Return from the Vineyard!

We've just returned from Martha's Vineyard after a week long sojourn in the town of Oak Bluffs. Actually, we just settled down into the couch after about 4 hours of alternating crying/screaming from either/both kids; traveling ain't easy, I tell ya! Sometimes I wonder if vacations aren't more of a reminder of how good things are at home, like routine, nap schedules, and the like! But MV was still quite nice & worth the trip. I swear!

Like any 7d/6n trip, we chose to pack lightly. Here is Louise's definition of light packing:

No worries, the ferries to & from Martha's Vineyard are rated to hold at least 2 Canadian-packed minivans ;-)

We found a pretty sweet condo right across the street from the beach in Oak Bluffs. The 2BR unit was perfect for us; almost a little TOO perfect for Kai, who couldn't get enough of his Queen-sized bed that was right next to a window/curtains overlooking the sunset. I don't think he went to sleep before 10pm on any night (see above re: crying/screaming for final results of this sleeping situation). Otherwise, we were treated to some nice views every morning:

We had plenty of chances to see these sunrises, as Teia burned the other side of the candle by getting up around 5am everyday. It was a good excuse for Daddy/Daughter time to walk down to downtown Oak Bluffs with Teia in the backpack, charm the other early-rising locals with Teia's cuteness, and try to scam some free coffee by promising 2 min of cuddles w/ Teia.

The town of Oak Bluffs is famous for its Gingerbread houses; small, simple houses built upon a Methodist meeting site/campground for familes to attend annual religious meetings. The houses are pretty tiny (we toured one; it actually didn't look bad compared to some we put offers on in Hawaii!) but quite quaint and cute.

Here is the little girl in all her pink glory. Little did I know when I had a daughter that not only do most girl clothes come in pink, they also come in SHADES of pink, which absolutely cannot be combined with each other. Its like if you put on a pair of blue jeans, you MUST have a t-shirt that's the same shade of blue as the jeans. And if those jeans have some varying shade/washed look, well, sucks to be you, my friend - you ain't wearing a shirt until it has a matching washed look!

While we were there, a TV was readily available with the World Cup showing 3 games everyday. It became pretty addicting for all:

On our last full day, we headed Up Island to check out the cliffs of Aquinnah and drive thru the ritzy town of Edgartown. Louise was so desperate to see some celebs, she figured she'd buy some celeb-looking shades to attract them. (I did think I saw David Spade at a discount clothing store while buying some cheapo sandals. At least, it LOOKED like David Spade.)

Teia was unimpressed with Aquinnah's beauty....

Finally, we had to head home. Kai definitely has some seawater running in his veins as he insisted on standing on the bow of the ferry in both directions. The trip over was particularly impressive as it was raining and chilly, but Kai simply leaned harder into the wind.

Stay tuned for pictures/background checks on the latest Fennell family member, Mr. Mommy the Siamese Fighting Fish!!