When Emmet's best friend, Pat, called in January and asked us if we wanted to go in on a house in Nantucket, we saw it as a once in a lifetime opportunity to take the girls out there and make some memories. The trip was incredible, full of family time at the beach, lots of laughs with the Simsbury crew, and the perfect home to house it all with scenic views from every window and plenty of bathrooms. The added bonus was the bunny filled yard and playscape which were perfect for getting out excess energy. With 6 kids under 4, we all knew it would be crazy, but parenting was much more fun in a commune in paradise.
The 2 and a half hour ferry ride felt long, with 5 kids ready for a nap and ready to run, and little space for them to play without ending up overboard. But as parents determined to get to the island, the Safinos and Emmet had some beers and we made it though with endless stroller rides around the deck and lots of snacks.
Not far down the road from our house in Quidnet was a pond beach, which was very family friendly with no waves, and ocean access through the dunes. It was a perfect place to camp out and get wet.
Emmet and I were determined to drive around and explore the island in its entirety, which worked out well considering Cora napped much better on this vacation in her car seat than in her crib. One morning we drove out to Madaket Beach and although it was windy, had a great seashell collecting walk and some neat seal sightings with the girls. Emmet had his flip flops stolen, unfortunately, right out of the dunes, which is a story Keeley is still telling. Oh well, small price to pay for a sweet beach trip.
Mealtimes were hilarious- we purposely fed all the children separately, like cattle, up on this island at 5:00 everyday, and then cooked for each other later in the evening when the kids were asleep. I realized that our girls definitely eat like birds compared to their Safino and Heagney buddies.
On Wednesday, the guys got the unique opportunity to play at Nantucket Golf Club, which Emmet talked about for weeks prior. The ladies opted for a nice lunch the next day and some shopping.
During the golf outing, Abbey, Emily and I took the kids to the Aquarium, which was small, but exciting for the kids to see, nonetheless.
Emmet and I got out early one morning to take the girls on a "cliff walk" in Sciaconset, which was actually a stroll through the backyards of some of the most quaint and beautiful seaside cottages on Nantucket. One flower box was prettier than the next.
Our favorite afternoon hangout had to have been Cisco Brewery, where they offered live music, push toys for the kids, and beer and food trucks to keep the adults content.
Our favorite night out was hands down dinner at "The Galley Beach Bar" where we ate like kings and queens and watched a post card worthy sunset on the beach. Emily's parents deserve an award for babysitting all the kids so we could all hang out like old times. I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss enjoying a few cocktails and glasses of wine that night, but I think Baby 3 will be well worth it :)
On the last day, we all went Northwest to Dionis beach, where we were able to hang out and enjoy the open ocean and sun amidst some breathtaking scenery.
Three cheers for Emmet's buddies, Lucas and Doug, who did not have kids and played with ours all week. Lucas, a private chef who lives on island, was kind enough to cook dinner for the gang at our house one night. Doug, who fearlessly stayed in the house with the three families, put up with early wake ups and organized chaos that only infants and toddlers can bring. The girls are still asking for "Uncle Doug" to come over and watch "Doc McStuffins" with them.
I think what Keeley and Cora will remember most about Nantucket is "6 sleepovers with Maeve, Harrison, Owen, and Finn." I'm pretty proud of all of the adults- we've come a long way from drinking until 4am and sleeping the entire next day away on the couch ( or have we?). We were a good team- taking turns corralling these little people, placating tantrums, and putting them to sleep at various times throughout the day, and we all lived to tell the tale without having many tantrums ourselves. All in all, I'd say this "tow head mafia" is turning out pretty cute, despite their crazy parents.
I don't think we'll be able to afford a Nantucket getaway every year, but until next time, we'll always have these images in our back pocket for a rainy day. Very grateful for such a special opportunity, and such awesome friends to share it with.
