We’re back from three beautiful days in Yarmouth, Massachusetts! Since Gramma was coming with us and we don’t have a minivan, we took two cars. Gramma was riding with Mike, so they took the kids and I took the luggage for the two-hour drive. I had a very quiet ride with a book on tape. I hear the other car wasn’t nearly so quiet.
We went to the Zooquarium, where Emma got to hold a starfish (pictured above), Mike fed some very eager deer:
And we enjoyed several other animals:
 |  |
 |  |
To celebrate Lily turning three months old I discarded the idea of doing anything productive and held her nearly non-stop all of that day, much to her (and my) delight:
We went to the (cold and therefore nearly deserted) beach, where Emma and Johnny built a network of sand castles with Gramma:
I had a very peaceful drive home (again, I hear the other car wasn’t very quiet), and all three kids were happy to be home, even though they had genuinely enjoyed the vacation. Johnny was very relieved to see me pull up in the second car; apparently he had been concerned that I was being left behind in Yarmouth. I was surprised at how content Lily seemed to be back in her own home – I had (wrongly) assumed that she was too young to care.
Lessons learned:
- Sleep issues multiply away from home.
- Matchbox cars and coloring books can save a rainy day.
- Cans of refried beans and soup are the easiest things to “cook” in a microwave.
- Packing for a family of five is stressful – but worth it!
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
Looks like you all had a great time. Glad it all went well. I find it hard enough travelling just with one child! :)
Our little guy loved getting home from the trip to Hawaii. We’d say, “what did you like more – Hawaii or coming home?” just to hear him yell, “hooooome!!!” That’s neat that you could see a preference in Lily already. Glad you had a nice trip. :)
That looks like so much fun! And yea you for having that quiet time AND getting to read (hear) a book. I’m glad everyone enjoyed themselves and that it was worth the work.
Oh looks and sounds like a wonderful road trip… How sweet that you and Lily spent the day together and ooo she is getting so big… Love that Johnny was worried you had been left behind.. too sweet
You’re so lucky! I love (rare!) days when all I do is hold the baby!
“again, I hear the other car wasn’t very quiet” LOL! What a fun road trip, and I love how you spent all that time bonding with Lily! I cannot believe she is three months old already… My goodness how the time does fly. Beautiful photos!
How fun! I can’t believe Lily is already 3 months old!
Multiply those sleep issues by a jet lag, and you will know what to expect in Austria :) I was also amazed to see how happy Anna was to return home when we traveled with her at 3 months old. There is no place like home, but hopefully beautiful pictures and happy memories will make inconveniences appear minor.
I love the picture of you holding Lily–what a beautiful smile she has!
looks like a great time. Happy Three months, I miss those days!
Well done! It is so much work, but so worth it!!
I have successfully scrambled eggs and “baked” potatoes in the microwave – a couple ideas for next time. :)
All the animal photos could be stock photos – so fantastically clear. I’ve never had good success photographing animals, so I’m very impressed. But my fav is the pic of you and Lily – gorgeous!
So lucky to get the car to yourself!! I used to love road trips, but since having Ingrid it scares me to no end, knowing at some point she’ll be screaming…Looks like you had so much fun!
It looks like you had a great trip. I’ll have to remember to have someone come on our next trip so I can “volunteer” to drive the other vehicle by myself!
Look like a great trip, how lucky to enjoy a 2 hour quiet car ride!