New England Trip: Polly's Pancakes, Charlton, MA, and Stonington, CT

On Monday of last week, we started out on our drive down to Charlton, MA, where many of Tom's cousins live on a lake. We stopped for breakfast, though, at Polly's Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill, NH. (This was at my request. We ate there a few years ago, and I've been talking about it ever since! Coconut pancakes, Mmmmm!) The weather was pretty in MA, so Whitley suited up and went for a swim! She loved the lake just as she loved the ocean! When Tom held her in the water, she would kick her feet and move her arms. She seemed to know just what to do! That evening we went on a sunset party-boat ride around the lake, and it was beautiful. Whitley got a big kick out of that, too, pointing at every "Boat!" and "Bubble!" she saw along the way. She also enjoyed meeting her cousin Jack who was born last August. The two entertained everyone by playing chase around Aunt Joyce's living room. We spent that night with Linda and Roger, and the next morning, Whitley greeted Linda's horses, Zeus and Baron. We hit the road once again- this time for CT- and met up with some of the Hargreaves clan for lunch. Our road trip of the day ended in Stonington, CT, where we stayed in a darling cottage owned by Uncle Bill's friend, Sandy. (It was built sometime around 1800!) Wednesday, our last full day in New England, was beautiful and busy! We spent the morning at the aquarium in Mystic. Whitley giggled and squealed while watching the Sea Lions, and was mesmerized by the magnificent Beluga whales. She just loves animals! We ate a seafood lunch at little take-out place near the water before getting Whitley back to the cottage for her nap. Then, Tom and I visited the Foxwood's MGM Grand Casino. (We had fun, but we will still be keeping our full-time jobs.) When Whitley awoke, we went on a family stroll to the waterfront. That evening, Uncle Bill and Sandy hosted us for dinner. And the two gave us all a nice send-off the next morning. Thanks, everyone, for a wonderful trip!

Breakfast at Polly's.

A family photo on "Trot Trot," the little horse outside of Polly's, and a picture tradition for all who eat there.

Tom helps Whitley step into Charlton Lake.

Kicking! She's a natural swimmer!

Playing chase!

Whitley and Jack were sooo good to sit for photos.

Offering Baron a carrot...

And Zeus gets a nice pat.

One of the Beluga whales. They were so pretty!

Strolling seaside.

Saying goodbye outside of Sandy's cottage.