Per our last post we do enjoy spending time at our Snowbird lot in DSRV Resort in SoCal though the challenge in life somedays you want to be in two places at the same time or nearly the same time. Our other draw this year was getting to see our Granddaughter Mac and her Mom and Dad on the other side of the country.  We had spent considerable time discussing how can we see the kids more this year and developed a plan to do so this winter. We would just fly across country a couple of times during the snowbird season. What better purpose are your “Frequent Flyer Points” for then creating more good family time????

Given the goal and the travel strategy our first flight East was Mid-January to Boston. Our kids have a small brownstone apartment in Charlestown, MA which works for their small family, but won’t work for us to stay in, so we decided to call the Marriot’s Residence Inn at Boston Harbor our winter home a few weeks over the winter. It is an easy walking distance to their home and literally right next to “Mac’s” daycare. Also, there are several playgrounds, The Constitution, Walking paths, Bunker Hill Monument, and the Freedom Trail just moments away.

The location turned out to be perfect for our short stays. The funniest thing is Mac now things it’s our home on Boston Harbor???

In addition to seeing “Mac” our son Sean flew in at the same time from North Carolina to visit, as well, on the January trip. This was the first time since Cait & Bruce’s wedding in 2019 we have all been together.  Although it was a short visit, as parents we were glad to see everyone together!

Getting the family together at the Warren Tavern Charlestown, MA…

Uncle Sean bonding with Mac…

Uncle Sean bonding with Mac…

Our daughter Caitlin always goes out of her way to plan things to do for all of us and of course this trip was no exception.  Bowling 1 day, Brewery stops, Freedom Trail walk, Soccer Practice, Swim Lessons,  Baking in the kitchen and playgrounds after playgrounds…

Gram & Mac Bowling…

Cait & Mac getting some time on the indoor pitch…

Of course no visit is complete without some Gram & Mac baking…

Run, Run , Run….

Playground slides…

Pictures along the Freedom Trail…

One of the real treats is always surprising Mac at daycare for pickup when we arrive. She is always beaming when we walk through the door and gathers her stuff  up quickly so we can  head to the Marriot (Gram & Pops) or to the playground. Gathering her stroller, from the stroller room, is always a point of confusion since there are literally 100 + strollers in the room and they all look the same. At least to us… Fortunately Mac can find her’s in an instant every time. I cant explain it but she knows., and it’s a good thing!

Mac is a true Bostonian at this point…

At the end of the day  Mac has usually exhausted Gram & Pop so it’s good have her Dad (Bruce)to step up and tire her out before bed…

While on our visit in January Cait started discussing our next visit and wondered if we would be interested in coming back late February to go on a Ski weekend to Vermont. Cait was very persuasive saying” Come on Dad you taught all of us to ski and now it’s Mac’s turn…” .

On February 28th we again flew the red-eye across the country arriving about 6:00am in the morning at Logan where Caitlin picked us up. We then departed in 2 vehicles intending to caravan their family, including Dakota (their golden retriever), us about 3.5 hours to Stratton Vermont.

Although I was a very active skier in my younger days I really hadn’t skied since having my knee and hip replaced. Nonetheless,  I was confident it wouldn’t be an issue.  The cabin they had rented was close to the ski area. Upon arriving they decided to do lunch in town. Although we are from the Northeast and grew up in the cold winters there we have been following good weather for years as “Snowbirds”. When we opened the door at Stratton it was in the low teens with a biting windchill. Joanne & I looked at each other with glows of second thoughts. Oh well we are here and it’s time to just “suck it up” a few days…

Arriving a the mountain base… WOW it’s COLD!!!

First stop after lunch was the ski rental store.  Joanne opted to not ski and just remain on “Mac” and “Lodge Fireplace” duty. The rest of us got our ski’s with Bruce opting for a snowboard…

Mac styling some new boots…

Don’t forget the skis…

Getting to the resort the next day early was no easy challenge given how far away we had to park, coordinating the shuttle bus, and then trying to get our equipment to the base. Yes skiing is a lot of work and especially with a 2.5 year old… And was it ever cold and windy… Did I tel you how cold & windy it was???

Mac getting ready for her lesson…

Mac’s instructor doing the best she could with Mac…

Pop stepped up …

Pop stepped up …

Gram holding the “Hot Chocolate” fort down…

Pop & Cait reminiscing old times on the mountain…

Gram reading a few stories back at the cabin…

Although the trip was short, the weather was ok, conditions so-so, Joanne & I both agreed we were so glad we made the trip. Another generation on the slopes with Pop’s help. We were so glad we made the trip and definitely would do it again. We will both laugh and reminisce about “Mac’s first time on the slopes for the rest of our lives. Thanks Bruce & Cait for including us and helping us make this happen.

Now time for a little Revolutionary Journey “Apres Ski” …

Apres Ski…