Day 16

We set out as early as possible, dragging three kids out of bed.  On the agenda today was a boat tour of the Thousand Island and arrival back into the United States.  But first we had to make it out of the hotel way before noon at 9:30!  Grammie and I tag teamed the luggage and the kids in the hotel breakfast room and were successfully on the road just a little bit late.  We built in some wiggle time - a must with kids - and made it to Brockport, ON with 5 minutes to spare.

The boat left within just a few minutes and we were on our way!  The views of the island and surrounding summer homes (must be nice!) were beautiful.  Each of the kids and I at some point made plans to live on our own island with all our family.  Only in the summer of course - we are still freaked-out-by-snow-Floridians!

We heard stories of the millionaires that lived here as well as the indian folktales surrounding the islands.  Each of the kids took turns sitting with and talking to Grammie as we rolled along through the water.

 I loved these houses on the water!  

This one was a boat house for the mansion above they converted to a full-time residence.

Here is the island we finally decided on for our family.  I believe the final decision was all the girls would live together because all the boys stink.

As we were making the turn back toward where we were docked and huge vessel came by.  To give you a bit of perspective - that tiny boat you see near the back?  It's at least 40-ft long.

Here is the island where we were docked - beautiful!  We learned the church steeple in the background was actually supported by an old sailing mast.  It was retired because it was slightly crooked so the church steeple is now crooked too!

After a little bit of play at the playground and a pizza snack, we were on the road headed for Vermont!  The drive was beautiful but had one unexpected struggle.  Fortunately for me, it was mainly Grammie's struggle while I just followed along behind her.  In Ontario everything was still in English but once we crossed into Quebec - absolutely everything switched to French like a light switch!  Neither of us were prepared and I'm just thankful Suri knew how to speak French or we'd probably be way north of Montreal by now!  After we left the highway, Grammie actually had to take a brain break from all the stress so we pulled over for a few minutes for her to decompress!  Don't tell her when she turned around I was laughing!


Shortly after leaving the highway we reached the border and were welcomed back into the states with open arms.  Did you know they take your picture when you come through the border?  I didn't even get a chance to smile.


We made it!

After about another hour, we rolled into the most adorable big city I've ever been in - Burlington, VT.  The more than 200 year old University of Vermont campus was immaculate and there just so happened to be a fun festival going on downtown.  I thought about stopping, but made the choice to go set up camp instead. I know, bor-ing.

The campground here was unbelieveably overcrowed and completely booked - we were packed in like sardines!  I also offered to share our campsite with the Cadenas family so we were doubly packed!  We made it work though and ended up having a great time.  Grammie left with Brayden and we ate then went down to the lake.  The girls got to play while Amy, Diego, and I caught up on our adventures of the last three days.  Diego wasn't supposed to be there but he'd missed his train after being stuck at the border for 2 hours.  I guess it was all timing as we went through in less than 5 minutes!


We sure love these views!

And these girls are having a blast together!

After quick goodnights, we retired to the tent for me to write and the girls to sleep.  Early day tomorrow as we're off to eat ice cream in the morning!

Quote of the Day: "I need to stretch my legs and hear some English!" laughed Grammie as she jumped out of the car in Quebec.

Day 16 - Madamoiselles and Mountains