Spots of Time

Home sweet home!

Even though we loved our recent trip to Bahamian paradise, we were also excited to get back home and get through these last few weeks of crazy so we can enjoy our summer.  We flew in to Westchester airport and made the drive home in the late afternoon .  The leaves had just started to come out on the trees when we left for our trip, but by the time we got back everything was in full foliage.  The drive home was so beautiful.  I couldn't wait to get home and check on the status of our Rhododendron bushes. 

I was not disappointed.

Spring has arrived in full force, and summer is quickly on its heels.

Let the lazy lay-in-the-hammock sunny afternoons begin!

Bahama Mama

After a crazy busy and stressful past couple of months, we decided to fly down to the Bahamas for a relaxing Mother's day weekend. 

 
5 days in paradise with nothing to do besides hang out on the beach or relax in the pool.  Oh, yes this mama was happy.

The four of us stayed at the Reef Atlantis, where all of our meals were cooked in-room by this super hunky chef.  Dee-licious!

We spent one morning playing with the local dolphins.

     
Pucker up baby!

And spent many an afternoon running wild in the water park.

Where we swam with the sharks,

And satisfied our adrenaline crave

      

on a water slide that is so steep you can't even look over the edge and see where you are going before you push yourself off.  Weeeeee...

We survived.  And then went back for more...

We left plenty of time for exploring the Caribbean, which felt luxuriously warm.

And checked out the local tide pools.

We did find a couple of things to do that didn't require bathing suits.

I am still dreaming about that pina colada...

I think this just might have been the most relaxing five days I've ever had.  While this was nothing like our typical vacation (which I tell KR are really more appropriately called "adventures") it was a wonderful break from the daily crazies.

One thing is for sure, this is a bit different than my usual Mother's Day breakfast in bed.  I think KR might have set the bar a little high on this one.

Tearing up the field

I think she's starting to get the hang of this. 

Feels Like Coming Home

After several months of winter(ish) weather we were blessed with a beautiful 83 degree day right in the middle of spring break.  It was the perfect start for what we hope will be a long, plentiful beach season. 

The girls say they dream about this little dune lined walkway during the colder months of the year.

Hello beautiful.

Crabbing at low tide.  The girls have spent many summers perfecting this skill.  Time to start saving our old lunch meat again...

Last year a tropical storm blew through and decimated our little beach.  Now it seems like the sand is deeper and softer than ever.  Makes it harder for gear-hauling but much better for lounging and relaxing.

Here's to hoping this is the first of many happy beach days in 2012.  We missed our best beach friends dearly today (they just shipped off and moved to Colorado), this summer will be our first without them.  We are all trying not to be sad...

Our Budding Writer

MJ recently entered an essay contest sponsered by the NE Patriots open to all New England middle schoolers and high schoolers. She wrote a moving essay that focused on both the example of Maya Angelou and her grandmother (my Mom). First, she won her elementary school competition, then she was selected as one of the 25 finalists from around New England to come to patriot place for a reception.

We were very proud.

She even got to meet a couple of former Patriots players (I had camera issues and didn't get one of her shaking their hands). Very exciting.

After the reception I had to take off for a meeting. She and KR spent the rest of the afternoon exploring patriot place.

Did I mention she got out of school for a day to attend this event. Sweet!

As the designated corner kicker/goal kicker on her soccer team MJ has spent a lot of time developing her power kick. This guy was surprised to see a little girl in a skirt boot the ball with such force. Yes, she's got writing skills and foot skills.