Family vacation 2024 - Boston, Acadia National Park, and New Hampshire!

                               

We like to go on vacation with the boys every summer. It's difficult to plan around the hay harvest when you buy plane tickets in January, am I right?! But it worked out beautifully this year.

Day One

We took a 5:00 a.m. direct flight from Detroit to Boston. I remember I used to hope the boys would sleep in the car and they never would. Not a problem anymore! They definitely can sleep on the road. We rented a car from Alamo and parked in the underground parking garage at the Boston Commons to start our trip on the Freedom Trail.

There were lots of people getting tours along the Freedom Trail from enthusiastic people who my kids certainly didn't want to hear from. We read the plaques and checked the internet and made our way across the interesting trail, and we stopped at Faneuil Hall and walked to the waterfront to see the pretty scene. 

We walked to the TD Garden, and the Celtics had won the NBA championship the night before! The town was full of happy fans, everyone was wearing and buying Celtics gear, and we soaked in their joy. 

We ate at Tavern in the Square, and it was so hot we had to sit inside, which is rare. It was about 91 degrees and super sunny. We cooled off and ate and Max practiced his Boston accent on the waitstaff and knocked over his stool. Always an adventure.

We drove to Portland, Maine, which was two hours away. It was a really working place, and you could see all of the lobster traps and boats. There were lots of downtown shops and places to eat, but no way to get to the water, since it was pretty industrial. 

We checked into our Ramada, where people were tailgating in the parking lot and it was in a questionable neighborhood. We made lots of jokes, but it was ultimately fine.

Wanting to get away from the city, we went to Two Lights State Park and found what we were looking for - getting right to the ocean. We went to Lobster Shack and ate right on a cliff over the water, and played on a beach right next to it. Beautiful, lovely. We swam in the hotel pool, worked out in the hotel gym, and Ty got bitten by an earwig when he got into bed. 

Day Two

We drove to Acadia National Park, which was another two hours. We parked in the Echo Beach parking lot and hiked the Canada Cliffs hike. Nice hike, pretty views, good time. It was 2-ish miles.

We swam in Echo Lake, which was surrounded by beautiful rocks, but my kids didn't like that there was stuff in the water. I realized my kids have been spoiled by Lake Michigan. 

We drove to Bass Harbor Lighthouse and climbed on the rocks, all around there like mountain goats. This is what I remembered Acadia looking like (Kris and I went a long time ago when we lived in Connecticut) and I loved showing the kids. While we were there, I realized that 25 years ago that day was when Kris and I met! Who knew that day what we'd be doing 25 years later - going to Maine with our three boys!

Our kids made us laugh a lot this trip. To me, that's one of the incredible joys of vacation with them - I don't have to tell them to do anything like homework, feeding the animals, or picking up after themselves! Cole asked if there was a shower in the hotel room, and I realized that even though we try to show them lots of things, they don't take a lot for granted. 

We went into town to a rooftop restaurant and ordered lobster waffle fries for the boys to try lobster for the first time. We thought we were really giving them the best chance, as the lobster chunks were mixed with fries, cheese, something green, etc. None of them really liked it. Good thing, as fresh lobster isn't the easiest to get in Michigan!

Day Three

We got up early and drove up Cadillac Mountain. After I got up and showered I looked at the reservation I made to go up Cadillac Mountain, and I had chosen the sunrise reservation, which was at 5:30 a.m. That time had passed, so I was able to quickly make another one for right then (6:30 a.m.) and we went then. Whew! We walked around the top there and looked at the views from different places. 

We went to the Beehive Hike - pretty much the reason we went to Acadia! It is an iron rung hike, and it was the only iron rung hike open of the four they have due to birds nesting. By iron rung, it means it goes straight up, so you have to use the rungs drilled into the rock and if you make a mistake you fall to your death. Doesn't that sound fun?! Yes, to me too! The boys are the age that I never worried about them one second - and of course I never worry about Kris - and it was SO FUN! This was a highlight for sure.

We went to Sand Beach and swam in the ocean. (The boys loved the waves, but still didn't like the salt as much as they like Lake Michigan without salt.) It was 91 degrees outside and the water was 45-55 degrees, but it didn't matter! It was so hot the water felt awesome. There were rocks to climb on and sand (obviously) and we all loved it here.

Despite the heat, we then went on the Great Head hike, which takes you on rocks around the point. This hike was also great, and because it was so hot, there were barely any other people. The views, the rock scrambling, the climbing sheer cliffs to and from the water - loved it all. Plus, we knew that when we ended this hot hike where we all got burnt despite wearing sunscreen, it ended in...the ocean again! We all plunged in and cooled off.

We drove the rest of the loop as the boys fell asleep in the back, and then we went back to our hotel. I don't normally "love" a hotel, but I loved this one because it had a heated outdoor pool. It was glorious and nice. It was the Acadia Hotel - Ocean View. They had breakfast, coffee, free drinks all the time, a bocce ball set, you name it. We swam in the just-the-right-temperature pool and got ready for dinner.

We went into town and stopped at the Atlantic Brewing Company, and then Side Street Cafe. An amazing storm blew up and it absolutely poured while we ate dinner. It cooled everything down. We walked around and skipped stones in the water, and went back for more swimming and bocce. From our hotel, you could see the ocean and mountains. 

Day Four

Kris and I let the boys sleep and went to hike the Bubble Divide ourselves, and it was wonderful! Just a short hike to a giant rock, ready to fall on your head. This was a memorable hike!

We drove to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to have lunch and show the boys a little of NH. This was a cute tourist town, and we walked all around their market square, which was perfectly set up for people to visit. We walked on the waterfront and enjoyed their bridge and romantic locks, and we ate outside at the Thirsty Moose Taphouse. 

We checked into the Inn at Woburn, and then visited Harvard. It started pouring, so we hit up a grocery store for dinner and headed back to the hotel, and the boys worked out in the gym. We watched a little of the Olympic trials and went to bed early, because the next day we had to leave the hotel at 2:00 a.m. to make our 5:00 a.m. flight! When we got to the airport, the TSA line informed us they didn't open until 4:00 a.m. Something to note for next time!

I love, love going places with Kris and the boys. Here's to summer and hotels with showers!

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Spring in Michigan

I love living in Michigan, and this spring has taken me to some great places - some old, some new!

Holland

I went to the Tulip Festival once in college, so Kate and I made plans to go. She'd never been to Holland, let alone the Tulip Festival! I looked at the site the night before and it said that although many of the tulips in town were done, we should buy tickets to the Immersion Garden. We did, and I'm so glad! For $12, we walked around and admired gorgeous raised beds of tulips, and they had giant displays about the history of tulips. So enjoyable AND educational! 

After seeing that, we walked to Windmill Island to see the street organ (fascinating and old!), and we walked up into the windmill. This was a first for me, and when you walk outside on the balcony, it really feels like it's going to hit you in the head. You can stand RIGHT next to it as it whips by! We loved this - and the view. There's a lot of historical information to read in there, too.

We walked around town and then went to eat downtown, and we both had lamb burgers. Totally worth going to the Tulip Festival - next time I'll try to time it when all the tulips are in bloom!

Detroit

Kris and I went with his work event to a Tigers game. Now with the new rules, games get out at such a reasonable time! It started at 6:40 p.m. and was over by 9:15 p.m. We walked around the city, going in and out of places that were open. There were so many people out. We stopped in Astoria Pastry Shop and ended the night at The Old Shillelagh. We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn, which is walking distance from the Tigers stadium and Ford Field, and a nice hotel. 

Birmingham

I'd never been to Birmingham. I went to visit my friend Andie, and she took me on a four-mile walk on trails through the woods, through neighborhoods, by ponds - all so nice. We walked to downtown from her house to get coffee and eat lunch. The downtown had an upscale feel, and I wondered why I've never been here before?! I'll definitely go back.

Higgins Lake, Mid-Michigan College, Lake George

I went to Higgins Lake with my friend Rondi and her family, who had a place on it. It never disappoints. Clear, full of fish, and nice people around it.

My mom suggested we go on trails at the Mid Michigan College campus, and it was great. Elevation, 10+ miles of trails, through the woods! They are also bike trails, so you have to watch out, but totally worth a drive.

I had no service in Lake George. The big X! We went to the public beach (very small) and had ice cream (very big) at The Depot. It's amazing how many lakes Michigan has like this one...the internet tells me Michigan has 11,037 that are over five acres. 

Mount Pleasant

This weekend, 11 friends and I went kayaking on the Chippewa with Chippewa River Outfitters. It was a lovely 2-3 hour jaunt with lots of laughing. It was $25 per kayak - seemed totally reasonable. We then ate at The Cabin, where they treated us so nicely and even gave us a pizza they made on accident!

And more to come!

Sibling trip! Rehoboth Beach, Delaware & Philadelphia, PA

Tracy is running a marathon in all 50 states, and was headed to her 38th in Delaware. There was a 9k at the same race with the tagline 'You'll probably PR!' because races are never that distance. Gage and I decided to accompany her, making this the first Anderson sibling trip EVER! We've gone lots of places with each other plus others, but never just the three of us.

Day one

Gage and Tracy flew in, got the car from Hertz, and picked me up at the Philadelphia airport. I flew Spirit, with the tagline 'Carry a backpack and wear all your clothes.' I appreciate the bare bones of this airline, since they let me fly so many places for so cheap, as long as I only take a backpack!

We drove the two hours from Philadelphia to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware to our Airbnb, which Tracy deemed the nicest one she'd ever stayed in. It was a mile from the beach, and you could walk there all on sidewalks. It was called the Osprey Nest, and the third story was a little loft bedroom where I stayed. The owners said we could check in and leave anytime we want. Such flexibility!!

We walked around touristy downtown and saw the beach, the shops, ate ice cream (it's at every turn), and picked up our race packets. The excitement at the race expo was exhilarating as always! Usually when I'm there it's tempered by the fact that I am also running a marathon - but not this time!

We chose to eat at Dewey Beer Co, because they had a big pretzel Tracy likes to eat before her race. We all loved our meals. Then we went to sing karaoke at Rigby's Bar & Grill. What a great crowd! Everyone was so welcoming and supportive and really got into the duet Gage and I sang while Tracy laughed at us and took video. SO FUN! This was a real highlight. The timing was also great, because we were in bed at a good time because some people had to run 26.2 miles the next day...

Day Two

Race day! Coastal Delaware Running Festival. Tracy was up early, eating and getting ready, full of nervous energy. We all walked to the start on the beach boardwalk. It was a gorgeous day. Sunny, white sand, pretty water, tons of people! At 7:00 a.m., Tracy took off! Then at 7:20 a.m., Gage and I took off for our 9k! Gage had said we could run together, but I didn't think I could keep up with him, but we ran the same pace! It was a wonderful race. Nice course, people cheering, started and ended on the beach, and felt awesome the whole time. Gage and I both finished in the top ten of our age groups! It was just the way you want a race to feel.

We went back, showered, and headed out on the course to see Tracy. We were able to cheer her on at two points close together, and then we went back to town for the pizza and drink buffet. Everyone was up for talking, so Gage and I chatted with people from all over. Everyone got three drink tickets, and people kept dropping them off at our table. We had so many, we couldn't even give them away! We texted with Tracy and went out on the course to cheer her to the end. She had found friends along the way, and she had a great race! She amazes me. SO MANY MARATHONS! 

We went back to the house, showered, napped, and got ready for dinner. We chose Thompson Island Brewery, which had fair food but a great atmosphere with an outdoor fire pit, ping pong, connect four, and cornhole! We really liked it here. We walked back from our house to see the beautiful beach one more time, and then stopped at Dogfish Head on the way home. It's pretty well known and has a fantastic octopus mural.

Day three

A funny thing about traveling with your siblings - we ate the same food at the same times, went to bed and awoke at the same time, and like to do all the same exact things. It is so easy traveling with people who are so similar to you! 

We got up early and drove to Philadelphia with plans to see everything. We walked and drove around the town and saw:

Liberty Bell - always a good stop

Benjamin Franklin's old house - including where his privy was. Details!

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History - Just the outside - they have a giant OY!

Benjamin Franklin's grave - grave

Betsy Ross' house - only time for the outside, but we'd been inside before

Elfreth's Alley - oldest continuous living neighborhood in US, so cute

Independence Hall - we'd all been here before

Museum of the American Revolution - I'd been here before, but they hadn't, and I wanted to show them. I love this place. I love seeing George Washington's war tent - STILL INTACT AND FINE - his letters, his sword, and all these items that make you think about how all of this didn't happen very long ago at all. We all liked this museum.

Geno's and Pat's cheesesteaks - These are across the street from each other, so we got one at each and shared them. Turns out...I don't like them at all. We got Pat's with cheese whiz and Geno's with melted cheese. Take your pick! 

Rocky statue - The night before I was lying in bed and dropped my phone on my lip, leaving a really big bruise. We pretended to punch each other here.

Steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art - such a beautiful view of the city!

We had to get the rental car back, so we didn't have time to get ice cream. We had some of the chocolate milk left from after Tracy's race, so we took turns drinking it straight from the container in the rental car parking lot until it was gone. See what I mean about people who are similar? Just three dairy farm kids.

Gage flew out first, and Tracy and I walked forever (like the marathon wasn't even a big deal to her!) to find ice cream in the airport, and finally found some gelato at Illy. It was worth every step.

What a wonderful trip! Congrats to my sister, congrats to my brother, and here's to the next one! 

                              

  

Texas Spring Break 2024

Kris' family lives in Texas, so we've visited many times, but each time is a little different. This time was the best!

Day 1

There's nothing like leaving the house at 1:30 a.m. for a 5:00 a.m. flight! The sense of adventure of heading out for a long drive with only three hours of sleep under your belt is WILD. It's just so much easier with teenagers than it is toddlers.

We flew Southwest, which we normally don't do, but since we took golf clubs and they don't charge for doing it, it was an easy choice. Southwest was wonderful. I feel like they really leave you alone and don't tell you what to do, and no one's trying to cram suitcases in where they don't belong because they let you check for free.

We got our rental car at the airport (super fast and easy, because we didn't have to wait the desk) and then drove straight to Lazarus Brewing to meet up with Kris' parents - Joanna and Mike, and our friends who were also on break - Destinee and Thom! 

We sat outside in the sun, and it had a lovely atmosphere and good food. We had dessert at Dolce Neve Gelato courtesy of Thom and Destinee (thanks guys!) - and at their recommendation. It was heavenly.

We walked the length of Austin admiring the murals and art along the way. When we got to the capitol building, we walked all through it and went to the very top. So pretty inside and out.

There were scooters everywhere for rent, and we thought...why not? So Kris rented us all a scooter and we zipped through traffic, along a trail, and across the city to make it back to our car. So fun! I love scooters.

We drove the hour and a half to Kris' parents' home in Burnet, which is in hill country. They live on a ranch that was divided into ten acre sections to form a neighborhood, and they built a home there in 2008. We had a bonfire in the back of their house, looking at the cattle in the next pasture. 

Day 2

I went running and saw horses, ponies, and goats! 

We all went golfing at the Lighthouse Country Club. The sky was so blue and it felt so warm and nice. The course was a nice mix of water, sand, and rocks. They had just aerated the greens and so when you hit them, your ball just stopped! It was really hard to putt, too. Just another challenge!

We ate afterward at Inman BBQ, where we had never tried. We got a mix of meats and sides. I loved the macaroni and cheese and brisket the most. The people who worked there were so friendly. 

Mike and Joanna had their friends over. The boys went to Putters and Gutters, an arcade and bowling alley, while we talked with them. Then we were treated to a perfect rainbow...which then developed into a double rainbow! It covered the sky. Nice show, Texas!

Day 3

The guys went golfing at Hidden Falls Golf Club, and I worked and went for a long run. It is so much easier to run when you don't have to put on two layers and wear gloves and an ear covering!

We then drove to Lake Travis Ziplining! This place was super cool. Some of the ziplines were a half mile and got up to speeds of 65 miles per hour. It really felt like flying. There were little hikes up rocky paths and there were beautiful views all the way. This was a real highlight, emphasis on the high!

We seven met up with Meghan, Jon, and their kids at Oasis, which was a giant outdoor complex overlooking Lake Travis. We ate burgers and took advantage of the free locks they had. You wrote something on the lock, locked it on the fence, and threw the key (littering, no doubt.) But Kris and I totally did it and it was romantic all the same! (I've seen this in many places including Paris but never have done it, so that was fun.)

We all headed back to the Wardins to watch NCAA basketball and go in their hot tub. The stars were big and bright. (Deep in the heart of Texas!)

Day 4

We hiked at Inks Lake State Park, and the bluebonnets - although great all over Texas - were absolutely breathtaking here. They were thick and deep as far as you could see, and they smelled so wonderful! I absolutely couldn't get over them. Wildflowers in general were great. I took pictures of so many I didn't know, and they were all so colorful.

We hiked for about two hours, and it was really great. I've been here before, and I love this place. 

In the afternoon, the guys golfed at Delaware Springs, and I hung out with Meghan and Anna as her boys slept. Anna and I walked on the path in the back of their property that Mike mows. 

All of us went over to Rick and Donna's house (their friends) to see their donkeys and chickens, ride in their ATV to see bluebonnets, play on the putt putt course, eat burgers at their outdoor kitchen, go in their hot tub, and celebrate Anna and William's birthdays!

We also did this photo recreation of the kids on the guys' shoulders...and then the guys on the kids' shoulders. We laughed and laughed as they struggled to hold each other up. I'm laughing just thinking about it now! 

Day 5

We left the house at 1:30 a.m. again and walked into our own house at 1:30 p.m. Home sweet home and back to school after a great spring break!