It starts here: Our last big road trip

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While you should never say never, John graduates in May and will (hopefully) spend next summer getting ready to launch into his college career. So, this may well be the last DaddyMom road trip for quite a while. That’s why we’re going out with a bang. Starting with a visit to my New Hampshire hometown, we will drive to the top of New England, ride a mountain coaster, visit two amusement parks in one day, tour a lighthouse, walk the national seashore, and step on Plymouth Rock. Along the way, we’ll see old friends and reconnect with family. Finally, we return to Boston to celebrate freedom on the 4th of July with fireworks and the Boston Pops. It all starts with a plane ride. All aboard!

They went that-a-way!

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We’re on the road for adventure again. The monkey troupe and I will are checked in, wheels up, and away. What will the next 11 days bring? Watch and see.

Sending off party

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While wrapping up work this morning around 5am, there arose such a clatter that I sprung from my desk to see what was the matter. Opening my front door, I discovered fire engines lining our street and a smoky perfume filling the air. This wasn’t on the schedule. Firemen dashed up my neighbor’s driveway. But, no fire. Though we could all smell it, even the pros couldn’t discern its source. Away the trucks screamed in search of the blaze. Meanwhile, all the kids slept undisturbed. Now I know it’s true: they can literally sleep through a fire drill.

Sandie nails it

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What some people won’t do to avoid pool time. Sandie had an up close and personal experience with one of the popping nails on my deck. I won’t miss that deck when we move—neither will she after this. A quick drive to Doc in the box and she was good as new. I got points from the medic for creative use of duct tape. A win all around. Except for Zuzu, who is still waiting for pool time and Sandie who has to delay her mani-pedi. Thanks also to John for (finally) driving in all the popped nails. By the way, it may be better, but the professional dressing lacks a certain Boy Scout flair. I’m just sayin.

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Stella is all 4 this

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Stella saved all her birthday money to get her first phone. What else, but an iPhone. Just in time for the Last DaddyMom Road Trip too! She, John, and Kate will join me in reporting from along the way here on the blog. How far we have come since those early dispatches from my Palm Treo.