In early August, Tom, Whitley and I drove to New England for the first time since Whitley was born. It was quite an adventure with many stops along the way. We had a wonderful time and took so many pictures; there is no way we could fit it all in one blog post. Tom narrates this first part below. Take it away, Tom! 
We began our trip to the North on August 1st.. The first stop was Washington DC. We were a bit tired from the drive, but we were ready to see all we could in less than 24 hours. After checking in to the Hyatt on Capitol Hill, we headed over to the Capitol building.
We saw a short film and then took a tour of the Rotunda. The tour was not a big hit with Whitley (I wasn't a big fan either), so we bowed out early.
After a delicious hot dog (At least I think that's what it was) from a vending cart, we headed to the National Air and Space Museum. We saw a lot of cool exhibits including airplanes and rockets.
From there, we headed to the Natural History Museum. Whitley wanted to see the dinosaurs. What a disappointment to find out they were all dead! She was still able to pose with what was left of them. After the Natural History Museum, we went back to the hotel and relaxed while waiting for my childhood friend, Dana, to meet up with us. We all went out to dinner at Austin Grill and had a great chat. After saying good bye to Dana and a cab ride back to the hotel, Whitley and I swam in the pool for an hour. Everyone was ready to go to bed by 9:30!
From Washington he headed to Connecticut. The family reunion was going to be on Saturday, so we had to be on our way. The ride north became frustrating around New York City, but we finally made it by 6:00 Friday evening. In the picture above, Liam made a cocoon for himself out of inner tubes at the reunion.
I thought it would be quite the novelty to take real North Carolina moonshine to the party. Here, Grammy "accidentally" took a swig of it thinking it was punch. It certainly packed a punch!
Whitley poses with her two older cousins, Emma and Mychaela. They had a great day on the lake!
Sean and Vicki pose near Karen and me as we all watch the kids swimming in the lake. It wasn't the prettiest day, but everyone had a lot of fun.
Swimming!
Grammy warms Whitley up after a swim.
There were strawberries at the bottom of the moonshine. I ate one. This is why I don't play poker.
Eating under the tent.
It's Happy Fun Ball!
Whitley and her cousin Scott.
This was the siblings' table. Aunt Joyce, Papa, Grammy, Uncle Don, Aunt Marge (hidden), Uncle Bill, and Sandy.
The happy couple turning 80 this year!
The Hargreaves, Wilson, and Watson cousins.
The next generation of counsins.
Karen, Elyssa, and Cristie take a moment to pose.
Whitley devours a cupcake as Lorie and Shelley look on.
Immediately after the family reunion, we drove to Charlton, Massachusetts for the next stop of our trip. Whitley spent the first night with Grammy, Papa, Uncle Mike, and her cousins at Aunt Joyce's camp while Cristie and I stayed at Shelley and Jonathan's. The next day, Whitley had her first fishing experience with the help of Jonathan.
The catch of the day...
...and another...
...and another. I believe she caught four in all!
Hanging out with Avery on the boat.
Cooper, Chris, Brayden, and Phyllis. More fun on the boat!
Whitley goes for her first jet ski ride with cousin Mike. This would be the first of four rides!
We had such a great time with all the relatives. Everywhere we stayed, we were treated so well. We are so fortunate to have such a fun, caring, and loving family. I wish we could see them even more often!
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