This year, we embarked on what is likely to be the first of many Spring Break adventures! And while many Spring-breakers head South ... we went North on a 2000 mile road trip! Yep, call us crazy but we loaded up the kiddos and drove to Ohio to visit G & G Mac and Uncle Brian, Aunt Meghan & cousin Lily! It wasn't what one might call "relaxing" exactly - but it was successful and we managed to arrive at all of our destinations without too many tears shed :)

It was a true vacation in that we stayed in hotels,  stayed up really late, slept in, enjoyed adult beverages and watched movies! We stopped a few times on our way up and back to let the kids expend some energy. One of our favorite stops was Glen Falls in Chattanooga, TN. A quick mile or so hike allowed us all to stretch our legs, climb some rocks and see some pretty waterfalls!

Along the way, we learned that Chick Fil A offers reasonably tasty "fast food" and offers playgrounds for the kids (a win:win after being in the car for 3-4 hour stretches) and that Marriott hotels are much nicer than Days Inn. We listened to the kids "play list" (which includes, among others, the soundtrack from the movie Trolls and Moana) and watched the same episode of Paw Patrol about 100 times! We spent about 5 days on the road for a total of a day and a half in Sylvania at G & G Mac's house ... but during our short time there, the kiddos spent hours in the hot tub, played outside, went on treasure hunts, watched movies, explored the mysterious basement and caught up on some zzz's. Daddy even managed to squeeze in a trip to Cabela's!

On the way home, we enjoyed a little side trip to Gorman Hertitage Farm just North of Cincinnati. We felt right at home with the farm animals and Emily, in particular, got in a few good hugs with the goats and sheep. Brandon was a huge fan of the pretend tractor and Anabelle had to wear Daddy's coat because we were a little unprepared for colder temps!

On our way back home, we also spent the night in Cincinnati with Lily! And while the girls enjoyed a "sleep over" downstairs and Brandon snoozed upstairs - us "grown up's" stayed up way too late drinking wine and beer, talking and laughing! Aunt Meghan even shared some delightful stories about the supposedly friendly ghost who shares their home with them ... right before we went to bed that is. Sweet dreams everyone!

It was a busy week but it truly went smoother than we had anticipated. Despite the fun times and wonderful hospitality, we were all very glad to get back home, sleep in our own beds, soak up the warm Florida sunshine and see all of the animals (who maybe would have preferred if our petsitter, Bambi, had just stayed with them forever as she did an amazing job!). Home sweet home ... until next time! Now that we know the kiddos are expect travelers ... the sky's the limit for our future adventures!