I'm back. Back to the blog and back on the road. Since my last post in 2012 the Grumpencamper has added a new grump to the camper. Another precious baby boy. It wasn't long before he hit the road. He was only 6 weeks old when he took his first trip out on the open road. Now that the precious baby boy is almost 1 and I am obviously far behind on my blogging I have a lot of back tracking to do. Feel free to keep me accountable.
We have a year full of travel ahead of us and I am going to do my best to document it. First up will be a blog about the last 10 days in Cape Code. The boys, me and my mother in law explored as much as we could on our spontaneous trip. I have a lot of yes you should do and some no you should not do tips to share when visiting Cape Cod.
I look forward to reconnecting with the travel community!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
California in a Flash...
This past weekend the three of us Grumps boarded a plane and headed west for L.A. Yes it is a long ways for a such a short trip but it was worth it. The real reason we went was that my sister was able to get us tickets to the Bethenny Frankel Show. I have to admit it was a lot of fun. Bethenny is absolutely beautiful and is a genuinely sensitive person. We were able to sit front row center. If you are in her viewing area our show airs tomorrow July 12.
Before the show we had a fabulous lunch at Larchmont Bungalow. Larchmont is an Artisan Cafe'. It was so good I couldn't leave there with out a few pictures of our food.
My little sister has the "Best of both Worlds". Yes that was the name of it, its both pancakes and french toast. Just in case you are feeling indecisive.
This was my glorious plate of food. I chose the Curry Lobster and Shrimp Wrap. Heaven in my mouth is what it should have been called. The side salad with balsamic was just as good. But anything with candied walnuts is good right?
After the long day at the Bethenny show we met up with our husbands in Venice, CA. It was First Fridays, when all the food trucks come out for the First Friday of the month. My husband and I LOVE food trucks. Its one of our favorite things to find in a city. I was overwhelmed by the amount of trucks that showed up. We chose the Lobster truck and had lobster bisque and lobster rolls. They did not disappoint and the prices were very reasonable. We also choose the Trailer Park truck where we indulged in Macaroni Grilled cheese, and Frito Pie. The Frito Pie was made right in the Frito bag. YUMMMMMMMMMM!!!!
The best part I have to admit of the entire trip was that we were able to wear a sweater each morning and each night. The temperature was a nice departure from the 113 we left behind in Oklahoma a few weeks ago.
Can anyone find Jamie? Oh there he is hiding behind me. I give him a hard time about not sitting up straight in pictures. This is him "trying" to be funny. By the way five minutes after this we had to leave because he was freezing. In July?! Yes. It was so nice.
Before the show we had a fabulous lunch at Larchmont Bungalow. Larchmont is an Artisan Cafe'. It was so good I couldn't leave there with out a few pictures of our food.
My little sister has the "Best of both Worlds". Yes that was the name of it, its both pancakes and french toast. Just in case you are feeling indecisive.
This was my glorious plate of food. I chose the Curry Lobster and Shrimp Wrap. Heaven in my mouth is what it should have been called. The side salad with balsamic was just as good. But anything with candied walnuts is good right?
After the long day at the Bethenny show we met up with our husbands in Venice, CA. It was First Fridays, when all the food trucks come out for the First Friday of the month. My husband and I LOVE food trucks. Its one of our favorite things to find in a city. I was overwhelmed by the amount of trucks that showed up. We chose the Lobster truck and had lobster bisque and lobster rolls. They did not disappoint and the prices were very reasonable. We also choose the Trailer Park truck where we indulged in Macaroni Grilled cheese, and Frito Pie. The Frito Pie was made right in the Frito bag. YUMMMMMMMMMM!!!!
The best part I have to admit of the entire trip was that we were able to wear a sweater each morning and each night. The temperature was a nice departure from the 113 we left behind in Oklahoma a few weeks ago.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Fort Wilderness
This spring we packed up the new 5th wheel and headed south for the east coast of Florida. Melbourne was our final destination but we thought we would make a fun stop along the way. That stop was Fort Wilderness, the campgrounds at Disney World.
I remember camping here as a kid. It was something that I would always look forward to, and this time was no different. I couldn't wait for Miles to swim in the pools, ride bikes, and roast marsh mellows at the camp fire sing-a-long. Most of all I couldn't wait to snuggle up on a bench and watch a Disney movie under the stars.
If you like to camp and you like Disney, Fort Wilderness should be your resort of choice. Its affordable and has so much to offer for free. We went at one of the peak seasons and paid 60.00/night. That included water, electricity and cable television at our site. I have also stayed in one of the cabins at Fort Wilderness and they too are very nice. You have a full kitchen with pots, pans and utensils. Think of the money you can save riding the ferry back from the park to have your lunch.
Yes, the park offers transportation right to the front gates of Disney. Another great perk is that you can take the ferry boats to other resorts as well and you have free access to all of their pools too. We spent one day just hopping around from resort to resort just for the fun it. We also rode the tram to the front gates even though we didn't go in. We opted out of going to the park this time around. Our little guy isn't quite two and we felt that was still a bit too young to enjoy Disney.
While at Fort Wilderness we did a lot of bike riding. We would always make sure to stop at the many different play grounds for a few swing rides, and always the pony barn. There are miniature ponies that you can walk around and see and even take a ride one.
Every night after dinner we made our way to the out door theater where we would first roast our marsh mellows on the fire pit for a little s'mores. Then we would do the camp fire sing-a-long where Chip and Dale would come out for a visit. The little one was NOT fond of them, AT ALL!!! Next we would watch the Disney movie of the night under the stars. Our first night it was Toy Story 3. Miles even sat still through the first half.
We had a great time and will make this a frequent stop every year on our way to Runaway Country.
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| Eating his Mickey ice cream bar |
If you like to camp and you like Disney, Fort Wilderness should be your resort of choice. Its affordable and has so much to offer for free. We went at one of the peak seasons and paid 60.00/night. That included water, electricity and cable television at our site. I have also stayed in one of the cabins at Fort Wilderness and they too are very nice. You have a full kitchen with pots, pans and utensils. Think of the money you can save riding the ferry back from the park to have your lunch.
Yes, the park offers transportation right to the front gates of Disney. Another great perk is that you can take the ferry boats to other resorts as well and you have free access to all of their pools too. We spent one day just hopping around from resort to resort just for the fun it. We also rode the tram to the front gates even though we didn't go in. We opted out of going to the park this time around. Our little guy isn't quite two and we felt that was still a bit too young to enjoy Disney.
While at Fort Wilderness we did a lot of bike riding. We would always make sure to stop at the many different play grounds for a few swing rides, and always the pony barn. There are miniature ponies that you can walk around and see and even take a ride one.
Every night after dinner we made our way to the out door theater where we would first roast our marsh mellows on the fire pit for a little s'mores. Then we would do the camp fire sing-a-long where Chip and Dale would come out for a visit. The little one was NOT fond of them, AT ALL!!! Next we would watch the Disney movie of the night under the stars. Our first night it was Toy Story 3. Miles even sat still through the first half.
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| Watching Chip-N-Dale |
Thursday, April 26, 2012
We've Been Traded
So the Grumpencamper has officially been traded. We turned him in for a brand new 5th wheel camper. Miles needed his own room, and I needed a vehicle wherever we are. So we have gone from an RV to a truck and trailer. Let me tell you we are all pretty excited for our first outing.
Its been really nice being at home all winter in our "real" house but its that time of year again to hit the road for a bit. So we loaded up the new 5th wheel the last few days for our first adventure in Melbourne, FL, Runaway Country.
Here are a few shots of our new home away from home...
Its been really nice being at home all winter in our "real" house but its that time of year again to hit the road for a bit. So we loaded up the new 5th wheel the last few days for our first adventure in Melbourne, FL, Runaway Country.
Here are a few shots of our new home away from home...
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| Kitchen |
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| Bunk room in the back 4 bunks closet in the middle (aka Miles play room) |
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| 1/2 Bath in the back |
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| Living room and eating area |
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| Master Bedroom |
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| Main Bathroom |
Monday, April 23, 2012
Easter in DC 2012
The family headed back to DC this ear for the White House Easter Egg Roll. We had a great time as always. We are so fortunate to be able to attend since Jamie has to work there every year. The event is held right on the lawn of the White House outside of the West Wing. We had 10 days in DC this year. Jamie's mom came with us this year. It was so nice to have a museum partner. Someone who actually enjoys taking their time going through the exhibits. (No offense Jamie)
Here are some of my favorite things about DC:
Every year we are there it is Cherry Blossom Season. These trees are everywhere and are absolutely breathtaking!
And of course our favorite day (besides Easter) is the actual Roll day. Its always the day after Easter. Its so much fun to find out who will be there each year. Here are a few of the celebrities we saw.
Here are some of my favorite things about DC:
The churches. Amazing. This is where we attended Easter service last year St. Matthews Cathedral. We really enjoyed mass here. We were fortunate to hear the DC Bishop speak and I was pleasantly surprised. I have always thought of Catholic mass as being so boring but not the case at all.
This year we decided to try another church. We attended a small Episcopal Church right by our hotel.
And of course our favorite day (besides Easter) is the actual Roll day. Its always the day after Easter. Its so much fun to find out who will be there each year. Here are a few of the celebrities we saw.
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| Bob from the Biggest Loser |
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| Forest Whitaker |
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| Julianne Moore |
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| The First Family |
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| Miles personal favorite...Peter Rabbit. He wanted to be close following him around until the Bunny would turn his attention on him then he would bolt. |
| Here are a few other favorites from the week. |  | |||||||
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| Miles for President! |
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Fall Creek Falls 2012
Last month we loaded up the camper for our first real camping trip in the camper. We went along with our good friends who also have a camper and their 2 kids. We headed to Fall Creek Falls in Pikeville, TN.
The weather was crisp but nice. Great camping weather. We hiked, we ate, we sat by the fire, ate some more and shared a lot of laughs. There is something truly wonderful about being out amongst nature with NO cell phones and good friends.
Time to go home...
Friday, February 10, 2012
Amsterdam December 2011
From Paris we flew into Amsterdam. I know its only a 4 hour drive but we found it was cheaper to fly than to take a train. I was really surprised at the cost of taking a train. When we arrived we again decided to try the train into the city from the Amsterdam airport. It was super easy and cheap. You can get on an express train and it will take you right to the main central station.
I don't think we met one person in Amsterdam that couldn't speak English. It is a known fact that the Dutch like to practice there English so they are ready and willing to speak in English to you. This is pretty great considering Dutch is a very difficult language to learn.
Since everyone could speak English they were very helpful in giving us a hand to get around the city. Once we got off the express train there was a visitor center right outside the front doors. Here they were able to tell us what trolley to take and what stop to get off for our hotel. We were also able to purchase our tickets here. The trolleys were very easy to navigate with a stroller as well and it was nice to not have to go under ground to catch a subway.
One of the first things you will notice about Amsterdam is that you don't see many vehicles around the city center. There are more bikes then cars. We even saw a bicycle parking garage! Crazy I know. Even if you have 3 children you most likely will manage to all get on one bike one way or another. You can see as many as fifty bikes coming at you at once when the traffic like changes to green.
We decided to get around mostly by walking. You can pretty much navigate the whole city by foot. One thing we noticed about the city by walking around was that rain or shine, blizzard, or heat wave all of the store fronts are wide open. Forget about small doors they have garage like doors that remain wide open as long as the store is open for business. I loved how inviting that was. Especially at Christmas time.
The first full day we made the decision to do the hop on hop off bus to see all of the sites. It was a great deal. You could get on and off the bus as much as you want for 24 hrs. Each time you get on the bus you can plug in your head phones and listen to the history of the city in the language of your choice. This was also very easy to do with a stroller as well. Also included in our package was a boat tour since most of the city is surrounded by canals. There around a thousand bridges in Amsterdam alone.
Our first and most important stop to me personally was the Anne Frank Museum. As a little girl I was fascinated by her story and must have read her diary a hundred times. The Museum is there actual hide out in her fathers office building. It was amazing to be in the actual place that they hid for several years before their capture.
Our next stop was the Van Gogh Museum. This was also high on our list of things to see. He had such an interesting and sad story. The museum also had some great works by some of his close friends. We spent a good amount of time here so allow your self a few hours.
Next we toured the original Heineken plant. This was pretty interesting as well. You see the process of brewing and bottling the beer. You get to see the Heineken horses. There are also lots of fun interactive things to do along the tour. At the end you get 2 samplings of beer or if you are like me you opt for the free Pepsi.
Amsterdam is a city that we agree we would like to see in the Spring. They are well known for all of there tulips. Seeing how amazing this city was at Christmas time makes your wonder how beautiful it would be with hundreds of tulips around.
If you are interested in visiting Amsterdam it promises to not disappoint.
I don't think we met one person in Amsterdam that couldn't speak English. It is a known fact that the Dutch like to practice there English so they are ready and willing to speak in English to you. This is pretty great considering Dutch is a very difficult language to learn.
Since everyone could speak English they were very helpful in giving us a hand to get around the city. Once we got off the express train there was a visitor center right outside the front doors. Here they were able to tell us what trolley to take and what stop to get off for our hotel. We were also able to purchase our tickets here. The trolleys were very easy to navigate with a stroller as well and it was nice to not have to go under ground to catch a subway.
One of the first things you will notice about Amsterdam is that you don't see many vehicles around the city center. There are more bikes then cars. We even saw a bicycle parking garage! Crazy I know. Even if you have 3 children you most likely will manage to all get on one bike one way or another. You can see as many as fifty bikes coming at you at once when the traffic like changes to green.
We decided to get around mostly by walking. You can pretty much navigate the whole city by foot. One thing we noticed about the city by walking around was that rain or shine, blizzard, or heat wave all of the store fronts are wide open. Forget about small doors they have garage like doors that remain wide open as long as the store is open for business. I loved how inviting that was. Especially at Christmas time.
The first full day we made the decision to do the hop on hop off bus to see all of the sites. It was a great deal. You could get on and off the bus as much as you want for 24 hrs. Each time you get on the bus you can plug in your head phones and listen to the history of the city in the language of your choice. This was also very easy to do with a stroller as well. Also included in our package was a boat tour since most of the city is surrounded by canals. There around a thousand bridges in Amsterdam alone.
Our first and most important stop to me personally was the Anne Frank Museum. As a little girl I was fascinated by her story and must have read her diary a hundred times. The Museum is there actual hide out in her fathers office building. It was amazing to be in the actual place that they hid for several years before their capture.
Next we toured the original Heineken plant. This was pretty interesting as well. You see the process of brewing and bottling the beer. You get to see the Heineken horses. There are also lots of fun interactive things to do along the tour. At the end you get 2 samplings of beer or if you are like me you opt for the free Pepsi.
Amsterdam is a city that we agree we would like to see in the Spring. They are well known for all of there tulips. Seeing how amazing this city was at Christmas time makes your wonder how beautiful it would be with hundreds of tulips around.
If you are interested in visiting Amsterdam it promises to not disappoint.
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