“A road trip is a way for the whole family to spend time together and annoy each other in interesting new places.” – Tom Lichtenheld

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” – Dr. Suess

And… they’re off; well, we’re off. The Summer of 2026 Epic Vacation with the Grandchildren is officially underway!

I’m not sure how often I will have the opportunity to post, but I plan to try my best to share at least a little something pretty much every day.

Max donned his fedora just in case but, with David (14), Beks (13) and Geoffrey (5) in the Subaru with us there just isn’t room. So he has been dropped off at his great friend Donna’s house/resort where he will be spoiled and get to play with some of his friends.

This morning we are getting an early start, meeting the children at Raleigh-Durham Airport, then heading over to Dix Park to see if we can find the trolls. From there we aim to head north and into the Shenandoah Valley.

Our goal is to give the children experiences they will always remember. So we are off to see some of the real America: Shenandoah, Gettysburg, Amish Country, the Flight 93 memorial, Pittsburgh, Michigan and the Great Lakes.

Stay tuned – this is going to be a hoot! – DEREK