Anderson Family - RV Road Trip - 2009

2009-07-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

Metro tokens.....kids wanted to buy extras as a keepsake...we said no, this would do....

kids and I waiting for our last metro bus ride back to the campsite....

Mags in the flight simulator at the Air and Space Smithsonian.....

Mel in the same flight simulator - but she was at the Aaron Space Museum.....kind of like when Maggie said we were going through Yew Nork......

Home...at least for a few hours

2009-07-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

We made great time yesterday on our way home and Ol' Betsey once again got us through - so in the end, aside from that silly belt issue and being towed into our campsite that first night - the RV itself held up great. She now sits parked next to the garage - her fate uncertain...see we loved RV'ing - but it is a bit small for the five of us. It actually didn't matter much on this trip because we literally just slept there, but if we ever want to use it as a camper - well, then we might actually need a bit more space. We love the whole experience and the entire family is still talking to one another and actually getting along better than ever...when it is just the five of us, Jack gets more one-on-one time with us, and the girls remember that they actually like each other's company.

We didn't have campfires like we thought (sadly, just one) and we didn't cook at the RV as much as we thought we would....in WV we were treated to home cooked meals or picnics everyday! In DC if we ate a meal, it was on the go....we realized on our way home last night that the only time we sat down for a meal and got waited on was a breakfast in WV at Bob Evan's - kids were insistant we go there for historical purposes...we ate at a Bob Evan's while in Hershey a few years ago - and we ate there over and over again since there are very few restaurants around Hershey...and it was as good as we remember!

We got in last night around 5:30 and spent the next two hours unpacking - everything (almost) is put away, laundry is all done and we are actually repacked to head to the Cape for the last few days of our vacation. I can't believe we are packing up and heading out again, but summer is short and we want to make the most of it.

While in DC we discovered that Jack's favorite parts of the day were riding the metro in and out of the city...after the first day, Mel and Mags could look at the subway map and tell us what line to get on and what stop to get off on...it took about 45 minutes (at least) to get in and out - but the whole bus and subway novelty never wore off for them so the commute was never an issue. He also had access to snacks almost constantly - yes, I used them when we were touring to keep him content - it didn't seem completely right, but when you go on vacation, you have to do what you have to do and sometimes keeping everyone happy is what you had to do. We did get a wheelchair for him a couple of times (Smithsonians, the Capitol) but otherwise he walked everywhere we did and in fact, seemed happiest when he could just freely skip or gallop down the sidewalk. Fortunately, most places in DC were very accomodating - actually, all of the places were accomodating - even the capitol that absolutely forbids food and drink let us bring in all of our stuff "just in case" - and they pretty much made everyone else throw anything they had right in the trash - so that was cool....and the security guards at the Smithsonian approached us a couple of times when he was upset, offering suggestions about where to take him for a break or asking us what they could do to help...even walking to the cafeteria, finding a booth in the corner and then walking Mel and Mags over there to their seat (don't worry, i could see them the whole time)...It was very nice...even the people on the subway seemed unfazed by him - sure they glanced over, but then they just turned their i-pods up louder. The bus to and from the campground pretty much became Jack's bus - everyone knew him, talked to him, made way for him....while autism can be frustrating and people's ignorance can be more frustrating - we actually find that we meet the nicest people because of Jack and we see the best sides of those people because of Jack. As Uncle Tom said - Jack is a great teacher.....and he is.

Mel was her patient self all week - went with the flow and as long as I said yes to swimming each night, she was up for anything. Mags was the family photographer - taking photos of everything - and I mean everything! Not a bus or train that we took escaped her lens...and even Mel tried some of the new techniques that Uncle Tom taught her. Can't wait to get all of those sorted through and posted - but that will take a while as Mags filled her memory card on her camera several days in a row..... The kids had snacks and ice cream for lunch and dinner some time - but it was nice to not have to worry about finding a place to eat at 4pm before everyone got cranky - as they get older, they are able to do more without meltdowns - and since Jack was on an IV drip of snacks, he never got cranky for food either.

The interesting thing, for those that know Jack, is that we brought none of his usual stim toys with him - well, I did, but he never knew I had them and I never had to take them out....they stayed stashed away until we got home last night....but on our first day I notice he is stimming with his own fingers - now that freaked me out because if he realizes he can stim without anything but his hands - what is to keep him from stimming all the time? Fortunately a simple "no hands" could redirect him and he did awesome all week with very little stimming - but when we walked in the door last night, he had scissors, a ruler, a singing chicken and a harmonica all going at once within about 10 minutes. I guess some habits never go away - even as hard as we try to make them. He seems pretty happy to be home actually, though I'd say he probably liked living in the RV more than here in the house - he liked the closeness and confinement - he liked being treated like a king, not going to school, getting to swim everynight, have pop-tarts everyday.....enjoy it bean because on Monday, reality sets in - for all of us.

Mel and Mags were so happy to see the cats - for at least 5 minutes or so - before they moved on to other things and even now, they walk by, make a kissing noise to the cats and say how much they missed them and move on...and they aren't all that broken up to be saying goodbye to them again for our weekend at the cape. The cat fur in this house is awful though....but if that is all I have to worry about, then I guess I'm lucky.

I'll post pics soon...everyone have a good weekend!

Headin' Home

2009-07-08T05:16:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a very busy two weeks - but it was a blast! We are all anxious to get home but we hate to see vacation end already. As I type, John is outside disconnecting everything and I've secured just about everything inside that I can. We plan to hit IHOP at the corner and then start the journey home.

Yesterday we went to the Air and Space Museum and then the Museum of American History...both were amazing. And what is more amazing is that we got both in on one day. We left mid-morning and didn't get back until after 9pm and we still didn't get to see and do all we wanted - but I think we'd need a month to do that. We got back at 9, girls swam until 10 and then everyone turned in for the last night of sleep in the RV.

Signing off.......headin' home.....

2009-07-07T05:29:00.000-07:00

Mel and John at the Smithsonian

View from the bottom of the Washington Monument

Waiting for our tour at the Washington Monument.

Good Morning

2009-07-07T05:16:00.001-07:00

Today is another sunny day in DC...we are heading into the city in a bit - just letting the kids catch up on some sleep first. We had a full day yesterday - we left the campground at 7am and didn't get back until about 12 hours later. We had a 9am tour at the Capitol so we wanted to make sure we were on time.

The Capitol was amazing - the girls and John got the full tour, Jack and I just circled around the outside of the tour so while we made not have heard all the details, we still got to enjoy the view. We went by Nancy Pelosi's office - she invited us in but we told her we were too busy - such a tight schedule to keep - but maybe next time. Apparently she wanted our take on this whole Palin thing but she'd just have to live without our input.

Then we got to go see the gallery where the State of the Union address is given....did you know that room gives off quite an echo? Yup - Jack and I sat outside the gallery while the girls and John got the details...but Jack was still happy, so I was still happy. The girls and John loved learning the history of it all.

After that we grabbed a cab and went to the Washington Monument - we had 12pm tickets to get in there...and we sat and waited our turn...the view from the top was awesome! We have some great photos from there. Then we started walking, grabbed some lunch in the Ronald Regan building and headed out for more site-seeing. Next stop was Ford's Theatre - we got there 10 minutes before the next tour - which worked out awesome...and because I asked for a back row seat with a quick escape, they took the five of us in first, Jack and I got seats right in the back row, and John and the girls were allowed to go and have their pick of seats - which they choose the first row for, of course. Then we went off across the street to see the room where he died....Jack and I skipped this - we aren't much for blood and stuff. Okay, not true - I've seen it a couple of times and Jack was not up to standing in line.

And here is where we went wrong.....we decided at this point to make the most of our "free" time. It was about 3:30 - one of the Smithsonian's that we wanted to visit wasn't far away so we hiked over there. But, once we got in the doors we could see, our "good" time had run out - poor Jack, he was so upset while we tried to visit one half of one floor of the Smithsonian - so we faced the music and called it a day. The girls were not too happy with us - which I understand - but in the end, by the time we were all on the metro heading home, everyone was happy and ready to get some time in the pool - which we did.

Today is our last day and while we have at least two more days worth of touring to do - we are going to make a choice between Mt. Vernon or go back into DC and tour the two Smithsonians on our list...I think we are leaning towards the Smithsonian day, not Mt. Vernon....but it is a tough choice. Clearly, DC has at least a month or two worth of sites to see....but we have been on the go since we first pulled in so we'll have to just be happy with what we've seen and get back here some other time to see the rest.

I've got more pics - just not uploaded yet. We'll be home soon - and we will need to sleep for a few days before returning to normal life.

I'm tired so just some pics for now

2009-07-05T19:06:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone - yesterday (July 4th) was the zoo, today was the tour of the city and monuments and Arlington Nat'l Cemetary. Tomorrow we have tickets for the Capitol and Washington Monument and then hope to skip over to Ford's theater. Might even try to walk through a Smithsonsian if we have a chance - if not we'll save it for Tuesday.

Having a great time - but clearly, before our next vacation I need to do a little endurance training. The girls are holding up great, John isn't even complaining and Jack is as happy as a clam - seriously enjoying the majority of this trip....especially when he has some freedom to skip around, or go in the misting spray at the zoo....seems just when he might be getting bored or restless, we find something new to engage him.

Good night.....enjoy the pics

This is Jack on the metro - he loved riding the train - a great way to start and end his day!

The girls with their new pandas at the zoo (on the 4th of July)

The kids in the sign at the National Zoo

No explaination - just sitting in the park across from the white house.....

Kids in front of the White House

All of us at the White House

The White House cooks picking fresh ingredients from the garden...

Jack, once again unimpressed with this whole presidential thing - instead of looking at the White House (which is over his shoulder there), he opted to take a seat on the wall.

Girls on the other side of the White House (south lawn)

On the steps of the Jefferson Memorial

John and kids with Washington Monument in background

The Capitol (which we tour tomorrow)

everyone happy and waiting for the metro (i'm sure we didn't look like tourists at all!)

Jack being super silly - again!

yes, more of us waiting for the metro.....

2009-07-05T08:17:00.001-07:00

Touring DC today.... At Jefferson Memorial to see statue of TJ and have White House, Lincoln Memorial n Arlington as some of R stops.... Hope 2 have pics Ltr.

2009-07-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

Took it easy today, went to the zoo.. Nice weather.. Kids had fun and the panda was probably their favorite... Trying to nail down plans for tomorrow.. stay tuned....

Uncle Tom's photo of the kids

2009-07-03T19:54:00.001-07:00

Uncle Tom took this photo in Aunt Martha and Uncle Bill's backyard - look at that view - just out the back door. I imagine with a view like that, my morning cup of tea might just taste a little sweeter.....

Pics

2009-07-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

Mags and John with Jiffy Pop over the fire.

Mel making Jiffy Pop over the fire.

John, finally getting a chance to sit after getting everything setup.

Mags, getting ready to pop some corn over the fire

Jack enjoying the campfire

DC campground - setup around the fire

I've got nothing to say - well, I actually have tons

to say - lots of jokes about this sign - but I'll let it go

and let the sign do the talking.

Mel, Mags, Bev, Martha, Trish and Diann

Uncle Bill and the girls

Aunt Trish and the girls

The girls with Uncle Tom

Mel and Mags on the swing

Mel and I before we hopped on the tractor to cut the lawn

Panoramic shot of the kids and Aunt Trish on the swing

with the "backyard" in the background.

Jack and Aunt Trish on the swing - she was calming

him down and clearly - it was working!

Mel in Aunt Martha and Uncle Bill's front yard

- yes, their front yard - and that is only the part I could

capture on camera

covered bridge - and uncle tom smiling for the camera

Mel and Mags on rented bikes at the WV campground.

Obama...hello...I'm here!

2009-07-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

We made it to DC today and I'm very pleased to say, we made it without any mechanical issues. Ol' Betsey got us through very solidly and even managed the Skyline Drive through Virginia and the Blue Ridge moutains. To say it was a beautiful ride doesn't do it justice....

Unfortunately we said goodbye to everyone in WV today. Boy, what a trip it was. It was awesome to see so many family members that we haven't seen in ages and to also catch up with the aunts and uncles and cousins. Being with my dad's siblings is just like being with my dad. I swear - when I sit down to a meal with them it is like I'm sitting across from my dad. I hadn't expected this...but it was so nice, makes me miss dad all that much more, but reminds me of what a great dad, brother and uncle he was. Sixty eight years were not nearly enough dad, but they were a great 68 years. Tomorrow would be mom and dad's 45th anniversary - Happiest Memories to you mom! Oh, and mom - we heard some great stories that you'll need to share your side of the story with us - specifically when Gram and Gramp went to WV to meet the Hindman's - something about Tom, Patricia and a butcher knife...or maybe a New Year's Eve and a black-eye or two.

Thanks to everyone in WV for welcoming us - and for making time to see us and to drive us around the state seeing so many great sites! On Wednesday we drove from St. Albans to Princeton (from Uncle Tom's to Aunt Martha's) - Mel, Maggie and I drove down with Aunt Trish - she apparently doesn't adhere to speed limits and the bigger and curvier the moutain, all the better! I shut my eyes for two seconds and when I opened them, we were in a total down pour - you couldn't see the car in front of you, next to you - the guardrail or the moutain - and there she is humming and driving along like it was sunny and clear and we were on a straight, flat road - not a winding moutain road. If you know Aunt Trish - this won't come as a surprise, right? She is a ton of fun to be with - I'm so glad she took the week and spent it running around the state with us. John and Jack took the RV and followed Uncle Tom and Aunt Diann in his little sports car (don't call it a midlife crisis car - I think he might be sensitive about that...oh, sorry, Uncle Tom, did you just read that???) hehehehe...I'm just busting him and he knows it.

We got to Aunt Martha and Uncle Bill's in mid-afternoon on Wednesday and the boys followed not far behind. And in a matter of hours we got to see EVERYONE - Rob, Jeannie and their three boys (Timothy, Max and Evan), Bev, KD and Shane and that beautiful baby girl Avery, and then Jeremy and Christina came over with the latest addition to Brown/Flanigan family - Jacob, who was just one week old. And his older brother, Joseph - well he was a hoot! He had us laughing all night. And the spread - well, let's just say, we were treated to more southern hospitality....between all the family meals we'd had all week, we certainly don't want to start cooking again!

Cousin Rob brought fireworks and while fireworks may be legal in WV - these might not have been up to regulations - but the kids loved, loved, loved them.

On Thursday morning - we piled into three cars and headed to the Greenbrier. Let's just say it is one of those old Southern (almost plantation style) resorts- but under the Greenbrier lurks the government bunker that stood at the ready for over 30 years during the cold war (and many years thereafter). It wasn't blast proof, but could protect from chemical attacks. It was equipped to serve 1000 people for 60 days. And while this bunker never had to be used, it was stocked and staffed year round for a few decades. It was to be the secret hiding spot for the president and congress should they come under attack. It is actually a fascinating story....the resort existed, then the government proposed building this bunker and paying for and constructing a whole new wing of the resort to go over the bunker and keep it hidden and secret. That worked well until the early 90's when someone published a detailed article about the bunker and government agreed to stop staffing it since the cold war was long over.....

It was really great - great tour, great story and of course, we had great company! Afterwards we had a nice picnic on the grounds of the Greenbrier - another great meal with great company. Oh, and I forgot to say - the resort itself is awesome - huge, fancy sitting rooms, decorated like the mansions in newport, with better colors schemes. There is a huge hallway with many exclusive stores and I hear staying there will set you back a pretty penny. On the ride back, with cousin Bev in the lead, we went to this great covered bridge and got out to take photos and stretch our legs.

When we got back to Aunt Martha's - she had homemade sauce and meatballs waiting for us! It was sooooo.... good - everyone ate it right up. I got the kids settled in by 10pm while John spent a little more time with Uncle Tom and Uncle Bill. This morning, we got up the earliest yet and got ready for the treck and went out to Bob Evan's for our last meal with everyone. Of course, Bob Evans never disappoints, but the goodbyes were very hard. I just wish we all lived closer - but I'm just so glad we got the time we did....and I hope we all get together again soon.

Thank you for being such great hosts and such great family! We love you and miss you already.

Oh, Barack...I'm here...give me a buzz and we'll pick a good time to meet up.....

2009-07-03T13:27:00.001-07:00

1 hour from DC

2009-07-03T11:42:00.001-07:00

On the blue ridge pkwy.... BEAUUUUUTIFUL!

2009-07-03T06:50:00.001-07:00

Had breakfast w Tom. Martha. Patricia n family n R headin out towards DC... Were gonna miss WV n the family, had a great time!

2009-07-02T16:26:00.001-07:00

Nice day today at thw Greenbriar I'm sure Deb will have a nice story to tell once we have internet back spaghetti n meatballs at Martha's tonight! MMMMMMMMM

2009-07-02T07:09:00.001-07:00

Today is July 2nd I think.. At Bill n Martha's n headin to the Green Briar Bunker... No wireless here so were texting this blog...

Mystery Hole

2009-07-01T06:19:00.000-07:00

Hello, anyone home at the governor's mansion???? The Hindman's and Anderson's are here!

I can't believe I forgot this in yesterday's blog - we went to this place here in WV called the Mystery Hole - it has to be experienced to be understood...it was just the weirdest, coolest place - everything was tilted - it really messed with gravity and your mind (and stomach)...it was awesome! Aunt Patricia almost lost her lunch but she held it together...but not to pick on her, several of us came out of there with an unsettled stomach - truly a mystery!

On the road again

2009-07-01T06:08:00.000-07:00

Today we are heading down (or over) to Aunt Martha and Uncle Bill's - we will get to see their kids and grandkids and even great-grandkids. Should be a great visit - Aunt Patricia is heading to Princeton, as are Uncle Tom and Aunt Diann so there will be a mini-caravan of cars heading their way. Hope they are ready for us! I've already heard from Rob that he is bringing some tents - though I'm sure he isn't intending those for me - and he his also bringing his fireworks. Did you know you can buy fireworks right in the grocery store here?

Yesterday we got up as early as we could (vacationing is pretty tiring you know....) and we met up with Uncle Tom, Aunt Diann and Aunt Patricia and we headed to the coal mine in Beckley. They have a great tour there and it made you really appreciate the fact that we never had to be coalminers. It was great to go because Aunt Martha, Uncle Bill and Rob and Jeannie's three boys came too - it was great to meet Timothy, Max and Evan. We had a nice picnic lunch before taking the tour...after the tour Jack felt he had done enough so we headed back home and had pizza at Uncle Tom's for dinner.

We headed over to Uncle Sam's after that and visited with him, Aunt Iris, Emma, Olivia, Michael and Stephen. The kids play so well together - Emma and I even talked about organizing a family reunion of sorts so we could get all the kids together again and they can all meet the rest of their cousins. It was the first goodbye we had to say and it came too quickly!

I would like to add a quick footnote that on last night's news, the governor (remember, we met his wife, right?) well yesterday he signed a bill to expand benefits for kids with autism....I'm not saying we had anything to do with it, but...let's face it, his wife had just met the cutest little boy with autism the day before and then he signs this bill? There was definitely some pillow talk that night and I'm sure Jack was talked about at length....okay, I'm just kidding, but it certainly makes me like the governor even more than I already did!

Bye for now!

Touring the great state of WV

2009-06-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

Being on vacation can be tiring - it is 11:20 at night - John is down at the laundry drying our sheets and Mags is with him taking a shower....my kids are going to eventually crash from staying up this late. Who am I kidding? I'm ready to crash! We went all around the state today - the views of the mountains and rivers. We stopped at so many beautiful sites and took lots of pictures.....but before that we went to the capitol building in WV and the governor was waiting for us for a meet and greet but we ended up a couple of minutes behind so we missed him, but Uncle Tom is great friends with governor's photographer so he got us right in, gave us an autographed photo of the Governor and got us an exclusive tour. The governor's mansion is right on the property there and we got to take a tour - something that doesn't get done often and it was spectacular - it was a mansion, but with decor and furnishings that didn't look like they were about to fall apart due to age. In fact, they did a recent renovation on the governor's mansion to the tune of about $5 million - and it shows.

The best part is - Jack was being a bit loud and has trouble understanding the "don't touch" rule and the "don't go in there" rule so John took him outside....a few minutes later we hear Jack in a different part of the house - we go out and around the corner and there is Jack and John chatting with the governor's wife - the First Lady of WV!!!!!!!!!! - just chatting casually with them as if they were supposed to be hanging out in her house! She couldn't have been more kind - talked to all of us, asked the kids names and ages, asked where we were from, etc....and she spent way more time with us than I ever would have expected. And then we got our photos taken with her too - just an awesome experience. Deval - if you are reading this (and I'm sure you are)...I've been in MA for 39 years and have yet to meet you or your wife...not to mention, our capitol building is a disgrace compared to the craftsmanship of what is down here....since our state is flush with extra cash, maybe now is the time for him to renovate...or not.... By the way - in WV the capitol building is wide open - no security checks - nothing - they believe it is the people's building - and was worth the trip.

We even had a picnic overlooking these great waterfalls...our kids were fascinated to realize they were real and not man-made. Fulton's Pond in Mansfield was our only comparison and if you've seen it, you know it isn't much to compare to. I can't even begin to list all of what we saw! Tomorrow we are heading to the coal mines and then on a short hike to a another great water spot. I really should have exercised a bit more for this vacation...all this exercise now is killing me! (Just kidding - it is so much fun you almost don't feel your thighs burning as you walk up the side of a mountain)....

I'll post a few pics and then hopefully get those clean sheets on the bed so I can catch a few zzzzzzzzz's......

WV

2009-06-29T05:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since we posted.....we've been busy catching up with everyone here in WV! Let's start back on Saturday when we left PA - the trip was estimated to take about 7 hours and it took us quite a bit longer than that....ol' betsey (we haven't really named the RV but ol' betsey seems to fit) didn't like the heat and the hills of Maryland and WV. But it once again gave us the opportunity to meet more locals - and once again take part in more southern hospitality. It was actually a great ride - so scenic - but we had to take it slow up those mountains. Turns out - all trucks and rv's struggle up those mountains - but we made it!

We got here about 9pm...stopped at Uncle Tom's and got to meet Camryn!!! She is so beautiful and so sweet! And TW, Lisa and Sam were all there with Uncle Tom and Aunt Diann - thanks for waiting so long for us....we definitely did meet our original ETA. And even at that late hour - they gave us a great meal!

We got to the campsite about midnight on Saturday, quickly hooked up to the amenities and hit the sack. We got up yesterday and headed back to Uncle Tom's for breakfast. We were greeted there by everyone - Uncle Tom, Aunt Diann, Sam, TW, Lisa, Camryn, Aunt Patricia, Uncle Sam, Aunt Iris, Matt, Emma and their three awesome kids - Olivia, Michael and Stephen. Those kids could not have been more welcoming - they really are so friendly and outgoing! We were treated to great homemade breakfast and spent a lot of time catching up and admiring Uncle Tom and Aunt Diann's yard - you should see the garden and pond with these huge colorful fish. It is great to sit around with everyone - last time a lot of us were together, we didn't have kids so it was great to see our kids hanging out. Just wish everyone could be here...

Around mid-day the girls went off to play putt-putt with Uncle Sam and their whole gang and then went to the WV version of Chuckie-Cheese....needless to say, Mel and Mags had a blast! They absolutely loved playing with Olivia, Michael and Stephen - in fact, when we go to Uncle Sam's for dinner, the kids were all holding hands wherever they went - so cute!

We had a great dinner at Uncle Sam's - Jack only poured two bottles of water on the rug and then spent at least an hour splashing in the kiddie-pool. Kids ran around and played together the entire time - Maggie even took little Camryn for a ride in the Barbie Jeep - but I told Lisa that I wasn't responsible for her driving, nor was she on my insurance. We got some great pics of that - I'll post those too.

Right now, it is Monday morning and we are heading back to Uncle Tom's for breakfast - we are going to see a bit of WV today - heading up Rt. 60 and checking out the sights...and even going to a place called the Mystery Hole....I'll provide details later. Uncle Sam and the grandkids are heading to a water park so we'll most likely be hooking up with all of them later in the day/night.
John is actually doing a bit of laundry - he snuck Jack's blanket out from under him while he was sleeping and poor Jack has spent the past hour trying to find it - we have had to show him every cabinet to prove it isn't here...he climbed up to the girls bed and searched their stuff (while they were trying to sleep), he checked the bathroom, the shower and even the microwave...but he has settled in now and is using his backup blanket happily. While he was stressing I was trying to watch a little of the today show with my cup of tea and that got spilled all over the bed - so Uncle Tom, Aunt Diann, if you are reading this - we are bringing over some laundry to throw in your machine....if we do it here we'll never get the day started.

Huge thanks to everyone in WV for being so gracious and welcoming - there is nothing like spending time with family - and you guys have already made this entire trip worthwhile! I'm already worried about having to say goodbye....I hate goodbye's and I just love hearing all the stories they have to share about their lives and even great memories of dad. I'll make all of them commit to a visit to MA before I leave....

Bye for now - hope to post pics soon! Love, us

2009-06-27T09:21:00.001-07:00

Cruising thru Maryland right now, making a quick pee stop... And a special thanks to my wife for without her I'm not sure if I would know when to slow down..:-D

2009-06-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

Next stop - St. Albans, WV!

I know I look starstruck - but really, he was more impressed to meet us - and of all places, a food court in Philly! Doesn't he have more important things to be doing?

And this is the more important thing - meeting and greeting his younger fans.....Jack wasn't so keen on getting so close to him - he is reserving judgement until we see if the economy turns around.....

the kids at the liberty bell....jack made the guard move quicker than he probably ever has...see that "rope" behind the kids, that is all that keeps you away from the bell - think they could put up something a little more permanent? something that say, you can't just push out of the way with the flick of a finger? don't worry - he didn't touch the bell...we were right there with him..... wonder why we haven't received our invite to the white house yet????

2009-06-27T05:34:00.000-07:00

were they really this happy you ask? yes, they were!

my family - a bunch of quackers!

....now, that's better....

john and jack at the pool

Here are some additional pics....

2009-06-27T05:13:00.000-07:00

First morning in PA before we got up and going for the day.....

kids in back of rental car on way into Philly - see how happy they are? want to guess how long that lasted?

Apparently PA knew that John was coming to town and made up a special road sign just for him!

This is the king - in the driver's seat - which is really a great metaphor....

See this photo - we took it the morning we pulled out of Mansfield - we were joking about how we had to push it to get it started (no, we really didn't) but then with the whole mechanical issue for real right outside the gates of the campground, it was a little too close to reality - but now that we are a good day away from that mess, I thought I'd share it with you....not sure if you can see, but with John and the girls pushing - King Jack was at the wheel!

Okay, so back to today, Saturday...thought I'd give you all a quick update. We spent yesterday in Philly - we saw the liberty bell, Independence Hall and even went for a ride on the Delaware - via a Duck boat - we figured that was a good way to see history and also keep Jack amused - and it worked. He loved his quacker whistle...which is safely hidden for the remainder of the trip - it is definitely not meant for indoor use.

We saw the Betsey Ross house - oh, and we went by the place where Will Smith's dad has a condo right on the water....pretty cool! Of course, our tour guide could have been lying - how would we know??? But nonetheless, I've got photos of the Fresh Prince's dad's condo.....but the Delaware was kind of gross so I'm not sure why those condos fetch so much money - the water was a distgusting brown.

The town was super crowded and we were lucky to fit in all that we wanted to see - that and it was 90 degrees and humid...but I'm not complaining - after all the cold and rain of Massachusetts, we could use a little heat.

We got back to camp at about 7pm last night, grilled some pork tenderloin - the kids got an ice cream and we all finished our evening just like the night before - watching Michael Jackson coverage. The girls and John are now at a pancake breakfast at the main lodge - Jack and I decided to skip it - he isn't a big pancake fan and seems to just love being right here in the RV - the confined space really works for him. He and I will go out in a minute and have breakfast at the picnic table. I've already got the rv packed and ready to move out - just waiting on our laundry to dry and John and the girls to finish breakfast - then WV here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-26T07:58:00.001-07:00

Our campground is in Brandy Wine area (Revolutionary War) not far from Valley Forge and about 50 miles from John and Kate Plus 8...Beautiful area!

Hey Everyone - it's me - Deb - yes...I survived so far!

2009-06-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

Let's begin with a big shout out to Linda from work - her advice to get rv roadside assistance paid off on day one - thanks Linda!

Big shout out to Doug E. Fresh too - he was super nice and fixed up the RV in no time! We told him we'd even cheer for the Eagles - that is how nice he was! Sis - who is turning 90 - was very helpful last night when we stalled in front of her house - John, her neighbor, came out with some orange cones to put around the rv. John's property includes some land where both Mason and Dixon walked a few years ago (or more...) Isn't Philly the city of brotherly love? well, either way - we feel the love.So I say to John (mason/dixon guy - not my husband) - where do Jon & Kate + 8 live and he said - oh, it's not far - then he turns his back to me and says something to my John in a very hushed voice....and my john looks shocked - and I'm thinking Jon died or something - basically what the guy said was, you might not want to tell your wife that Michael Jackson died....how did this guy know I use to be a hug MJ fan? I dropped him like a hot potato a few years back but some of his songs are still great. And then Farrah....what is happening while we are on vacaction??? It's crazy out there.So, when we stalled last night - we were so close to the entrance of the camp ground - it was comical. Fortunately, we learned many years ago to expect the unexpected and to roll with the punches - so that is what we did - we snacked on the side of the road, waited for Doug E. Fresh and then came into the campground - being towed and getting lots of sympathetic looks - and I mean lots! What a way to make an entrance! But all the other campers were super nice - even nicer than at Normandy Farms back home....and we had about 1 hr until the pool closed so we all suited up and headed to the pool until 9pm...came back, ate a little something and by 10:30 everyone was tucked in and I was watching Anderson Cooper cover the MJ story. Wifi is fluky at best here so this could be our only lengthy PA post - we are heading into the city now - have a 3:45 tour of Independence Hall and plan to hop a trolley bus in the meantime to take a tour around....

Hope to post pics soon - but gotta go sight seeing right now!

2009-06-26T07:38:00.001-07:00

Did you know that Kennet sq PA is the mushroom capital of the world?

2009-06-26T06:35:00.001-07:00

Belts r just about done :-D
I highly recomend Doug if yur ever in Coatsville PA

2009-06-26T06:07:00.001-07:00

Doug is here now for the belt :-D
and a special thanks to Sis (happy 90th birthday) and John for all of there help yesterday!

2009-06-26T05:16:00.001-07:00

Did I mention we hd the belts checked B4 we left? All good were hvin fun!

2009-06-26T05:14:00.001-07:00

1st mornin were here WiFi not working so texting the blog. Alternator belt broke and RV died 300ft from campground.... We were towed in but all good thx to Doug

2009-06-25T19:01:00.001-07:00

Settled in at our campsite in PA finally... A minor blip along the way but all ok...... Knock on wood

2009-06-25T13:29:00.001-07:00

Just crossed into Penn.... Well B there soon!

2009-06-25T10:46:00.001-07:00

We made it Jersey...

Runnin on empty.... Or are we?

2009-06-22T22:53:00.001-07:00

Gas gauge is dead.. This will make for an interesting trip!

On R way to Philly

2009-06-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

Well be pulling out of town bright n early on the 25th, 1st stop, Philly, PA