Ayer, MA to Erie, PA 540 miles

The first stop on our cross country trip was our annual trip out to Erie, PA where my father grew up. We stayed with my Aunt Jean and Uncle Jim whose hospitality is unmatched! My aunt buys and cooks enough food to feed a small army and both of them make us all feel so welcome. My mother and Aunt Joan also made the journey to Erie, after visiting their sister Margery in Canada.

July 2 to July 5, 2012

On our first full day in Erie we went to their local amusement park, Waldemeer. The boys had a great time both riding the rides and later at the water park. Brady got brave and tried several rides, most of which he didn't love, but at least he tried! Nick, Ryan, Joe and I all enjoyed the Ravine Flyer, which is a roller coaster that goes out over Peninsula Drive, and the big boys and I also loved Xscream, a ride that drops you from a height of 140 feet! I'm not sure why we love it, but the ride up is thrilling as you look out over Lake Erie and the drop takes your breath away.

Yesterday was the Fourth of July so we went to the parade. We don't go to a lot of parades so my cousin Maryanne had to teach Brady the art of the candy grab! He is not terribly aggressive that way, but with her help he managed to get a full bag. Maryanne's daughter Jordan got to ride in the parade on the fire boat. Dan, Maryanne's husband is a volunteer firefighter for the West Lake fire department, so he drove a truck in the parade. After the parade we went back to Aunt Jean's for a good old fashioned 4th of July cookout. My Aunt Janie and Uncle Gus were there along with my cousins Gus, Jake, Nicole and her husband Andy. My cousins Maryanne and Gretchen were also there with Jordan. Last but not least was my cousin Jimmy, his wife Wendy and their adorable one-year old Adam. I was so grateful that they made the trip from Ohio and that Nikki and Andy made the trip from Pittsburg. It was really great to catch up with everyone! We played Cornhole, ladderball and Bocce and likely gained 10 pounds each from the feast. What a wonderful way to top off a terrific first stop!