Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[date uncertain - watched shuttle launch (in flight - four plane) just after the Space Shuttle Launch - bright as the sun]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 11

Woke up early and drove south on I-95. Traffic OK, but more than I'd like (I miss I-81...). In Santee, SC, by 1800. Gas in Riccboro, GA (2115). In Jacksonville around 2300.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 10

Left around 0930. US-6 to MA-25 to I-495 to I-90 (gas in Hopkinton, MA, at 1100). On I-84 through to PA (crossed at Newburgh again). Stopped for gas (and McDonalds) in Pine Grove, PA, at 1730. Traffic building all day - I-81, I-83 and I-95 all the way to just south of DC. Stopped for the night in Fredericksburg, VA (Sleep Inn).

Cape Cod Trip - Day 9

Katie, John and Carolyn arrived this morning pretty early, so we were all able to go out to breakfast at the Marshside Restaurant in East Dennis. We all went over to Brewster for stops at the Herring Run (photos) and the Brewster Store. Then we all drove over to the Cape Cod Mall for some more shopping - including one more time at the Christmas Tree Shops (yaaaahhhn....). Got back to Dennis around 1800 - had one more cookout at Dad's. Katie and Carolyn left around 2000 and we packed things up for tomorrow's departure.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 8

A slow start to the day, but we had time to visit Aunt Irene. Lunch at Friendly's in South Yarmouth. Did I mention that Nicky loves stopping at the Christmas Tree Shops? On the way back to Dennis, we stopped to visit Beth, who was working at the Barn and Company in Yarmouthport. We picked up some good pizza at Peterson's Market in Yarmouthport. Had a nice meal outside while the kids played with "toys" in the yard. Actually got to bed a little early...

Cape Cod Trip - Day 7

Up early so we could go to visit Grammy. The girls had a great time with her and exploring her house. After that, we drove over to a park in Yarmouthport where I'd played as a kid. We had time to swing and slide for awhile before heading back to Dad's. Meanwhile, Katie and Carolyn were driving down from Quincy... After they arrived, we drove over to the Cuffy's Factory Outlet in South Yarmouth - it was amazing how many t-shirts and sweatshirts there were! Drove around town and found some other good places to shop (including Christmas Tree Shops...). Back at Dad's by 1730 - had a nice cookout with everyone. Even John was able to drive down. Stayed up and watched movies until late - Katie and Carolyn had to go back to Quincy (around 2200).

Cape Cod Trip - Day 6

We got up really early (checked out of Adams Inn) and drove over to Katie's again. Dropped Nicky and the kids off (more shopping - this time at the Braintree Mall) and went back to the Mass Archives again - found even more good stuff. Drove back to Katie's (1300) and found out that Nicky wanted to go back to the mall for some family portraits at a studio there. Quickly ate some food and then went with them - it took several hours, but we got some really good pictures. Had dinner at the mall and then drove down to the Cape. Arrived in Dennis around 2000. Dad and Beth had a nice room set up for us. Bed late.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 5

Left the hotel early [- visiting with Katie ? Late in the day, followed] Katie into Boston. Drive was OK - but parking was very expensive (Copley Plaza)! Met Carolyn as she finished work (at the John Hancock Building). Walked over to FAO Schwartz (1645L) and the kids played there for a little while. Kids loved all the cool toys! Had some snacks nearby. Walked down to Boston Public Garden and took pictures at the "Make Way for Ducklings" statues. Weather was great and we really had a nice day. Left the city around 1900 and went to Katie's so the kids could play a little more with Aria. Back at the hotel around 2100.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 4

Woke up a little late and drove over to Katie's on Hough's Neck. This was the first time that the twins were going to get to meet Aria. She was crawling around and the kids had a good time with her (and her toys). Stayed with Katie and John until after lunch - then Katie and Nicky headed out to do some shopping. I drove over to the Massachusetts Archives to do some genealogy research - found a lot of good things. Met up with Nicky later - she was mad that she had to drive through tons of traffic to pick me up... We went back to Katie and John's and had a cookout with Carolyn, who had just got off work. Visited until late, then back to hotel.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 3

Left Bethesda around 1045 - headed out on I-95 to I-83 again. Got off at US-30 and took Nicky over to Lancaster County (Pennsylvania Dutch Country). She seemed really happy and we stopped at several bakeries and shops - even at one Amish person's house to buy a quilt! We also visited the town of Bird in Hand (1400) and then took back roads back to I-81. Had dinner at Applebees in West Hazelton (1800). Used I-84 again and crossed the Hudson at Newburgh. Gas in Danbury, CT. Continued on I-84 to I-90 (Mass Pike). Lots of traffic at MA-128, but got to Quincy OK. Found our hotel - Carolyn had recommended the Adams Inn near Neponsit Circle. Didn't have enough time to visit Katie - we'll go over tomorrow morning.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 2

Slept late (after the long drive). After a late breakfast, we explored our way over towards the National Zoo. Before going in, we had a late lunch at McDonalds (1500). Walked around the zoo for a few hours. The kids - even at their age - loved the many types of animals. Ended up having a late dinner (Pizzario Uno) with my friend, Bob. At the Marriott by 2200.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 1

Left early this morning. Took I-95 north all the way into North Carolina - just a few stops (for the kids). Gas in Four Oaks, NC, and dinner (Denny's) in Selma, NC. Made it all the way to Bethesda (whew!), where we got a hotel (Marriott Suites).

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

Flew back to Jacksonville...

[In Transit]

[at sea]

[In Transit]

[at sea]