The family is slowly rising this morning. We had quite an adventure just trying to find a place to eat and to get into a hotel. It created a lot of tense nerves and short tempers following a very long drive.

We did make it to Springfield MA before stopping, though. That's quite an accomplishment, I think. Only 90 minutes to Boston University from here.

What's up with all the McDonalds in this area? I don't think I've ever seen so many stacked into one place. It appeared to us to be one of our only quick food options last night. Blech. Fortunately we found a Friendlys and ate there instead. McDs doesn't offer 'any' options for this food allergy sufferer.

Back on the road after the hotel breakfast. Next stop: check-in/registration for my daughter. Then lunch and we turn around to head back home again.

What a whirlwind trip this is!