Nantucket

It's been years since I've been to Nantucket.  When Bumpa made the announcement that this is where we'd be going for our annual Meyer gathering, I wasn't sure what to think.  It seemed like it would be a hassle to get there and I wondered if the expense of bringing cars and everything over there would be worth it.......... Well, John and I both concur that our week in Nantucket was the most relaxing and refreshing vacation that we've been on since having kids.  The island has maintained so much of it's beauty, has amazing beaches, and we couldn't have asked for better weather and company!

 

As luck would have it, when we made our car reservations on January 15th (the first day the reservation website opens for the year), we got on the 7:15am ferry out of Hyannis.  Jamey and Paula were kind enough to let us crash in their garage guest room, so we only had to wake up at 5am to make the ferry.  

 But, it was a gorgeous day and my high school buddies, Stephen and Andrea Matthews and their lovely sons (age 6 and 9) were on the ferry with us. 

And it was a gorgeous day, so we were happy to get to spend the day at the beach.  But first we had to pick up sandwiches at my favorite sandwich place, Something Natural-- right around the corner from where I lived 22 years ago?!?!?

We had a great morning at Cisco beach and then loaded the kids in the chariot for an afternoon nap/bike ride before checking into the rental house in Siasconset.

The rest of the crew arrived after dinner, so we were happy to get settled and to bed after such a long day.  As soon as Hazey and Cal saw Grandma the next morning, they had her do their nails-- as she always does.  It's become somewhat of a ritual.

The kids were so happy to be together with their cousins.  And they LOVED wave crashing and digging and searching for critters at the beach.

 Over 50 years ago, these two ladies became great friends at Skidmore College.  Nancy introduced us to Nantucket many years ago and we spent many beach days with her family as we grew up. 

Nancy was also staying in Siasconset with two of her children and was kind enough to show us their favorite beach on the island.

 

Our mornings were spent at the beach, playing in the surf, combing the beach, and relaxing with everyone.  Then we returned home for lunch and the biggest treat of all:  a daily babysitter from 1-4pm?!?!?!  I think everyone appreciated the break, but this was the most amazing treat for John and me.  Everyday we had a relaxing adult lunch on the lawn and either biked, body surfed, played tennis, or ran.  The kids loved the sitters and having time together and no one had to feel guilty about wanting to have some adult time.

And one of the days, the babysitter stayed until 10pm so the adults could go on a "date" at Cru.  It was so great to eat delicious food in a beautiful setting.

The setting of the rental house was amazing..... ocean views and a vast yard for playing:

The living room was perfect for cocktails and conversation.

 

And who can resist an ice cream cone every now and again.

On our final night together, we brought the kids to Jetties beach for dinner out and that was fun in an entirely different kind of way.

 

 A trip to Nantucket wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Whaling Museum--

 

Thank you Grandma and Bumpa.  As you can see, had such a great time in Nantucket.  Sure the kitchen was small, there were a few insect outbreaks, and Hazen was louder than he should have been when sharing a roof with 12 other people, but those details will fade quickly and the great memories that Cally and Hazen shared with their cousins will last a long, long time.  We are so lucky to be able to gather as a family annually.  John and I drove home with a sense of calm that we hadn't felt in a while.  Sure, that faded just as soon as we re-entered our real world, but we can't tell you how much we appreciated being away from it all for a week.