Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Family photo session
Our session last night went.....okay. Of course when you WANT the kids to take pictures they don't want to. When I don't want to take pictures, they bring me my camera. Every year I say hopefully it will be easier this time. Not so much lol. Aidan was great. He was a little professional. He posed, he sat correctly, he was all over it. Ryan had his ups and downs but mostly ups I think. Erynn on the other hand. Lordy. She wore her dress, and loved it, but would cross her legs for one pic and not for the next. When we wanted the kids to play in the water, she freaked. I think the ocean scares her - she wanted no part of it. She would run around with her hands up in the air every time the waves came in. The weather was perfect, the sky was gorgeous, it was beautiful. I'm hoping we gave Steph something she could work with. I can't wait to see the proofs. Thanks again Steph, we had a great time.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Family Photos!
It's that time of year again!
Every year we have my "little sister" Stephanie (www.stephaniechristinephotography) take our family potraits. I LOVE getting these done. Stephanie is a great photographer and she always has such wonderful ideas. Even when it comes to what to wear for our photo shoot lol. I ask her advice every year. I'm looking at the last two years' sessions right now - I have them hanging on the wall in our family room - and I just can't believe how much how much everyone has changed. I'm really excited to see how they come out tonight. For the past two years we've done our sessions at a park in Whitman. It's a great place for pictures. But this year I wanted something a little different. We're doing early evening shots at a beach in Marshfield. There is a big jetty we'll be able to walk out on and take pictures there with the ocean behind us. Can't wait. I'm going to bring a change of clothes for the kids because I'm sure they are going to want to run and play while we are there. I'm hoping to get some great candid shots of them on the beach. We're doing casual - Erynn and I are wearing sundresses while John, Aidan and Ryan have polo shirts with denim shorts. I'm really looking forward to a great, fun, laid back session!! Pictures to follow, of course. As always, thank you to Stephanie for doing our yearly family session. I know I'm going to love the pictures and I can't wait!! Love you!
Every year we have my "little sister" Stephanie (www.stephaniechristinephotography) take our family potraits. I LOVE getting these done. Stephanie is a great photographer and she always has such wonderful ideas. Even when it comes to what to wear for our photo shoot lol. I ask her advice every year. I'm looking at the last two years' sessions right now - I have them hanging on the wall in our family room - and I just can't believe how much how much everyone has changed. I'm really excited to see how they come out tonight. For the past two years we've done our sessions at a park in Whitman. It's a great place for pictures. But this year I wanted something a little different. We're doing early evening shots at a beach in Marshfield. There is a big jetty we'll be able to walk out on and take pictures there with the ocean behind us. Can't wait. I'm going to bring a change of clothes for the kids because I'm sure they are going to want to run and play while we are there. I'm hoping to get some great candid shots of them on the beach. We're doing casual - Erynn and I are wearing sundresses while John, Aidan and Ryan have polo shirts with denim shorts. I'm really looking forward to a great, fun, laid back session!! Pictures to follow, of course. As always, thank you to Stephanie for doing our yearly family session. I know I'm going to love the pictures and I can't wait!! Love you!
Bowling
I came across this deal on Facebook called Kids Bowl Free. It has been a godsend! It's a program that runs all summer long. You sign your kids up and they get two free strings EVERY day. For a one time, small fee you can sign up 4 adults as well. I signed our family up and we've gone a few times so far. I never realized how much time you could spend bowling with three kids lol. We are there about four hours if we do the two strings. The heat and humidity have been brutal this summer so this is a great way to kill time indoors to stay out of the heat!
The first time we went the kids had no idea and were kind of iffy about following the rules, ie: not everyone can be up at the same time, but they are loving it now. Yesterday Erynn beat everyone and won the first string lol. She used the kiddie ramp but hey, what can you do. Aidan and Ryan absolutely love going bowling. I'm a bit rusty, it's been YEARS since I bowled but we have fun. You do have to pay for shoe rental ($15 for the 5 of us - I can remember when shoes were $0.75 to rent a pr - how old am I?!) and we usually get lunch while we are there. So, while it's not totally free, it's absolutely a fun family activity!
The first time we went the kids had no idea and were kind of iffy about following the rules, ie: not everyone can be up at the same time, but they are loving it now. Yesterday Erynn beat everyone and won the first string lol. She used the kiddie ramp but hey, what can you do. Aidan and Ryan absolutely love going bowling. I'm a bit rusty, it's been YEARS since I bowled but we have fun. You do have to pay for shoe rental ($15 for the 5 of us - I can remember when shoes were $0.75 to rent a pr - how old am I?!) and we usually get lunch while we are there. So, while it's not totally free, it's absolutely a fun family activity!
Camping
It's been a while since my last update. We've been trying to keep pretty busy! Lots of family time and spending time with friends lately.
We went camping a couple of weekends ago. Not sure what we were thinking.......6 adults, 7 kids (all UNDER the age of 6) all in ONE camper. But, you know what, we had SO much fun and can't wait to do it again! The Wronski and Studley families came with us on our last trip and we all had a blast. I grew up with Lisa and Stephanie so watching our kids grow up and play together is indescribable. I hope it never changes.
We tried a new campground this time. Canoe River in Mansfield. Not far from Normandy Farms but SO much more inexpensive! Granted, it is an older campground and doesn't have all of the "perks" of N.F. but they have exactly what you NEED while camping. Regardless, it's *camping* not a four star resort. Either way we're in a camper with a bathroom, shower, full size fridge and kitchen so how uncomfortable can it get? Canoe River has two pools that we were a very short walk across from. A 3 foot deep pool, which is where we spent all of our time with the kiddies, and a 10 foot deep pool. Perfect! They have a snack bar, a little store, a fishing pond (although none of us caught anything), a playground, fire pits and picnic tables at every site......what more could we need. The grocery store was less than 10 minutes away and Lisa and I even managed to find a Target. Shocking, I know lol.
The kids all got along famously and everyone had a great time. In fact, we already booked another weekend and we're all doing it again! I can't wait.
We went camping a couple of weekends ago. Not sure what we were thinking.......6 adults, 7 kids (all UNDER the age of 6) all in ONE camper. But, you know what, we had SO much fun and can't wait to do it again! The Wronski and Studley families came with us on our last trip and we all had a blast. I grew up with Lisa and Stephanie so watching our kids grow up and play together is indescribable. I hope it never changes.
We tried a new campground this time. Canoe River in Mansfield. Not far from Normandy Farms but SO much more inexpensive! Granted, it is an older campground and doesn't have all of the "perks" of N.F. but they have exactly what you NEED while camping. Regardless, it's *camping* not a four star resort. Either way we're in a camper with a bathroom, shower, full size fridge and kitchen so how uncomfortable can it get? Canoe River has two pools that we were a very short walk across from. A 3 foot deep pool, which is where we spent all of our time with the kiddies, and a 10 foot deep pool. Perfect! They have a snack bar, a little store, a fishing pond (although none of us caught anything), a playground, fire pits and picnic tables at every site......what more could we need. The grocery store was less than 10 minutes away and Lisa and I even managed to find a Target. Shocking, I know lol.
The kids all got along famously and everyone had a great time. In fact, we already booked another weekend and we're all doing it again! I can't wait.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Loftus/Foley GTG 2010
Another July and another tradition completed! We got back from our annual gtg with the Loftus Family late Sunday night. We had such a great time staying with the family in their "beachhouse" (LOL AA) in Delaware. We all know that long car rides are NOT my forte. I have to say the trip to DE was ROUGH. It took us well over 10 hours to get there and it just wasn't pretty. We left an hour late and hit SO much traffic in CT and NY. Some in NJ as well but less than expected. The trip home, however, was much better. We made it in 7 hours with two stops on the way. I almost feel like I'm ready to do it again. Almost. But I think we'll be flying into BWI next year and driving to DE from there. A 2 hr ride is much better than a 7-10 hour ride!
This trip was our family, the Loftus family and two mother's helpers, Sarah and Mackenzie. I couldn't have asked for a better mini vacation. The kids got along SO well. Not much of a surprise because they have always done so in the past but it's still nice for it to continue. Marissa and Aidan were acting like an old married couple the entire trip which was both endearing and hysterical. They were so cute. Paige just might have some competition in the running for Aidan's wife. ;o)
This trip was just perfect. Nothing but fun in the sun and relaxation on the agenda. Friday morning was spent at the ocean. My kids have only been once or twice and they were too young to remember.....I actually am pretty sure Erynn has never been. Aidan and Ryan loved it from far away, hated it and were terrified when the waves knocked them over but completely happy in the water as long as someone was holding them. They HATED the taste of saltwater lol. Aidan was spitting (gross, I know!) like a maniac any time the water touched his lips. Erynn was terrified. She was okay while walking TO the ocean and with her first intial contact but as soon as the waves started rushing in she was NOT a happy camper. She was very happy to stay up on the sand. Friday afternoon we hung out by the pool by the house. There weren't very many other people there and it was perfect. Friday night we went out to dinner. Erynn and Ryan were not on their best behaviour. I was embarassed but AA said they were perfectly fine. I know my kiddos though and this was not typical behaviour. In their defense I do have to say that they didn't get real naps, we played in the sun ALL day and we were at dinner after 6pm which is way late for them. At home if we go to dinner I won't get to a restaurant any later than 5pm because I know their limits. Live and learn - we won't do that again any time soon lol.
Saturday was a pool day at the house. PERFECT. We had the entire place to ourselves and we had such a great time. Just a perfect day. This truly was my idea of a vacation. No rushing around, no set agendas, just relaxing. I absolutely needed it and I loved every minute. Saturday night AA and I got out for a while by ourselves. We were able to go and see a movie, Eclipse, and it was wonderful to have some Mom time alone! I so wish we lived closer so we could do this more often!
Sunday morning we went to the boardwalk. I admit it might not have been the ideal time to go as it was the 4th of July. Marty and John dropped AA and I off with the girls so we could do a little shopping. Well, Marty was able to find a parking spot but after a half an hour (maybe longer) John was still unable to find one. It turned out to be a very short shopping trip and we left to go have lunch. We headed back to the house after that and John, Sarah and Mac took the kids to the pool. I opted out because I was a little toasty from the day before and I didn't want to burn. AA and I had some quiet time to chit chat while they were gone and then I packed up our things and loaded the car. We left about 4pm or so Sunday afternoon and headed home. I always hate to leave AA. She is such a close friend (albeit not geographically) and I truly value our friendship. It's painful to have to leave her when these trips come to an end. We've made plans to get together again in October (hopefully) so I will look forward to that. This time the Loftus family will be coming to us and we'll be heading to Salem, MA. October is the PERFECT time of year because Salem will be in full swing with Halloween approaching. It will be such a treat for everyone!!!
Here are some pictures from our trip:
This trip was our family, the Loftus family and two mother's helpers, Sarah and Mackenzie. I couldn't have asked for a better mini vacation. The kids got along SO well. Not much of a surprise because they have always done so in the past but it's still nice for it to continue. Marissa and Aidan were acting like an old married couple the entire trip which was both endearing and hysterical. They were so cute. Paige just might have some competition in the running for Aidan's wife. ;o)
This trip was just perfect. Nothing but fun in the sun and relaxation on the agenda. Friday morning was spent at the ocean. My kids have only been once or twice and they were too young to remember.....I actually am pretty sure Erynn has never been. Aidan and Ryan loved it from far away, hated it and were terrified when the waves knocked them over but completely happy in the water as long as someone was holding them. They HATED the taste of saltwater lol. Aidan was spitting (gross, I know!) like a maniac any time the water touched his lips. Erynn was terrified. She was okay while walking TO the ocean and with her first intial contact but as soon as the waves started rushing in she was NOT a happy camper. She was very happy to stay up on the sand. Friday afternoon we hung out by the pool by the house. There weren't very many other people there and it was perfect. Friday night we went out to dinner. Erynn and Ryan were not on their best behaviour. I was embarassed but AA said they were perfectly fine. I know my kiddos though and this was not typical behaviour. In their defense I do have to say that they didn't get real naps, we played in the sun ALL day and we were at dinner after 6pm which is way late for them. At home if we go to dinner I won't get to a restaurant any later than 5pm because I know their limits. Live and learn - we won't do that again any time soon lol.
Saturday was a pool day at the house. PERFECT. We had the entire place to ourselves and we had such a great time. Just a perfect day. This truly was my idea of a vacation. No rushing around, no set agendas, just relaxing. I absolutely needed it and I loved every minute. Saturday night AA and I got out for a while by ourselves. We were able to go and see a movie, Eclipse, and it was wonderful to have some Mom time alone! I so wish we lived closer so we could do this more often!
Sunday morning we went to the boardwalk. I admit it might not have been the ideal time to go as it was the 4th of July. Marty and John dropped AA and I off with the girls so we could do a little shopping. Well, Marty was able to find a parking spot but after a half an hour (maybe longer) John was still unable to find one. It turned out to be a very short shopping trip and we left to go have lunch. We headed back to the house after that and John, Sarah and Mac took the kids to the pool. I opted out because I was a little toasty from the day before and I didn't want to burn. AA and I had some quiet time to chit chat while they were gone and then I packed up our things and loaded the car. We left about 4pm or so Sunday afternoon and headed home. I always hate to leave AA. She is such a close friend (albeit not geographically) and I truly value our friendship. It's painful to have to leave her when these trips come to an end. We've made plans to get together again in October (hopefully) so I will look forward to that. This time the Loftus family will be coming to us and we'll be heading to Salem, MA. October is the PERFECT time of year because Salem will be in full swing with Halloween approaching. It will be such a treat for everyone!!!
Here are some pictures from our trip:
Fun at the pool
The future Mr and Mrs Foley?
Loving the ocean.........then not so much
Loving the ocean..........until it knocks you down!
Loving the ocean.........then not so much
Loving the ocean..........until it knocks you down!
Inspiration
It can come from anywhere, anything, anyone. For me, my inspiration is Alice Anne Loftus. After spending the entire weekend with her I am truly inspired. I've spent so much time bitching and complaining about the way I look. But I've only been half assed in doing something about it. Whose fault is that? My OWN. AA was unhappy with herself and instead of following in my footsteps she has done something about it. Amazing doesn't even begin to touch upon the transformation she has made. Seriously. But she is now my inspiration. It's time to put on my big girl panties and get 'er done as they say. Today is a new day. I need to start using actions and not just words.
Thank you, AA, for inspiring me. I appreciate it. I am SO proud of you for all you have accomplished and I hope to make you proud of me. I love you girl.
Thank you, AA, for inspiring me. I appreciate it. I am SO proud of you for all you have accomplished and I hope to make you proud of me. I love you girl.
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