An Island Retreat

On Monday morning, right around nap time, my friend Sarah and I loaded our little guys into the car and set off for an adventure.  When traveling with toddlers, it is all about planning, and I have to say, we pulled it off like two pros.  As the boys slept soundly, we drove to Cape Cod and caught the ferry to Martha's Vineyard.  It was the loveliest two-day escape imaginable.

I love visiting popular summer destinations during the off-season.  We had gorgeous, warm fall weather, and there were no crowds to contend with.  When we arrived, we immediately set off for the beach, where my little beach bum knew exactly what to do.  I was surprised that he didn't make a beeline for the water, but he seemed to know that there was just enough chill in the air to stay clear of the water.

After our beach break, we Chilmark's working docks to pick up fish for dinner.  There were some gorgeous cod fillets that ended up catching our eye, though the boys were mesmerized by the lobsters wiggling and clawing in their tanks.

 

 

 With the sun quickly making its decent, we headed 'home.'  It was the coziest of cottages- an old barn, lovingly refurbished by Sarah's father.  More importantly, there was an amazing playroom, and the boys enjoyed many hours playing with the trains, blocks and dinosaurs.  There is something about other kids toys...so much better than your own.

Once the boys had been fed and put to bed, the serious cooking began.  We baked the cod with lemon and fresh herbs, roasted potatoes, tossed a large salad, warmed the butternut squash soup, caramelized pears with honey and made some delicious kale (which had survived the frost) and brussel sprouts.

 The next morning, bright and early, we walked across the street for breakfast sandwiches and coffee, then spent the morning back at the beach, and touring a few farms.  The wooly sheep, awaiting their sheering, captured my full attention.

 

After the boys afternoon nap, we headed into town, poking into a few shops before we had to get on the ferry.  We were all exhausted by the time we arrived home late last night- fresh air and an incredible adventure will do that to you!