Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Adios, Amigos

Today is the day. I am heading out at 8:45pm tonight for Spain. Dulles-Heathrow-Barcelona. Barcelllllona. I can't wait. I am nervous with anticipation. I travel quite a bit between pleasure and work, but rarely alone. Of course, I am only alone getting there and back, as I am meeting my good friends, Kate and Shosh, there. Still, I am a bit anxious....it is what I do. I am silly.

Daddy is set to take on the kiddos for 10 days. I think everything possible is in place as best as it can be.

We are set for 3 days in Barcelona, then we fly to Lisbon for 3 days/2 nights, then on to Seville for a night in Tarifa (southernmost town in Spain) and then on to Seville for 3 more nights. Then I come home. We have a loose itinerary but mostly we plan to just go with what moves us on any particular day.

Looking forward to many tapas and spanish wine! See you on the flip-side.

Friday, May 20, 2011

A St. John Retrospective

Sandy Ella

mini STJ Girl

Max and Ella settle in

Yes I bathe him in the sink.  Sorry future renters of this house!

Max & Mama

Such a water baby

Sandy enough?

She found a snail

The kids

Happy Girl

Sleepy Boy

Cool Dude

Cutie Pies



Funny Faces are our specialty







Happy Belated Birthday

Dear Ella Jo,

This is your mama. I am sorry my birthday note to you is a bit late this year. Hey, at least it is still May. Anyway, hello, my girl. Sometimes I wish I could just freeze you in time. You are nine now, as of 2 weeks ago to be exact. For your birthday we made cupcakes, delivered to school at lunchtime, followed by a girls' only movie night out with 3 of your buddies, followed by a sleepover. Whew. It was fun. You have picked the nicest friends. I like your taste in people.

You are an amazing girl and I feel lucky every, single day of my life that I am the one who gets to be your mama. You are maturing into a beautiful and brilliant young lady. Sometimes I look at you, with your long legs, and I can't believe that you were my little chunky monkey baby girl. You are so kind. And so smart. I try not to tell you all the time how smart you are because I don't want you to ever settle or think there is no more to learn...but man, you are smart. Smart in the "Mama, that's like an ocelot" kind of way. Where I have to say, "What's an ocelot?" And you explain to me that it is a wild cat about three times the size of our kitty cat, Fraidy. Now, I consider myself to be a pretty smart girl, but I am also pretty sure I'd never known such a creature existed before you told me.

You have found a love of reading. I often catch you late in the night buried under your covers reading a favorite book (graphic novels are a favorite) or a recent National Geographic Kids! You are doing well in school - best in math and PE ... lol. A little less than perfect in writing and spelling (that's your daddy). I know you will get there. The details will come.

You are my favorite girl in the whole wide world. I could not love you any more than I do. I can't believe you are 1/2 way to college. I consider it my job and my privledge to get you there...whole, informed, wide-eyed and curious. So far I think we are doing ok!

Love,

Mama

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Housekeeping

Ever since Hung headed off on his world adventure, I have had a bit of nervous energy. Everything is going really well with the kids. They are being super good. It is like they know we are down a man and they can't afford to push me over the edge!

Still, I feel like I am on a hyper-organization kick.

I have:

*purged and organized the kitchen cabinets - giving my luray dishes to my mama for safe keeping and ditching a bunch of old mismatched dishes that I never want to see again

*purged organized the bathroom closet

*rearranged the deck - adding twinkly lights

*removed all of the screens on the 1st floor rear of the house and cleaned all the windows, inside and out - MAN it is amazing how much cleaner they are.

*cleaned all of the glass in our entertainment system and the glass front cabinets in the kitchen

I really want to paint the guest room, but I think I will wait on that until he's back. I need help with the heavy lifting! I am out of control. He probably needs to go out of town more often. I am extremely productive when I am anxious!

St. John 2011 Trip Report: Day 11

Day 11: Bye Lameshur Cottage, Bye Coral Bay, Bye Ruth, Bye Cruz Bay, Bye Bye Bye

Wait, we have to go home.

No one is happy about this.

No one!



Our time was over. We had a 4pm flight out so we had time to sleep in and relax a bit before heading out. We needed to be out of the house by 10 am, so I packed a few last minute things, we ate breakfast, started a load of laundry (towels and what not), and loaded up the car.

We said goodbye to the adorable little Lameshur Cottage and took our last leisurely drive down the beautiful North Shore Road.

stj 098

We hit deli grotto for lunch. I always forget how HUGE their sandwiches are. We could have easily split one, but instead I had an Italian and the hubby had a tuna on croissant. We shopped a little bit. We'd also gotten a late car return from Conrad's, but soon our time was running out so we headed off to gas up the Jeep.

Returning the jeep always makes it seem so final! Bye my little workhorse!



Next on the list, run into Connections to print off our boarding passes, having checked in via iphone the night before. $4 and about 4 minutes later we were set. Stopped by St. John Spice to say bye (for now) to Ruth.

Waiting for the ferry



I took a few minutes and a few pictures to remember my happy place until next time.



Bye St. John

Another absolutely perfect blue sky day



So not ready to say goodbye



The SADDEST view in the world



Say it ain't so ...

Homeward Bound...boo.

We took the noon ferry and were at the airport by 1:10. Seamless and easy. Customs was a breeze. We were in line behind some folks who had just adopted a pup from the ACC. He was so cute. The kids were fascinated!

We had time to kill so Hung hit the duty free alcohol store and stocked us up - including all I would need to recreate the Dreamsickle (oj, vanilla rum and citrus rum) at home. (I am sad to report it is just not the same without the Skinny Leg's ambiance and most importantly a fat, juicy blue burger).

I had picked up a snack to go at Deli Grotto --- my 2nd favorite to the crack bar is this chocolate and peanut butter delight. SO GOOD. We split it 3 ways and were ill when we finished. So worth it!

Peanut butter chocolate bar from Deli Grotto

After every bite, he'd say "mmmmmmmmm.....more mama!"

There was a brief power outage at the airport, but nothing that would delay our flight. Our flight out departed just on time and before we knew it we were in Miami. Somehow when I wasn't looking Max charmed the flight attendant out if a snack pack! That boy has mad skills!

In Miami we had time for a bite to eat and time to kill again, so the kids played on our phones and with their goodies from Easter.

waiting in MIA

My weary little traveler

Tired boy

We arrived in DC at midnight. The only unplanned mini crisis was that Max fell asleep on the flight. That was fine. However, when we arrived in DC at MIDNIGHT he was NOT about to walk. So ... our little man who had been pulling his own weight and his own bag now needed to be carried and also we had to figure out how to move his bag with less hands. We managed, though I am sure we looked like a hot mess!

Until next time....Peace, Love and Beaches....

Saturday, May 14, 2011

World Travel

A few days ago my husband headed out on a grand adventure. The first leg of his journey was Dulles to LAX. Departing at 6:20 pm he arrived at LAX at 9 pm there (Midnight here). He killed a few hours and boarded another plane. This one to Auckland, New Zealand. His flight from LAX to New Zealand departed at 12 midnight and arrived in Auckland a day later (or two days later if you are in New Zealand) 13 hours later. All in all he left our house at 3pm Wednesday and landed in New Zealand at 4pm Thursday. About 24 hours in transit. By the time he got there it was already Friday in New Zealand. I am so confused. I had to add an international time zone clock to my iphone to keep up.

Though I am very excited and supportive of his trip, it was a little disconcerting to have him completely uncontactable for 16 hours (Midnight last night until about 4pm today when he confirmed he was alive and well and on the OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD). It is surely the furthest we've ever been apart in almost 20 years. Surely the furthest he's ever traveled since leaving Vietnam as a 3 year old and coming to the United States. He doesn't remember that journey but he certainly will remember this one.

This trip began as just a crazy thought. We have two friends currently taking leave of the working world and exploring the world. Between them their journeys are taking them from the US to Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and various parts of the U.K.

While Hung and I have both taken trips without each other and without our kids (hey it keeps us sane) this is by far the most ambitious undertaking. It is so much less expensive to fly 1 person and split expenses three ways than it would be to either 1) fly all 4 of us and cover all expenses or 2) find someone to take care of our kids for 10-12 days!

That and they are doing all kinds of things that I KNOW he will enjoy just as much (if not more) without me. Kayaking, caving, swimming with glowworms! I know there are people in the world who don't like to spend any time away from their significant other, and though we TRULY do like each other and love each other, we are so not those people. In all honesty, he probably is a little more that person than I am and it took a little push for him to get on board. He definitely did not lobby for this trip. He didn't resist too much, but I could tell that he would have never asked for it or pushed it.

I also know that it may seem a bit tit for tat that he'll be on this leg and I'll be on the Spain/Portugal leg. Truth be told that portion was planned first. I also know it may seem as if I pushed him to go out of a sense of guilt. I assure you I did not.

I pushed him to go because I know we each need adventure in our lives. We each need time to sit and listen to nothing but the thoughts in our heads. To look out at the wonders of the world and breathe deeply and close our eyes and just take it all in through all of our senses. We are parents, we are partners, but we are people too. Individuals. We deserve this. He deserves this and I am happy to pick up the slack, do the bus duty and TKD practices and figure out dinner and baths and bedtimes for a while, so that he can breathe it in, relax, experience and enjoy something he never in his wildest dreams even thought would come to pass.

He is selfless and giving and supportive of me and my every whim (including my yearly trips to St. John). He goes with the flow and lets me be me. He never asks for a thing in return.

Happy travels, honey. I hope you have the time of your life (well 2nd to that day in May 1999 when you said I do).

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

St. John 2011 Trip Report: Day 10

Day 10: Sunday - EASTER, Honeymoon, The Grateful Shed & Pool & RUTH, the Beach Bar Gathering, and High Tide

Well this is it guys! It is all over but the crying. Our last full day has arrived, for realz. I am sad but determined not to think about it too much. I had started organizing and packing the night before when in walks my hubby, "You're packing, this is usually when the tears start. Are you ok?" I actually was ok, considering. The thing about nice long trips and all of the togetherness with the family is that eventually I begin to miss my doggy, my home, my friends, my mama :) I wouldn't say I am ever HAPPY to leave, but often I am ready. Usually because I know I'll be back!

Today it is Easter Sunday. Amazingly the Easter Bunny managed to find the kids way out in Coral Bay! (FYI - I had packed small goodies for them and supplies to make mini Easter baskets, however, I noted earlier in the week that Chelsea Drug had Easter Baskets and fixings as well. I didn't check the prices.)

Ella's Goodies



And Max's




They were very excited





We all had a quick breakfast and got ready to head to the beach. Lunches packed, swimsuits donned, we were off.

At dinner the night before we were discussing favorite beaches and Les reminded me about Honeymoon! YES. Honeymoon it is. Honeymoon is at Caneel Bay. You go through the gates, get your parking pass and head to the left (not the first left - that's for employees, the 2nd left). Park ... the lot was virtually empty. Usually it is full enough that all the spots are taken and we have to kind of create a space. It is Easter, so I assume most people were brunching while we were beaching.

Speaking of Brunch ... still on my to do list after 8 or 9 trips --- BRUNCH at Miss Lucy's and now I have to add Brunch at Concordia (Tourist Trap Cheryl says its very good). This trip we had two Sundays on island and we STILL didn't manage to make it. Oh well. The call of the beach is strong.

We parked, got our stuff, and headed to the path. The walk to Honeymoon is about 10 minutes. Maybe 12. Not a bad walk at all, mostly flat, and you get to see some of the resort along the way. If you are not staying at Caneel there is a $10 fee to park, but if you purchase anything there they waive the parking fee. POMEGRANATE MOJITO anyone?

Ahhhhh....Honeymoon

Honeymoon Beach

It was very quiet when we arrived and we went all the way to the right of the beach (facing the water) and found a little niche up in the rocks and shade. There is always a great breeze at Honeymoon. The surf is a little rougher, but it is beautiful.



The little engineer got right to work



I took a few pictures with my funky iphone setting



Ellla decided it was too rough to snorkel (for her) so she just bobbed along in the water



While the boys busied themselves



Construction Zone



Mama lazed away enjoying this view







Happy Campers



Beach Buddy takes a break to rest and dry out

Beach Buddy

Ella did a little rock climbing



It was another Pbj day and soon enough the natives were hungry

LUNCH TIME

After lunch the boys took a walk

The boys

And before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye to Honeymoon and the beaches of St. John for now



On the way out, I ducked into the bar to grab a drink (a mojito for me and a BBC for my hubby who had fallen in love with this drink on this trip) and took my receipt to get validated so we could park for free. And we took a few pictures around the ruins.



She looks so happy, He looks so Sleepy!









The possible culprit of our allergies





I don't think I am ever as happy or relaxed as I get by day 7-8 on St. John. Absolute JELLO.


With my flower from Ella.

Me ;-)

We wanted to head home to clean up before our date with Ms. Ruth (and her pool) at the Grateful Shed. On the way, of course, we did a little more touring. We'd never made it past Love City Mini-mart on that road (I have no idea what the name of it is) in Coral Bay.

We discovered the Coral Bay Garden Center

Coral Bay Garden Center

And interrupted some lunching goats



You lookin at me?

Hungry Goat

Back to the house briefly, cleaned up and we are ready to head out again. No rest on the last day for us!!

Funniest Sign, I had to get a picture

STOP! Hammer Time!

Best SIGN

We took centerline back to town and no lie, I was telling the kids how there are COWS on St. John. Neither believed me. They were all "yeah right mama. Sure!!!" A few curves later we come upon this one and about 4 others!

Mooooo

moooooo

Earlier in the week, when I'd stopped by to see Ruth she'd invited us to see the progress on the house (When I was there last March ... it was still very much a work in progress) and to let the kids have a swim. I didn't want to intrude, but the kids were really missing having a pool and I knew they would be thrilled. She insisted saying they love to see people enjoy the pool. They hadn't gotten in too much recently because it was, get this, "Too Cold!" These people have gone soft!

I love Ruth. She is just about the best thing since sliced bread and Ron is the sweetest, most relaxed guy on the planet. I was excited to see the house - it is AMAZING by the way (I am still waiting on them to finish out the basement for me ... I even told them I'd take it as is ... who needs drywall?). The Grateful Shed is beautiful, it was so nice to see all the furnishings and the filled pool and how much all of the plant life had grown. Max was intrigued by the veggies Ron was growing - esp. the little tomatoes. He may have sampled a few. We were so busy on the tour and seeing all of the plants still waiting to go in the ground we almost (ALMOST) forgot all about the pool.

Soon enough the kiddos reminded us. Thank you Ruth ... They loved the entire trip but your pool is what I hear about the most. Ella had to write a report (she chose to write about spring break in St. John) and a good portion was dedicated to our visit to you! :) Thank you so so much!! One of the best things about St. John for me is the people - both those I've met who live there and those I've met through the forum who are as addicted to visiting as I am. I am pretty sure my husband often thinks I am a bit insane, but when he puts faces to names and gets to chat with people like Ruth and Ron and Pia and Les for extended periods of time, he never fails to walk away commenting about how incredibly genuine, nice and relaxed everyone is. Easy company. The best kind!

Happy Happy Girl



Here's Max telling/Showing Ms. Ruth how old he used to be (I think)

Happier Boy

And the "But I don't want to get out" face

Grouchy Face

Eventually it was time to head to town for the Beach Bar gathering. We got the kids out, one more easily than the other, got them changed, and headed to town.

Innervisions was playing tonight and it was quite busy. I wandered down to Joe's Rum Hut to get my drink, I wasn't fighting the crowd at the BB. It was a fairly small gathering. Ruth & Ron, Beth Cruz & hubby, Cypressgirl and her daughter and friend, Bob & Anita, and I am SURE I am forgetting someone...

I enjoyed the music and company and soon enough it was sunset.

Cruz Bay Sunset







Soon the troops were getting hungry, so we headed over to High Tide for dinner. The service here was great and they were super friendly and accommodating to kids.

Shrimp Diablo for my hubby (SPICY)

Shrimp Diablo from High Tide

Grilled Shrimp kabobs for me

Shrimp and veggies from High Tide

The kiddos both had pasta and loved it. Cleaned their plates.

And, of course, you can't round off a trip without an ice cream from ISCREAM. Chocolate with chocolate sprinkles. Her grandmother would be proud!

I Scream

Our day was almost done. We headed back to Coral Bay to rest, watch a movie, and finish up the packing. A few minutes into the movie I walked in to this



I think we'd successfully worn them both out!

POOPED

I finished packing up a few things and read a book until pretty late. Sleep never comes easy for me on my last night.

Tomorrow: Bye Lameshur Cottage & Coral Bay, Bye Ruth, Bye Cruz Bay