Back in the Bean

Some people spend summers abroad, some spend them in New England (imagine that!). The girl's and I do it 100% backwards and we summer...in the SOUTH! The Virginia heat mild to medium this year; not too hot, nor too humid. But there was one Southern girl that was actually praying for the sizzle. In the dead of a Boston Winter, I daydream about the enveloping warmth that you feel on a hot summer's day in central Virginia. I'm true in my heart, through and through, a southern girl. That will NEVA change.

We started the summer with a drive in the good ole Toyota through the states that separate me from my home: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, barely New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Baltimore, drum roll please, Virginia! The thermometer ever so slowly, creeping upward (YAY).

We spent the 4th of July with the Best Family in the World; celebrating Grace's 8th Birthday! Oh dear, that's another blog post!

Then Brett and I took off for Mexico, solo on the 6th. Yes, solo. For 7 glorious days and nights in Playa Mujeres. We haven't had a vacation like that since our honeymoon in 2000; great food, great atmosphere and great accommodations. AND don't forget: kidless!

It was well received and appreciated! Thanks again to the generosity of: My Mom, Danny, Teresa and Daryl! The kids had mucho fun staying with you guys and we were sufficiently relaxed, knowing they were in good hands! Money can't buy that peace of mind!

As always, Brett had to return to work and Boston :( Vacation buzz kill.

The girl's and I spent the remainder of July sunning it up at Eileen's Pool, conquering roller coasters and water slides at King's Dominion, playing in the sand on Virginia Beach and just plain being lazy and hanging out at Sweet Frog's frozen yogurt on Cary Street (dear GOD, it is insanely good and allows your creative side to shine with endless toppings)!
I welcomed turning 35 this summer with open arms. Bring it on. At 35 I feel better than ever, am healthier than ever and am slowly reclaiming the ME that was lost in my journey as a wife and mother. I embrace my age and I don't have any plans to lie about it... yet.
When asked "what was your very favoritest part of this summer":

Grace: Spending time with family. The heat: we were able to swim because it was so hot!

Ava: Spending time with everybody. Swimming in Eileen's pool.

Tasha: Seeing and visiting everyone without feeling rushed, the enveloping heat, seeing best friends and drinking sweet tea!

So, that pretty much sums it up! The summer was a hot success. Thanks again to Sheila for letting us crash her house for 6-weeks! The return to Boston was bittersweet, as always; those who know me best, know I'll spend the next several weeks in a homesickened funk :(
I can daydream about living close again, but until then...

Back to daily life in Beantown (I still don't know why we call it Beantown).

Home again Home again... we face the task of UNPACKING our new home and settling in. Grace starts 3rd grade after labor day and Ava starts her new pre-school the following week. This Mom is looking forward to some much needed alone time! 9-whole hours per week! I might die!

PS Virginia is for BREAKFAST!