pity on me, but for just one night! They’re sold out for tomorrow…not sure what we’ll do, but I will worry about it tomorrow. The more pressing question: what in the world is so exciting about Columbus Ohio that so many hotels are sold out?!?!?!?
Once in the room, I had to kick some butt. As I write this, I’m not talking to any of them. Kristen’s on the way with some wine. Perhaps that will help!
When Kristen finally got to the hotel…we were in PJ’s, eating room service. Kristen burst into tears when she saw the kids. I’m not kidding, honest to God tears. I was like, “are you okay?” It took her all of about 30 seconds to win the kids over…with presents and her sunshine personality.
She looks fabulous!
We played with the kids for about an hour before plopping them in front of a movie. Then we drank wine and talked for 3 hours. My Kristen hasn’t had an easy time. She’s a single mom, with a preteen and a SOB of an ex-husband. She’s killing herself to get ahead, but road blocks pop up all the time. She’s had some health issues lately, too – neck surgery and many accompanying complications. The poor thing has had it rough and I think she’s struggled mightily to keep her head up. I swear, I just want to pick her up, take her home and make everything better. She deserves a break…a BIG break. Her dating life, since the divorce, has been a frightening rollercoaster. I need to find her a mature, financially stable, caring, cute guy who will love her and her daughter. Anybody?
Traveled: Pittsburgh, PA to Columbus, OH 202miles/3 ½ hours
Lodging: Embassy Suites, Westerville
Silly band: Barrett & Cammy
Quote: Hunter, giggling, “Oh! Sorry! He has issues” – after Barrett stripped down naked in front of the bellman. Et tu Brute?
June 15th - Party in Pittsburgh with Patty
June 15th
We’re half way….and I still feel like I can make it. I think that’s a really good sign!
When we got up this morning, in Adamstown, the sun was shining. I swear, I couldn’t stop smiling….I think my demeanor is way too related to the amount of sunshine I see. My smile only faded during a long, thirty minute period in which Hunter was missing one shoe. One shoe! It took thirty minutes to find the one shoe, in a 300 sq. ft. room. I kid you not.
Gin & Martha came to see us during breakfast, to say good-bye. Gin said she’d had fun…I’m not sure if I believe her, but hopefully there was some truth to what she said.
So, we were westbound and down, on the Pennsylvania turnpike. Ten minutes into the drive, guess what? Rain. Followed by hours of dark skies. I couldn’t freakin’ believe it. In fact, we would NOT see the sun again all day.
We were stopping in Pittsburg to see my friend Patty. Patty and I waited tables together at Pier 66 when I was in grad school. We dated best friends who were both young, immature, twins (but not of each other) and more than likely - alcoholics. It was fun…for a very short period. We have no idea where these boys are today (and I personally don’t care), but Patty & I have stayed friends. We were married within two months of each other and have seven kids between us (each with a set of identical twins!). However, the last time we actually saw each other was the summer of 2005, in Michigan.
The drive, after yesterday, was painless. It took exactly four hours (with two stops) to get to Pittsburgh. Patty lives in a quaint older neighborhood that really looks like “up north” to me. I love it. The streets are winding and hilly, with big full trees. There’s no entrance with a stone wall labeled “fill-in-the-blank-Ridge" or "St. something". You can smell real grass, which is typically mowed by a teenager who lives in the house. The homes all have their own character or look. A real neighborhood' where people stay for a lifetime, because it’s developed by its residents…not a builder with an in-build-out plan.
Patty’s house is retro cool…a 1960’s brick colonial with its original fixtures and cabinets. It’s filled with bedrooms, kids & toys. We immediately felt at home. So at home, that I finally did laundry…six loads!
We had lunch and took the kids to her pool….which is a swim club kind of deal. The pool was huge and empty, thank God. There was also a diving board, which I haven’t seen in years. Barrett was in heaven jumping off, over and over again. The lifeguards were really on him about their many rules…which made me tense, but he eventually got into an obedient groove.
After swimming we went back for cocktails and dinner. The kids got along so well. Hunter and Payton played like they’d know each other their whole lives. Camden was in heaven with the new toys and Patty’s girls (twins) were about a year and a half younger than Aud, so she enjoyed her leadership role. Bear did get to her neighbors pool (wtf!?!?!?!) before we went into serious lockdown.
Patty and I caught up. She’s happy…I can tell. She’s a good mom – a content mom. All the same worries all moms have, just amplified a bit…that hasn’t changed. Miss Patty has always worried too much. She makes me seem super laid back! She’s having a problem with her brother’s wife (who sounds like a nightmare) and she cried a little about it. Patty tries too hard to please everyone. Life is too short. I seriously think I would tell my sister-in-law to stick it where the sun don’t shine – but that’s just me! Ah….families! And…who the hell am I to give advice, right? Although, I did tell her to kick a little ass.
Her husband Brant got home from work around 9, and we talked till midnight, before bedtime. It was a really nice visit! And we have clean clothes!
Traveled: Adamstown, PA to Pittsburgh, PA 232miles/4 hours
Stayed: AT the Browns in Monroeville, PA
Silly Band Award: Camden
Quote of the Day:
We’re half way….and I still feel like I can make it. I think that’s a really good sign!
When we got up this morning, in Adamstown, the sun was shining. I swear, I couldn’t stop smiling….I think my demeanor is way too related to the amount of sunshine I see. My smile only faded during a long, thirty minute period in which Hunter was missing one shoe. One shoe! It took thirty minutes to find the one shoe, in a 300 sq. ft. room. I kid you not.
Gin & Martha came to see us during breakfast, to say good-bye. Gin said she’d had fun…I’m not sure if I believe her, but hopefully there was some truth to what she said.
So, we were westbound and down, on the Pennsylvania turnpike. Ten minutes into the drive, guess what? Rain. Followed by hours of dark skies. I couldn’t freakin’ believe it. In fact, we would NOT see the sun again all day.
We were stopping in Pittsburg to see my friend Patty. Patty and I waited tables together at Pier 66 when I was in grad school. We dated best friends who were both young, immature, twins (but not of each other) and more than likely - alcoholics. It was fun…for a very short period. We have no idea where these boys are today (and I personally don’t care), but Patty & I have stayed friends. We were married within two months of each other and have seven kids between us (each with a set of identical twins!). However, the last time we actually saw each other was the summer of 2005, in Michigan.
The drive, after yesterday, was painless. It took exactly four hours (with two stops) to get to Pittsburgh. Patty lives in a quaint older neighborhood that really looks like “up north” to me. I love it. The streets are winding and hilly, with big full trees. There’s no entrance with a stone wall labeled “fill-in-the-blank-Ridge" or "St. something". You can smell real grass, which is typically mowed by a teenager who lives in the house. The homes all have their own character or look. A real neighborhood' where people stay for a lifetime, because it’s developed by its residents…not a builder with an in-build-out plan.
Patty’s house is retro cool…a 1960’s brick colonial with its original fixtures and cabinets. It’s filled with bedrooms, kids & toys. We immediately felt at home. So at home, that I finally did laundry…six loads!
We had lunch and took the kids to her pool….which is a swim club kind of deal. The pool was huge and empty, thank God. There was also a diving board, which I haven’t seen in years. Barrett was in heaven jumping off, over and over again. The lifeguards were really on him about their many rules…which made me tense, but he eventually got into an obedient groove.
After swimming we went back for cocktails and dinner. The kids got along so well. Hunter and Payton played like they’d know each other their whole lives. Camden was in heaven with the new toys and Patty’s girls (twins) were about a year and a half younger than Aud, so she enjoyed her leadership role. Bear did get to her neighbors pool (wtf!?!?!?!) before we went into serious lockdown.
Patty and I caught up. She’s happy…I can tell. She’s a good mom – a content mom. All the same worries all moms have, just amplified a bit…that hasn’t changed. Miss Patty has always worried too much. She makes me seem super laid back! She’s having a problem with her brother’s wife (who sounds like a nightmare) and she cried a little about it. Patty tries too hard to please everyone. Life is too short. I seriously think I would tell my sister-in-law to stick it where the sun don’t shine – but that’s just me! Ah….families! And…who the hell am I to give advice, right? Although, I did tell her to kick a little ass.
Her husband Brant got home from work around 9, and we talked till midnight, before bedtime. It was a really nice visit! And we have clean clothes!
Traveled: Adamstown, PA to Pittsburgh, PA 232miles/4 hours
Stayed: AT the Browns in Monroeville, PA
Silly Band Award: Camden
Quote of the Day:
Sunday, June 20, 2010
June 14th - Rhode Island & Hammertime
June 14th
The weather hasn’t changed…yucky. We hit the road as fast as we could. I asked Ginny about hammering it to PA, and she was on board. No time to waste. The one good thing about leaving with the weather like this is that there was no heavy heart. We needed to find some sun.
We did not find it in Rhode Island. My sister Kendall has a summer place in Little Compton. I’d never been. The drive was amazing. Beautiful New England houses with lush yards and amazing gardens. Most houses had stacked stone fences. So charming. And of course…the ocean. Kendall’s house was about a 100 yards from Sakonnet Harbor. The view was nice .
I’ve only been around my sister twice before (although we’ve had more than a few phone calls). I discovered her late in life, on my last trip to Cape Cod. It is a very long story. She is my mother’s first daughter, who she gave up for adoption before she met my dad. My dad never knew about Kendall. How’s that for a soap opera?
She has a daughter who is almost five, named Geneva. She has two other stepchildren, Singny & Roger. All three children are beautiful and well-behaved. They in were in for it…The Smithies had arrived.
It was a short visit…we were there less than three hours. Kendall made us a wonderful lunch and we reminisced again about mom and her having to give Kendall up. I think it’s a topic both of us can talk to death. Geneva and Audrey got along well and I felt really bad to have to leave so soon after we got there. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go…it had been eight years since we’d last seen each other. Kendall has chilled (maybe me too?) and she seems very happy and content.
But we had miles to go before we slept. Specifically….350 miles. I had a feeling it was going to be a long afternoon and evening!
And it kinda was. The kids were troopers…not necessarily good, but troopers! Ginny dove…fast…but she got us to Adamstown by 8:15p.m….safe and sound, so I really can’t & won’t complain.
It’s 10p.m. and all four kids are up and acting like little AH’s. They are playing naked wipe out (don’t ask) and even Barrett is laughing. God I could use a drink…but that will have to wait till Pittsburgh, cause I don’t know where or how to get one! No room service at The Black Horse Inn.
Traveled: Dennis Port, MA to Adamstown, PA - 465miles/11 hours 45 min (3 hour stop in RI)
Silly Bnad Award: Barrett…by a land slide!
Lodging: Black Forest Inn, Adamstown, PA
Quote of the day: Hunter, “That’s right sista!” – after mommy told Camden he couldn’t ask me for any treats later because he didn’t share his carrots.
Hunter, “I’m sorry your majesty, I farted.” – after Mommy comment that the car stunk.
The weather hasn’t changed…yucky. We hit the road as fast as we could. I asked Ginny about hammering it to PA, and she was on board. No time to waste. The one good thing about leaving with the weather like this is that there was no heavy heart. We needed to find some sun.
We did not find it in Rhode Island. My sister Kendall has a summer place in Little Compton. I’d never been. The drive was amazing. Beautiful New England houses with lush yards and amazing gardens. Most houses had stacked stone fences. So charming. And of course…the ocean. Kendall’s house was about a 100 yards from Sakonnet Harbor. The view was nice .
I’ve only been around my sister twice before (although we’ve had more than a few phone calls). I discovered her late in life, on my last trip to Cape Cod. It is a very long story. She is my mother’s first daughter, who she gave up for adoption before she met my dad. My dad never knew about Kendall. How’s that for a soap opera?
She has a daughter who is almost five, named Geneva. She has two other stepchildren, Singny & Roger. All three children are beautiful and well-behaved. They in were in for it…The Smithies had arrived.
It was a short visit…we were there less than three hours. Kendall made us a wonderful lunch and we reminisced again about mom and her having to give Kendall up. I think it’s a topic both of us can talk to death. Geneva and Audrey got along well and I felt really bad to have to leave so soon after we got there. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go…it had been eight years since we’d last seen each other. Kendall has chilled (maybe me too?) and she seems very happy and content.
But we had miles to go before we slept. Specifically….350 miles. I had a feeling it was going to be a long afternoon and evening!
And it kinda was. The kids were troopers…not necessarily good, but troopers! Ginny dove…fast…but she got us to Adamstown by 8:15p.m….safe and sound, so I really can’t & won’t complain.
It’s 10p.m. and all four kids are up and acting like little AH’s. They are playing naked wipe out (don’t ask) and even Barrett is laughing. God I could use a drink…but that will have to wait till Pittsburgh, cause I don’t know where or how to get one! No room service at The Black Horse Inn.
Traveled: Dennis Port, MA to Adamstown, PA - 465miles/11 hours 45 min (3 hour stop in RI)
Silly Bnad Award: Barrett…by a land slide!
Lodging: Black Forest Inn, Adamstown, PA
Quote of the day: Hunter, “That’s right sista!” – after mommy told Camden he couldn’t ask me for any treats later because he didn’t share his carrots.
Hunter, “I’m sorry your majesty, I farted.” – after Mommy comment that the car stunk.
June 13th - They're Getting Bored
June 13th
It’s still cold. It’s still raining. But I still love it here.
I woke to a really bad headache. I don’t know if it’s the weather or the kids. I snuck down to the lobby for coffee and curled up with a pile of pamphlets of things to do on the Cape. They have at least 100 pamphlets, in the event that the weather sucks and you’ve already revisited your past…and can’t bar hop with 4 kids in tow). The Holiday was on TBS (yeah TBS), which I love. So it turned out to be a nice Sunday morning…the little ones were hovered around their portable DVD player watching dumb Sponge Bob.
At least for a little while…after significant whining from the gruesome foursome, I dragged myself away from the movie to take them to Dunkin Donuts. Unfortunately, when I started the car, the Check Engine Soon light was on….specifically for low tire pressure. After we hit Dunkin, it took me four gas stations before I could get a tire gage. All four tires were below 28 lbs….so I really had to fill them up…in the pouring rain, by myself. Who needs a name (although maybe a man just would have done it without a tire gage)
Then I took the kids to the Chatham Lighthouse and the Nauset Lighthouse. They weren’t too impressed. It probably didn’t help that there was so much fog that you really couldn’t see the beach. Such a very dreary day. Gin called, while we were heading back to Harwich, to make plans for dinner with Karen & Leslie. I stopped at George’s Pizza on Main Street for takeout. It was the first pizza I’d ever eaten….and it was in the same place, with the same owners for forty years. Impressive. The pizza smelled the same too….scent is amazing for awakening long dormant memories. I was so excited to eat it….first bite, wonderful. Second bite, marginal. Third bite….pizza tasted like crap. Kids wouldn’t eat it either. So much for the good ole days.
While I was driving the kids around, I was listening to the radio and my imagination was working overtime. Totally plotted a book….set on the Cape of course. I got a million stories in my head…I need to quit daydreaming and get to work.
But that won’ be happening anytime soon. Back at the hotel the kids were going wild. Seriously, it was like being in a zoo. Hunter was trying to watch the NASCAR race, with the volume turned up full blast; Bear was running around like a caged monkey on speed; Aud was chasing Cammy around…loudly…and he was disagreeing with her actions….loudly. Calgon – take me away! Today was the day that I seriously asked myself what in the hell was I doing? Everyone said I was crazy….today, I felt they were right. I hadn’t planned on constant rain. Really, it had rained every single day, but two. Every day. Eleven freakin days.
I took Bear and Aud to the indoor pool in the hopes of burning off some of their energy. We were having dinner with Gin, Karen, & Leslie (and because of the rain, dinner in a restaurant, not a cookout in their yard). I was nervous.
Karen and Leslie live in Hyannis, where I was born. I took the kids by the hospital where I was born & the Melody Tent where I used to see shows with my mom. So, I was late getting to Karen’s. We chatted for about 10 minutes before we headed to the harbor for dinner. The restaurant was called Spanky’s and it was perfect for the kids. I had lobster and it was delicious. The kids were relatively good (for them).
After dinner, we all drove back to Dennis for some ice cream. It may sound dorky…but when I was envisioning being on the Cape with my kids, I was imaging this:
The kids would be lightly sun burnt and windblown, dressed in crisp pastels with happy smiles glowing on their cherub faces (not even close). We’d had have dinner at a waterside restaurant (check) and we’d laugh and they’d be exceptionally well behaved (maybe a little bit). After dinner, as a reward for their good behavior (not really good, not really bad), we’d take a drive to an ice-cream parlor as the sun set (what sun?) We’d sit outtside on the deck (raining) and eat our cool summer treat. Today was good as it was gonna get. We ate inside and the place had an electric piano that played nickelodeon tunes. The kids loved it. They all danced around the piano, laughing and getting a standing ovation from the other patrons. Sometimes, the real stuff is just better.
Back at the hotel…I dumped Aud with Gin (who had a room so we could leave early in the a.m.) I packed us up and watched the Celtics game with Hunter. They won…yeah!
Tomorrow we’re headed to Rhode Island to see Kendall and then…if Ginny agrees, we’re going to push it to Adamstown. I want to save on the two hotel rooms we’d need in Connecticut…and cut up the whole luggage/packing thing for such a short stop. Plus…we are out of clean clothes. I got to get to Pittsburgh to do some laundry. It would take me a day and a half to do it all with Gin’s slow washing machine. Gin….love you, but time is of the essence.
Silly Band: Hunter, I guess.
Quote: Cammy, ”Mom, can you stop the shower? I have to show you something for you.” - I didn’t stop the shower, but popped my head out to the cutest thing holding a doodle pad with a “drawing” of God knows what.
It’s still cold. It’s still raining. But I still love it here.
I woke to a really bad headache. I don’t know if it’s the weather or the kids. I snuck down to the lobby for coffee and curled up with a pile of pamphlets of things to do on the Cape. They have at least 100 pamphlets, in the event that the weather sucks and you’ve already revisited your past…and can’t bar hop with 4 kids in tow). The Holiday was on TBS (yeah TBS), which I love. So it turned out to be a nice Sunday morning…the little ones were hovered around their portable DVD player watching dumb Sponge Bob.
At least for a little while…after significant whining from the gruesome foursome, I dragged myself away from the movie to take them to Dunkin Donuts. Unfortunately, when I started the car, the Check Engine Soon light was on….specifically for low tire pressure. After we hit Dunkin, it took me four gas stations before I could get a tire gage. All four tires were below 28 lbs….so I really had to fill them up…in the pouring rain, by myself. Who needs a name (although maybe a man just would have done it without a tire gage)
Then I took the kids to the Chatham Lighthouse and the Nauset Lighthouse. They weren’t too impressed. It probably didn’t help that there was so much fog that you really couldn’t see the beach. Such a very dreary day. Gin called, while we were heading back to Harwich, to make plans for dinner with Karen & Leslie. I stopped at George’s Pizza on Main Street for takeout. It was the first pizza I’d ever eaten….and it was in the same place, with the same owners for forty years. Impressive. The pizza smelled the same too….scent is amazing for awakening long dormant memories. I was so excited to eat it….first bite, wonderful. Second bite, marginal. Third bite….pizza tasted like crap. Kids wouldn’t eat it either. So much for the good ole days.
While I was driving the kids around, I was listening to the radio and my imagination was working overtime. Totally plotted a book….set on the Cape of course. I got a million stories in my head…I need to quit daydreaming and get to work.
But that won’ be happening anytime soon. Back at the hotel the kids were going wild. Seriously, it was like being in a zoo. Hunter was trying to watch the NASCAR race, with the volume turned up full blast; Bear was running around like a caged monkey on speed; Aud was chasing Cammy around…loudly…and he was disagreeing with her actions….loudly. Calgon – take me away! Today was the day that I seriously asked myself what in the hell was I doing? Everyone said I was crazy….today, I felt they were right. I hadn’t planned on constant rain. Really, it had rained every single day, but two. Every day. Eleven freakin days.
I took Bear and Aud to the indoor pool in the hopes of burning off some of their energy. We were having dinner with Gin, Karen, & Leslie (and because of the rain, dinner in a restaurant, not a cookout in their yard). I was nervous.
Karen and Leslie live in Hyannis, where I was born. I took the kids by the hospital where I was born & the Melody Tent where I used to see shows with my mom. So, I was late getting to Karen’s. We chatted for about 10 minutes before we headed to the harbor for dinner. The restaurant was called Spanky’s and it was perfect for the kids. I had lobster and it was delicious. The kids were relatively good (for them).
After dinner, we all drove back to Dennis for some ice cream. It may sound dorky…but when I was envisioning being on the Cape with my kids, I was imaging this:
The kids would be lightly sun burnt and windblown, dressed in crisp pastels with happy smiles glowing on their cherub faces (not even close). We’d had have dinner at a waterside restaurant (check) and we’d laugh and they’d be exceptionally well behaved (maybe a little bit). After dinner, as a reward for their good behavior (not really good, not really bad), we’d take a drive to an ice-cream parlor as the sun set (what sun?) We’d sit outtside on the deck (raining) and eat our cool summer treat. Today was good as it was gonna get. We ate inside and the place had an electric piano that played nickelodeon tunes. The kids loved it. They all danced around the piano, laughing and getting a standing ovation from the other patrons. Sometimes, the real stuff is just better.
Back at the hotel…I dumped Aud with Gin (who had a room so we could leave early in the a.m.) I packed us up and watched the Celtics game with Hunter. They won…yeah!
Tomorrow we’re headed to Rhode Island to see Kendall and then…if Ginny agrees, we’re going to push it to Adamstown. I want to save on the two hotel rooms we’d need in Connecticut…and cut up the whole luggage/packing thing for such a short stop. Plus…we are out of clean clothes. I got to get to Pittsburgh to do some laundry. It would take me a day and a half to do it all with Gin’s slow washing machine. Gin….love you, but time is of the essence.
Silly Band: Hunter, I guess.
Quote: Cammy, ”Mom, can you stop the shower? I have to show you something for you.” - I didn’t stop the shower, but popped my head out to the cutest thing holding a doodle pad with a “drawing” of God knows what.
June 12th - Cape Chillin'
Day two on the Cape and the weather is letting us down yet again. Fearing rain late in the day, I got the kids to the beach early. It was too cold, really, so we took a walk. We walked east toward the Belmont and I took some pictures on the jetty. We got to stand on the beach were my mom went every summer (1937-1970) - after passing a few No Trespassing signs. Cool. I really, really wish I could click my heel s and go back to one of those summers…for just one day. Kind of Like that movie, Somewhere In Time. Nostalgia overload!
We bailed on the cold and wind and headed to the indoor pool. It was nice and there was a nice warm hot tub! Ginny called and she was going to meet us at the hotel at 12:30 so we could go to Orleans for lunch at The Lobster Claw. The restaurant is owned by a former classmate of hers – Donny Berig. He was also a good friend of my dad’s.
On the way to the restaurant, it started to rain….the day was proving to be a wash out. When we got to there, Donny was manning the hostess desk. What a nice man. The first thing he said to me was, “I loved your dad.” He visited with us and we had a wonderful lunch. I had the lobster salad that with came with potato salad and coleslaw…so New England (and so fattening). I need to get a New England cookbook, because the salads were perfect….just like my mom used to make (but she never wrote down any recipes).
The rain really started coming down, so Gin headed back to Karen’s for a nap. The kids and I just hung out in the room for a couple hours before heading out for dinner. Probably one of the calmest unplanned moments of the trip so far!
Dinner, however…not so calm! I left early, because it was Saturday and I figured that things would fill up fast. Well, I naively asked where everyone wanted to go…and this created a problem. Then I realized I forgot Bear’s yuck-yucks, so I had to go back to the hotel to get his meds, because it would have been really ugly if I didn’t…and that cost us precious time. Two places I stopped at had waits, which wouldn’t do. I finally found a place named, “Land Ho”…it was okay. Loud and crowded which are key ingredients for a crazy Bear. The food and service were…so-so. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough.
As we were leaving, Aud asked when we were going to see my old house…which we’d already done. She pays a lot of attention! So off we went, again, to Merrywood. I was glad, though. It was cool to see the old hood at dusk. I don’t know what I expect to see/feel/remember when I look at the house. The day before I was excited, but tonight when I looked, I felt old.
Back at the hotel the kids all behaved like heathens. God, all I did all night was yell and threaten...to no avail. I found a movie on TBS that I hadn’t seen in a while, Catch Me If You Can. It was really good….three of my four fell asleep in bed with me. How sweet is that? What kind of bitch am I that I carried them all to their designated sleeping places, so I could sleep by myself?
Still in Dennis port at the Soundings
Quote of the Day: Audrey, “OMG, you have to cover my eyes…they’re kissing.” – while she was watching Catch Me If You Can with me.
Silly Band…no one!
We bailed on the cold and wind and headed to the indoor pool. It was nice and there was a nice warm hot tub! Ginny called and she was going to meet us at the hotel at 12:30 so we could go to Orleans for lunch at The Lobster Claw. The restaurant is owned by a former classmate of hers – Donny Berig. He was also a good friend of my dad’s.
On the way to the restaurant, it started to rain….the day was proving to be a wash out. When we got to there, Donny was manning the hostess desk. What a nice man. The first thing he said to me was, “I loved your dad.” He visited with us and we had a wonderful lunch. I had the lobster salad that with came with potato salad and coleslaw…so New England (and so fattening). I need to get a New England cookbook, because the salads were perfect….just like my mom used to make (but she never wrote down any recipes).
The rain really started coming down, so Gin headed back to Karen’s for a nap. The kids and I just hung out in the room for a couple hours before heading out for dinner. Probably one of the calmest unplanned moments of the trip so far!
Dinner, however…not so calm! I left early, because it was Saturday and I figured that things would fill up fast. Well, I naively asked where everyone wanted to go…and this created a problem. Then I realized I forgot Bear’s yuck-yucks, so I had to go back to the hotel to get his meds, because it would have been really ugly if I didn’t…and that cost us precious time. Two places I stopped at had waits, which wouldn’t do. I finally found a place named, “Land Ho”…it was okay. Loud and crowded which are key ingredients for a crazy Bear. The food and service were…so-so. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough.
As we were leaving, Aud asked when we were going to see my old house…which we’d already done. She pays a lot of attention! So off we went, again, to Merrywood. I was glad, though. It was cool to see the old hood at dusk. I don’t know what I expect to see/feel/remember when I look at the house. The day before I was excited, but tonight when I looked, I felt old.
Back at the hotel the kids all behaved like heathens. God, all I did all night was yell and threaten...to no avail. I found a movie on TBS that I hadn’t seen in a while, Catch Me If You Can. It was really good….three of my four fell asleep in bed with me. How sweet is that? What kind of bitch am I that I carried them all to their designated sleeping places, so I could sleep by myself?
Still in Dennis port at the Soundings
Quote of the Day: Audrey, “OMG, you have to cover my eyes…they’re kissing.” – while she was watching Catch Me If You Can with me.
Silly Band…no one!
June 11th - That Old Cape Magic
June 11
Okay, I love Boston, but I was not too sad to be leaving. We weren’t actually staying in Boston, rather a blue-color (imo) suburb. And, the weather was still yucky. We loaded up and headed to the Cape. I let Ginny drive, because I know she was chomping at the bit.
Ginny drives fast. I drive fast….so you must know that she drives really fast. It took everything in me to not keep looking at the speedometer, or to make a comment. I really didn’t want to start anything because she was not in a good mood. It seems the prospect of staying with Karen (a long-time family friend) had darkened her mood considerably. I felt terrible, because I’d asked her to stay there (to save money on the hotel). My bad. I can’t figure out why they’re friends, because the side of the conversation I heard was bad. I half joked about the way Ginny spoke to Karen….I was promptly put in my place. I won’t say anything again.
I love the Cape. As much as I love NE….the Cape is really it for me. It’s where I was born, my first house, my first friends, grammar school, the beach, Fourth of July, the Bicentennial, fried clams, ice cream, the Wayside Inn, George’s pizza, go-cart rides, the purple dune buggy, the Melody tent, the jetties, big shells that roar with the sound of the ocean, plump green seaweed that looks like you could plant it in a pot…mom & dad, happy. I just love it here. I can’t for the life of me figure out why I don’t come back more often!
After Ginny hit the Sagamore Bridge’ going 65 mph in a 40 zone, we were there in no time. The hotel is great…old Cape Cod on the beach….we can see the ocean from our balcony. The room is efficiency with a small kitchen, two double beads, and a living/dining area. Perfect. Although….no internet access. So, I’m out of touch for a few days.
Karen came to pick Gin up…and poor Gin looked like she was going to her execution. I felt bad, but I think the break will do everyone good.
The kids and I hit the beach. Hunter and Aud built sandcastles with some other kids they’d met, while Barrett jumped in the pool (which was adjacent to the beach). The air temperature was only 64, so I cannot imagine how cold the pool water was. He was visibly shaking….but kept on jumping. Cammy wasn’t too impressed with the beach….sand was freaking him out. I just sat in our chair looking at the beautiful coastline. Just 100 yards to the east is where the old Belmont Hotel once sat…for 90 years, before some developer brought her to the ground. The Belmont is where my parents met, and where I lived for the first year of my life. I was home.
After the beach, I drove the kids to Chatham, to lunch at the Squire. Along the way, I was happily pointing out all the landmarks I knew, and my five year old daughter told me, “Enough, get us to the Squire.” The Squire is a bar on Main Street, across from the Wayside Inn, where my dad worked for seven years. The Squire is older than I am and is still owned by the same two guys who started it all, Richard Costello & George Payne. In the 1970-80s, they were good friends of my dad.
The Squire hasn’t changed much and the fried clams were awesome! The kids were good and I asked if Richard or George were around – Richard was. I said hi and we chit-chatted before I had to chase the kids, who were heading out the door. I took them to the old candy store across the street and then to the Chatham Band Stand in the park for a candy picnic. We also went in the Wayside Inn, but as I’d discovered the last time I was here, the outside may look the same, but the inside had been gutted. It looks like any ole chain hotel now.
After a gallery and a bookstore we headed back to Harwich. We went to my old grocery store (was Angelos, now Star market) for snacks and then the wine store (which was once Ring Bros. Farmers Market, scene of my first crime…I stole a candy bar and I got the BELT).
Back at the hotel, I had happy hour with Rich, via the phone. I miss him. This would be even more special if he was here. The last time we were here, I was pregnant with the boys….and so very sick. It was awful. But, there’s always next time.
Lodging: The Soundings Resort, Dennisport, MA (Cape Cod)
Traveled: Boston to Dennis, 83miles/1 ½ hours
Quote of the day: “Good for you!” – Four separate strangers on four different occasions, after I confirmed that, yes, all four were mine. Much nicer to hear than, “You’ve got your hands full.”
Silly Band: Bear-Bear
Okay, I love Boston, but I was not too sad to be leaving. We weren’t actually staying in Boston, rather a blue-color (imo) suburb. And, the weather was still yucky. We loaded up and headed to the Cape. I let Ginny drive, because I know she was chomping at the bit.
Ginny drives fast. I drive fast….so you must know that she drives really fast. It took everything in me to not keep looking at the speedometer, or to make a comment. I really didn’t want to start anything because she was not in a good mood. It seems the prospect of staying with Karen (a long-time family friend) had darkened her mood considerably. I felt terrible, because I’d asked her to stay there (to save money on the hotel). My bad. I can’t figure out why they’re friends, because the side of the conversation I heard was bad. I half joked about the way Ginny spoke to Karen….I was promptly put in my place. I won’t say anything again.
I love the Cape. As much as I love NE….the Cape is really it for me. It’s where I was born, my first house, my first friends, grammar school, the beach, Fourth of July, the Bicentennial, fried clams, ice cream, the Wayside Inn, George’s pizza, go-cart rides, the purple dune buggy, the Melody tent, the jetties, big shells that roar with the sound of the ocean, plump green seaweed that looks like you could plant it in a pot…mom & dad, happy. I just love it here. I can’t for the life of me figure out why I don’t come back more often!
After Ginny hit the Sagamore Bridge’ going 65 mph in a 40 zone, we were there in no time. The hotel is great…old Cape Cod on the beach….we can see the ocean from our balcony. The room is efficiency with a small kitchen, two double beads, and a living/dining area. Perfect. Although….no internet access. So, I’m out of touch for a few days.
Karen came to pick Gin up…and poor Gin looked like she was going to her execution. I felt bad, but I think the break will do everyone good.
The kids and I hit the beach. Hunter and Aud built sandcastles with some other kids they’d met, while Barrett jumped in the pool (which was adjacent to the beach). The air temperature was only 64, so I cannot imagine how cold the pool water was. He was visibly shaking….but kept on jumping. Cammy wasn’t too impressed with the beach….sand was freaking him out. I just sat in our chair looking at the beautiful coastline. Just 100 yards to the east is where the old Belmont Hotel once sat…for 90 years, before some developer brought her to the ground. The Belmont is where my parents met, and where I lived for the first year of my life. I was home.
After the beach, I drove the kids to Chatham, to lunch at the Squire. Along the way, I was happily pointing out all the landmarks I knew, and my five year old daughter told me, “Enough, get us to the Squire.” The Squire is a bar on Main Street, across from the Wayside Inn, where my dad worked for seven years. The Squire is older than I am and is still owned by the same two guys who started it all, Richard Costello & George Payne. In the 1970-80s, they were good friends of my dad.
The Squire hasn’t changed much and the fried clams were awesome! The kids were good and I asked if Richard or George were around – Richard was. I said hi and we chit-chatted before I had to chase the kids, who were heading out the door. I took them to the old candy store across the street and then to the Chatham Band Stand in the park for a candy picnic. We also went in the Wayside Inn, but as I’d discovered the last time I was here, the outside may look the same, but the inside had been gutted. It looks like any ole chain hotel now.
After a gallery and a bookstore we headed back to Harwich. We went to my old grocery store (was Angelos, now Star market) for snacks and then the wine store (which was once Ring Bros. Farmers Market, scene of my first crime…I stole a candy bar and I got the BELT).
Back at the hotel, I had happy hour with Rich, via the phone. I miss him. This would be even more special if he was here. The last time we were here, I was pregnant with the boys….and so very sick. It was awful. But, there’s always next time.
Lodging: The Soundings Resort, Dennisport, MA (Cape Cod)
Traveled: Boston to Dennis, 83miles/1 ½ hours
Quote of the day: “Good for you!” – Four separate strangers on four different occasions, after I confirmed that, yes, all four were mine. Much nicer to hear than, “You’ve got your hands full.”
Silly Band: Bear-Bear
June 10th - Bad Smithies
June 10th
Today was crappy, weather wise. We woke to a brisk 52 degrees and a less than promising weather report. Rainy and in the 50’s….damp and rainy.
So it was a good day to head to Foxboro. Fanatical fan that I am….I’ve never been to Foxboro…never been to a home game. I drove down (poor Gin), it was a quick drive and totally worth it.
The stadium is amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it – Hunter was soooo excited. It’s enormous. We walked up the main gate by the”lighthouse” and we were able see onto the field. The nose bleed seats were seriously high. I wouldn’t go up there. Anyway….there was a medical center, a mall, a hotel, and many, many restaurants and bars. We hit the pro shop, which was Patriots Mecca. I spent so much money, that they gave me free tickets to the Patriots Hall.
Patriots Hall held the team’s Hall of Fame, as well as tons of memorabilia….most importantly the Super Bowl Trophies (probably replicas?)! There were tons of other things….including a whole display devoted to the snowy Patriots/Raiders play-off game, with a video of the “tuck play”….Rich would not have been pleased! My boy Drew Bledsoe’s uniform was featured in a display for the 1990’s teams. Other than that there was only a (HOT) picture of him swinging a golf club. God, he’s hot. Poor Drew. We also got to see a movie featuring all the highs and lows of Pats history. I cried, again, watching the Pats win their first Super Bowl in 2002. There were two other girls in the theater (thank God, only 2, because my kids were running around like crazy) and we were screaming and cheering like it was happening live, for real, right in front of us.
Then we headed to Uncle Louie’s for lunch and a visit. I was very excited to see him and Mary…it had been 10 years. I put the fear of God into the children (or so I thought) warning them that they’d better not embarrass me…or else! So you can guess what happened…
Louie and Mary looked great, they really did. Their house was just as I’d remembered which is always comforting. The kids stormed their house and headed to the basement with Louie on their trail. Bear found a computer (he’d been denied access for ten days…so he was like a junkie looking for a hit.). Poor Louie was trying to boot it up for him and Bear was freakin’, cause it wasn’t fast enough. He made all sorts of lovely Barrett sounds. Meanwhile, Hunter and Camden discovered the piano & Audrey was frantically trying to manipulate the remote. I was breaking out in a sweat.
Once he hooked Barrett up, Louie went out for pizza and I went upstairs to chat with Mary & Ginny. That lasted approximately 2 minutes before all hell broke loose downstairs. I went down to find Louie’s computer screen glowing a bright magenta and Barrett moaning like a sick dog. The computer was so slow and Bear was so frustrated…God knows what he did. Quick call to daddy and I fixed it before Louie got back. Then I disabled the mouse and hid it so no one could use the computer.
We tried to sit down to lunch, but nothing, and I mean nothing was to Audrey’s liking. She said no to everything they offered and eventually dissolved into tears. I sent her to the basement. Bear apparently didn’t like the pizza, either. Cammy told me that Bear had thrown a piece in the sink (on top of clean dishes that were in a rack) and I later found a piece in the bathroom hamper. Nice. This food revolt eventually ended with Bear reenacting a scene from Barney in which Baby Bop dropped his ice cream cone on the floor….yes Bear purposefully dropped his cone on their floor.
At some point during all this, Cammy tumbled down the stairs and cut hit cheek open…close to his eye, which is now black. Then I discovered Hunter in the kitchen, drinking coke from a 2 liter bottle. When he saw me, he spit all the coke back into the bottle. Nice.
Ginny had a nice time catching up (I was too busy putting out fires) and we got some nice pictures. After another fight in the basement, I announced our departure. As a parting gift, when we were leaving…Bear made a beeline across the street into the neighbor’s back yard. I was like, “shit”. I asked the woman who’s house it was (she was out front with her kids) to please tell me she didn’t have a pool…but the attraction was only a play set. Phew.
Back at the hotel I took the boys for a very cold swim in the hopes of burning off energy. Aud stayed behind because of her obnoxiousness. Then we ate dinner at Fridays and herded everyone to an early bed. Tomorrow Cape Cod!
BTW…I’ve quizzed Ginny extensively over the last couple days about family history. LOTS of dirt. Very interesting. Also, I’m feeling really bad for my dad. I don’t think he ever had a chance. God willing I don’t make the same mistakes….I hate the saying “history repeats itself’” mostly because it usually turns out to be true….
Silly Band Award – Hunter
Quote of the day: Hunter, “It’s ‘no fair’ that I have to be 21 to drink wine.” – The kids were playing “no fair” and this is what he came up with??!?!
Today was crappy, weather wise. We woke to a brisk 52 degrees and a less than promising weather report. Rainy and in the 50’s….damp and rainy.
So it was a good day to head to Foxboro. Fanatical fan that I am….I’ve never been to Foxboro…never been to a home game. I drove down (poor Gin), it was a quick drive and totally worth it.
The stadium is amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it – Hunter was soooo excited. It’s enormous. We walked up the main gate by the”lighthouse” and we were able see onto the field. The nose bleed seats were seriously high. I wouldn’t go up there. Anyway….there was a medical center, a mall, a hotel, and many, many restaurants and bars. We hit the pro shop, which was Patriots Mecca. I spent so much money, that they gave me free tickets to the Patriots Hall.
Patriots Hall held the team’s Hall of Fame, as well as tons of memorabilia….most importantly the Super Bowl Trophies (probably replicas?)! There were tons of other things….including a whole display devoted to the snowy Patriots/Raiders play-off game, with a video of the “tuck play”….Rich would not have been pleased! My boy Drew Bledsoe’s uniform was featured in a display for the 1990’s teams. Other than that there was only a (HOT) picture of him swinging a golf club. God, he’s hot. Poor Drew. We also got to see a movie featuring all the highs and lows of Pats history. I cried, again, watching the Pats win their first Super Bowl in 2002. There were two other girls in the theater (thank God, only 2, because my kids were running around like crazy) and we were screaming and cheering like it was happening live, for real, right in front of us.
Then we headed to Uncle Louie’s for lunch and a visit. I was very excited to see him and Mary…it had been 10 years. I put the fear of God into the children (or so I thought) warning them that they’d better not embarrass me…or else! So you can guess what happened…
Louie and Mary looked great, they really did. Their house was just as I’d remembered which is always comforting. The kids stormed their house and headed to the basement with Louie on their trail. Bear found a computer (he’d been denied access for ten days…so he was like a junkie looking for a hit.). Poor Louie was trying to boot it up for him and Bear was freakin’, cause it wasn’t fast enough. He made all sorts of lovely Barrett sounds. Meanwhile, Hunter and Camden discovered the piano & Audrey was frantically trying to manipulate the remote. I was breaking out in a sweat.
Once he hooked Barrett up, Louie went out for pizza and I went upstairs to chat with Mary & Ginny. That lasted approximately 2 minutes before all hell broke loose downstairs. I went down to find Louie’s computer screen glowing a bright magenta and Barrett moaning like a sick dog. The computer was so slow and Bear was so frustrated…God knows what he did. Quick call to daddy and I fixed it before Louie got back. Then I disabled the mouse and hid it so no one could use the computer.
We tried to sit down to lunch, but nothing, and I mean nothing was to Audrey’s liking. She said no to everything they offered and eventually dissolved into tears. I sent her to the basement. Bear apparently didn’t like the pizza, either. Cammy told me that Bear had thrown a piece in the sink (on top of clean dishes that were in a rack) and I later found a piece in the bathroom hamper. Nice. This food revolt eventually ended with Bear reenacting a scene from Barney in which Baby Bop dropped his ice cream cone on the floor….yes Bear purposefully dropped his cone on their floor.
At some point during all this, Cammy tumbled down the stairs and cut hit cheek open…close to his eye, which is now black. Then I discovered Hunter in the kitchen, drinking coke from a 2 liter bottle. When he saw me, he spit all the coke back into the bottle. Nice.
Ginny had a nice time catching up (I was too busy putting out fires) and we got some nice pictures. After another fight in the basement, I announced our departure. As a parting gift, when we were leaving…Bear made a beeline across the street into the neighbor’s back yard. I was like, “shit”. I asked the woman who’s house it was (she was out front with her kids) to please tell me she didn’t have a pool…but the attraction was only a play set. Phew.
Back at the hotel I took the boys for a very cold swim in the hopes of burning off energy. Aud stayed behind because of her obnoxiousness. Then we ate dinner at Fridays and herded everyone to an early bed. Tomorrow Cape Cod!
BTW…I’ve quizzed Ginny extensively over the last couple days about family history. LOTS of dirt. Very interesting. Also, I’m feeling really bad for my dad. I don’t think he ever had a chance. God willing I don’t make the same mistakes….I hate the saying “history repeats itself’” mostly because it usually turns out to be true….
Silly Band Award – Hunter
Quote of the day: Hunter, “It’s ‘no fair’ that I have to be 21 to drink wine.” – The kids were playing “no fair” and this is what he came up with??!?!
June 9th - Bean Town!
June 9, 2010
Believe it or not, we all slept past 7a.m.!!! I couldn’t believe it. Nice. I went to wake up Cam about 7:45….only to find that he’d completely peed his bed (pack-n-play). Yuck! Damn Huggies…I’ve had trouble finding Pampers. So I had to use the 5 cent miniature bar of soap to scrub his p-n-p mattress.
After showers, I hustled the kids to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. Today was Boston day and the kids were very excited about taking a “train” (the infamous T) into the city. Gin was less than excited. She said that she was an “insecure public transportation person.” So she headed to the lobby for the continental breakfast and a map of the T. She looked frazzled and asked for my atlas before I left. I decide to just call Marcie (she lived here and worked in the city) for the 411. But by the time I got back to the hotel…Ginny was waiting out front…and she did not look happy!
Long story short – we drove into the city, which at the end of the day turned out to be the right thing to do. I got to drive!, so that as cool. We had a very full day. We took the kids to Boston Common and they got the merry-go-round ride they missed out on in D.C. From there we headed to Boston Garden for the Swan Boats. Bear was a little antsy with waiting in line (which was not long). He just pushed to the head of the line….ugh! But I’ve discovered that if I HOLD Barrett…seriously…he’s okay. But, he is about 60lbs! Any wonder way Disney scares me?
We did make it to the boat…and he loved it. He had the biggest smile on his face watching the ducks and their babies fight for food. It was beautiful out. Perfect. After the boats, we walked back through the Common to Tremont Street and found Paul Revere’s grave. This was very important for two reasons. One, Hunter had a tough time with the historical figures segment of social studies this year…much to my chagrin. Paul Revere was one of the figures, so I was hell bent on him actually seeing some stuff. Two, twenty-six years ago, I visited the city with my dad and brother and we visited Paul Revere’s house and his grave and I wanted to “recreate” a picture of Edmund and I on Revere’s grave with a “modern day” picture of Hunter & Aud. Mission accomplished.
Then we headed to Quincy Market for lunch. Barrett had a little meltdown…minor. He used the restroom and ordered a grilled cheese which seemed to appease him. I order a class of pinot grigio and fried clams (my favorite). I called Marcie, to reminisce about a drunken girl’s night 14 years earlier, in Quincy Market…but I digress.
After lunch we headed back to the car and drove to Fenway Park. Hunter was soooo excited, which was beyond cool. Another fanatic! Unfortunately, I didn’t take them in (they wanted $50!) and immediately felt bad. I will make it up to them tomorrow….at Gillette.
I was tired – corralling the kid in the city was exhausting and it had really clouded up. We headed back to the hotel, because I had promised some swim time. By the time we got back the temperature had dropped to the 60’s and it was raining. The kids would not be deterred….and headed to the outside pool. Swear to God. After 30 minutes I made them go in.
I went on a hunt for Subway….never found it so I got Panera Bread…and was really gone too long. I knew it….and felt like a teenager when I got back, explaining to Ginny why I’d been gone so long. And I still had to get our pizza from the restaurant next store. The younger three were okay, but Bear was a bit nervous about my being gone.
I ordered the pizza to go and sat at the bar to have a glass of wine. The bartender was seriously flirting with me, which surprised me. Then he saw my diamond and said …”Oh, look at that rock.” I was like, “Yeah, it comes with 4 kids.” So he bought my wine for me…I still got it… and told me I didn’t look like I had 4 kids. I love Boston Boys.
Little buzzed when I got back - tripping over explanations to Grand Ginny. I’m 40, can you believe this? Aud has a sore throat, she claimed, so I had to “manage” her. She may be telling the truth given my week-long cold. Tomorrow could be rough…
Quote of the Day: Camden, “Mommy, be quiet!” – while I was singing in the car!
Silly Band Award: Hunter
Still in Dedham at the Fairfield Inn
Believe it or not, we all slept past 7a.m.!!! I couldn’t believe it. Nice. I went to wake up Cam about 7:45….only to find that he’d completely peed his bed (pack-n-play). Yuck! Damn Huggies…I’ve had trouble finding Pampers. So I had to use the 5 cent miniature bar of soap to scrub his p-n-p mattress.
After showers, I hustled the kids to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. Today was Boston day and the kids were very excited about taking a “train” (the infamous T) into the city. Gin was less than excited. She said that she was an “insecure public transportation person.” So she headed to the lobby for the continental breakfast and a map of the T. She looked frazzled and asked for my atlas before I left. I decide to just call Marcie (she lived here and worked in the city) for the 411. But by the time I got back to the hotel…Ginny was waiting out front…and she did not look happy!
Long story short – we drove into the city, which at the end of the day turned out to be the right thing to do. I got to drive!, so that as cool. We had a very full day. We took the kids to Boston Common and they got the merry-go-round ride they missed out on in D.C. From there we headed to Boston Garden for the Swan Boats. Bear was a little antsy with waiting in line (which was not long). He just pushed to the head of the line….ugh! But I’ve discovered that if I HOLD Barrett…seriously…he’s okay. But, he is about 60lbs! Any wonder way Disney scares me?
We did make it to the boat…and he loved it. He had the biggest smile on his face watching the ducks and their babies fight for food. It was beautiful out. Perfect. After the boats, we walked back through the Common to Tremont Street and found Paul Revere’s grave. This was very important for two reasons. One, Hunter had a tough time with the historical figures segment of social studies this year…much to my chagrin. Paul Revere was one of the figures, so I was hell bent on him actually seeing some stuff. Two, twenty-six years ago, I visited the city with my dad and brother and we visited Paul Revere’s house and his grave and I wanted to “recreate” a picture of Edmund and I on Revere’s grave with a “modern day” picture of Hunter & Aud. Mission accomplished.
Then we headed to Quincy Market for lunch. Barrett had a little meltdown…minor. He used the restroom and ordered a grilled cheese which seemed to appease him. I order a class of pinot grigio and fried clams (my favorite). I called Marcie, to reminisce about a drunken girl’s night 14 years earlier, in Quincy Market…but I digress.
After lunch we headed back to the car and drove to Fenway Park. Hunter was soooo excited, which was beyond cool. Another fanatic! Unfortunately, I didn’t take them in (they wanted $50!) and immediately felt bad. I will make it up to them tomorrow….at Gillette.
I was tired – corralling the kid in the city was exhausting and it had really clouded up. We headed back to the hotel, because I had promised some swim time. By the time we got back the temperature had dropped to the 60’s and it was raining. The kids would not be deterred….and headed to the outside pool. Swear to God. After 30 minutes I made them go in.
I went on a hunt for Subway….never found it so I got Panera Bread…and was really gone too long. I knew it….and felt like a teenager when I got back, explaining to Ginny why I’d been gone so long. And I still had to get our pizza from the restaurant next store. The younger three were okay, but Bear was a bit nervous about my being gone.
I ordered the pizza to go and sat at the bar to have a glass of wine. The bartender was seriously flirting with me, which surprised me. Then he saw my diamond and said …”Oh, look at that rock.” I was like, “Yeah, it comes with 4 kids.” So he bought my wine for me…I still got it… and told me I didn’t look like I had 4 kids. I love Boston Boys.
Little buzzed when I got back - tripping over explanations to Grand Ginny. I’m 40, can you believe this? Aud has a sore throat, she claimed, so I had to “manage” her. She may be telling the truth given my week-long cold. Tomorrow could be rough…
Quote of the Day: Camden, “Mommy, be quiet!” – while I was singing in the car!
Silly Band Award: Hunter
Still in Dedham at the Fairfield Inn
June 8th - Mom & Dad
June 8th
I was so excited about today. One of the major catalysts for this trip was my burning desire to visit Lowell, my mom’s hometown. There are a couple reasons for this. I’ve always been fascinated by my mother’s life, both because it was fascinating (rather wealthy, private schools, Brown, extensive travel…and the clothes/style of the 1950s & 60s) and the fact that unfortunately, most of what I know is from pictures, faint memories and stuff I’ve discovered in long-ago packed boxes. Also, I spent time in Lowell when I was younger, visiting my grandfather…the only grandparent I’d ever know. Also, last summer I read a book that was set in Lowell that mirrored many event of my mother’s life. It really sparked my curiosity.
But before I get to Lowell, we visited Newton in the morning (or rather Newtonville), where my dad had grown up. I’d visited Newton once, in 1984, with my dad. It was a quick trip and I really don’t remember very much. Ironically, doing the math, my dad was that same age as me when he took us there…coincidence? Some midlife crisis that spurs a desire to revisit our roots?
Fortunately Ginny was with me to be a tour guide. I saw where they went to school, the house they grew up in and where my McGrath grandparents are buried. Funny, or sad, is it was not that big a deal for me. Their house was beautiful…but I felt no emotion. I don’t know why, but I don’t feel much of a connection to the McGrath family history. My dad never talked about his parents. Never. As, for his siblings, I have, or have had, a personal relationship with all of them. I think of them as contemporaries….not figures from my past. I’ve known each of them independent of my dad. I almost feel as though my lack of knowledge concerning my dad’s childhood means he didn’t have much of one. That makes me sad. Most of what Ginny has told me does little to alter this opinion.
After lunch we headed north for Lowell. Yeah! I insisted on driving (Gin is not a good driver and her breaking and talking to herself about the annoyances of traffic and the lack of logic concerning street signs was driving me batty). Anyway, once I got off the interstate…I tossed the directions aside and let memories and instinct take over.
Remember…it had been 31 years since I’d been to Lowell. Would you believe I got myself to the very street where my grandfather lived? I drove super slow, purposefully NOT looking at house numbers. Too soon, I got to a break in the road where there was a little triangle median, with a road branching off. I knew I’d driven too far. Impossible, I thought….the road seemed too short and I didn’t recognize the house. I turned around and drove past….still missed it. On the third try I cheated with the house numbers. I couldn’t freaking believe it! I truly didn’t recognize it.
For starters, the mammoth pine trees which were in front of the house for 50 years(!!!)....gone. Second…it was no longer the classic white with black shutters and the green and white awnings. Now it was green with red trim, shutters and awnings. It looked sooo different. Also, the huge vacant side lot that was my grandfather’s had been sold (I’d been warned about this). Now the field where my brother and I played was the host of a very large home…a home larger than my grandpa’s. Just not right.
That was the other surprising thing…the house seemed so small. The house I live in is bigger…maybe much bigger. This is so shocking to me. When I was a kid…my grandpa’s house was the ultimate…it was a mansion in my little mind. This house that stood before me simply wouldn’t do. I was afraid to see the inside. I really was. I’d written the owners to let them know I was coming and believe it or not, they’d called me and said I could come in! It was so unexpected and generous. I was blown away. But, they wouldn’t be home till after 5 – so I had more exploring to do.
Next, I went in search of my mother’s high school...Rogers Hall. Rogers Hall, in its day, was an exclusive, girl’s boarding school. The pictures I’d seen were so cool and retro. I’ve done extensive research and even joined the school’s alumni group on Face Book. I think my mom really enjoyed her time there, because she talked about it a lot. Her mother also went to the school and my mom returned after college to teach for a couple years.
I recently found her yearbooks from when she was both a student and a teacher. They’re so cool. I also have the school catalogue (circa 1962), which promises to:
“…give its students a sound education while surrounding them with a healthy, happy and stimulating atmosphere which helps develop the individual abilities of each to the fullest extent…every girl develops a sense of civic responsibility which promotes good citizenship and effective leadership.”
Wow! Well fifty years later, the main building and dormitory are an assistant living facility for elderly people, in a not so nice area of town. In fact, when we pulled up, there was this woman in a wheel chair, out in front of the main house. The poor thing had had stoke. It was sort of symbolic of how time had passed. The two other buildings on the campus, the principal’s house and the gymnasium, were both abandoned (although apparently at some time, after the school closed in the early 1970’s, the two buildings had been a YMCA. A sign still hung on the house.).
You could see that one day it had all been grand. The main house still was, but the grounds at the back of the original campus were now littered with low-end, run-down condos. The Gym and Principal’s House stood exclusive of the original campus, as ghosts to a time long past, with rotting wood and over grown landscape slowing swallowing them up. All the buildings were also very close to what was a busy road that led into downtown…I wonder if the road was always well traveled? There was a beautiful park across the street…as documented in the school literature…but I very much doubt that there still an exclusive golf course where the girls could take lessons.
I was glad to finally see the campus…but it was bittersweet.
Next stop…the Lowell cemetery. No one was in the cemetery’s office, so I decided to go off in search of my grandparents, myself. I had flowers and I was damn well going to lay them on their grave. I’d left the documentation for their gravesite back at home in GA, but remembered that the “street” they were on had four letters. That’s it. I also had a photograph from my grandfather’s funeral…so I knew the color of the head stone. I’d said as much to Ginny….45 seconds into our adventure, when I pointed out the color to her on a grave site. I’ll be damned if it wasn’t actually their grave! Seriously. Mission easily accomplished.
There were five family members buried there, as listed in the tombstone: my great grandparents, my grandparents, and their son (my uncle who died at 14). However, there were only 4 grave markers (with initials)…which really had me curious, because my grandfather’s grave wasn’t marked. He died in 1979 and my mother basically handled the funeral. Why wouldn’t she do that?!?!
So I went back to the cemetery’s office and someone was finally there. I made them dig out the records and here’s the scoop. There are actually 10 spots at the grave site, which I now apparently own jointly, with my bother. There are actually 6 people buried there…someone named Henry Hagar (never heard of him) who is not listed on the tomb, but who is indeed there. His internment is signed by my grandmother. Interesting…. And my grandfather’s grave marker was never ordered by my mother…again, interesting. I feel compelled to order this for him. Yet, I am wondering why my mom didn’t? Too cheap? Forgot? Mad at him? I do not know.
But, I guess Rich and I have a place to reside one day, if we wish…
I still had time to kill before going back to my grandfather’s house….so I went downtown. It really didn’t ring any bells…although it did prove to me that all the rumors I’d heard over the years, from various sources, were true. Lowell had been taken over by some unseemly elements.
On a whim…I’d decided to find my grandpa’s country club. I’d loved going there as a kid because it was the fanciest place I’d ever been. I will spare you the silly story of how it happened….but I’ll be damned! I found it! It was kind of like how I’d remembered it too. I snuck in the clubhouse to be sure…and I am certain I stuck gold.
Finally, back to G-pa’s house. The current owner’s name is Renee’. Her husband is a physician and they have six kids. They did not buy the house from my mom, the Flannigan’s did in the summer of 1979. They, IMMEDIATELY (after promising my mom they wouldn’t) sold the adjacent lot to some jerk who’d tried to hustle my mom for it. They left in 1981 and sold it to the Romanowski’s. The lot thing was a big issue…both with my parents and with the current owners. But I guess it doesn’t matter anymore, because the big house is there now….on top of my first dog, Peaches, who is buried there.
Anyway, Renee’ was so nice. She told me to go for it….I could look around at anything I wanted. A quick side bar here…Barrett had had it and was being a royal pain-in-the-ass. It was one of the few times I just let him be a jerk - I was gonna see the house, no matter what.
It was surreal. Some things were exactly the same, mostly architectural things, and others…not so much. My grandfather kept the house like a museum. It was meticulous and grandly decorated with antiques. Everything had a place. The house now was most definitely a well-lived-in house (and kind of messy). It was a home, someone else’s. It was just weird for me.
The same:
The bathrooms….exactly the same! Exactly…same as 1935 (don’t make things like they used to.)
The basement
Ironing board/liquor cabinet
Buzzer on the dining room floor, for the maid
Glass door handles
All the doors
Built-ins throughout (D.R., L.R., Linen closet upstairs)
Kitchen cabinets
Wood window valances
Different:
Paint instead of wall paper
A pool
Closed in the screened porch and expanded kitchen
“Finished” the attic
The over-all look – for sure!
Some of their kids (all adults now) were there – in & out…it was very busy. She filled me in on some of the neighbors that I’d remember (a boy I’d had a crush on and played with had died of cancer…at 30). But I started to feel a little panicked. I wanted to get out before her home replaced my mom’s home in my memory. I was also sad because it was such an, obviously, crazy & happy home….and when I knew it, it was so…still. I was jealous for my mom. (Yet my mom probably would have hated it.)
I thanked Renee’ profusely and promised to come back, and maybe will. I want to show Rich. Bear escaped to their backyard and was stripping down to take a swim in their pool. One of their daughters was out there with a deer –in-the-headlights look. I got there just as he was dropping his drawers. Oh boy….
Lodging: Still in Dedham/Fairfield
Silly Band Award: Ginny (kids fell apart at dinner).
Quote of the day: Audrey, ”No Cammy, you were still up in heaven…banging on the closet door, to come down and live with us.” – when Camden insisted he’d lived in the Maryland house (he saw a picture in our travel notebook).
I was so excited about today. One of the major catalysts for this trip was my burning desire to visit Lowell, my mom’s hometown. There are a couple reasons for this. I’ve always been fascinated by my mother’s life, both because it was fascinating (rather wealthy, private schools, Brown, extensive travel…and the clothes/style of the 1950s & 60s) and the fact that unfortunately, most of what I know is from pictures, faint memories and stuff I’ve discovered in long-ago packed boxes. Also, I spent time in Lowell when I was younger, visiting my grandfather…the only grandparent I’d ever know. Also, last summer I read a book that was set in Lowell that mirrored many event of my mother’s life. It really sparked my curiosity.
But before I get to Lowell, we visited Newton in the morning (or rather Newtonville), where my dad had grown up. I’d visited Newton once, in 1984, with my dad. It was a quick trip and I really don’t remember very much. Ironically, doing the math, my dad was that same age as me when he took us there…coincidence? Some midlife crisis that spurs a desire to revisit our roots?
Fortunately Ginny was with me to be a tour guide. I saw where they went to school, the house they grew up in and where my McGrath grandparents are buried. Funny, or sad, is it was not that big a deal for me. Their house was beautiful…but I felt no emotion. I don’t know why, but I don’t feel much of a connection to the McGrath family history. My dad never talked about his parents. Never. As, for his siblings, I have, or have had, a personal relationship with all of them. I think of them as contemporaries….not figures from my past. I’ve known each of them independent of my dad. I almost feel as though my lack of knowledge concerning my dad’s childhood means he didn’t have much of one. That makes me sad. Most of what Ginny has told me does little to alter this opinion.
After lunch we headed north for Lowell. Yeah! I insisted on driving (Gin is not a good driver and her breaking and talking to herself about the annoyances of traffic and the lack of logic concerning street signs was driving me batty). Anyway, once I got off the interstate…I tossed the directions aside and let memories and instinct take over.
Remember…it had been 31 years since I’d been to Lowell. Would you believe I got myself to the very street where my grandfather lived? I drove super slow, purposefully NOT looking at house numbers. Too soon, I got to a break in the road where there was a little triangle median, with a road branching off. I knew I’d driven too far. Impossible, I thought….the road seemed too short and I didn’t recognize the house. I turned around and drove past….still missed it. On the third try I cheated with the house numbers. I couldn’t freaking believe it! I truly didn’t recognize it.
For starters, the mammoth pine trees which were in front of the house for 50 years(!!!)....gone. Second…it was no longer the classic white with black shutters and the green and white awnings. Now it was green with red trim, shutters and awnings. It looked sooo different. Also, the huge vacant side lot that was my grandfather’s had been sold (I’d been warned about this). Now the field where my brother and I played was the host of a very large home…a home larger than my grandpa’s. Just not right.
That was the other surprising thing…the house seemed so small. The house I live in is bigger…maybe much bigger. This is so shocking to me. When I was a kid…my grandpa’s house was the ultimate…it was a mansion in my little mind. This house that stood before me simply wouldn’t do. I was afraid to see the inside. I really was. I’d written the owners to let them know I was coming and believe it or not, they’d called me and said I could come in! It was so unexpected and generous. I was blown away. But, they wouldn’t be home till after 5 – so I had more exploring to do.
Next, I went in search of my mother’s high school...Rogers Hall. Rogers Hall, in its day, was an exclusive, girl’s boarding school. The pictures I’d seen were so cool and retro. I’ve done extensive research and even joined the school’s alumni group on Face Book. I think my mom really enjoyed her time there, because she talked about it a lot. Her mother also went to the school and my mom returned after college to teach for a couple years.
I recently found her yearbooks from when she was both a student and a teacher. They’re so cool. I also have the school catalogue (circa 1962), which promises to:
“…give its students a sound education while surrounding them with a healthy, happy and stimulating atmosphere which helps develop the individual abilities of each to the fullest extent…every girl develops a sense of civic responsibility which promotes good citizenship and effective leadership.”
Wow! Well fifty years later, the main building and dormitory are an assistant living facility for elderly people, in a not so nice area of town. In fact, when we pulled up, there was this woman in a wheel chair, out in front of the main house. The poor thing had had stoke. It was sort of symbolic of how time had passed. The two other buildings on the campus, the principal’s house and the gymnasium, were both abandoned (although apparently at some time, after the school closed in the early 1970’s, the two buildings had been a YMCA. A sign still hung on the house.).
You could see that one day it had all been grand. The main house still was, but the grounds at the back of the original campus were now littered with low-end, run-down condos. The Gym and Principal’s House stood exclusive of the original campus, as ghosts to a time long past, with rotting wood and over grown landscape slowing swallowing them up. All the buildings were also very close to what was a busy road that led into downtown…I wonder if the road was always well traveled? There was a beautiful park across the street…as documented in the school literature…but I very much doubt that there still an exclusive golf course where the girls could take lessons.
I was glad to finally see the campus…but it was bittersweet.
Next stop…the Lowell cemetery. No one was in the cemetery’s office, so I decided to go off in search of my grandparents, myself. I had flowers and I was damn well going to lay them on their grave. I’d left the documentation for their gravesite back at home in GA, but remembered that the “street” they were on had four letters. That’s it. I also had a photograph from my grandfather’s funeral…so I knew the color of the head stone. I’d said as much to Ginny….45 seconds into our adventure, when I pointed out the color to her on a grave site. I’ll be damned if it wasn’t actually their grave! Seriously. Mission easily accomplished.
There were five family members buried there, as listed in the tombstone: my great grandparents, my grandparents, and their son (my uncle who died at 14). However, there were only 4 grave markers (with initials)…which really had me curious, because my grandfather’s grave wasn’t marked. He died in 1979 and my mother basically handled the funeral. Why wouldn’t she do that?!?!
So I went back to the cemetery’s office and someone was finally there. I made them dig out the records and here’s the scoop. There are actually 10 spots at the grave site, which I now apparently own jointly, with my bother. There are actually 6 people buried there…someone named Henry Hagar (never heard of him) who is not listed on the tomb, but who is indeed there. His internment is signed by my grandmother. Interesting…. And my grandfather’s grave marker was never ordered by my mother…again, interesting. I feel compelled to order this for him. Yet, I am wondering why my mom didn’t? Too cheap? Forgot? Mad at him? I do not know.
But, I guess Rich and I have a place to reside one day, if we wish…
I still had time to kill before going back to my grandfather’s house….so I went downtown. It really didn’t ring any bells…although it did prove to me that all the rumors I’d heard over the years, from various sources, were true. Lowell had been taken over by some unseemly elements.
On a whim…I’d decided to find my grandpa’s country club. I’d loved going there as a kid because it was the fanciest place I’d ever been. I will spare you the silly story of how it happened….but I’ll be damned! I found it! It was kind of like how I’d remembered it too. I snuck in the clubhouse to be sure…and I am certain I stuck gold.
Finally, back to G-pa’s house. The current owner’s name is Renee’. Her husband is a physician and they have six kids. They did not buy the house from my mom, the Flannigan’s did in the summer of 1979. They, IMMEDIATELY (after promising my mom they wouldn’t) sold the adjacent lot to some jerk who’d tried to hustle my mom for it. They left in 1981 and sold it to the Romanowski’s. The lot thing was a big issue…both with my parents and with the current owners. But I guess it doesn’t matter anymore, because the big house is there now….on top of my first dog, Peaches, who is buried there.
Anyway, Renee’ was so nice. She told me to go for it….I could look around at anything I wanted. A quick side bar here…Barrett had had it and was being a royal pain-in-the-ass. It was one of the few times I just let him be a jerk - I was gonna see the house, no matter what.
It was surreal. Some things were exactly the same, mostly architectural things, and others…not so much. My grandfather kept the house like a museum. It was meticulous and grandly decorated with antiques. Everything had a place. The house now was most definitely a well-lived-in house (and kind of messy). It was a home, someone else’s. It was just weird for me.
The same:
The bathrooms….exactly the same! Exactly…same as 1935 (don’t make things like they used to.)
The basement
Ironing board/liquor cabinet
Buzzer on the dining room floor, for the maid
Glass door handles
All the doors
Built-ins throughout (D.R., L.R., Linen closet upstairs)
Kitchen cabinets
Wood window valances
Different:
Paint instead of wall paper
A pool
Closed in the screened porch and expanded kitchen
“Finished” the attic
The over-all look – for sure!
Some of their kids (all adults now) were there – in & out…it was very busy. She filled me in on some of the neighbors that I’d remember (a boy I’d had a crush on and played with had died of cancer…at 30). But I started to feel a little panicked. I wanted to get out before her home replaced my mom’s home in my memory. I was also sad because it was such an, obviously, crazy & happy home….and when I knew it, it was so…still. I was jealous for my mom. (Yet my mom probably would have hated it.)
I thanked Renee’ profusely and promised to come back, and maybe will. I want to show Rich. Bear escaped to their backyard and was stripping down to take a swim in their pool. One of their daughters was out there with a deer –in-the-headlights look. I got there just as he was dropping his drawers. Oh boy….
Lodging: Still in Dedham/Fairfield
Silly Band Award: Ginny (kids fell apart at dinner).
Quote of the day: Audrey, ”No Cammy, you were still up in heaven…banging on the closet door, to come down and live with us.” – when Camden insisted he’d lived in the Maryland house (he saw a picture in our travel notebook).
Monday, June 7, 2010
June 7th - Right Back Where I Started
June 7th
I woke up still feeling bad this morning. Maybe I need an antibiotic? I can’t believe it…
We had quick “continental breakfast" at the hotel, before we picked up Ginny and hit the road. The first part of the trip….through PA and up through New Jersey was actually easy & fast (Ginny drove…per the advice/suggestion of my brother).
Then we hit New York. SOB…it took us one hour and fifteen minutes to travel 15 miles from just before the George Washington Bridge, over it, and after, until we turned north. The kids were wild…it was hot and Ginny was driving….heavy on the brakes. I almost tossed my cookies. Sucked, suck, sucked!
But then, the second half of the trip was a breeze, too…except for a few “Audrey moments”.
Once we hit Massachusetts, I can’t explain it…it just felt myself exhale…and not just because the end was near! Something about being back where it started. This is where I spent the first decade of my life. It was happy, it was simple, it was innocent. I can’t recall one bad thing that happened while I lived here. That’s pretty amazing. I haven’t spent much time here since then…but when I do come back, I just feel like I belong. Home. Although, I certainly can’t afford to live here – in the manner to which I’ve become accustomed!
Okay…so we’re at a Fairfield Inn in Dedham…in a nice area. However, the hotel…it ain’t so nice. But, thanks to Barb, it’s cheap and I’ve got four kids, so I will deal. I’ll also spend a lot of time outside the hotel!
Most of the day was wasted on drive. We had a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant adjacent to the hotel, Vinny T’s. The kids were pretty wound up though…I think they were getting on Gin's nerves. She ordered a beer, which she never does anymore. Uh-oh. I really wanted her to show me around Newton where my dad grew up (and help in the city is going to be gratefully appreciated). I just hope she doesn’t end up disliking the kids (or disinheriting them…ha-ha!). After dinner I sent her back to the hotel by herself and took the kids for a drive.
It was gorgeous out. Sunny, 69 degrees with the sun setting. I opened all the windows, cranked the radio and hit Barnes & Noble for some books. It was just really, really cool.
Traveled: Adamstown PA to Dedham Ma 361miles/7 hours, 45 min (due to damn NY)
Silly Band Award: bagged it today…they irritated the hell out of me in the car.
Lodging: Fairfield Inn, Dedham (1/2 a star)
Quote of the day: Hunter, “How’s it look mom? This is what I’m wearing for the next 7 days.” – After he took off his JJ #48 hat this morning and put on a Red Sox hat!
I woke up still feeling bad this morning. Maybe I need an antibiotic? I can’t believe it…
We had quick “continental breakfast" at the hotel, before we picked up Ginny and hit the road. The first part of the trip….through PA and up through New Jersey was actually easy & fast (Ginny drove…per the advice/suggestion of my brother).
Then we hit New York. SOB…it took us one hour and fifteen minutes to travel 15 miles from just before the George Washington Bridge, over it, and after, until we turned north. The kids were wild…it was hot and Ginny was driving….heavy on the brakes. I almost tossed my cookies. Sucked, suck, sucked!
But then, the second half of the trip was a breeze, too…except for a few “Audrey moments”.
Once we hit Massachusetts, I can’t explain it…it just felt myself exhale…and not just because the end was near! Something about being back where it started. This is where I spent the first decade of my life. It was happy, it was simple, it was innocent. I can’t recall one bad thing that happened while I lived here. That’s pretty amazing. I haven’t spent much time here since then…but when I do come back, I just feel like I belong. Home. Although, I certainly can’t afford to live here – in the manner to which I’ve become accustomed!
Okay…so we’re at a Fairfield Inn in Dedham…in a nice area. However, the hotel…it ain’t so nice. But, thanks to Barb, it’s cheap and I’ve got four kids, so I will deal. I’ll also spend a lot of time outside the hotel!
Most of the day was wasted on drive. We had a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant adjacent to the hotel, Vinny T’s. The kids were pretty wound up though…I think they were getting on Gin's nerves. She ordered a beer, which she never does anymore. Uh-oh. I really wanted her to show me around Newton where my dad grew up (and help in the city is going to be gratefully appreciated). I just hope she doesn’t end up disliking the kids (or disinheriting them…ha-ha!). After dinner I sent her back to the hotel by herself and took the kids for a drive.
It was gorgeous out. Sunny, 69 degrees with the sun setting. I opened all the windows, cranked the radio and hit Barnes & Noble for some books. It was just really, really cool.
Traveled: Adamstown PA to Dedham Ma 361miles/7 hours, 45 min (due to damn NY)
Silly Band Award: bagged it today…they irritated the hell out of me in the car.
Lodging: Fairfield Inn, Dedham (1/2 a star)
Quote of the day: Hunter, “How’s it look mom? This is what I’m wearing for the next 7 days.” – After he took off his JJ #48 hat this morning and put on a Red Sox hat!
June 6th - Lay-over in PA
June 6th
We woke up early, feeling even worse than yesterday? I’m wondering if this is more than just a cold? I hope not. Also, Rich was gone when I got up.
After breakfast the kids and I hit the road to Adamstown, PA. It was a really quick drive, just a couple of hours. We went to Ginny’s first so we could get our laundry started. Quick lunch, checked in at the hotel and then back to Gin’s.
I’m, for some reason, unable to use my wireless on my laptop…so I used Gin’s to check my e-mail. OMG, her computer was about 100 years old and it was dial –up. Need I say more? Her washing machine, for some weird reason, was also very slow! It was like being in a time warp…especially given that I was already out of it on cold medicine. We were there three hours and my throat was closing up from the cats. It was really hot too, no air conditioning. However, the children were divine, considering there was no TV, Wii, toys, or computer that they could access.
After a mediocre dinner at the local diner…we retired to the Black Forest Inn, for an early bed time.
Please let me feel better tomorrow!
Travel: DC to Adamstown 131miles/2hrs15min
Hotel: Black Forrest Inn (weird to be here without Rich, Edmund or Kelly)
Silly Band Award: Barrett – Double Gold Star Awesome day!
Quote of the day: Hunter, “Aud, don’t go in this room, it’s a disaster!” – about one of the rooms at Gin’s
We woke up early, feeling even worse than yesterday? I’m wondering if this is more than just a cold? I hope not. Also, Rich was gone when I got up.
After breakfast the kids and I hit the road to Adamstown, PA. It was a really quick drive, just a couple of hours. We went to Ginny’s first so we could get our laundry started. Quick lunch, checked in at the hotel and then back to Gin’s.
I’m, for some reason, unable to use my wireless on my laptop…so I used Gin’s to check my e-mail. OMG, her computer was about 100 years old and it was dial –up. Need I say more? Her washing machine, for some weird reason, was also very slow! It was like being in a time warp…especially given that I was already out of it on cold medicine. We were there three hours and my throat was closing up from the cats. It was really hot too, no air conditioning. However, the children were divine, considering there was no TV, Wii, toys, or computer that they could access.
After a mediocre dinner at the local diner…we retired to the Black Forest Inn, for an early bed time.
Please let me feel better tomorrow!
Travel: DC to Adamstown 131miles/2hrs15min
Hotel: Black Forrest Inn (weird to be here without Rich, Edmund or Kelly)
Silly Band Award: Barrett – Double Gold Star Awesome day!
Quote of the day: Hunter, “Aud, don’t go in this room, it’s a disaster!” – about one of the rooms at Gin’s
June 5th - Day in D.C.
June 5
OMG…I am still suffering with this sucky cold. I can’t believe it! I need this to be done, because I have no energy!
After breakfast at the hotel…we took the kids into DC. It was slightly overcast, but still very hot. We parked close to the White House (NY Ave and 18th Street) and headed over to the Mall. First stop was the Washington Monument. The kids were impressed, although Bear was very perturbed that he couldn’t cut the line and walk right up and into the monument. We opted not to try and go up…for obvious reasons. Then we walked (while listening to all the kids bitch, except Hunter – you’d think they were walking across hot coals) to the Lincoln Memorial. I was excited, because when we lived here, both the Washington Monument and Lincoln were under renovation and you couldn’t get close. I love the view from the top of the Lincoln Memorial, looking over the Reflecting Pond to the Capitol. So beautiful.
We trekked back to the car to park closer to the Capitol, because we just couldn’t listen to the gruesome foursome anymore. They were too much. We went to the Capitol and the Museum of American History. In the museum, Barrett had a complete melt down, so Rich took him off on his own. I perused the First Lady and Presidential exhibits with the other three.
It was really cool when the kids saw Dorothy’s red glass slippers…they were so excited! Too fun.
We didn’t stay long because of Bear (and me). I was really fading fast. Felt like crap. After lunch we went back to the hotel while Rich took the kids to the pool so I could sleep.
We met cousin Gregg for dinner in Germantown. It was so good to see him – he looks great.
Tomorrow, Rich goes home, early. We won’t see him again for two weeks…the longest we’ve EVER been apart.
Silly Band Award: Hunter (and Audie was pissed – let me tell you).
Location : Still in Bethesda
Quote of the day: Cammy, “Look, the White House!” – every time he saw a white building !
OMG…I am still suffering with this sucky cold. I can’t believe it! I need this to be done, because I have no energy!
After breakfast at the hotel…we took the kids into DC. It was slightly overcast, but still very hot. We parked close to the White House (NY Ave and 18th Street) and headed over to the Mall. First stop was the Washington Monument. The kids were impressed, although Bear was very perturbed that he couldn’t cut the line and walk right up and into the monument. We opted not to try and go up…for obvious reasons. Then we walked (while listening to all the kids bitch, except Hunter – you’d think they were walking across hot coals) to the Lincoln Memorial. I was excited, because when we lived here, both the Washington Monument and Lincoln were under renovation and you couldn’t get close. I love the view from the top of the Lincoln Memorial, looking over the Reflecting Pond to the Capitol. So beautiful.
We trekked back to the car to park closer to the Capitol, because we just couldn’t listen to the gruesome foursome anymore. They were too much. We went to the Capitol and the Museum of American History. In the museum, Barrett had a complete melt down, so Rich took him off on his own. I perused the First Lady and Presidential exhibits with the other three.
It was really cool when the kids saw Dorothy’s red glass slippers…they were so excited! Too fun.
We didn’t stay long because of Bear (and me). I was really fading fast. Felt like crap. After lunch we went back to the hotel while Rich took the kids to the pool so I could sleep.
We met cousin Gregg for dinner in Germantown. It was so good to see him – he looks great.
Tomorrow, Rich goes home, early. We won’t see him again for two weeks…the longest we’ve EVER been apart.
Silly Band Award: Hunter (and Audie was pissed – let me tell you).
Location : Still in Bethesda
Quote of the day: Cammy, “Look, the White House!” – every time he saw a white building !
June 4th - Fire Alarm
June 4th, 2010
So last night was very eventful! At about midnight, the hotel’s fire alarm went off. Holy sh&*! It scared me. I was very disoriented when I woke…wasn’t sure whether or not I was dreaming. I opened the door and fortunately didn’t smell smoke….but there was a PA announcement saying “Exit Immediately.” I needed this like a needed a hole in my head! I was shaking, trying to decide if this was really necessary. I know that sounds absurd…but I really didn’t know if I could handle four kids out in the parking lot with a hotel full of people. And the alarm was sooo loud…Barrett would certainly freak. Ironically, all four of the kids were sleeping through the noise.
But, what if there really was a fire? I grabbed my purse, phone & car keys. I told everyone to get up. Hunter and Audrey were very confused and I told them to pretend they were at school. I picked Cammy up out of the crib and yelled a little to get Bear up. He wasn’t moving. I had to shake him and I told him it was a fire drill. Would you believe he got right up and put his shoes on?
So off we went…down 7 flights of stairs. When we got to the parking lot there was no explanation and definitely no one in charge. I was so shocked that the three walking children were holding hands and following me that I just kept on moving to our car. I got them all in the car, when they asked what was going on. Poor babies looked confused and I couldn’t answer them. I locked the car and went over to the crowd, but no one knew anything. I called Rich…not that he could do anything, but who else could I call at midnight? Then three fire trucks showed up, so I went back to the car. I looked at the four kids and I just started chuckling. I mean seriously, I could not believe what was happening. But at least I had my kids and we were safe. I was also pretty damn happy that I had my phone, money, credit cards & ID. When do I have it that together?
They let us back in after an hour. Miraculously, the kids all went back to bed without any arguments. I, unfortunately, tossed and turned for about an hour.
Morning brought us daddy and we were all excited to see him. While he worked, I took the kids to meet Stephanie, a former speech therapist of the boys.
After lunch, we took all the kids to our old house, in Ellicott City. It was really weird…I felt nothing, truly nothing. It was like I was looking at any house, in any neighborhood, in any town. I think I was really broken when we lived there. Yet, there were some good times. It was the home where we brought Audrey after she was born…and the home where Hunter learned to speak. Those were two very bright lights in an otherwise very dark period.
We also went to Rich’s home, where he grew up & his school for grades K-8. He has such wonderful memories of his childhood in Maryland and it was really cool to share them with the kids. After our trips down memory lane…we headed to D.C.
I’ve caught Cammy's cold and I’m kinda miserable. Tired, congested, and coughing. I pray it passes fast…as it did for Cammy. Of course this doesn't bode well for the health of Bear, Hunt & Aud in the coming week.
We’re staying in Bethesda, at a full service Marriott. Its really nice – thanks Barb! I took the kids to the pool and then we ordered room service when we got back to the rooms. Rich met up with an old friend form UF and the kids and I headed to bed early!!!
Quote of the day: Some lady in the bathroom stall next to mine, “Oh hello. Who might you be?” – to Cammy, after he crawled under her door into her stall while she was using the toilet!
Silly Band Award: Audrey- barely!
Traveled: Ellicott City – DC 31 miles/45min
Lodging: Bethesda Marriott
So last night was very eventful! At about midnight, the hotel’s fire alarm went off. Holy sh&*! It scared me. I was very disoriented when I woke…wasn’t sure whether or not I was dreaming. I opened the door and fortunately didn’t smell smoke….but there was a PA announcement saying “Exit Immediately.” I needed this like a needed a hole in my head! I was shaking, trying to decide if this was really necessary. I know that sounds absurd…but I really didn’t know if I could handle four kids out in the parking lot with a hotel full of people. And the alarm was sooo loud…Barrett would certainly freak. Ironically, all four of the kids were sleeping through the noise.
But, what if there really was a fire? I grabbed my purse, phone & car keys. I told everyone to get up. Hunter and Audrey were very confused and I told them to pretend they were at school. I picked Cammy up out of the crib and yelled a little to get Bear up. He wasn’t moving. I had to shake him and I told him it was a fire drill. Would you believe he got right up and put his shoes on?
So off we went…down 7 flights of stairs. When we got to the parking lot there was no explanation and definitely no one in charge. I was so shocked that the three walking children were holding hands and following me that I just kept on moving to our car. I got them all in the car, when they asked what was going on. Poor babies looked confused and I couldn’t answer them. I locked the car and went over to the crowd, but no one knew anything. I called Rich…not that he could do anything, but who else could I call at midnight? Then three fire trucks showed up, so I went back to the car. I looked at the four kids and I just started chuckling. I mean seriously, I could not believe what was happening. But at least I had my kids and we were safe. I was also pretty damn happy that I had my phone, money, credit cards & ID. When do I have it that together?
They let us back in after an hour. Miraculously, the kids all went back to bed without any arguments. I, unfortunately, tossed and turned for about an hour.
Morning brought us daddy and we were all excited to see him. While he worked, I took the kids to meet Stephanie, a former speech therapist of the boys.
After lunch, we took all the kids to our old house, in Ellicott City. It was really weird…I felt nothing, truly nothing. It was like I was looking at any house, in any neighborhood, in any town. I think I was really broken when we lived there. Yet, there were some good times. It was the home where we brought Audrey after she was born…and the home where Hunter learned to speak. Those were two very bright lights in an otherwise very dark period.
We also went to Rich’s home, where he grew up & his school for grades K-8. He has such wonderful memories of his childhood in Maryland and it was really cool to share them with the kids. After our trips down memory lane…we headed to D.C.
I’ve caught Cammy's cold and I’m kinda miserable. Tired, congested, and coughing. I pray it passes fast…as it did for Cammy. Of course this doesn't bode well for the health of Bear, Hunt & Aud in the coming week.
We’re staying in Bethesda, at a full service Marriott. Its really nice – thanks Barb! I took the kids to the pool and then we ordered room service when we got back to the rooms. Rich met up with an old friend form UF and the kids and I headed to bed early!!!
Quote of the day: Some lady in the bathroom stall next to mine, “Oh hello. Who might you be?” – to Cammy, after he crawled under her door into her stall while she was using the toilet!
Silly Band Award: Audrey- barely!
Traveled: Ellicott City – DC 31 miles/45min
Lodging: Bethesda Marriott
Friday, June 4, 2010
June 3rd - Back to the HC!
June 3rd
We left Raleigh at 6:45a.m. It was easier to pack up and load than I’d anticipated. I did most of it before the kids woke up! They were very slow to rise this morning (as opposed to when I want to sleep in). We hit the road without breakfast because I really wanted to beat the morning traffic. It was an easy drive up to Richmond – with the exception of an unnecessary shriek from Audrey just south of Richmond that so startled me…I swerved. That bought her a one-way ticket to the back seat. And then the bickering continued over what they were going to watch…so I declared no DVDs for the remainder of the day. That wasn’t smart because then they loudly entertained themselves for the remaining 2 ½ hours….droning out Mrs. Bush’s monotone voice (listening to her autobiography). That was kind of okay as she was droning on about Katrina (although her 9/11 chapters were pretty powerful…made me cry and momentarily rethink my DC destination).
Anyway…we got to Howard County Maryland in just over 5 hours. It is as pretty as ever. It’s hard to believe that 5 short/long years ago this was our home. At the hotel, the Front Desk Supervisor took pity on me (after seeing the kids and our mountain of luggage) and upgraded us to a bigger room…he also helped with the luggage, how sweet was that? Shout out to Big A for hooking us up. The Columbia Sheraton is beautiful and has had a face lift since we last saw it. Also…the kids discovered the wonders of room service. They were too cute, “pretending” that our room was a restaurant. After which, they were FINALLY rewarded with a trip to the hotel pool!
We got to see lots of people from our Maryland lives who were key to getting the boys on their respective paths. Mary, Sean, Linda, Debbie, & Beth…we will always be grateful. Maxine & Frank David, thank you for all the respite.
The kids had a rough day. Audrey was out of control…truly a pain-in-the-you-know what. She was a smart-mouthed and a show off, she also didn’t listen and was mean to all three boys. I fell like sending her back with Rich (but of course, won't). Hunter decided to leave the pool area and go to the restroom…fine, but he didn’t tell me. Barrett got over-whelmed at Clyde’s (a restaurant that was over-crowded and loud) and dropped to the ground. Finally, Camden pitched a 5-alarm fit when I didn’t get him ice cream. Currently, no one’s really talking to anyone! (This is fine with me.)
Silly Band Award…no one!
Raleigh to Howard County’ 308 miles/5 ½ hours
Quotes of the day:
Cammy - “No more car!”, Screamed when he awoke from his nap and we were stuck on the Washington Beltway.
Audrey - “I wish we still lived here, I really like that boy at the play gym, he was cute." Mommy replied, “Audrey, there are cute boys everywhere.” Audrey, “You’re right, because I kind of think ALL boys are cute!”
We left Raleigh at 6:45a.m. It was easier to pack up and load than I’d anticipated. I did most of it before the kids woke up! They were very slow to rise this morning (as opposed to when I want to sleep in). We hit the road without breakfast because I really wanted to beat the morning traffic. It was an easy drive up to Richmond – with the exception of an unnecessary shriek from Audrey just south of Richmond that so startled me…I swerved. That bought her a one-way ticket to the back seat. And then the bickering continued over what they were going to watch…so I declared no DVDs for the remainder of the day. That wasn’t smart because then they loudly entertained themselves for the remaining 2 ½ hours….droning out Mrs. Bush’s monotone voice (listening to her autobiography). That was kind of okay as she was droning on about Katrina (although her 9/11 chapters were pretty powerful…made me cry and momentarily rethink my DC destination).
Anyway…we got to Howard County Maryland in just over 5 hours. It is as pretty as ever. It’s hard to believe that 5 short/long years ago this was our home. At the hotel, the Front Desk Supervisor took pity on me (after seeing the kids and our mountain of luggage) and upgraded us to a bigger room…he also helped with the luggage, how sweet was that? Shout out to Big A for hooking us up. The Columbia Sheraton is beautiful and has had a face lift since we last saw it. Also…the kids discovered the wonders of room service. They were too cute, “pretending” that our room was a restaurant. After which, they were FINALLY rewarded with a trip to the hotel pool!
We got to see lots of people from our Maryland lives who were key to getting the boys on their respective paths. Mary, Sean, Linda, Debbie, & Beth…we will always be grateful. Maxine & Frank David, thank you for all the respite.
The kids had a rough day. Audrey was out of control…truly a pain-in-the-you-know what. She was a smart-mouthed and a show off, she also didn’t listen and was mean to all three boys. I fell like sending her back with Rich (but of course, won't). Hunter decided to leave the pool area and go to the restroom…fine, but he didn’t tell me. Barrett got over-whelmed at Clyde’s (a restaurant that was over-crowded and loud) and dropped to the ground. Finally, Camden pitched a 5-alarm fit when I didn’t get him ice cream. Currently, no one’s really talking to anyone! (This is fine with me.)
Silly Band Award…no one!
Raleigh to Howard County’ 308 miles/5 ½ hours
Quotes of the day:
Cammy - “No more car!”, Screamed when he awoke from his nap and we were stuck on the Washington Beltway.
Audrey - “I wish we still lived here, I really like that boy at the play gym, he was cute." Mommy replied, “Audrey, there are cute boys everywhere.” Audrey, “You’re right, because I kind of think ALL boys are cute!”
June 2nd - Splish Splash
June 2nd
The day started off pretty good. We all woke up between 6 & 6:30 (thanks to Aud). Everyone bathed and we ate breakfast in the hotel lobby. It was a buffet and we made it through without incident…yeah! I was feeling pretty cocky….didn’t even finish my coffee…I was ready to get the day started.
We were supposed to meet Deb at the Kids Museum at 10a.m. I got directions and we headed out. The sky was starting to clear and I mentioned that maybe we could go swimming later (perhaps a mistake, in retrospect). We were all in an awesome mood. Kid Rock came on the radio and we were all singing. I thought, “Who said I can’t do this?”
We met Deb and we went into the museum… and immediately Barrett took off. I mean immediately. I ran after him…it was total sensory overload…load, bright & crowded. Deb watched the other three (at this point, she had no idea what she was in for) and I tried to corral Bear. I went to get my wallet to give money to Deb. Guess what? No wallet! Strangely, I somehow remained calm. I kept thinking…if it’s not here…it’s at the hotel, right? So this is what consumed my thoughts as I chased Bear around….and he was really being a jerk. He was so pissed that I insisted he hold my hand…literally a tug of war.
Eventually we make it to a room with one entrance where they cold all play, while I stood at the exit, trying to catch up with Deb – all the while, wondering where an the hell my wallet was. As for the wallet I figured it was in: 1) the car 2) the parking garage/sidewalk 3) the hotel lobby or 4) the hotel room.
Then, over the loud speaker, there was an announcement that a special guest had arrived….Elmo! Oh Good God. So we go off in search of Elmo. Unbelieveablely, for this…all four were awesome.
After an hour and at least one escape attempt by each of the older three…we were out of there. I raced back to the hotel with my stomach in knots….trying to figure out how I’d get out of Raleigh with no bank card, cash, credit card or drivers license. Road Trip cut tragically support by my dumbassness. But fortunately, the wallet was at the hotel.
There were a number of other aggravating instances today…due to whining, fighting, and trying to find a place to eat that would satisfy all of us. I don’t want to rehash. ..but will mention the damn elevator and the knockdowns over WHO WAS GOING TO PUSH THE BUTTONS! Damn!
It was hot and humid and every time we were at the hotel…it started raining, so no swimming. We headed to the Kaufman's in the late afternoon to swim and have dinner. But by the time we got to their house it was thundering and lightening. Audrey kept asking to go to the pool and every time she said “pool”, Barrett put his shoes on.
Deb & Marc’s kids, Hannah & Noah, are beautiful! And they were very sweet…especially to Barrett. On a scale of 1-10, Bear was about a 6.5. He was pretty wound up, for sure….and he left his calling card in their toilet (which Noah complained about-not that I blame him!). Nice dinner…salad & pizza. I was getting ready to say our goodbyes on a good note when I looked out the window and saw that Barrett had jumped the metal, spiked fence and was swimming in their neighbor’s pool!
Cammy still has a cold and he’s pretty miserable. Next trip – I’m definitely getting two rooms…one for them and one for me. Can’t relax when they’re all running around like little assholes.
Quote of the day: Hunter – “What is your problem!?” After Audrey described the Barbie that Hannah gave her as having a nice bum but her boobs were stuffed too big. Not sure where she’s getting this?
Praying for a calmer day tomorrow. Heading to Maryland!
The day started off pretty good. We all woke up between 6 & 6:30 (thanks to Aud). Everyone bathed and we ate breakfast in the hotel lobby. It was a buffet and we made it through without incident…yeah! I was feeling pretty cocky….didn’t even finish my coffee…I was ready to get the day started.
We were supposed to meet Deb at the Kids Museum at 10a.m. I got directions and we headed out. The sky was starting to clear and I mentioned that maybe we could go swimming later (perhaps a mistake, in retrospect). We were all in an awesome mood. Kid Rock came on the radio and we were all singing. I thought, “Who said I can’t do this?”
We met Deb and we went into the museum… and immediately Barrett took off. I mean immediately. I ran after him…it was total sensory overload…load, bright & crowded. Deb watched the other three (at this point, she had no idea what she was in for) and I tried to corral Bear. I went to get my wallet to give money to Deb. Guess what? No wallet! Strangely, I somehow remained calm. I kept thinking…if it’s not here…it’s at the hotel, right? So this is what consumed my thoughts as I chased Bear around….and he was really being a jerk. He was so pissed that I insisted he hold my hand…literally a tug of war.
Eventually we make it to a room with one entrance where they cold all play, while I stood at the exit, trying to catch up with Deb – all the while, wondering where an the hell my wallet was. As for the wallet I figured it was in: 1) the car 2) the parking garage/sidewalk 3) the hotel lobby or 4) the hotel room.
Then, over the loud speaker, there was an announcement that a special guest had arrived….Elmo! Oh Good God. So we go off in search of Elmo. Unbelieveablely, for this…all four were awesome.
After an hour and at least one escape attempt by each of the older three…we were out of there. I raced back to the hotel with my stomach in knots….trying to figure out how I’d get out of Raleigh with no bank card, cash, credit card or drivers license. Road Trip cut tragically support by my dumbassness. But fortunately, the wallet was at the hotel.
There were a number of other aggravating instances today…due to whining, fighting, and trying to find a place to eat that would satisfy all of us. I don’t want to rehash. ..but will mention the damn elevator and the knockdowns over WHO WAS GOING TO PUSH THE BUTTONS! Damn!
It was hot and humid and every time we were at the hotel…it started raining, so no swimming. We headed to the Kaufman's in the late afternoon to swim and have dinner. But by the time we got to their house it was thundering and lightening. Audrey kept asking to go to the pool and every time she said “pool”, Barrett put his shoes on.
Deb & Marc’s kids, Hannah & Noah, are beautiful! And they were very sweet…especially to Barrett. On a scale of 1-10, Bear was about a 6.5. He was pretty wound up, for sure….and he left his calling card in their toilet (which Noah complained about-not that I blame him!). Nice dinner…salad & pizza. I was getting ready to say our goodbyes on a good note when I looked out the window and saw that Barrett had jumped the metal, spiked fence and was swimming in their neighbor’s pool!
Cammy still has a cold and he’s pretty miserable. Next trip – I’m definitely getting two rooms…one for them and one for me. Can’t relax when they’re all running around like little assholes.
Quote of the day: Hunter – “What is your problem!?” After Audrey described the Barbie that Hannah gave her as having a nice bum but her boobs were stuffed too big. Not sure where she’s getting this?
Praying for a calmer day tomorrow. Heading to Maryland!
June 1st - Off we go!
June 1st
Our fist day and we were all sooo excited. We took off at the exact departure time that I'd planned (and Rich said was impossible). Ha. Ha.
The drive form Cumming to just south of Greenville, NC was uneventful…and dare I say peaceful! I was on target for a noon arrival…when I got seriously tripped up. I got confused when 85N had signs for 85 Business N ??? and an exit for 70E…which coincidently was the exit (70E) that I needed in Raleigh. Uhgggg! Long story short, I almost ended up in Virginia…two days too early. I had to call Rich for help, which sucked, because every where I exited...was scary! He got me back on track, but we lost an hour.
During the drive, I’ m listening to the Laura Bush autobiography in the car, while the kids watch movies. It’s okay …interesting, but not juicy. Glad it’s my only option or I doubt I’d get through it.
After finally checking in (and a few wrong turns…not in my grove yet)…we quickly headed out to see the Steimetzes, particularly Will, Hunter’s BFF from 2nd grade. Their home was very easy to find…yeah! The boys had a nice time together, but too short. They fed us dinner and we were on our way. Momma was exhausted and I wanted to get back to the hotel before dark…given my poor track record with directions (which is seriously unlike me).
Everyone was tired and it wasn’t hard to get them to bed. Cammy has a bad cold and he really looks miserable. Poor guy. All, in all, I think it was a pretty good day.
The Silly Band Award for behavior went to Bear Bear (who didn’t seem interest…so it went to the runner-up, Cammy).
Distance Traveled: ATL-Raleigh 421miles/7 hours
Quotes of the day:
Audrey – “Are you sure you have your drivers license?”
Hunter – “ I seriously never thought we’d get here.” (After we got to the hotel.)
Our fist day and we were all sooo excited. We took off at the exact departure time that I'd planned (and Rich said was impossible). Ha. Ha.
The drive form Cumming to just south of Greenville, NC was uneventful…and dare I say peaceful! I was on target for a noon arrival…when I got seriously tripped up. I got confused when 85N had signs for 85 Business N ??? and an exit for 70E…which coincidently was the exit (70E) that I needed in Raleigh. Uhgggg! Long story short, I almost ended up in Virginia…two days too early. I had to call Rich for help, which sucked, because every where I exited...was scary! He got me back on track, but we lost an hour.
During the drive, I’ m listening to the Laura Bush autobiography in the car, while the kids watch movies. It’s okay …interesting, but not juicy. Glad it’s my only option or I doubt I’d get through it.
After finally checking in (and a few wrong turns…not in my grove yet)…we quickly headed out to see the Steimetzes, particularly Will, Hunter’s BFF from 2nd grade. Their home was very easy to find…yeah! The boys had a nice time together, but too short. They fed us dinner and we were on our way. Momma was exhausted and I wanted to get back to the hotel before dark…given my poor track record with directions (which is seriously unlike me).
Everyone was tired and it wasn’t hard to get them to bed. Cammy has a bad cold and he really looks miserable. Poor guy. All, in all, I think it was a pretty good day.
The Silly Band Award for behavior went to Bear Bear (who didn’t seem interest…so it went to the runner-up, Cammy).
Distance Traveled: ATL-Raleigh 421miles/7 hours
Quotes of the day:
Audrey – “Are you sure you have your drivers license?”
Hunter – “ I seriously never thought we’d get here.” (After we got to the hotel.)
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