FV 2012: Hartford here we come!

After we finally left our quaint little spot on the side of a highway mid-morning we headed for Hartford, CT to visit Brad’s cousin Amanda and her husband (Matt) and son (Winston).  The plan was to get there after 5pm because then they would have parking available close to them, the spot was actually in the parking lot of their townhouse complex.

So much fun!

Joel on the slide.  I made him wear a bright orange hat because he was easier to spot.

As we started our drive it quickly became apparent that the boys needed to run around or I was going to lose my sanity!  Brad was able to look up a children’s museum that our membership was good at and luckily it was on our way.  They had an area at the children’s museum that was a space exhibit.  It had a slide, guns that shot foam balls, and a space ship to place in.  That was by far the kids’ favorite area!  There was also a market, dance floor with a disco ball, dentist office, bank, train table, etc.

After a few hours there everyone was in a better mood, parents included!  A quick trip to the grocery store and we were back on the road.  When we made it to Hartford we pulled into their townhouse complex and were greeted by Matt and Winston.  Winston is about 11 months old and wasn’t so sure about having so many new people over to his house, especially when two of his guests were very loud!  

Vince loved playing in the space ship

Brad helping Joel

We spent the night playing at the playground, grilling out, and visiting with Matt and Winston while Amanda was at work.  We went back to our RV at a decent time but somehow it still managed to be another late night for all of us.  A common theme on this trip continues to be get up at a decent time, go all day and the kids will eventually nap (or pass out) at some point (hopefully not at 7pm, but it has happened) and rarely will it be in a bed, eat meals significantly later than usual, go to bed late and try to calmly clean up melt downs as they occur. 

Shooting at the aliens

Daddy, Joel and Vince playing trains

As the week went on the melt downs were getting more common, and we know it is our fault, but it is vacation and we don’t always have the time or ability to make sure we are in a location with a bed for naps, or home from our excursions by 8pm.  We work hard most of the time and now we are playing hard.  I don’t know if the kids will be happy or sad to leave vacation lifestyle and get back into reality and a schedule. 

Joel driving a space ship

Brad and Cecilia, Matt and Winston, and Vince