Trip to the East Coast

This month we embarked on a two week long vacation to the East Coast. It was our longest vacation to date--which we have decided was a little too long. On previous trips, we always drove to our destination and were only gone a maximum of ten days. We thought two weeks would be perfect and full of exciting, memory making fun. Justin planned out our whole adventure, down to tentative eating places, travel time, departure time to the next destination. It was perfect-- on paper. But with 5 kids and a 25 week pregnant wife in tow, things did not go entirely as planned. (Do they ever though?)

We were really lucky to find some amazingly cheap plane tickets from Dallas to NYC. We bought them months in advance! Started planning our stops a few weeks later, and were all looking forward to this trip. We'd actually been "planning" an East Coast trip for a few years. We knew it'd be expensive, and NYC (our main reason for going) is really far from where we have lived the last 5 years. We've visited the West Coast and Midwest a couple times now, and decided these tickets were too good to pass up; And flying meant there would be so much more time for activities!

We drove to Dallas on May 3rd and flew to NYC on the 4th. Cue hiccup #1. Like I mentioned before, Justin planned EVERYTHING. And he planned it well! He set up our rental car for 2:30, giving us plenty of time to grab our luggage and find the the rental car counter. We took a shuttle there (because JFK is huge), with 5 kids, two large suitcases, two carry-on suitcases, a big backpack, two small backpacks (full of books, packed by Gabrie and Addie), a small purse full of books for Lillie, a tiny backpack full of books and hatchimals for Pennie, my purse and camera bag, a duffle bag with two booster seats and an air mattress, and a very large and heavy car seat bag--with approximately 50 pounds of car seats inside. We lugged that load right into the car rental waiting room, checked in, and then waited. And waited. And waited for our car to be ready for us. By 4 o'clock, we were finally on our way. 

Coney Island was our first stop. We ate at Nathan's Hot Dogs and then walked around the boardwalk. We had planned on Luna Park, but because of the long wait for the rental car, there wasn't quite enough time to get our money's worth before it closed. Plus, we discovered that Nathaniel isn't really a fan of amusement park rides. His words "If it spins, goes upside down, or moves, I'm not doing it." And most of the rides looked too big for the girls to go on. There was a smaller kid carnival right next to Luna Park that was perfect for them though, and we even convinced Nathaniel to get on one ride. (He was right. He's not a fan). We grabbed a funnel cake and cotton candy on our way out of the park. Somewhere between the plane ride and rental car, Gabrie lost her jacket, so we also visited a gift shop so we didn't look like awful parents making her freeze. While on Coney Island, Pennie spotted a dog that she was convinced was a goat. She stared and stared as we walked by and told me "mama, a goat!" I said "no, that's a dog" (a very weird looking dog, but still a dog). She didn't believe me.

Hiccup #2 came the next day. Rain, all day long, on the day we planned on walking around NYC and visiting Central Park. We rolled with it though; Justin dropped me off at a CVS to buy some umbrellas, while he circled around the block. Five umbrellas and $100 later, we were on our way to do some sight-seeing/walking. I don't really know the going rate for umbrellas...I don't think I've ever bought one, despite the kids begging me to every time it rains (which isn't often here in Midland), but I felt like 100 bucks was a little pricey. They made it home with us though, so here ya go kids! We have umbrellas now! We grabbed some lunch at a hole in the wall pizza place, and then walked some more. At some point during the car ride, either to or from New York (our hotel was only 20 miles away but it took at least 2 hours to reach NYC), Addie said her "guns hurt". We figured out she really meant "gums". She argued with Nathaniel about what they were really called. Also while Justin and I discussed where we should go look next, Pennie randomly chimes in, "You are sloppy Daddy. That's it."

Luckily the weather on Monday was beautiful. We went to central park and visited the zoo. Upon our arrival, Lillie had to use the bathroom. And at the zoo cafe, in a park where literally millions of people visit, was a line for the only two toilets. We stood for 10+ minutes, waiting patiently, and in the most obvious "I'm about to pee my pants" stance. With two people on the toilet, and another two people before us, Lillie could hold it no longer. I turned to Justin behind me, told him under my breath (mostly), while also tugging at the black elastic partition so Lillie and I could leave (which came unattached and flung back into the pole, creating quite a scene). In a humorous addition to the events, my glasses also fell to the floor, and I screeched at Lillie to get them. We sat on a bench, while the others used the bathroom and then finally Justin came out to take Lillie to the car for a change of pants. Hiccup #3 would not have been SO bad, except I had planned family pictures in the park. We were very careful not to spill breakfast on our shirts, I came prepared with the tripod, and then the whole idea got peed on. I cooled off while Justin took the kids to the car, and when they returned we went back to the cafe for lunch. Just burgers and fries, and Pennie says, "Fries need ketchup, huh mama. Cause they need it." And then on to the zoo and a short stroll through Central Park. While at the zoo, Justin spotted a celebrity. He said, "Grace, I'm pretty sure that was Kerry Washington." I didn't think he knew what he was talking about, so I followed her back up to the bear enclosure to get a better look. Turns out it was Zoe Saldana, there with her husband, kids, (and nanny).  A pretty day and we all had fun, eventually. "Those leaves look really great"- Pennie












Tuesday was our day in Boston, but first we stopped in Plymouth and looked at Plymouth Rock. Not a very exciting rock. We stopped by an old cemetery before finishing the drive to Boston. We walked the Freedom Trail (part of it) and toured Old North Church and Copp's Hill Burying Ground. Bought some Boston Harbor Tea, and beat the rain to our car.

Lunch In Plymouth

The next day, we drove to Gloucester, Massachusetts and went on a whale watching tour, about 15 miles into the Atlantic. It was a really fun experience and I think the kids decided it was their favorite part of the trip. I believe it was Justin's least favorite though, since he got the worst of the sea sickness. (Literally looked green in the face at one point!) Pennie also puked, but after a very quick nap she was fine.
Me: "Did you have fun on the boat?"
Pennie: "No, it was terrible. Actually, yeah."

Before Justin turned green

After the tour, we drove to Hampton, New Hampshire for lunch at Farr's Famous Chicken. The owners were super nice and impressed we came all the way from Texas, and gave the girls a coloring sheet to hang on their wall. Farr's was a two minute walk from the beach, so after lunch we went to play in the sand. Some of us played in the water, despite their mother's warning that it would be very cold. They didn't care. One of them only got wet because of an ornery brother. Addie- "This was the best day for getting wet!" (She was the upset one, go figure.)

Lunch At Farr's

Thursday we drove through Massachusetts, to upstate New York. Pennie called out "slug bug, slug bug, slug bug, slug bug..."at every passing car on the other side of the interstate. Not one of them was an actual slug bug. We toured Harriet Tubman's Home for the Elderly in Auburn and enjoyed the presentation the guide gave us about her life and all the work she did. She was one tough, amazing lady! On the grounds was also her actual house, although not open for tours. The ranger told us the brick was handmade by the family from clay in the pasture-- the same clay that Addie had slipped in just a few minutes prior.

Friday morning we drove to Toronto. We visited the historic St. Lawrence Market, had lunch and bought delicious desserts, and then toured the Hockey Hall of Fame. Nathaniel was in memorabilia heaven, despite my insistence on taking a picture of him with anything Oilers related. He even got to touch the real Stanley Cup before it was whisked away for an evening event.




Saturday we were all pretty exhausted, so Justin said we could take it easy and sleep in that day. Our only activity for the day was to see Niagara Falls, and it was only an hour drive from Toronto.
Justin- "Dude, get up."
Nathaniel- "I thought you said we could sleep in today."
Justin- "We did! It's 9:00!"
Nathaniel- "That's not sleeping in!"
The kids loved the Falls and we went back again that night to see them lit up.

Sunday we spent the entire day driving in the rain to Philadelphia (but stayed in New Jersey). The countryside was beautiful and green. That night we got two rooms but the hotel didn't have any adjoining ones, so Justin took Lillie, Addie, and Pennie in his room, and I kept Nathaniel and Gabrie. We thought a friendly game of "who can get ready first" would be fun. I was sure Justin would struggle getting at least two of his roommates up in the morning because they aren't morning people at all, and Team Grace would beat them to breakfast. Gabrie and I listened through the wall and didn't hear any movement so we were sure they were still asleep. Just as I was finishing my hair, I got this text:

"About wrapping up breakfast"

Justin was very humble about his victory... NOT! I say he cheated though, because he didn't give baths like he was supposed to. We both discussed what a piece of cake it was getting just two and three kids ready. (No nannies over here).

In Philadelphia on Monday, we were greeted with more rain. We went to the Liberty Bell, the Benjamin Franklin Museum and had a Philly Cheesesteak.

We were supposed to go to Independence Hall that afternoon, but walking in the rain gave us soaked feet, and it was pretty cold that day, so we decided to get a head start toward Washington DC.

We went to the White House and actually saw President Trump leaving in his convoy, (he waved to us!) and then walked to Washington Monument. Tuesday we went to the Capitol and then to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. 

Pennie- "It's so sad how people killed that sweet lion." 

Eating a Cheesesteak from Pat's and Geno's

Wednesday it was time to head back toward NYC. We stopped in Philadelphia for lunch, sampling the two best Cheesesteak joints in Philly. At this point we were REALLY tired and just hung out at the hotel and swam. 

Metro Diner

Thursday we had breakfast at a cool little diner in NYC and then walked to Central Park. 

I could spend most my days in Central Park.

It was beautiful. Justin wanted to take me to a particular spot in the park, but after walking and searching for it for over an hour, we decided to call it quits. The park is full of winding trails and you could literally spend the entire day there. 

Addie- "Are we lost?"

Me- "I think so."

Addie- "I have an idea. I'll tear these leaves and leave a trail. Then BOOM. We have a trail. Now we're not lost."

We did a lot of walking throughout the trip. On day 1, I wore Pennie in the carrier and she protested against that. She said, "No! Walking is my favorite". In to the carrier she went, though. Other times, Justin and Nathaniel gave her "pippy rides". Gabrie and Lillie pitched in too. If it was Addie's turn for a pippy ride, Pennie would get very upset and pout. At Niagara Falls, I picked her up and carried her on my hip and she tauntingly told Addie, "I get to be 'holded'!" Then Justin thought he'd add to the sibling rivalry and put Addie on his shoulders... 

On our way to the car on the last day, Justin had Pennie on his shoulders and she said "I thought walking was my favorite but it's NOT!"

Overall, we had a great time together. Lots of funny moments and moments that will be funny after some time. We learned that we all get on each other's nerves a little. (However, I don't know that that is really news.) I quit counting the hiccups, because life is full of them and counting them doesn't help. We also learned that the kids are totally content with just swimming at the hotel. Most of our hotel stays were free with points we'd been saving, so when a large suite was not available, we had a twin size air mattress to air up for Nathaniel to sleep on, and the girls all shared the second bed. We realized early on that while this was a great way to not go over budget, our sanity and family size requires adjoining rooms or two room suites. 

I was very proud of what good little travelers the kids are though. They helped pull heavy suitcases through a busy airport, *mostly* like they'd done it their whole lives. They behaved well on the plane. And I'm really glad Justin knows what he's doing when it comes to air travel, because I'd have been lost. 

Some random quotes I took down during the trip:

Addie- "She always gets a shoulder ride!"

Pennie retorts, "No, it's a pippy ride!"

"This could take years to make"- Addie, commenting about the boat, a restaurant, and other things she found impressive.

Justin- "Do you guys realize how lucky you are to be sitting in a car with the world's greatest driver behind the wheel?

Addie- "You're not THAT good." 

(For real though, Justin handled East Coast traffic like a pro. I'm certain that all the New Yorker's jaws dropped when they saw a man in a minivan with Missouri plates keeping up with their craziness.)

Pennie- "Now I have three stuffies." (She had a doll and a book in her hands when Justin buckled her in, and she asked him for another doll to hold.)

Coming back from the hotel pool-- Justin was barefoot. Pennie looked down and saw and said "Daddy, you're not wearing flip flops. How rude."

"It's so airy."- said Pennie, while feeling the air vent in the rental car.

Lillie's favorite thing to say on this trip was, "That's not fair." Actually, I think they all used that phrase at least once, concerning whose turn it was to play a game on the phone.

Pennie- "I spy something in my eye...orange!"

Me: "Can Pennie have some of your eggs?"

Addie- "Yeah"

Pennie- "Thanks, Addie. You're my sweetest twin."

Pennie-"I'm gonna have baby ducks when I'm a mom."

Gabrie- "When I was younger, I used to think my feelings were in my knees."