Father's Day

For the last few years, we have had the tradition of making Father's Day weekend our first camping trip of the season. Well, this year, we were anxious to try out our new camper, so we made our first trip Memorial Day weekend. We had our traditional trip planned for Father's Day weekend, however Mother Nature had other plans. Really, really wet plans. Since it was my weekend, I made the call that spending two days trying to find non-camping activities to keep the kids occupied, while sitting around a muddy campground, would not make for an enjoyable Father's Day. So we canceled the camping weekend, and headed out on a road trip to Howe Caverns instead.

I had been to Howe Caverns once, several years ago, but Donna and the kids weren't sure what they were headed for. It was raining, but that does not matter much when your plans are located 160ft underground. The 80min tour was terrific. We walked through amazing caverns over very well laid out brick walkways. The guide offered us great historical and geologic info on the cavern as we walked along, and part of the tour was even by boat, down the underground river. All very cool. And I mean that literally. It is 52 degrees in the caverns, everyday of the year.

Once we were back topside, and all thoroughly amazed at what we had just experienced, Gavin and Isabelle tried their hands at prospecting for some gems before we headed out to the hotel we had booked in Albany.
The hotel was great. One bedroom suite, with plenty of space for all of us, and a heated pool that we had all to ourselves both times that we used it. We ordered dinner up to the room, and Queen Isabelle took right to living the good life. The setup seems rather familiar. I am thinking she has been learning from Donna.
After dinner, Gavin made himself comfortable infront of the TV, before turning in.

Sunday morning, we celebrated Father's Day in the room. Donna, and the kids had brought my gifts with them, so we could celebrate first thing like we always do. They even snuck in the Red Sox camp-chair they had bought me. After some great gifts (including a cool home made hat), we made another trip to the pool before packing up for home.
Even though we broke from tradition, it was a great weekend filled with family time underground, in the pool, and in the car. Perfect Father's Day in my book. Thanks family!