Fall Foliage Trip ~Time with Family ~Our Typical Day at the Beach House

Plymouth, MA, has a quaint downtown area with

 unique shops, pubs, and restaurants.

We both had good luck finding souvenir gifts.

While we prepared most of our meals at the AirBnB

(which had a great kitchen),

We did go out and about a couple of times.

A stunning view of the Harbor welcomed us

when we got out of our vehicle. 

Maybe you remember that we ate at the Crabby Shack last year?

They have the best Clam Chowdah.

So, of course, we went back.

We all thoroughly enjoyed our time just

hanging out at the Beach House.

During low tide, it was fun to go down and

search for shells and pretty rocks.

Sometimes we took a walk around the neighborhood.

Going out on the deck and blowing Bubbles

was definitely a favorite… with Papa,

with Daddy,

and with Gigi.

When day is done and the sun goes down,

it’s time for soft warm pajamas,

a sweet bedtime snack,

a little screen time,

and last but not least,

Story time and some Cuddles with Mama.

We are Blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

 

Fall Foliage Trip ~Spending Time with Family ~ A Day at the Farm ~Fun for all Ages

When the calendar turns to October,

it’s time to visit a Pumpkin Farm.

Everyone, the young and young at heart,

will find something there to enjoy.

You can choose a pumpkin from their selection in the yard, 

or load the children in a wagon to go out in the

 pumpkin patch to pick your own.

Family friends met us there.

Naturally, the children wanted to go to the playground first.

These girls are just three months apart in age.

They love to swing and slide and run and climb.

There were several opportunities for a photo…

…and we took advantage of them all.

Snack options were Apples or

Apple Cider Donuts.

Sometimes you just can’t wait to take another bite.

The goats were snacking, too.

The Hayride took us all around the property.

Good friends, tasty snacks, farm animals, apples and pumpkins…

all add up to a pretty perfect day.

We are blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

Fall Foliage Trip ~Spending Time with Family ~Sunrise on the Beach ~Fresh Seafood ~Priceless

Those long days in the vehicle were definitely worth it.

This was our destination.

We learned six years ago that when visiting grandchildren,

do not arrive before naptime…They’ll be too excited to sleep!

So this Papa and Gigi stopped along the way to spend a little time,

and share a plate of Fried Calms, Papa’s favorite.

Our timing was perfect.

Jojo was waking up from her nap, and her Mama

was almost finished with her day of work.

The best reward of all, were the hugs from this little girl.

And her parents, of course.

Where we’re Staying.

This is the view when walking into the Airbnb.

It could not get any better than this.

We woke early the next morning just in time

to see the sunrise over the water.

The view from our deck was spectacular!

I will enjoy my morning coffee here every single day.

The home’s location is great for families as there

is a park less than a mile away.

A playground is best way to use up some energies.

Of course, when staying on the Cape, ordering seafood is a must.

While Papa likes his Clams, both Fried and Steamed,

I love a bowl of New England Clam Chowder.

That is perhaps my favorite.

But then I’m hoping to have a Lobster Roll,

So I’ll let you know.

A perfect little beach house…

This will be our home away from home for a week.

Making precious memories with family.

We are Blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

On the Road again ~Second Annual Fall Foliage Trip ~Family ~Good Food ~How we Got There

This Papa and Gigi could not refuse an invitation to spend time with family,

on the beach, enjoying fresh seafood, playing golf, and

appreciating the beautiful colors of autumn. 

We had just a few days to prepare for our trip.

You can see I had plenty of help packing my suitcases.

Day One

Three states: SD, MN WI

Miles: 450

We could just look back at last year’s blog photos…

same route, same restaurant, same hotel.

In anticipation of Cape Cod fresh seafood, we ordered

the Lobster Shrimp Flatbread to share for lunch, in Minnesota.

Hubby prefers to drive, and since I’d rather not,

I bring plenty of hand stitching,

like the beaks and eyes on my Wooly Owls.

At the end of the travel day, we like to relax

at a local hotspot with a beverage and shared appetizer.

Day Two

Four States: WI, IL, IN, OH

Miles: 480

No matter what time of day, or what route we choose,

getting through Chicago takes a couple of hours.

We just needed to get out of the car for a break in Schaumburg,

at the Local Kitchen.

Hubby enjoyed the Best Burger of the trip here…

The Good Morning Schaumburger,

featuring a couple of patties, fresh spinach, cheddar cheese,

crispy bacon, sunny side egg, on a brioche bun.

I was pleased with their side salad, too.

From here to the East Coast, there will be toll roads…

Stopping to take a ticket, put in our card, or handover cash,      

There are plenty of interruptions in the drive.

I can’t pass up an opportunity for a bridge photo.

Looks like a storm brewing over Indiana.

Then this happened,

Alarms were going off on our phones and the Auto Car Play.

God is Good.

We experienced heavy rain, and on the other side, a bright full rainbow.

If you look closely, it is a double rainbow!

The sun was shining on Ohio.

Day Three

Three States: OH, PA, NY

Miles: 580

We treated ourselves to lunch in Erie, PA,

with a beautiful view of the Presque Isle Bay at the 

Shoreline Bar and Grill.

It was a long day in the vehicle, but our reward will be a

shorter last day to join our family.

For those of you wondering about our kittens,

It looks like they are wondering about their humans,

Hubby’s sister is the best cat sitter,

taking care of their litter, filling their bowls with food and water,

But best of all, taking a little time to play.

Day Four

Two States: NY, MA

Miles: 210

Stay tuned for more about our family time together.

Take care,

~Natalie