Love you Diane and feel so lucky we could all be there in person for a birthday hug from the birthday girl.
Monday, August 26, 2013
A birthday visit
I remember when Diane left Germany, sending her an actual birthday card felt so distant, but what life will be like now as our families travel to different locations. How lucky for us that one of those locations is UCONN? They moved into a beautiful New England home on Monday 5 August which gave her just enough time to move in, unpack and celebrate a birthday!
Love you Diane and feel so lucky we could all be there in person for a birthday hug from the birthday girl.
Love you Diane and feel so lucky we could all be there in person for a birthday hug from the birthday girl.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Martha's Vineyard-Why wouldn't you add another trip?
Our close family friends The Griffins own a beautiful home on Martha's Vineyard and have extended an invitation so many times.
Martha's vineyard holds such a special place in my memory bank. While i was in high school, my folks stumbled on a fabulous house (meaning it held some of our best friends and fondest memories) and we were able to rent it for a week through several summers-the final one being in 2002 after chris and i came back from Germany and before we got engaged. We filled that house with friends from so many different locations--CA, CO, MO, Korea, NC... it was truly busting at the seams. One of the most epic weeks (in my memory bank) was the year after our college graduation. Black eyes and all.
Well i was so excited to have a few days to add this beautiful place to my boys memory bank.
Sorry Drew, next time buddy.
Alright boys, lets hit the road
something I love about seeing the Borne Bridge - it just means vacation!
We drove about 3 hours to woods hole, parked the truck in Palmer Lot, hopped on the bus to the ferry...... A little truck, bus and boat adventure.
The ferry out of wood hole was a huge hit. The boys kept asking me when we were leaving... Well... When the horn blows. LOUD. Almost made nick leap over the side in surprise,
Great little travelers,
Gotta have the ferry's clam chowder.
Shane preferred to stick to the pretzels...
Love my extra time with Shane (this photo is for you Farrah!)
The griffins were prepped and excited to host these little dudes. We had a beautiful burger and corn dinner out on their deck.
We tried out the newly purchased PFDs, Michigan colors (of course)
The little guys were excited to truly explore the house and apparently the solar system. Nick shocked me when he identified Venus right off the bat.
Now for the big event... After a stroll through Edgartown...
We were on the look out for a sailor
There he is! Mr. Griffin is scooping us up to sail with him! Talk about dock to boat service.
I have never been on a sail boat and truly enjoyed the class on how it all really works. A bit of an engineering marvel in my book. I kept envisioning my 'vector' class in relation to the wind and the sail angles. Mr. Griffin has enjoyed years of truly understanding the sport and perfecting his talent. It is such a peaceful yet mind enriching activity. Not having a motor and seamlessly gliding thought the waves. I could really imagine the true therapy that sailing can offer-it can also be rather competitive and dangerous so surely it's whatever you are looking for.
See what I mean about relaxing, Shane really thought so....
Hey there future captain.
Maybe sailing school next year?
Wait, look who is behind the helm now;)
He really enjoyed being 'under water' in the rooms of the boat below. You could sleep 4 folks down here and there is even a link kitchen and bathroom. It all made it possible for Mr. Griffin to sail his boat solo from CT to MV (that and the little motor too when the wind is crummy)
Off the sail boat and back to exploring, this is the line of cars prepped to go over on the chappy ferry. I had to take this photo because just looking at this line of cars had me hearing Vito's voice (and laughter) as we waited in line on our post college adventure discussing the premature tire deflation;)!
A little more beach time for these beach bums.
Wednesday was a sand castle contest on south beach, although we didn't enter-we were having fun judging.. My favorite was this snowman.
Ae we shocked that the boys liked this shark?
Speaking of sharks, yup, Jaws was filmed out here (just a few years ago... Ha) and the Griffins have a super cool framed movie advertisement photo in their bathroom. The size of the shark in the photo was enough to keep nick and Shane from using that bathroom-however they were able to identify this guy... Washed up on the beach of Menemsha.
Menemsha is one of the most beautiful beaches known for their sunsets. We got there around 4:30 as it was the transition time, folks were leaving from a day at the beach and the next round (the sunset gazers) hadn't arrived yet (one of the massive advantages of traveling with the griffins was getting the inside tips on good timing!)
The boys loved the rocky beach as it didn't have many waves and lets remember how much they love to throw rocks!
The clouds rolled in just a the sun was starting to set so we didn't stay until it sizzled on the water line-but. It was going down-what looked to be a pirate ship sailed perfectly underneath.
The boys went from swimming suits to ultra cuddly sweat pant/shirt dudes,
Dinner was fried scallops, zucchini and chicken tenders from the bite-fantastic! We tried to hit Dairy Queen on the way home-however so did quite a few other islanders-some home scooped ice cream and chocolate chip cookies which much yummier!!
The next morning was rainy (as were the next few days) so in our lack of really planning we planned it perfectly. Time to head home. As always we left a few things behind (bumblebee race car, special stick and shell) but the griffins were so sweet to package up and send to us. We had such a wonderful time with them. They are truly like a second set of parents for me. I have enjoyed how our relationship has grown over the years and am so thankful to have them as friends, family, mentors and grandparents too;)
Now back to the ferry, bus and truck.
Someone is waiting for that horn.....
On the way home we were able to squeeze in a fabulous lunch with my sister and her munchkins at their house, they are right off the highway and we don't often get the chance to 'pop in' so today was especially perfect.
A beautiful lunch outside on the patio. They have the perfect back yard for running and exploring,
Here is the hole crew, I was crushed when this photos was a bit blurry as it has us all looking and almost smiling at the camera!! Well, almost all of us. We were each missing a kid.
Thanks Stosh for such a yummy lunch and perfect spot not eh way home. We were so thankful to catch you for a day in your life,
Martha's vineyard holds such a special place in my memory bank. While i was in high school, my folks stumbled on a fabulous house (meaning it held some of our best friends and fondest memories) and we were able to rent it for a week through several summers-the final one being in 2002 after chris and i came back from Germany and before we got engaged. We filled that house with friends from so many different locations--CA, CO, MO, Korea, NC... it was truly busting at the seams. One of the most epic weeks (in my memory bank) was the year after our college graduation. Black eyes and all.
Well i was so excited to have a few days to add this beautiful place to my boys memory bank.
Sorry Drew, next time buddy.
Alright boys, lets hit the road
We drove about 3 hours to woods hole, parked the truck in Palmer Lot, hopped on the bus to the ferry...... A little truck, bus and boat adventure.
The ferry out of wood hole was a huge hit. The boys kept asking me when we were leaving... Well... When the horn blows. LOUD. Almost made nick leap over the side in surprise,
Great little travelers,
Gotta have the ferry's clam chowder.
Shane preferred to stick to the pretzels...
Love my extra time with Shane (this photo is for you Farrah!)
The griffins were prepped and excited to host these little dudes. We had a beautiful burger and corn dinner out on their deck.
We tried out the newly purchased PFDs, Michigan colors (of course)
The little guys were excited to truly explore the house and apparently the solar system. Nick shocked me when he identified Venus right off the bat.
Now for the big event... After a stroll through Edgartown...
We were on the look out for a sailor
There he is! Mr. Griffin is scooping us up to sail with him! Talk about dock to boat service.
I have never been on a sail boat and truly enjoyed the class on how it all really works. A bit of an engineering marvel in my book. I kept envisioning my 'vector' class in relation to the wind and the sail angles. Mr. Griffin has enjoyed years of truly understanding the sport and perfecting his talent. It is such a peaceful yet mind enriching activity. Not having a motor and seamlessly gliding thought the waves. I could really imagine the true therapy that sailing can offer-it can also be rather competitive and dangerous so surely it's whatever you are looking for.
See what I mean about relaxing, Shane really thought so....
Hey there future captain.
Maybe sailing school next year?
Wait, look who is behind the helm now;)
He really enjoyed being 'under water' in the rooms of the boat below. You could sleep 4 folks down here and there is even a link kitchen and bathroom. It all made it possible for Mr. Griffin to sail his boat solo from CT to MV (that and the little motor too when the wind is crummy)
Off the sail boat and back to exploring, this is the line of cars prepped to go over on the chappy ferry. I had to take this photo because just looking at this line of cars had me hearing Vito's voice (and laughter) as we waited in line on our post college adventure discussing the premature tire deflation;)!
A little more beach time for these beach bums.
Wednesday was a sand castle contest on south beach, although we didn't enter-we were having fun judging.. My favorite was this snowman.
Ae we shocked that the boys liked this shark?
Speaking of sharks, yup, Jaws was filmed out here (just a few years ago... Ha) and the Griffins have a super cool framed movie advertisement photo in their bathroom. The size of the shark in the photo was enough to keep nick and Shane from using that bathroom-however they were able to identify this guy... Washed up on the beach of Menemsha.
Menemsha is one of the most beautiful beaches known for their sunsets. We got there around 4:30 as it was the transition time, folks were leaving from a day at the beach and the next round (the sunset gazers) hadn't arrived yet (one of the massive advantages of traveling with the griffins was getting the inside tips on good timing!)
The boys loved the rocky beach as it didn't have many waves and lets remember how much they love to throw rocks!
The clouds rolled in just a the sun was starting to set so we didn't stay until it sizzled on the water line-but. It was going down-what looked to be a pirate ship sailed perfectly underneath.
The boys went from swimming suits to ultra cuddly sweat pant/shirt dudes,
Dinner was fried scallops, zucchini and chicken tenders from the bite-fantastic! We tried to hit Dairy Queen on the way home-however so did quite a few other islanders-some home scooped ice cream and chocolate chip cookies which much yummier!!
The next morning was rainy (as were the next few days) so in our lack of really planning we planned it perfectly. Time to head home. As always we left a few things behind (bumblebee race car, special stick and shell) but the griffins were so sweet to package up and send to us. We had such a wonderful time with them. They are truly like a second set of parents for me. I have enjoyed how our relationship has grown over the years and am so thankful to have them as friends, family, mentors and grandparents too;)
Now back to the ferry, bus and truck.
Someone is waiting for that horn.....
On the way home we were able to squeeze in a fabulous lunch with my sister and her munchkins at their house, they are right off the highway and we don't often get the chance to 'pop in' so today was especially perfect.
A beautiful lunch outside on the patio. They have the perfect back yard for running and exploring,
Here is the hole crew, I was crushed when this photos was a bit blurry as it has us all looking and almost smiling at the camera!! Well, almost all of us. We were each missing a kid.
Thanks Stosh for such a yummy lunch and perfect spot not eh way home. We were so thankful to catch you for a day in your life,
Camp Carlson
Ah, can't you tell how wonderful we feel. Camp Carlson. The boys all love it almost as much as their momma,
Dinners (and often times breakfasts) on the deck
A much more pleasing parent to child ratio...
Even I get to be a kid again,
One of the wonderful things was being able to pick a boy or 2 for a special event. The Farmington mini golf is some where I have truly loved and remember just a few date nights there in high school. Time to take the boys!
The perfect 4 some.
I must admit, I was shocked at how well the boys did, especially Shane who had a hole in one (and by special foot placement helped me achieve a hole in one too!). However nick had the true icing on the cake when he shocked us all by winning a hole in one on the 19th hole!! Bells went off, he celebrated and also earned a free trip back! Poor Shane was crushed that his ball didn't drop in the hole and I tried to explain that I have played for years and NEVER got a hole in one..., guess we need to go back!
Another thing about my folks is enjoying time with my friends. 2 of my best high school friends Alison and Mary live in the area and I am thankful that they carve out some time for us. And a recent addition to the area is Diane's family! They just moved into a home in Mansfield CT as Wayne will be the Air Force PMS for UCONN which is where he received his commission into the Air Force just s few years ago. So with only 1 hour separating us we enjoyed a few family date days.
Always a sweet treat,
Blake shared
My folks had some fun camps and activities planned too. Nick enjoyed a golf clinic for 3 nights at simsbury farms. i loved watching him confidently roll up not knowing anyone yet confident in his skills. His summer buddy Charlie surprised him at the clinic but I loved that it was nick that remembered him!!
Shane got to head off to a little camp morning twice called 'do you see what I see' at the nature center that my mom volunteers at. He happily went to his own little activity (I was a bit nervous since he really loves having nick around) but he enjoyed learning and even instructed us the bathroom whereabouts when we got there to pick him up. This is a photo of nick (not Shane) leading me through the hiking trails. I meant to snag a photo of Shane on Friday but it was a torrential downpour (and without our packing for the Maine trip that was in the mini van) Shane's rain gear consisted of an umbrella and crocs, thankfully my moms connections and a lost and found yielded him a pink and navy blue slicker that kept him a bit better dry. They were exploring the stream that day and surely the rain aided the adventure!
No camps for little drew, but with all the packing, boxes, trips and planes, we forgot drews favorite sleeping blankets. It was Chris's first mission on his return from IL to VA. This is one happy Drew holding his blankets ready to sleep good tonight;)
This is what summer should be like;)
Dinners (and often times breakfasts) on the deck
A much more pleasing parent to child ratio...
Even I get to be a kid again,
One of the wonderful things was being able to pick a boy or 2 for a special event. The Farmington mini golf is some where I have truly loved and remember just a few date nights there in high school. Time to take the boys!
The perfect 4 some.
I must admit, I was shocked at how well the boys did, especially Shane who had a hole in one (and by special foot placement helped me achieve a hole in one too!). However nick had the true icing on the cake when he shocked us all by winning a hole in one on the 19th hole!! Bells went off, he celebrated and also earned a free trip back! Poor Shane was crushed that his ball didn't drop in the hole and I tried to explain that I have played for years and NEVER got a hole in one..., guess we need to go back!
Another thing about my folks is enjoying time with my friends. 2 of my best high school friends Alison and Mary live in the area and I am thankful that they carve out some time for us. And a recent addition to the area is Diane's family! They just moved into a home in Mansfield CT as Wayne will be the Air Force PMS for UCONN which is where he received his commission into the Air Force just s few years ago. So with only 1 hour separating us we enjoyed a few family date days.
Always a sweet treat,
Blake shared
My folks had some fun camps and activities planned too. Nick enjoyed a golf clinic for 3 nights at simsbury farms. i loved watching him confidently roll up not knowing anyone yet confident in his skills. His summer buddy Charlie surprised him at the clinic but I loved that it was nick that remembered him!!
Shane got to head off to a little camp morning twice called 'do you see what I see' at the nature center that my mom volunteers at. He happily went to his own little activity (I was a bit nervous since he really loves having nick around) but he enjoyed learning and even instructed us the bathroom whereabouts when we got there to pick him up. This is a photo of nick (not Shane) leading me through the hiking trails. I meant to snag a photo of Shane on Friday but it was a torrential downpour (and without our packing for the Maine trip that was in the mini van) Shane's rain gear consisted of an umbrella and crocs, thankfully my moms connections and a lost and found yielded him a pink and navy blue slicker that kept him a bit better dry. They were exploring the stream that day and surely the rain aided the adventure!
No camps for little drew, but with all the packing, boxes, trips and planes, we forgot drews favorite sleeping blankets. It was Chris's first mission on his return from IL to VA. This is one happy Drew holding his blankets ready to sleep good tonight;)
This is what summer should be like;)
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