Favorite Summer Family trips?

Summer always meant a trip somewhere. Whether it was getting on an airplane to visit somewhere new or driving a few hours away to enjoy the local scenery in a tent. We knew it would be a great time. Thankfully, my wife and I have continued this tradition of summer travels with our sons. This summer is no exception.

We recently returned from a five day stay in Norfolk, Virginia. This trip was a first for my sons and me. However, this was a long-awaited reunion to the state for my wife. A resident at one point in her life, we were able to visit certain nostalgic areas like her childhood home, church, and town only a stone's throw away from where we were staying. I won't lie; it was quite special listening to her gush over the special family memories made at those locations.

Memory lane aside, the real reason we flew all the way across the country was to visit family. More specifically, my wife's sister and her family. It was the goal for our sons, the older cousins, to spend time and play with their younger cousins. A total of five kids inhabited the household ranging from ages 2-11. Let's just say fun was had by all, and I only thought about using hearing protection about six times. While we were there, our gracious hosts accompanied us to several museums, to get ice cream at local shops, and even to an amusement park, where we all about collapsed from heat exhaustion. If you didn't know this, Viriginia is rather hot and humid in the summer. But the beauty and rich history of the area made the ventures worthwhile.

Now for the other end of the spectrum. The simpler side of things. I am pleased to say we also will be spending some time in a quiet sector of the North Cascades as well, Winthrop. This place is a special place for me. In my youth, we spent many Summers and even some cold weekends in Winter up there playing, exploring, and getting into trouble. This was always the last hurrah before the traditional back to school obligations. A quiet place to relax, swim, and finish off a last-minute tan. More like burn. Most of my metamorphoses into a lobster originated here. I burn easier than hay in a wildfire. But anyway, I'm at last pleased to share this location with my children, who I hope to learn to love it there as much as I do.

As far as summers go, this one has been busy planning, running, and trying to relax. Getting our minds ready to get the kids back to school and back to our rigid routines of homework, sports, and family life. With that said, I would love to hear what you all have done this summer, or better yet favorite trips from years past!