The Farr Family Big Fat Greek Vacation June 25th to July 15th, 2017

Athens

June 25^th

We flew out of Newark airport on Emirates Airlines direct to Athens, Greece.  It was our first time flying on Emirates Air Business Class.  It was very nice we had a great meal a few glasses of wine and a bit of sleep…. some breakfast and we were there….A little over 9hrs. flight….We arrived into Athens new airport…well it is new since we were last here in 1992….

June 26^th

We arrived into Athens and a driver picked us up and took us to our hotel the Electra Palace located right near the Plaka.  We had 3 rooms. One room was a suite with a sitting area, bedroom and bathroom.  The girls had a room that was adjoining to ours and the boys had a separate room a few doors down from ours.  It turned out to be a good set up for us.  The Electra Palace was a lovely hotel. During our first day, there we used the pool which was on the roof and it had a wonderful view of the Acropolis.  We walked to dinner that night it was about a 20min walk and had dinner at Papadakis.  We had a wonderful dinner everyone had some type of seafood, it was a pretty location.  We walked back to our hotel after dinner and a few of us went up to the pool on the roof to see how beautiful the lit-up Acropolis looked at night!!!!

The Acropolis at night 

View from our hotel

June 27^th

Today was going to be a full day, we all got a good night’s sleep and were ready to go we had a full day private tour of most of the main sights in Athens.  Our driver George picked us up at 8am and we set out for the Acropolis. We climbed up Filopappos Hill to The Acropolis. It is quite an amazing sight…and the views of Athens from the hill were spectacular!!! When Paul and I were here 25yrs ago the Acropolis museum was open on the hill however, now they have a new museum and we would be traveling to see that later in the day…. It was pretty hot, so we made our way down the hill and back to the van where George took us to our next destinations… We ended up seeing the changing of the guards at the tomb of the unknown soldier & Ancient Agora.  We then stopped for a much-needed rest and some lunch.  We ate at a little taverna and had a wonderful lunch of grilled chicken the most awesome potatoes and again a beautiful Greek salad.  We were all getting tired (jet lag was setting in) but we made one last stop at the new Acropolis museum which was stunning!!!

That night it was just Paul, Caleb, Jacob and I going to dinner (the girls were watching Noah and getting room service).  Caleb picked tonight restaurant the Funky Gourmet.  This was one of those crazy expensive innovative multi coarse experience restaurants!!! I was a bit skeptical but really enjoyed it…

The kids at the Parthenon

View of Athens

Noah at the New Athens Museum

 Just a few of the courses we had at the Funky Gourmet....

June 28^th

Today we had a laid-back day…we walked around the Plaka and had lunch…we also went to the pool and hung out…the pool is small and it was packed especially since it is so hot!!!!

We had to take 2 taxis to dinner tonight…The ride to dinner was nice….it took us thru Athens to what we would call the suburbs…there were actual freestanding houses with yards and parks…it was nice…We arrived at Eleas Gi Restaurant to quite a stunning view, it was located up on a hill top in a very green area overlooking the mountains…. Dinner was wonderful!!! Again, we ordered too much food….and the waiters brought out dessert on the house and pretty much made us eat it…Once again full and tired back to the hotel to sleep….

Me chilling at the pool

June 29^th

Today we had a half day tour with George about an hour drive down the coast to Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon.   It was a stunning sight!!! The Temple was in really decent shape and the marble was very white.  After our tour, we drove back to our hotel did some swimming and walking around the Plaka before dinner.  On our last night in Athens we had dinner at Dionysos Zonar’s.  The view of the Acropolis was nice the dinner was just ok, guess that’s what ends up when you eat at a touristy place. Today, was our last day in Athens, tomorrow he catch our flight to Crete. 

Here are some of my take aways from our Athens visit….

I have to say Athens was the city I was least looking forward to visiting…however, I left very happy we were able to spend time there…The city was very clean, safe, the people were friendly and there was very little pollution as that was a problem I remembered from last time… It was very special to be able to visit some of the same monuments that Paul and I took 25yrs. ago now with our kids!!!!

Waila Hawaii 201r

Hawaii Aug. 2015


Took the long trip to Maui.....this is our 2nd time to Maui last June we stayed in the Kanapali area at the Montage and this year we are staying in the Walia area.....We were actually going to go to Croatia but believe it or not couldn't get flights....Long story short glad we are in Hawaii...
Took the long 10 hr. flight from Newark to Honolulu then the short flight from Honolulu to Maui...pretty overall a uneventful trip except for the snorkel gear mishap!!! We have been flying carry on only for the past few years...and for a reason!!! Paul decided to bring the snorkel gear and I knew it was in to big of a bag for carry on....but no he said it would be ok...well guess what??? We ended up checking the snorkel bag and since we did that one we decided to check the rest....so instead of going right to our inter island flight when we landed in Honolulu we had to go to baggage claim to get our bags before hiking what seemed like 1/2 way across HI to get to our next flight....
Guess what bag never showed up??? all the bags showed up EXCEPT the snorkel gear bag!!!! so by the time we go to file a claim about our lost bag we missed our flight to Maui.....thankfully there are frequent flights so we hopped on the next one...
We arrived at our villa unfortunately it was dark outside so we didn't get to see much....but the villa was beautiful!!!VERY well done and well stocked...Jerry and Dea were already here...Everyone was exhausted so Dea made hot dogs and pizza and Paul and I went out....We went to Migrant had a very good dinner and came back for some much needed sleep.....
   I was up at 5am before the sun came up.....it is always hard coming this far west it takes me 3 days or so to get adjusted to the 6 hr. time change...but I was up having coffee when the sun came up and it was spectacular!!!! Once the sun was up I was better able to take in our surroundings...The villa grounds were beautiful...so many flowers a nice lanai and pool....and we were right on the water.
It wasn't a sandy beach very rocky and really to rough to swim in but we soon found out it was the home to a bunch of sea turtles!!!!

And for me it is all about the sunsets....this is our first night sunset!!!

Second Day
We could see a really nice big sandy beach from our villa so we loaded up the gear and the kids and took the 5 min. drive to the beach....it was a nice beach pretty big but had some rocks swam did some snorkeling...got the car full of sand!!! that is the bad part...always having to shlep the kids and gear to a beach....we are so spoiled when we stay at Seven Stars in Turks!!!! That night we ate at Monkeypod...had a really nice dinner but it was super busy and you could tell they were trying to turn tables!!!!

Third Day
Spent most of the day at the villa swimming hanging out....I took Caleb and Lily to the shopping area where we took a pretty long walk along the ocean and checked out some of the resorts down there...then we did some shopping...Dinner that night was at our villa....early to bed as the jet lag is starting to wear off....


Fourth Day
Paul and I had a spa day at the Fairmont Spa....had the AWE experience!!!! very nice 1 1/2 hrs. feeling really good after that!!!! Caleb was golfing so we sat at the bar at the golf coarse had a few drinks and appetizers waiting for him to get done....Kids hung out with Grandma and Grandpa for the day swimming and such at the villa....We all went to Migrant that night for dinner....had another great sunset!!!

Kapalua Hawaii June 2014

It was alot of work getting everyone ready for this vacation....not only did I have to get us ready...the front yard was in major demo mode as we are re doing our landscaping...and the house had to picture perfect so Chuck could photograph the house while we were gone....

We got picked up at 10:30am on Friday, June 27th...

We arrive to PHL and waiting for our flight in the US Airways lounge....

We had 7 first class seats...took up most of first!!!

After a very long 5 hour flight we arrived into LA...we had a 2hr. layover and then jumped on another 5hr. flight to Honolulu....VERY tired of flying...we arrived into Honolulu around 9:30pm...hired a shuttle to take us to our Embassy Suites hotel, Paul ran out and got a pizza and everyone crashed!!!

Saturday, June 28th

I woke up way to early!!! but that is the joy of traveling West....we got everyone going and went to breakfast...needless to say it was very busy....we fed the kids and off to the airport we went...

We had a short 30min. flight to Maui....We FINALLY arrived!!!! sick and tired of flying!!!!

  

View from the lobby at check in!!!

We rec'd lei's went to our room and got our suits on!!

We spent the rest of the day at the pool then off to take a nap....still trying to adjust to the time change..

We ate dinner at the hotel, Cane and Canoe restaurant...I had the pork shank and it was Wonderful!!!

Sunday, June 28th

Got up early....still adjusting to the time change...but had a much needed good nights sleep!!!

I went for a walk....wasn't sure where I was going but I followed the ocean path until it stopped then walked awhile along the road...all in all took a 2mile walk.

Got everyone ready and we stopped to feed the Koi fish before heading to breakfast...

After breakfast Paul and I drove to the store to stock up on a few groceries....always nice to have some snacks for the kids....

We also stopped at the Whaler Village to check out Kelly and Cory's stomping grounds..this is where they stay when they come here...we did a little more shopping, I got a really cute vintage swim suit from Maggie Coulombe...

Got back spent the rest of the day at the pool!!!

Had a great dinner at Koa's Seaside Grill terrific view of the sunset!!!

Monday, June 30th

Had a good nights sleep actually slept until 7:30am...I think we are all finally starting to adjust..

Took the kids to feed the fish (this has become a morning ritual) then off to breakfast...

We decided to take the kids to visit the Maui Ocean Center...

Had a great time checking out all the fish...most of which can only be found in the Hawiian Islands.

After the aquarium...we hit the beach..our hotel had chairs and umbrellas set up for us...Paul and the kids did some snorkeling...the reef was right off the beach and they were succesful seeing many fish some of which we just saw a the aquarium...they also saw some sea turtles!!!

We went from the beach to the pool...Noah was so tired!!! we swam for awhile then took him back to the room to lay him down before dinner...He finally fell asleep around 7pm...Jade offered to stay with him while the rest of us went to dinner at Merrimans...it was located a short distance from our hotel...but the hotel staff offered to drive us down there on a golf cart...the kids enjoyed that!!!

Again another beautiful sunset and view!!! Great food...

Headed back to the hotel...Noah was still asleep and ended up sleeping a full 12hrs...guess he needed it!!

Tuesday, July 1st

Happy Birthday Sean Michael!!!

I get the head to the spa today to have a pedicure!!! I didn't have time to get one before I left PA...

I had a great day!!! We all went to the pool and hung out...Paul took Noah up for a early nap and Caleb, Jacob and Lily took a shuttle to DT Fleming beach....For awhile it was just Jade and I at the pool...well she pretty much just slept!!!

 It was a very peaceful time for ME!!!!

After the pool I went back to the room and actually watched a movie!!! Haven't done that in a LONG time...

 Paul and I had dinner reservations for Mama's Fish House tonight...because of the distance we hired a driver to take us as well as a sitter to stay with the kids...

We had a nice time however, I am not sure Mama's has been my favorite restraunt so far...

Wednesday, July 2nd

Spent most of the day at the pool....then drove over to the Whaler do do a little shopping before dinner at leilanis....Great dinner!!! Beautiful sunset!!!

Thursday, July 3rd

It was pretty much just Lily Noah and I today....Paul, Caleb, Jade & Jacob went on a helicopter tour of the island today then after that stopped at Whole Foods to pick up dinner....quiet day & night tonight!!!

So much to catch up on!!!!

Since I last posted so much to catch up on.....all I need is TIME!!!!!

Interesting couple of days...

We finally got home....Power went out at 12:00ish pm on Saturday....we just got home and have power tonight.... Caleb told me "Mom I can't sleep with my sister one more night"...love...

October 19th 2011......Love Day!!!!

I have so been trying to get back here.......I have just been crazy busy.....needless to say!!!
Since I last posted I have yet another kid.....Noah Hutson Farr....our angel the child we never were supposed to have....Life has been awesome, crazy, busy.....but we are loving it....therefore all the more to write and talk about....so tonight on my 15th wedding anniversary to my wonderful husband I am finally finding the time to start posting again.....yes, he is out of town and missing all the fun!!!
The main reason I want to get back to this is to document all the fun!! All the kiddo's are doing great....I have nothing to complain about....Life is good...the kids are wonderful!!! it doesn't suck....
We will get back to this soon.......I promise!!!!

Summer is going Fast!!!!

Summer is going fast!!! Jacob continues to do very well… He is speaking more and more English everyday and he understands pretty much all we say. Communication with him has really not been a problem. I can tell he becomes more and more comfortable every day. Caleb, Jade, Jacob and Lily continue to act like full fledged siblings and fight one minute then love each other the next.


After school let out the beginning of June we had some company. My Mom came out for about 10 days. Then my nephews Sean 15 and Dylan 12 came out as well as my sister Kelly and brother in law Cory. Jacob enjoyed meeting his new family members. We had a great time with family hanging out in the pool and going to Dorney Park. Jacob and the kids spend their days swimming and playing. Keeping all the kids busy is a full-time job!!! Jacob and Jade attended a wilderness camp for a week in June. They really seemed to like it. They spent the week tubing on the river, looking for creatures in the woods and water, making crafts and taking hikes.

In July we took the kids on vacation to Maine. We drove which wasn’t that bad a total of 7 hrs. We drove the first 3hrs. and spent the night in MA then drove the rest of the way the next day. We stayed at a beautiful resort that was right on the ocean. It was Jacob’s first time seeing the ocean. Jacob enjoyed the ocean (however, it was COLD) and the sand. We spent the week swimming, playing in the sand and eating. We pretty much ate lobster everyday!!! One late afternoon we took the kids on a lobster boat excursion. The kids baited the traps, pulled in the cages, measured the lobsters and banded the pinchers. They had a ball!!! They all got right in there and were not afraid of getting dirty!!! After the day was over we took 6 of the lobsters to the restaurant next store and they cooked them for us for dinner. The highlight of our trip was getting to meet Braydon and his family. Braydon and Jacob were roommates in the Beijing orphanage. Braydon’s Mom and I have been in touch since we got home from China. Braydon who is 8yrs. was adopted a year ago in July. It was a HUGE coincidence that Braydon’s family and ours would be in Maine on vacation at the same time staying only 40 min. apart. Braydon and his family drove down to our resort to meet with us. We spent the day swimming and had a nice lunch together. I am sure the boys were glad to see each other however, you wouldn’t know it. They acted like typical boys and just wanted to wrestle the whole time. I kept telling Jacob that someday he will be glad that he has a good friend from Beijing, Maria and I will continue to keep in touch, skype and will get the boys together again in the future. We left Maine and drove to RI where Paul had a conference. While Paul attended meetings the kids and I enjoyed the pool. One night Paul and I attended a formal dinner at one of the famous mansions and enjoyed a night out without children. After 2 nights in RI we headed for home. What a drive….the drive from RI to PA ended up being 6 1/2hrs. we got stuck in bad traffic while going thru NY. Wouldn’t you know it we were stuck in dead stopped traffic and Jacob got car sick and puked all over the backseat. After traffic let up we could finally stop at a rest stop to try to clean up the mess…however, we ended up driving the last 2 ½ hrs. with the windows rolled down because of the bad smell….Looks like the first and last Farr Family Road Trip!!!!

We will continue to have a busy summer!!!! This week we have multiple sleepovers planned, a trip to Dorney Park and Color Me Mine….Then Saturday the Birthday Party!!! I am having a pool party to celebrate Caleb and Jacob’s birthdays. There will be swimming and lunch…Hopefully the weather will cooperate. Next week all 4 kids are going to camp…yes, 9-3pm Monday thru Friday!!! Yes, Mom needs a break!!! And I need some time to get something done around the house…Thru out summer we have more visitors coming and the kids and I are going to make a quick trip to WI to visit family. Jacob has multiple doctors visits scheduled as well….

Good news!!! Jacob went for school testing yesterday and did very well!!! He is going to be put in 3rd grade next year….Caleb will be in 6th, Jade and Jacob in 3rd (different classes) and Lily in 1st grade…Paul and I are really happy with Jacobs progress so far…he continues to get more comfortable calling us Mom and Dad and doesn’t fight off our kisses anymore….

It has been a fun summer so far….