Happy New Year!!

We rang in the new year at our favorite beach getaway....Topsail Island! It's the perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate. Wishing you and your family a safe and healthy 2013-

Milk-

It does a body good!



We picked Cooper up from camp today....what a difference a year makes.
Last year as soon as I drove up to the cabin, Cooper ran towards me at top speed.
This year, Jon and I drove up and got a nonchalant wave when he saw us.

It was a good feeling- and one that pulled at my heartstrings.
We got in the car, took a quick tour around the camp and headed home.

I offered him some milk as soon as we left the gates....his face was priceless.
It's hard to know exactly what the situation was, but he says that they only gave kids milk in the morning for their cereal. I cannot fathom not giving kids the option of drinking milk with their meals- sheesh.

Did he love it? No.
Did he have a good time? Yes
Does he want to go back next year? Not to this camp- he has a new appreciation for the camp he attended last year and I think we'll try to make that happen.
Did he have some funny stories? Yes!
Is he glad he went? Yes.
Is his confidence higher than when he left? Yes.
Is he glad to be home? YES!!

Are we glad to have him home?? YES, YES, YES!!!!

true love

i took a ton of pictures of the coop on vacation.
i think this is my favorite. it was taken on our way back from whale watching. we did see a whale...but clearly the thrill had worn off by this time.

it's not perfectly focused but then, neither is he.

and that's only part of what makes him who he is....and only part of what makes me love him more than i ever thought was possible.

BOS 3 CLE 2

Remember when I said that I didn't like baseball?
And how I changed my mind a little bit when Cooper started to play?

Well, things have changed a little more.



And so, while we were planning our vacation we decided that it would be fun to take in a game.




Yup, it's official.
I'm a baseball fan!

But really, how could you not catch baseball fever when you're in "America's Most Beloved Ballpark"





It was really an awesome experience. I loved Cooper's face when he walked into the park-


It had been raining, so when we arrived (as soon as the gates opened) the field was all covered-



I did catch a glimpse of #33 though...



My friend Teresa is a HUGE fan of his and gave me plenty of inside info before our trip.

We had no trouble finding our seats


Once the rain stopped (95 minutes later), they uncovered the field- which was something to watch all by itself.







Finally, it was time to PLAY BALL!



And by the end of the night, our good seats turned into great seats!


We were right next to the Indian dug out....


Perfect seating to see the head-first slide into home that won the game for the Sox!





So exciting...
So much fun...



Such a night to remember!!

Cape Cod

Our vacation started with a visit to Cape Cod- and I really could have stayed there all week. It was blissful.

We spent the day with our friend T. He spent his childhood summers on the Cape as did his parents....and now passes the tradition to his son. Sadly, B and S weren't able to join us but we managed to have a great time anyway.



T took us out for a tour and we saw a fisherman out clamming.





Hmmm....great idea!





Nothing like catching your own dinner-



The boys did a great job and had a ton of fun in the process.



It was all quite impressive...



And really quite satisfying-



But best of all....



delicious!!!



I love these little hands....they worked so hard for their dinner.



We loved Cape Cod!!





Thanks for such a great day T!!!

Jet Setting (sort of)

I went to London for a week c/o my company. Awesome...yes. Stressful....yes.

Actually, as I look back, it was a total blur.



I stayed with these friends and had a blast. They were so kind to me- they opened their home, patiently translated Brit speak for me, organized my transport all over the city and shared many a funny story and even more glasses of wine.



And in between working and having fun.....well, there wasn't that much time for anything else. Especially sleep. My word, I was a complete zombie.

I could have planned a little better. My timing was off and sadly, I missed THE EVENT OF THE CENTURY.



The only remnant of this....


Was this...


No matter though. It was such a treat to see everything up close and in person.

Can you tell that I was at the Abbey?


No?
Come on- I was absolutely there!



What about this?


I almost didn't make it home after this one!

Biggest thrill?
It's a toss up.

Either this.....


Notice anything about this couple?

Look closely-


Yup, Louboutins!
Even the senior set is so stylish in London.

This....


Are you kidding me?? Who couldn't use fake grass?

Or this....



A Basil Mint Martini from an amazing terrace bar overlooking the Thames.

Sigh.

Thanks to my favorite expats for making my trip so great!
Can't wait to see you when you're stateside.