Nana and Papa have been married for thirty years! To celebrate, they planned a trip to New York City. Actually, my dad promised this trip to my mom several Christmases ago. We're so lucky to be near enough to NYC that they worked us into their travel plans for a few days. It was the first time we've seen them in nearly a year. Much too long for my liking! And likewise...their stay was much too short. But we'll take what we can get!
Each day we packed with site-seeing, and even though we repeated some of our favorites, we worked in a few new attractions. The kids were exhausted at the end of each day. The true sign of a busy, happy summer day!
The first day we checked out the South Portland lighthouses and Willard Beach area. Poor mom and dad were fighting the jet lag, but they were troopers.
We took full advantage of their hotel pool for the entire evening. I think the kids would prefer a hotel pool to any other fun thing we could possibly plan.
The next day we started off at the Portland Observatory. This place did not disappoint. In fact, I was so enthralled, I forgot to take any pictures while we were on top of the observatory. That also could have been due to the fact that Riley and I were on serious suicide watch with these two daredevils. They had no fear of heights.
The next stop was Peak's island. The ferry boat ride was fun and relaxing, and the island was touristy and quaint. There was a young kid playing his violin on the corner and groups of sunbathers on the docks.
After our return ferry ride, we walked the streets of downtown. It's a happenin' place in the summer! Vendors and tourists everywhere! The Longfellow gardens were in bloom, but we didn't have much chance to enjoy them. Our two littles had enough of the stroller at this point and needed a more open environment. My dad suggested the horse races at Scarborough Downs... who knew?
I had never been to a race track before, let alone a harness race, but it was surprisingly fun and kid-friendly. We're not much into betting or gambling, but it was still fun to watch the races and watch the odds.
We ended the day at The Lobster Shack and Two Lights. The view was incredible...the restaurant was a little disappointing after all the hype we've heard. But we ate crab and lobster by the sea, so who can complain!
Day three we spent in Boston, but that requires a post all it's own.
The last day we had to say goodbye to Riley, who left on a trip to Oregon. Then we went shopping at the Freeport Outlets. Since my first time in Freeport, I've thought about taking my mom here. She loves a good deal and is so much fun to bargain shop with! My focus was on Hinder (I can't keep clothes in this kids drawer! He's outgrowing everything!) We found lots of summer shirts and shorts and even a new pair of church shoes.
One of these things is not like the others...
The kids aren't as fond of shopping, so it took a little bit of ice cream-bribery to keep them going.
The last stop of Fort Williams and the headlight. It was really beautiful in the evening and all the tourist crowds were gone.
Best of all was spending time with these two wonderful people. I love them and my family loves them! Thanks for being the best examples.
Happy 30th Anniversary!
Many more to come.
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