Day 17

We were rolling out of our campsite this morning at 8am!  Our hope was to be on the road by 9am after a stop for photo prints for the kids trip journals and a stock up trip at Trader Joes.  Why can't we have one of these in Pensacola?  I love that place.

So I'm not normally that mom that lets their kids eat whatever they want in between meals, but how can you say no to this place?

We'd been looking forward to this tour for awhile and it was great!  The one thing that would have made it better would have been having our tour on a weekday when the production line was running.  The tour was very fun though with lots of neat information and a delicious free sample!   We got to try cotton candy and it really did taste just like real cotton candy.  How do they do that??

They tour was pretty top secret and we weren't allowed to take many pictures, but I do get to show you the newest flavors coming out!  Those little guys at the bottom - they're small for single servings and they have a spoon in the lid - perfect for camping!!

After a visit to the gift shop, we walked up to the flavor graveyard for a look at some of the flavors that didn't make it.  The kids even picked out their favorites!

We visited the playground for a few minutes and were back on the road quickly to make it to New Hampshire with some time to spend in the park.  We just had to stop at this cool looking covered bridge on the way!  On the way to it, we saw a beautiful butterfly but I couldn't get my camera out in time to take a photo so Laney called back and asked it to wait for us on our way back.  We found out the bridge isthe last covered farm bridge in Vermont and it was just restored and repaired just last year!

And look who was waiting for us on our way back to the car!

We're in a new state!

And of course that means more pictures of more gorgeous views!

The kids made up a new baseball game - camp ball - while we waited for Grammie to check into her cottage.

Then we grabbed dinner before a wonderful hike up to Ripley Falls.  The kids enjoyed the hike so much!  Especially my kids in flip flops who were slip-sliding all around the rocks!  I'm not sure if they had so much fun doing it or giving me a heart attack each time they slipped!

Next up?  Laundry and bedtime for this crew.  We're on the road as early as possible in the morning to make it to one of our most anticipated stops of this whole trip - Maine!

Quote of the Day: "I want to work here!" exclaimed Laney after hearing our tour guide say they get a free pint of ice cream every day they work.

Day 17:  Cookie Dough, Phish Food, and Chunky Monkey, oh my!

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