Day Nine-- Church & Aquarium

Today we started out the day driving to the Unitarian Universalist Church in Norfolk, VA. I went about 15 years ago, but it was the first time for Michael. It was really great. Everyone was so nice, the church wasn't as hot as I thought it would be without a/c and the smoke cleared up by the time we got out.





They had a story for the children and Michael sat up front with about 15 other kids. The woman talked about Hurricane Katrina hitting New Orleans. After the story she asked the kids "So, what was this story about?". The first girl said "helping people". The second girl said "opening up your heart". And then she pointed the mic to Michael. He says "there was a big wind". I swear to God I almost busted out laughing right there. Of course he would talk about the weather.





After the story all the kids went up to the classrooms. The man behind me said "he can go with the others". So, Michael went up- no problem. I REALLY enjoyed the service. The morning message (aka sermon) was read by a man who worked for the ACLU in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. I can't believe there were children in jails left in 4 feet of water. The stories were really horrible. I'm so glad I went. I always have that moment on Sunday mornings where I think "yes, I could use another 2 hours sleep". But, we made it online- even a few minutes early. The people there were great and I look forward to the next church in Norman, OK.

Following church was a quick lunch and then we met up with my best friend from VA Beach and her daughters. We went to the Virginia Aquarium. I've been there about 5 times before, but the kids had a good time. Michael even touched a snake. I couldn't believe it. I was grossed out just taking a picture of it. We also saw sharks, otters, rays, all types of fish, octopus and beavers. If you're ever in Virginia Beach, it's a nice stop.







For dinner we all went for Japanese. It was the first time Michael ever ate in a Japanese restaurant. Don't get too excited- he had grilled chicken. But, he ate their food! They also cut up carrots and watermelon for him. It was a good dinner.

Well, we're doing laundry, working on the blog and waiting for the big thunderstorms here. Tomorrow morning we leave for Eastern VA/TN. We'll be there for a few days. I was in that area back in 1991 when my Grandfather died. There are a lot of things we want to see- so hope I'm able to find everything. Wish us luck. We also have about 8 hrs of driving to get there.

Day Eight-- Virginia Beach

Today Michael and I went to this indoor playground for a few hours. I REALLY wanted to go to the beach or waterpark, but the smoke was too much to be outside. This place worked out well. Michael had other kids to play with. We even made a playdate for tomorrow- the Aquarium!

We made a quick stop at Beach Video- the company I used to work for back in the 90's (goodness I sound so old). It was great to sit and talk with Ken and Tammy. Ken was a big influence on my video shooting and editing styles. We laughed about how picky we were back in the days and how we don't miss videotaping weddings THAT much. Ken's moved on to commercial work and I've been doing more photography.

On our way back to Chesapeake, I took these photos. It was pretty clear in VA Beach and as I drove towards Chesapeake, I could see the sun trying to break through the smoke. It's amazing how the wind shifts and so goes the smoke.

I also got a picture of Michael with Joe & Joanne- our hosts here- and the three dogs. Michael was happy to see the big ones go home today. In the last two days he's seen 5 dogs. Not a big fan- but he is getting MUCH better. Years ago he wouldn't be in the same room with a dog.



Again, thanks for reading our blog- please feel free to leave a comment. Looking forward to tomorrow, our last day in Tidewater.

Day Seven-- Norfolk, VA

Today we drove into Norfolk to visit Nauticus. It's a museum that's a cross between a Navy museum, a science museum and an aquarium. I've never been there before and was pretty impressed. Michael enjoyed it a lot too. After we left the skies opened up and I thought we got hit by a tornado. Seriously. It was a little scary. We pulled over because I couldn't see the cars in front of me. It all came out of no where too. It's funny because I thought we would see fires in California and tornados in Oklahoma-- but Virginia threw us for a loop. It wasn't an official tornado, of course. But, the winds were probably around 60 MPH- along with thunder and lightening.

Anyway, glad to be back at our friend's house in Chesapeake. Tomorrow we plan to go to the oceanfront in Virginia Beach. Meanwhile, here are the pictures from today.

Day Six-- Holy Smoke!

We're still in Chesapeake, VA. Unfortunately there are fires burning to the west of us- so the air is filled with smoke. It smells pretty bad and looks like smog. I actually didn't know there were fires here before arriving. While coming over the bridge I thought it was just fog.

I wanted to do some fun outside things with Michael today- but tried to stay inside as much as possible. We went out to lunch with our good friend/"sister" Eun Hwa. Then we made mexican food with our hosts Joe & Joanne. Michael also went for a quick swim.

Michael kind of enjoyed hanging out with three dogs here- Mia, Angus & Ringo. Mia belongs to Joe & Joanne. They are baby sitting the others. I'll take some pictures tomorrow and put them up.

Thanks everyone for reading our blog. In a few days we're off to Western Virginia/Tennessee!

Day Five-- Chesapeake, VA

We got into Chesapeake around 7:30pm tonight. I lived in this area for about 6 years, so it's a homecoming of sorts. We're staying with our family friends who we have known for about 25 years. I'm pretty tired- will write more tomorrow. But, wanted to post some photos right away.

Many of these are from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge & Tunnel. It's about 22 miles long. It's so beautiful to travel. They actually have a rest stop ON the bridge, in the middle of Chesapeake Bay. It has a store, restaurant and fishing pier. A big cargo ship went by also. Many times you see Navy ships pass, because the largest Navy base in the world, Norfolk, is right next store.

Tomorrow is supposed to be 100*! Wish us luck. Also, there are forrest fires nearby and you can see and smell them. I've never experienced that before and didn't expect this in Virginia. In CA maybe, but not here.

Day Three-- Langhorne, PA

Today was a nice, relaxing day. I slept in and then did some things around the house (laundry, dishes, cut food, etc.) Some of what Michael is eating is regular food (bananas, apples, carrots, cookies) but some of it is special- gluten/casein/soy/nut free. I brought about 15 containers of food (meat & breads). Most of it is in the freezer right now. Once I pull out the food and it defrosts, I cut it into bite size pieces and put in smaller containers. Michael knows just to grab the food out of the fridge when he's hungry. I know the homemade food won't last us the whole trip, but I'm going to try to make it last as long as possible. Thankfully, we've been working for months on Michael eating new foods. In the past, as many of you know, he had bad tactile defensiveness, which means he would gag and throw up from new foods. The last year he has tripled the amount of foods he eats. Well, not so much the amount, but the variety. The trick now is to NOT eat french fries at every meal.

We went to the complex pool from 3pm-6pm. We met a really nice family and Michael enjoyed splashing around with the boys. The Moms are from Poland and it was very interesting to hear about how they vaccinate over there. I'm glad Michael got to spend time with kids. He enjoys it so much.

Tomorrow we're going to a local casino... wish me luck.

Second Day-- Philadelphia, PA

On Sunday we drove in Philly with our cousins Annette and Steve. First we went to the "Please Touch Museum". It's like a science museum for children under 6-8 years old. Michael was probably the oldest kid there, but he had a lot of fun.

The museum is moving to a new building in October, which is great. It was a little run down. On the way there Michael said "I'm going to see new friends at the museum". It's great to see him want to socialize. He played really well with all the kids.

Tomorrow, if the weather is nice, we're going to hang out by the pool. I have a lot of work to do- organizing all of our stuff and printing out maps and directions. One down, 64 days to go! Thanks for sharing this experience with us. We'll be in PA for a few more days.

First Day-- to Langhorne, PA

Saturday began with me getting my car inspected at the last minute. Thanks to the guys at the station for squeezing us in at the last minute. I got scared because I didn't know if you needed an updated inspection to cross the border. My car expired in July- but I won't be back in New York State until mid-August. Anyway, crisis over- we passed the inspection and got our sticker.


12 Noon-- Eastport/South Manor Jr./Sr. High School

Michael and I went to the closing ceremonies for his Little League team. We had the car all packed, except for the frozen and cold stuff. Michael got a trophy and a yearbook- which he won't put down. Here are some photos from the ceremony. The second picture is of Michael and his Grandfather, Marty.





After stopping at the mall and a customers house, Michael and I hit the highway. It was a pretty easy ride, especially considering the traffic going the other way. We were lucky to be going west.


4:14pm-- St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY

Michael and I made a quick stop to my mother's grave. She passed away in January from cancer. We wanted to include her in the trip, especially since she's one of the reasons why we are doing all of this. Life is short and the time is now!


7:15pm-- Langhorne, PA

Gas in New Jersey was about 30 cents cheaper per gallon then New York. So, if you're ever traveling through Jersey, definitely stop to fill up. Not much else happened on Saturday. We're staying with our cousins Steve and Annette. We were here back in April- so it's a familiar place. Plus, Steve and Annette are so helpful- buying us special food.

We're glad to be finally on the road after a year of planning. We'll be back in Langhorne on the way home in August. We're waiting to go to Sesame Place for Michael's birthday on the 27th of August.

Approximate Route

Click on map for larger view



We leave in a few weeks. These are the locations we plan on visiting: (subject to change)

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