The Foley Files: Random thoughts from a Married Mother of Three: 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:

Fun at the pool