If You Talk Back in this House...

You will clean all the baseboards with Murphy's Oil. 

Alcohol and Explosives—Hell Yeah!

The annual cul-de-sac 4th of July party was filled with old fashioned fun... 

Sack races, water balloon and egg toss, three-legged races, delicious food, cold beer...

friendship, laughs and fireworks...

Rya and Trent won first place in the three-legged race.  They were beaming with pride! 

Gwynny—Only I’m Allowed to Call Her That!

One of my closest friends from Sicily came for a weekend visit.  Gwyn and I worked together at the travel agency on Sigonella Naval Station.  We hit it off immediately with our love of dogs, crafts and sarcasm.  Gwyn threw me a baby shower when I was pregnant and she was also there at the hospital the day Currier was born.  She was family. 

 

It was so great to see her and reminisce about our time in Sicily.  It was also great to meet her adorable son, Preston.  With a day at the pool and another day spent at the aquarium, the weekend went by way too fast but I'm grateful that she took the time to come see us and make me laugh. 

Father's Day 2013

  

 

 

 

 

Summer Vacation

So far summer vacation is a pendulum of extreme boredom and hideous torture... The most wonderful time of the year!

Boone Hall Plantation

Dog Facetime

Occasionally Paolo likes to call Penny and howl his love for her. 

Slip'n Slide

To kick off the summer I bought the kids a Slip'n Slide.  After about two or three runs the kids asked why they weren't having as much fun as the kids pictured on the box.  Ungrateful assholes. 

School's Out!

Let the summer begin!

Dear Seven-Year-Old Currier,

You're just finishing up the first grade.  You're a good student and you love school.  The minute you get home from school you ask to do your homework.  I don't think this is because you actually like to do your homework but more because you like to get it over with so you can relax.  I'm the same way.  I have trouble enjoying myself when I know there is work to do.   

This year you got your own pet, Rosie, a bearded dragon.  As I suspected, you lost interest in her after the first month.  Not entirely.  You still play with her but you don't give her as much attention as she deserves.  Luckily for Rosie I have I taken a liking to her and I surprise myself how much I enjoy her company on my shoulder.  She's a sweet addition to our little family.      

I talked your father into surprising you with a Kindle for your birthday.  His fear was that you'd become one of those boys with his face stuck to a video game all day.  I vouched that I would monitor it with a daily time limit and parental controls.  I'll have you know that it took a lot of convincing but I rallied for you because I knew how badly you wanted one.  Man, we loved seeing your face when you opened it.  It was epic (as you would say) to see you so happy and grateful.   

You're growing up fast and have quickly morphed from a child into a young man.  You can make your own choices and decisions now.  I'm proud of your self discipline to get your school work done before play.  I appreciate your efforts (although half ass at times) to care for Rosie.  I trust you are responsible enough to have an electronic device and I adore your gratefulness for it.  I love being your mom.

All my love,
Mama

Myrtle Beach Getaway

 

On Friday we drove up to Myrtle Beach for the weekend to celebrate Currier's 7th birthday.  Our first order of business was appetizers and drinks at Planet Hollywood which was right outside our hotel.   The rest of the evening was spent in the hotel Jacuzzi relaxing. 

 

On Saturday we spent the day at the beach and then went to Pirates Voyage—Dolly Parton's brand new pirate themed dinner show in Myrtle Beach.  

 

 

Shiver me timbers! The show was really incredible.  It was a spectacular mix of pirates, mermaids, acrobats, live animals, good food, cold beer, and loud music.  It was the perfect way to celebrate Currier turning seven.

 

On Currier's birthday (Sunday, May 19th) we spent the morning goofing around in the hotel pool.

 

We spent the afternoon day dreaming and drinking at a ocean view bar.

 

And we spent the evening riding rides at Broadway at the Beach.  FANTASTIC WEEKEND!

Finally!

It's been an abnormally chilly and dark spring but it's finally starting to get bright and hot.  Hearing the ice cream truck music for the first time this season made my heart smile. 

Mother's Day Weekend

Mother's Day weekend started with a party at Currier's school. 

 

Where I was presented with this lovely portrait.  I think he really nailed the lazy eye and the crazy eye.  

 

He also composed this incredibly sweet poem about me.  He thinks I'm funny, weird and pretty and he knows I love him—Probably the best compliment of my life!  

 

On Mother's Day the kids woke me with breakfast in bed and then we spent the day on the Isle of Palms playing in the sand, swimming in the chilly ocean and laying in the sun.  I couldn't ask for a better day. 

Strawberry Picking

It's strawberry shortcakes for dessert tonight!