For years now, we have vacationed at Lake Winnepausaukee, New Hampshire. We started the very first summer after Tim was born. It is our “go to” place. Full of memories. Full of laughs. Full of traditions. Our children loved doing many of the same things each year. The stop for breakfast at the Tilton Diner on the way up. Lunch at Bobby’s Girl Diner. Getting ice cream at FrankenSundae’s. Going for fried dough at Weir’s Beach. Funspot.ĆĀ Mini golf at Pirate’s Cove.
While the list is long & has changed over the years a bit, one thing remained constant.
These…..
Yes, two twenty five cent bouncy balls that I would get out of the gumball machines. Each year, I would get the kids one each on the way up from the same diner in Tilton. They would decide who got which one (OK, argue over it at times!) & the little balls would keep them busy for a long time. Not only in the car but then at the cottage as they bounced it off the walls & let it ricochet all over.
Last week was vacation. Dan & I stopped at the same diner alone this time. No kids in tow. They were leaving a little later on in the day. We sat remembering the years & the laughs we had in the very place we were eating.
The above picture???? Not taken when my kids were young.
No, it was taken last week as we left the diner. I texted my kids the picture with no words. The picture said it all. Within seconds, they each responded they wanted the grey one & the arguing began. The only difference….they were now 32 & 25 years old!!
And at least the arguing was not in our back seat š
I am linking with Crystal Stine at Behind The Scenes.
What a fantastic, fun tradition to have! And how neat of you to keep it for them and perpetuate it via text. All those memories are going to have a special place in their hearts and yours and will hopefully be passed down even to the next generation of vacationers!
It has passed down as my granddaughter LOVED playing with them! And guess what she learned??/ How to ricochet them off the walls! Now to teach her about the gum machines š
What a great, simple tradition. I love vacations – both ones to familiar places and those to new destinations. I’m mourning the end of summer here (school starts in 2 1/2) weeks, but your story brought some sunshine into the rainy day here in Kentucky. Thanks for sharing it.
It is amazing how quickly the 1st day of school creeps up on us! Thank you for stopping by & enjoy the remaining days of summer!
Memories are so precious and those of today will remain in your heart – Your story is so sweet of the bouncing balls. They are lots of fun! I saw you in a comment on my blog party “Tell Me a Story.”
Hazel –
You are just so sweet & kind. I have enjoyed linking up with you. Memories are truly precious. They not only remain in our hearts, they strengthen our hearts.
Blessings,
Joanne