Getting BETTER by the minute!!

Summer truly was in FULL SWING last week. I can't really take credit for the idea -- really, Harry is to blame. An OPEN invitation was sent out to some folks from Little Ferry. The goal was to get together with old friends, catch up, swap the latest gossip, meet in a fun place, and give the kids a chance to play.

While the weather was quite HOT -- it didn't keep the kids from riding bikes and playing on the playground. Many geese got a work-out too!! Snacks were shared . . . as well as good ole PB & J sandwiches. While we "Moms" didn't leave the picnic table (too busy yackin') -- the "Dads" managed to do laps around the lake jogging or biking. Quite frankly, I don't know how Jeff managed that jog in that heat!! Lap two was done with the aid of Bob's bike.

We hope to do it again -- perhaps the weather will be a little more forgiving.

Best Summer EVER -- and a SECOND HONEYMOON TOO!!!

Well, there was absolutely NOTHING holding us back -- Bob's schedule fell into place nicely. We didn't need passports to sail into Canada. Grandma was more than willing to watch Colleen and R.J. so we could take a SECOND HONEYMOON.

Our Carnival Cruise ship sailed out of New York. We were fortunate enough to get an e-mail the day before encouraging us to take advantage of pre-boarding. Bob literally walked in the door from work Saturday morning at 8:30. Cousin Rosie picked us up and had us at the port by 9:15. We were done "checking in" by 9:30 and hanging out in chairs waiting to board the boat. By 11 a.m. the previous passengers had disembarked and we were allowed on the boat! We didn't set sail until 5:00, but hey -- so what? Waiting to set sail on the Lido Deck is truly my first choice anyway!!

We had a full day at sea before our first port: St. John's. The weather wasn't truly cooperative, but that was okay. We made the most of it -- went ashore, shopped in the market, went to the mall, got Colleen the stuffed moose she wanted and took a couple of photos along the way.

Usually when we cruise, we don't eat in the Dining Room. With kids in tow it's just easier to eat at one of the casual buffets on board. Since we were kid-free, every night was spent experiencing fine dining. Not only was the food absolutely wonderful EVERY NIGHT, we also met the greatest bunch of people. Ellen and Brian were from Washington D.C. and George and Donna from Pennsylvania. If we play our cards right, we all may just try to meet again sometime in the future.

On our actual ANNIVERSARY DAY we were in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We took a tour of the lovely town, took in the sites, learned some history and hit a local brewery. I highly recommend the Dr. Pepper at Alexander Keith's Brewery. Their Indian Pale Ale with the right amount of Ammaretto and Coca Cola tastes quite yummy.

Later that night we had a Canadian Mounty visit our table. The waitstaff sung us the "Happy Anniversary Song" and later we had some pictures taken on board. All in all, it truly was a Happy Anniversary.

Fog was quite amazing during this trip. Whether we were close to land or out in the the middle of the Atlantic, the fog kept the captain of the ship quite busy. Never had I heard that HORN go off so many times during the course of a cruise -- better safe than sorry.

Summer is here . . . Yippeeee!!

Well, I don't have any pictures to put up today, but I just wanted to say a few words about how my summer is going so far.

Literally, my last day of school was LAST Wednesday, I packed up the kids and headed to Upstate New York where my Mom lives with her husband. They have 31 absolutely beautiful acres. Many hours were spent throwing wood into the fire pit and roasting marshmallows. Colleen had the great fortune to see a deer on the property and R.J. had a blast running all over the place catching grasshoppers. The weather was not exactly cooperative while we were there. We had rain everyday off and on which was really no big deal. As soon as the rains came and poored, they stopped.

Since I've been home, the days have been flawless. Bob gets home from work, Colleen goes off to day-camp (where she has been named an "official" assistant counselor). By the time she gets picked up, it's bathing suit time and we head two doors down where my neighbor and her son have a virtual water park in their back yard. We've been sunning ourselves while the kids splash and play and then, before you know it, it's time for someone to throw something on the grill.

All in all -- summer is off to a fantastic start. I've actually been hoping for a rainy day since my basement needs some serious attention, but since the sun is shining . . . that chore is just going to have to wait for another day.