Based on our experience last year, we decided our best bet for making it through the 8-hour trip would be to leave before dawn, and although both boys woke up with the sun promptly at 5:55 am (less than 2 hours into our trip...), they each proved to be champion travelers. And kudos to Dad for taking the wheel for the entire trip! (Although in fairness, he said he'd much rather take that job than have mine, which was to wedge between the boys in the backseat and shuttle snacks, toys, etc. to keep them happy and occupied!)
We made awesome time on the way out, and since we were ahead of the IL gang and it was too early for check-in, we decided to take a little detour south to Akron to see my old college roommate and friend Kellie. I hadn't seen Kellie since 2007 (is that possible?!), before any of us had kids... so okay, we were overdue for a visit. She was working from home that day, and although we didn't get to see Neil or her son Noah (who was turning 4 the very next day!), we did get to see her, her mom, and her ridiculously adorable daughter Maddie:
The boys were so happy to be able to stretch their legs, run around, and play with all kinds of cool toys. Liam spent most of his time outside trying out Noah's new bike with training wheels (only one wipe-out, but he loved that bike!), while Joergen hung with Maddie and tasted all of her (and Noah's) stuff. I loved, loved, loved the chance to catch up with my friend, and it was the perfect pit-stop before the last leg of the trip.
And then finally... we arrived! We returned to the Cottages at the Water's Edge, but this time we scored a stay in the Guest House, where all of us could be under one roof-- with a full kitchen! And a washing machine!
No sooner had we turned off the ignition and cut Liam loose from his car seat when he took off running in excitement to the "big red steps" that lead down to the shore of Lake Erie.
I just love this picture of Joergen, who was so happy to be there-- enjoying the view and the breeze and vacation!
Let's get the party started, Mom!
Just a few minutes later, look who came down the steps to the beach! Happy reunion!
Antonia, Aidan, and Mr. Stylin' wasted no time getting suited up and ready to play:
Inside, Joergen checked out his swimming suit in the mirror with Aunt Lyn. Yup-- I'm ready for fun, too!
Little J really seems to love one-on-one time. Whether with Aunt Lyn, or with Toni in the water...
... or with Mommy on the beach, he was loving his vacation!
Thanks to the pint-sized life jacket that Grandpa sent us right before our trip, Liam enjoyed some extra confidence in the surf. It gave us a little peace of mind, and he loved being able to "swim" just like the big kids. He actually didn't care whether he was in the water or not-- that life jacket (and often the goggles) became his beach uniform. Even while strolling the beach with Uncle David and Papa!
Dad, Toni, Aidan, and Liam spent hours in Lake Erie, tossing a football and playing keep-away. Lots of laughs and fun!
We loved having time with Antonia and Aidan-- and to say that the boys did too would be an understatement! A classic Toni grin:
Football found its way onto land, too, where the boys would toss it around before dinner. Aidan with the throw...
Pass complete! Right in the breadbasket!
There was a little play area right outside our back door where the boys had fun climbing and playing with other kids staying at the Cottages. Toni is another cousin who will no doubt make for an awesome babysitter in the not-too-distant future... maybe we can convince them to move closer too?
We had some great meals as a family during our trip, the best no doubt being Aunt Lyn's pork tenderloin, Papa's potatoes, our corn on the cob, and Grandma's peaches, all on the grill. Yum. But I think Joergen's vote was for the spaghetti!
We were treated to some absolutely beautiful sunsets in the evening, which was also the sign that it was time for...
... s'mores! We brought some allergy-safe chocolate for Liam and enjoyed every last bit of the gooey goodness. Every night!
One of the other families staying at the Cottages brought along some giant marshmallows, and Liam charmed his way into getting one for himself. I could not stop laughing at the sight of him trying to maneuver this thing into his mouth!
At the end of yet another day of sunshine and marshmallows, Liam loved his down-time with Grandma, who would read him stories and give him his kiss goodnight:
On our last day in Vermilion, we decided to take in the action at the annual Festival of the Fish. After church, we went out to lunch downtown and were able to catch the parade-- they threw tons of candy, and all of it was safe! Liam was over the moon.
All the fun and excitement cut into Joergen's afternoon nap, and although he didn't seem to mind one bit, this pic of him wandering back to the car after the parade says it all:
With both Dad and I having grown up in small towns, getting to vacation in a sweet small town like Vermilion feels a little bit like coming home. We can't wait to go back!
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