Updated February 13, 2017
I don’t think I’ve posted a vacation recap in years. I don’t know why – we love to travel!
I think a lot of people are scared to travel with two young children, and I can understand why. It’s expensive and it can be a lot of work! One thing that Greg and I love is travel, and we refuse to give that up even though we have two young kids. Kennedy has flown on well over 20 roundtrip flights, and has been an amazing flyer. This was Caroline’s third roundtrip flight, and she could take some tips from her big sister (I’ll get into that in a minute). We’ve never taken an out of state trip with just the 4 of us alone. We’ve had family with us when we went to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. earlier this year.
Anyway, we are the kind of people that needs to fly out of state at least once a year. We just enjoy it. Greg is from Massachusetts (moved to Texas for college and never left), so we love any chance to visit New England. Most of the time when we’re up there, though, we are there in the summer or winter. For this trip, we wanted a little more “quintessential fall in New England,” and check out a new place. Greg found a great place in New Hampshire that was near mountains and the foliage had begun!
Thursday
Our flight was at 6:15 a.m. It was pretty stressful, as we got there late, Greg ended up having to haul two car seats through security, then Caroline cried for almost an hour on the plane. Yep, we were those people. Oh, and I forgot diapers in the carry on bag.
Eventually we landed in Manchester. Once we were there, we were able to get right into our rental car. We stopped for subs for lunch (subs are just so much better up north!) and then headed to the resort. The drive was gorgeous, full of winding roads and lots of trees. Leaves were starting to turn, although much was green.
We stayed at the Crotched Mountain Resort in Francestown, NH. I kept calling it “crotch mountain.” I’m so mature. We had a two bedroom, two bathroom condo, which was absolutely perfect for our family! Not to mention, the price was great. We spent the rest of the day relaxing and poking around the area.
Friday
This was our apple picking day! We made a 40 minute drive to Gould Hill Farm in Contoocook. I have never been apple picking before… spoken like a true Texan. It was so much fun! This farm was absolutely gorgeous, on a hill, with stunning views of the mountains. Of course I planned outfits. Haha. This place was full of amazing photo opportunities. And the apples were delicious – even Caroline devoured them! I also think hot apple cider tastes better up there. The weather was insanely gorgeous. We spent a good amount of time there. I highly recommend Gould Hill. I mean, I have no other apple picking experience to go off of, but Greg said it was the most scenic apple picking place he’s been to. And he’s a New Englander, so take his word for it.
We also did a little shopping at a nearby outlet mall – gotta take advantage of the no sales tax in New Hampshire! The rest of the day was spent relaxing at the resort.
Saturday
We drove to Greg’s home town in Massachusetts in the morning. We made it there in time for the Harvest Festival at the church he grew up in. It was so sweet to see him there with his little girls, and the fair was exactly what you would think a New England church festival would be. We were also able to reconnect with old friends, and hang out. We then headed to our friends’ house a few towns over and hung out the rest of the day. They just had a baby, and it was amazing to see all of our children together. We stayed at their house that evening, and enjoyed some yummy pizza for take out.
Sunday
In order to get the rental car back without being charged another day, we headed to Boston before lunch. We decided to stay at the Hilton at the airport to make things easier in the morning for our super early flight. I’m so glad we did this! The hotel was very close to the T (subway) and it was a breeze to run around the city with the two girls. Greg knows the city very well, so that also helped. We spent the day wandering around Boston. We got lobster rolls at No Name Restaurant (it’s our favorite seafood place in Beantown). We walked a ton, and I’m so impressed Kennedy did so well without a stroller. She did get tired at times and ask to be carried, but we know now that we don’t really need a stroller for her anymore when we travel.
The flight home was far less stressful (and less cranky). We did it! We had a family vacation, just the 4 of us! It was tons of fun and I can’t wait to do it again soon.
Cess says
Looks like you had a great time! I love fall in th northeast! Your older daughter may like a rider board on the stroller in case she gets tired!
Meg O. says
It was a blast, thank you! We are up to our ears in strollers so it pains me to think about buying another one…. lol! But if I see one at a garage sale or something I seriously might pick one up!! 🙂
Shayna says
How. Much. Fun!! Glad the girls did do good so y’all could really enjoy your time away!! Looks & sounds like an amazing time!!
Meg O. says
Thank you! It was definitely a lot of fun and I’m glad that the girls traveled so well (well, after that first plane ride, at least)! 🙂
Michelle Heath says
This post makes we want to go back to Boston, it’s one of my favorite cities. My husband grew up in Randolph, I’ve got family in Grafton, so I know exactly where Medway is. I’m glad you had such a wonderful trip, it looks like it was full of great memories.
Meg O. says
That’s awesome you know where Medway is!! Greg grew up there!! I must say, though, I am not as familiar with MA and New England, even though we are up there at least once a year. I am never driving so I never pay attention, haha!! It was so fun!! Boston is definitely a favorite for us, too. 🙂
Rachel says
Looks like Caroline was a happier camper once you got there! Looks like a great vacation!
Meg O. says
Yes she was! Thank goodness!! Thank you, it was tons of fun 🙂
tiffanyatouchofgrace says
What a fun trip! I love New England. This makes me want to go now. And apple picking! So awesome!
Kristen says
your family is the cutest! looks like a great trip!
Meg O. says
Thank you friend!! It was a blast!!
Nichole C says
I was impressed you went on a plane with two tots! It looks like a great time. I am so jealous of the apple picking 🙂
Meg O. says
It definitely is a two parent job, and I probably couldn’t ever do that alone! But luckily Kennedy is so obedient. I have a feeling Caroline won’t be….. hahaha. Apple picking is amazing!! I seriously have been missing out!
Emily Bastedo (@emilydbastedo) says
It looks like it was an amazing trip!! I had never been apple picking until I went to school in the Midwest (definitely a Texas girl problem) and I wish I could go again this year… 😀
xx, Emily from Something Gold, Something Blue