The East Coast is calling to us this summer! Bill's extended family is having a family reunion in Wildwood NJ next week, so we are heading out there! That being said, we aren't a family to sit around, so I have planned for us to do a ton of things! Let's talk about that!

Our adventure will start in Gettysburg! We've never been here and have only heard good things. Some things we will be experiencing include:

• The Spangler Farm in 1863: We will walk near the original farmhouse, summer kitchen and barn, and learn what civilian farm life was like for farmers like George Spangler and his family in the 1860s. We will hear the story of a family and farm in crisis, and how the events of July and August 1863 served as a powerful point of passage for the Spanglers and many others whose lives were forever changed.
• Cyclorama painting of Pickett’s Charge
• The film “A New Birth of Freedom”
• Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War
• Licensed Battlefield Guide car tour

Doesn't that sound amazing? I know we are beyond excited to check out this historical place. My BFF parents recommended the car tour to us, and they last saw it over 20 years ago. It was that good! It was one of the reasons we decided to stop in Gettysburg!

Next, we will head to Wildwood, NJ. Our first fun day will be spent with the Starlight Fleet. We will be taking the kids on a 4 hr deep sea fishing adventure. The kids just got into fishing, so I know this will be right up their alley.

We also plan on spending a day at the hotel enjoying their water park and the ocean.

Our evenings will be spent with family.

We are also going to spend a day at Morey’s Piers:

• Mariner’s Pierbrings your WILD childhood memories back to life with the atmosphere of a traditional seaside amusement park full of classic rides like the Tea Cups, Bumper Cars, Carousel and the Giant Wheel. Swing high in the sky on the new Wave Swinger. You'll also find some of the best games of luck and skill along with Mariner's Arcade, one of the largest arcades in Wildwood! We will also be enjoying some irresistible Boardwalk treats like pretzels, fried Oreos, ice cream and more.
• Raging Waters Water Park will make our hearts race with wet and WILD adventure! Like a shipwreck at the mouth of a mighty river, the park is packed with treasures for the whole family to uncover. With private cabanas and a float-up snack bar serving root beer floats while you float in the River Adventure, you will experience the twists and turns while embarking on this endless expedition of family fun! We may take the whole family over to the activity pool and try out all of the family friendly obstacles. Raging Waters offers two unique kiddie play areas. Discover the water canons Shipwreck Shoals or play boys against girls at Camp KidTastrophe. The three level activity area boasts fun for the whole family with cargo nets, climbing ropes, water guns, water sprays and slides in these interactive children’s play areas.
• On the beach, behind Surfside Pier, lies a tropical island getaway in Ocean Oasis Water Park + Beach Club. Ocean Oasis moves to the beat of its own tropical rhythm. Private cabanas commune around a fire pit forming an atmosphere of tranquility set apart from the most exciting collection of WILD waterslides and play areas at the Jersey Shore. You can take the plunge on the thrilling Cliff Dive slide and drop 5 stories in 3 seconds! Go head to head in a race to the finish line with your family on the newest slide, six-lane WipeOut! Surfs up at Bonsai Beach where kids and parents can enjoy the interactive play area complete with water jets, climbing ropes and slides especially for the little ones. Getting tired? Lie back and enjoy live music as you float through the Lazy River or indulge in a cocktail at the swim up bar. Bring the little kids to Bonsai Beach, a HUGE interactive children's play area complete with water jets, climbing ropes and slides especially for the little ones.

This is just a small taste of all the things to do here! I'm not sure if we can get it all done in a day!

On our way home, we will be heading to Diggerland! Diggerland USA is a construction themed adventure park where children and their families drive, ride, and operate heavy machinery in a safe family-friendly environment. I think Bill and Will are most excited about this trip!

Lastly, we will be spending a day in Philly before we head back to Chicago. Currently, I don't have anything planned so I'd love to hear some of your suggestions!

What do you think about our vacation to the East Coast? Would you like to do any of these things or do you have some of your own suggestions!