I have two homes, one I’m emotionally tied to and the other physically. I lived in New Jersey for over half my life, now I live in Florida, and have for almost 4 years. We were supposed to be going to New Jersey for a family reunion last summer, but that just seemed too cliché. My mother and I wanted to make it special. This was my birthplace and more special to me than any other inanimate place. So, we made it a memory trip, in which we would reel back to the parts of my past I wish to never forget.
The Atlantic City Airport is much smaller than most would think. It was easy to find my Grandmother standing at the bottom of the escalator when we landed. I had the list of what I wanted to re-experience in the next 5 days in my back pocket. It was a list one could probably not complete in such a short amount of time, but it was worth trying. We were staying with my aunt, so the first night we just unpacked and got settled in. The real fun would begin the next day.
When we woke up, we got in the rental car and went to the diner. We walked in to the diner and I got a huge whiff of wonderful air filled with the smell of breakfast. We ordered the pork roll sandwiches that I longed for since the day I left this state. I bit in and the flavor burst into my mouth, I am a huge food lover! After this, we made a pit stop at Wawa to get the only coffee I like. For the majority of the rest of the trip, this was our plan for breakfast. That day we planned to go to Historic Smithville, a little old village with tiny shops. I got a pair of earrings from a little Irish store, very beautiful, they were a Celtic pattern. We had Roy Rogers for dinner, a fast food place we don’t have in Florida.
On Friday night, I went to the mall with Kelsi, my old best friend, and Connor. It was like I was living there again, hanging out with friends like any normal teenager. I spent the night at Kelsi’s, and we stayed up all night talking. Sunday morning we were up and ready by 5:30, it was still dark out. We were going to Seaside to spread my grandfather’s ashes in the ocean, he died earlier that year, and he loved the ocean. To this day, thinking about that morning brings tears to my eyes. It was so powerful and emotional to see my mom and her sisters stand in the waves and throw the roses and ashes into the endless abyss of the ocean. That day was also my family reunion. It was so amazing to see everyone that I haven’t seen in over 2 years. It was the best day a girl could ask for, the combination of the remembrance of Grandpa and seeing all the people I infinitely missed all in one day was all I could ever wish for.
My last day, I went to the beach with Melissa, a girl I grew up with, and my mom. We ended up running into another old family friend and spent the day with her, eating pizza and enduring the freezing water together. The water was so cold it turned my lips blue. This trip was so amazing, nothing could ever surpass it. The impact it had on me was awesomely remarkable.
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One of the most expensive parts of the trip is the accomodations. Our family has a timeshare in Williamsburg and we get discounts on our maintenance for recommending others to stay for 3 nights at one of their 2 bedroom apartment with kitchen & take a 90 minute tour. The accomodations are great & free after you set your watch and listen for 90 minutes. Our link is on craigslist: http://raleigh.craigslist.org/vac/2518503559.html
NOTE: Yo u DON"T have to or want to buy into a timeshare, but if you do, you have 3 days to back out of it with no penalty. If you really are interested in buying, there are many foreclosures online that you can find.
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Bangor Maine 1 week road trip any suggestions on where to go from there. Some hiking some leisure and to the coast
We just published this great article about a road trip that starts in Bangor Maine and works its way up through New England to New Brunswick in Canada. There are a lot of things to see, and lots of activities that might interest your kids, with stops for hiking and swimming and offbeat museums.
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What should the letter of consent say if I, a single parent, am taking my daughter to Germany, but then crossing other borders into bordering countries on our vacation? I may not know specifically what other countries we will be visiting until we get into Europe (we are staying with friends in Germany and they will be taking us around Europe for a bit).
It's best to be as specific as possible, because these letters include the dates and destinations for your trip. We would suggest that you note the full date range (from… to ….. and make it a bit longer just in case), then you put down as many countries as you think are possible. List Germany and all the contiguous countries and add a few more, better more than not mentioning one you will visit.
Also, you should carry 2 notarized copies of the Permission to Travel Letter (put one with your passport to show at Immigration and flight check-in; keep the 2nd one in the child's luggage in case you lose one or an Immigration official wants to keep it). Enjoy your trip!
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I just turned 16 and am a make-a-wish kid. I am SO excited!!! I have dealt with a primary immune deficiancy my whole life, been a "lab rat", been on Death's doorstep so many times that I know he hates it when you ring the doorbell and run, and (because of missing so much school when I was young) have a harder time getting along with kids my own age than those younger/older than me. I get to leave on August 3rd, and will be staying at GKTW in FL whilst going to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Seaworld. It feels like a dream, and if it is, DO NOT WAKE ME UP!!!!! I am thanking God daily for all the blessings he has given me; my new sister and her continued health, my fudge-like family (awesome, sweet, and full of nuts, and so much more. B>)
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San Miguel de Allende is a truly magnificent location, and is becoming a locale of choice for American and Canadian expats. There is a highly developed infrastructure that supports a very large and sophisticated English speaking community here. Culture abounds, and there is extremely active social calendar. There are easily forty or more art galleries in town. The climate is among the best, with warm, dry temperatures year round. Real estate here is among the most beautiful in the world, and your dollar can buy you so much more house than in North America. I lead exciting home buyer trips to San Miguel. Join me on one of these exciting tours to view and buy real estate in San Miguel.
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The road trips are always a good experince. In road trips we not only enjoy holiday destinations but the journey is also an amazing experince. I think the roadtrip with kids teach them various things around them.
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I know this is an older post, but I just saw it. My kids are 6, 7 and 15 and old pros at road trips. I LOVE road trips and have been known to take "road trip" vacations in which no video games/dvds/electronics are allowed and we pack the tent (to save money on hotels) and just drive to random spots and camp out along the way. If you pack a cooler it can be an affordable vacation if you only pay for gas, food from the supermarket and a few odds and ends. Historic landmarks, national parks, or places like Washington D.C. are full of fun cheap spots to bring the kids! My kids love this and handle being in a car forever very well, we play games, sing, talk, etc. Plus we aren't afraid to take deters and go see things like the worlds biggest chair! It's a bunch of fun!
Sounds like you know how to have fun, and like your kids really get along well. that's the biggest challenge we find in a long trip with a crowded backseat. When everyone starts to 'express' themselves it can get hairy!I love the idea of picking random spots to camp out in. You must be really resourceful!
I love the idea of picking random spots to camp out in. You must be really resourceful!
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Great color commentary — and congrats to Ron. Can't wait to see the film (but I guess I'll have to …)
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The town of Pigeon Forge is great for evening entertainment as it boasts comedy, music, and magic shows, as well as shops and restaurants.
While deciding a family -friendly vacation destination,one has to take in a account each member's preferences and concerns.Do not get confused we will aid your the right way.
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My childrens mother gave my 8 and 9 year old daughters to me to raise 2 years ago. She hasn't seen them in 2 years. She wants a 2 week visit with them in another state. I need a form to have her sign to make sure she returns the children to me by a certain date.
if I were you…I would be making the "Mom" come to her children for a visit NOT the other way around. The kids should not be put out by her especially if they havent seen her in 2yrs.
I certainly enjoyed the way you explore your experience and knowledge of the subject! Keep up on it. Thanks for sharing the info
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I stayed at http://www.premierinnhotels.co.uk/County-Hall-London-premier-inn-hotels.php — County Hall Premier inn — on my visit to London last month. It was in a great location. Was nothing fancy but I only needed it to sleep and store my things! Thanks for the other reviews, might book at a nice Hotel for one night on my return in September 2011.
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Always bring a small container of new little toys and a little treat for each child to have in the car or on the plane.
We do this with our sons…we purposely get some new toys and treats that fit into a small container so it is easy for them to carry it on their own. The novelty of new little things keeps it fab fresh and fun for them, which keeps it peaceful and happy for my hubby and me. A little bag of crackers or cookies, a small bottle of water, and a few little toys to play with keeps them happy. If we fly, we even try to find some gum that they may not have had before, as it keeps it interesting for them to try something new.
Love reading all of the great tips!
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San Antonio has so many fun family places like Seaworld and Six Flags,but dont forget the Lone Star Hall of Horns. My kids loved it.
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I love it when people come together and share opinions, great blog.
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We shall be judged more by what we do at home than what we preach abroad. What made you want to look up abroad?
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