VA/DE/MD – in Lydia’s words

The kids collaborated on their version of our Spring Break 2025 #Gates50States journey through Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland, and Lydia fulfilled the scribe role admirably.

Friday – arrived at hotel in Virginia after lots of back roads we had Dairy Queen 

Saturday – proceeded to drive down to Monticello & learn all about Thomas Jefferson’s house and activities met Mr Thomas and our father even peed next to him later arrived in Williamsburg and checked into the resort. Went to a show called to hang a pirate learner about trials back in the olden days departed to house

Sunday – colonial Williamsburg learned all about different jobs and trades. Watched a cannon go KABOOM! 🤯. gorged on delectable pasties.  Departed for food, ate mid burgers. Played miniature golf with a smaller child called lil man later returning him to his mother

Monday – went swimming and tennis playing in the early hours of morning (11) later gorged ourselves on bee vomit at the Meadery parental units enjoyed booze mixed with honey

Tuesday – drove to Chincoteague island while we were there went on a walking venture into the unknown seeing wildlife such as ponies and grandfather squirrels later went on a restaurant journey involving many shrimps and grits. Finally to finish the night went on a boat tour of ponies and islands. 

Wednesday – drove up the coast of Delaware and ate at Above The Dunes which did not peek my taste buds interest. Ventured further to Annapolis where we checked into our residence at 16:00 roasted weeniers and mallows then departed for bed after being tired out by prestigious works of art

Thursday – set forth to the Chesapeake bay maritime museum, where we partook in replenishment the oyster population and saw large boats. Partook in eating limoncello food and gorging ourselves on many variants of deserts such as marshmallows and mousse 

Friday – embarked on a long 1/4 mile walk to naval academy’s yard, where we learned about goats and how the academy preps you for the navy. After seeing a nazi in real life went to go get lunch. Glutinous enjoyed milkshakes and diner food before partaking in our journey back home to pack.

Saturday – left for the Hagley associated with DuPont museum learning about different inventions and black powder. Again gorging ourselves in yet more food this time with chicken and waffles drove home only stopping for a short pee and chicken fi let. Begged mother to depart with sheep company.

As you can tell, though she doesn’t always use the words entirely accurately, she does have a big vocabulary. <eyeroll> I hope you enjoyed this version of events.

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from the Gates Family!

Way back, we formed a plan to visit all fifty states with our kids before our oldest finished college. Simply passing through a state wouldn’t count as a visit. Instead, we’d investigate places and themes that make each state unique to the union.

This required choosing age-appropriate states and activities all along the way, and the plan has always been fluid. Our only obligation is to ourselves and our kids (there are no outside rules for this project) and the most difficult part of this project has always been saying, “No,” to so many cool and interesting things in so many states.

The adventures we do plan? Wonderful!

The adventures we’ve stumbled upon without planning? Amazing!

Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own family, or you’ve crossed paths with us and you’re following up with our own brand of craziness, take your time as you peruse the posts. We really hope you enjoy them.

Check out the highlights…