Winding our way along Beach Road to the Vineyard Haven ferry it hit me. Our annual summer vacation on Martha's Vineyard was over. We spent the first half of the day powering through the dreaded packing and cleaning that bookmarks the end of every vacation. But after our last Giordanno's coconut battered shrimp, pasta and pizza hurrah, we loaded our sated, sun kissed bodies into the car and made our way up island, leaving the summer behind.
Those of us who have braved family vacations and lived to tell know it's not always the relaxing, blissful experience we hope for. Often loaded with long restaurant lines, screams from over-sugared little bodies who've saving their tantrums for the most crowded venues, and thinning patience from hungry, exhausted parents trying desperately to keep it together. But now that the boys are older we seem to be able to tackle these vacation assaults head on. For the first time, we were stronger as a team than as individuals and were able to weave in some of those relaxing, recharging moments that all families crave. We were a team of vacation super heroes, each using our unique super powers to achieve the ultimate goal of vacation nirvana.
And so, without further ado, I proudly present to you the Vacationeers.
The Crusher (aka Max)
This self proclaimed "crusher of anything" gains strength from a secret recipe known to only a select few. To ensure the safety of humankind all ingredients cannot be revealed. Let’s just say that a daily dose of chocolate soy milk, a dollop of Rabbids Invasion, a sprinkle of Gravity Falls and a dash of Minecraft make up a small portion of this powerful potion. The Crusher is a fierce competitor, almost bringing down the house Monopoly champ, Sir Daddy-o, in a grueling 2-hour battle. He also holds the title for most seagulls chased
Those of us who have braved family vacations and lived to tell know it's not always the relaxing, blissful experience we hope for. Often loaded with long restaurant lines, screams from over-sugared little bodies who've saving their tantrums for the most crowded venues, and thinning patience from hungry, exhausted parents trying desperately to keep it together. But now that the boys are older we seem to be able to tackle these vacation assaults head on. For the first time, we were stronger as a team than as individuals and were able to weave in some of those relaxing, recharging moments that all families crave. We were a team of vacation super heroes, each using our unique super powers to achieve the ultimate goal of vacation nirvana.
And so, without further ado, I proudly present to you the Vacationeers.
The Crusher (aka Max)
This self proclaimed "crusher of anything" gains strength from a secret recipe known to only a select few. To ensure the safety of humankind all ingredients cannot be revealed. Let’s just say that a daily dose of chocolate soy milk, a dollop of Rabbids Invasion, a sprinkle of Gravity Falls and a dash of Minecraft make up a small portion of this powerful potion. The Crusher is a fierce competitor, almost bringing down the house Monopoly champ, Sir Daddy-o, in a grueling 2-hour battle. He also holds the title for most seagulls chased
Aqua
Boy (aka Charles)
Able to withstand a Long Point 2-wave hold down, come up laughing and head back
into the breakers for more. He communes
with animals of land and sea. From body
surfing with seals to befriending any dog that crosses his path and even
communicating daily with his pet Guinea Pig via FaceTime (thanks to
Grandma). In addition to his love of animals, he’s also
a born entertainer. Always ready to
bust-a-move or belt out the latest Imagine Dragons hit on demand.
Sir
Daddy-o (aka Jeff)
This
long-time Monopoly champ is also the house storyteller, providing much needed
entertainment and laughs for the insatiable Crusher and Aqua Boy. Topping last year’s series, “The Foot”, Sir
Daddy-o introduced the boys to the adventures of his new character "Garry the Gallbladder." His performances are only delivered while swimming, floating or
paddling in oceans, bays or ponds. Sir
Daddy-o is THE master of suspense.
The
Anterminator (aka Jen)
There is no bug too small, too buzzy or too jumpy that is a match for this “Lady of the Flies.” A squirt here, a swat there, a quick swipe and toss. All executed with swift precision and confidence. From giant spiders and grasshoppers the size of golf balls to hoards of minute sugar ants swarming the kitchen sink, The Anterminator never gives up. She gets her power from the collective energy of Crusher snuggles, Aqua Boy hugs and Sir Daddy-o kisses.
There is no bug too small, too buzzy or too jumpy that is a match for this “Lady of the Flies.” A squirt here, a swat there, a quick swipe and toss. All executed with swift precision and confidence. From giant spiders and grasshoppers the size of golf balls to hoards of minute sugar ants swarming the kitchen sink, The Anterminator never gives up. She gets her power from the collective energy of Crusher snuggles, Aqua Boy hugs and Sir Daddy-o kisses.
