I think the grandkids should get together and buy me a t-shirt … “I Survived a Weekend at the Jersey Shore and New York City with My Grandkids.”
As I mentioned previously, last weekend I took 10 of the grandchildren ages 1 1/2 to 18 — with three chaperones — on our annual adventure. In the past, we’ve been to the Radio City Christmas Show in New York City and on the road in Cleveland and Boston and on an Easter Cruise aboard the Odyssey out of Boston Harbor. This year we planned a weekend junket that included a day and night at the Jersey shore, a visit to Carlo’s Bakery, a ferry ride to New York City, fun in Madison Square Park, a visit to the Empire State Building and dinner at Falls View! They also had a heavy dose of the pool at the motel as a nightcap Thursday and Friday.
And they were troopers. We crammed a lot of activity in a short time with very little complaining or grousing. We walked … and walked … and walked … well over 10 miles with just a couple of piggybacks for the younger ones {thanks Deanna}. We laughed … and laughed … and laughed.
I didn’t have many rules for the crew, but No. 1 was “HAVE FUN!” I’d like to think that’s exactly what they had. I know I did. Watching their eyes light up in the sand and surf of the Seaside Heights beach and at the Madison Square Park water park and playground … Watching them spread their wings on the rides on the boardwalk {including what could be one of the last rides on the storied carousel} … Watching them pick out their special treat from Carlo’s Bakery … Watching them ooh and ah in wonder as we walked around the perimeter of the observation deck at the Empire State Building … Watching them adhere to the No. 2 rule — stay with their buddy based on age, older with younger, while on the move {like in New York City} … Watching them interact with each other — cousins they don’t get a chance to see too often … THAT made the whole weekend worth it!
THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Make every day count with the people you love.
The Light 
Joe,
You were 20 miles away, you should have swung by. We would have enjoyed the craziness, I am sure you enjoyed and had many more stories than you were able to share !!!
I’m so happy with sharing some of your life stories. It seems like you have all the priorities in place!
Best ,
Dave
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I like to think so. There were so many stories I could share. Each of the kids had their unique take on the weekend. Hopefully, one of these weekends I’ll have some time to just hang out with my cousins!
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Just wanted to let you know I’ve shared your idea of trips with the kiddos with various of my friends when they are bemoaning the lack of ideas for gifts to give – – Seems you are a somewhat rare individual, as no one yet has exclaimed, “Perfect! I’m going to go plan the trip right away!” 🙂
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Rare … or completely crazy.
Seriously, it is quite an experience bridging the generational gap. I remember a couple of years ago when we went to the Radio City Hall Christmas Show and were walking around Times Square. There was a a billboard with a lady in scanty lingerie and a guy in equally scant skivvies. The younger ones couldn’t understand why they were in their underwear, while the older teenagers were salivating. It was interesting.
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🙂 I think the experience of these trips will serve so much more throughout their lives than just the happiness of the moment – 🙂 My mom and I recently took a 5 day whirlwind trip to the southwestern portion of Colorado – we had such a wonderful time, but while we were out and about, I was observing our fellow tourists and it amazed me how many of them looked unhappy – or would rather be texting on their phone, than looking at the scenery (and no, it wasn’t a teenager, it was a woman in her 40’s or 50’s) and I thought, why waste money going on vacation? You can be unhappy and use your phone at home – LOL
While I loved our trip for the places I got to see, the history I learned, the interesting local people we met, most of all, it gave Mom and I the chance to interact with each other as adventurers – not as mother/daughter, co-workers, etc., and that, too, was an experience to cherish! 🙂
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