Some summer fun!

 A little update on adventures from the past month...

We had a few visitors while we were on Nantucket. The kids' cousin came for a week and I would have been happy to have her stay with us all year! She was such a treat! So polite, sweet and fun to be around! She went to bike camp with the kids, so this is a picture I took of her on her first day and sent to her mom.

Ava and Hadley got along so well! 

Ava's personality shines bright in this picture :)

 I took another excursion to Boston for a weekend... and even though I did a whole post on this plane last summer, I just am always amazed when I get inside that I can sit right behind the pilots and get to look at all the gadgets and gizmos they have to fly the plane! Luckily, my flights this time were in clear skies and it wasn't turbulent... totally makes a big difference on how enjoyable the experience is! But, still - zero leg room and it's SO loud the entire time!

 The weekend in Boston was so much fun! I got to spend lots of time with Holland. 

We even went on adventure to Cambridge and got caught in a huge downpour. But, thank goodness for Dave and bringing some umbrellas for us to all use!

In August, the kids took some breaks from camp. We had fun adventures every day and played lots (LOTS) of tennis. We were also frequent pool goers. Some of our adventures included bike rides to the state forest to look for be-bees; A 21 mile bike ride around the Poulpis loop with a stop along the beach and another stop for some ice cream; whale watching; and beach time too!

One of Ava's highlights is hitting the skate park. This time we went it was hotter than heck, but she doesn't mind wearing all her gear and pants if it means she gets to go. I melted just standing there watching her, but she's one cool girl! I love her confidence with this. She does it all by herself... and she's actually quite good for just turning 7!

As noted in a previous post, I celebrated my birthday on Nantucket. It was a beautiful day and just one of many nights ending with a beautiful sunset on the water... accompanied by yummy food as well!

I got to go home for a long weekend just after my birthday. Mer, being the awesome friend that she is, planned a birthday party for me and brought this amazing cake!

This is me (obviously!) before blowing out the candles!

Wish was made. I hope it comes true!!! I really, REALLY do!

Back to the island... on one of our bike rides to the state forest to look for (yet again) more bee-bees... Ava and Jed built a see-saw. I thought it was so imaginative and creative of them!

One of the weekends in August Nantucket has a huge sailboat race. Actually, all week long is called "RaceWeek" and is filled with different events. The day before the race I went to the docks to examine some of the amazing (and large!) boats. This week they also had brought in 2 "tall ships" that are a bit older and they offered free tours on one of them. This one was built in the 1800s but was cool to tour.

This motor boat was just one of the many that blew me away. It has at least 3 levels and a smaller motor boat stored inside it. I can only imagine what it would be like to travel on one. Although... I know I would get claustrophobic after a day or two...

More to come... summer isn't "quite" over yet!!

Love these quotes!

I ran across these two quotes today and want to remember them. I think I should memorize them!

Quote 1:

The Principle of Compensation

"The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. 

That which is taken away from those who love the Lord

will be added unto them in His own way. 

While it may not come at the time we desire,

the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually

be returned a hundredfold with tears of 

rejoicing and gratitude."

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

Quote 2:

Timing

"The issue for us is trusting God enough 

to trust also His timing.

If we can truly believe He has our welfare at heart,

may we not let His plans unfold as He thinks best?"

Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Tomorrow... You're ONLY a Day Away!!!

Last night I took the kids "out on the town" for an evening play performance of "Annie." I had to listen to a few grumbles and complaints, but nothing was stopping me from taking them because they need some culture (away from silly kid TV and their Itouch games)! And, because I wanted to see it too! I don't think I have ever seen it as a play, but I did see the movie a long time ago.

It was a great production considering they pull from a cast on a very small island! The kids really enjoyed it as well, but I was struck by a message from the play that I hadn't thought about.

One of the famous lines from "Annie" is:

The sun'll come out Tomorrow, 

so you gotta hang on till tomorrow. 

Come what may.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love ya, Tomorrow.

You're only a day away.

I was really struck by this phrase as the play unfolded. I loved Annie's optimism in general. Despite her circumstances she was a determined little girl who chose to see the bright side of life. However, that one phrase from her song got me thinking... and I found it very reassuring. Today and its problems, disappointments, heartaches and upsets only last for a moment in time. The sun really will come out tomorrow, but at the same time, we've got to be optimistic about life and what comes our way. 

Annie desperately wanted to find her real parents, but in the end found out they had passed away many years earlier. That would be very disappointing and upsetting, but instead, she had found Daddy Warbucks and she chose to focus on the blessing of that rather than the fact that she would never meet her parents on earth. She had been through a lot in her 11 years of life, but she held on till Tomorrow and discovered a blessing in being adopted by Daddy Warbucks. It's not how she would have planned it, but... Come What May... it was a blessing to have been able to finally find out the answer about her real parents and find someone she could love like family. 

So, a good reminder to me to just hang on till tomorrow... come what may... and try and be optimistic during the process... because tomorrow is ONLY A DAY AWAY!!!!

31 + 1 =32

That’s the math I did recently to figure out how old I would be on my birthday a few days ago.

My 2^nd birthday celebrated on Nantucket and this one was MUCH better than the first! My 31^st birthday was filled with overcast clouds…rain storms… and honestly – a bit of loneliness as I had the day off and no one to celebrate with!

This time around I worked ALL day (parents left island while grandparents arrived in the evening), but I actually preferred that. Since the parents left on my birthday, they took me out for dinner over the weekend. It just happened to be one of the BEST and FUNNEST family dinners I have gone to with them this summer. They picked a new Italian place that had outdoor seating in town and it was a beautiful evening. The food was better than FANTASTIC. Oh my goodness… I don’t want to think about how many calories I consumed. Every bite was worth it!

The kids were also very well behaved even though it was a more formal restaurant and they were being SO funny. I can’t post all that was talked about, but if you want to know the most hilarious comment that was made about me and Mormonism… just send me an email J Overall, I had a wonderful evening with them and it was the start to a great birthday celebration… which lasted basically ALL week!

My actual birthday was a GORGEOUS day. The humidity had been wiped out the day before and the sun was shining bright! The kids were also going to camp so that was nice.  I dropped them off and then decided to ride my bike in to town to do some errands since it was such a nice day out!

I spent a lot of the day on the phone and on email (love hearing from friends and family!)… while getting some time at the pool J The kids wanted to go back to the pool after camp, so we went back again! I spend a lot of time at the pool. 

We went home quickly to get showered and changed and then headed to the airport… just in time to greet the grandparents off their flight! Then, it was off to dinner at the club. We had outdoor seating and it was such a beautiful night and beautiful sunset! The kids could play games on the lawn while we waited for dinner to come.  The food there is also really good! I don’t think I could say one bad thing about a meal I’ve eaten out on the island!

As the sun set we headed home so the boys could play some baseball on the lawn and watch some Olympics before going to bed. I didn’t stay up too much later than the kids, but I did go to sleep feeling very loved and appreciated by all my friends and family.

Birthdays are wonderful in that you get to hear from so many that you have not spoken with in ages…. Or even if you have, it’s just nice to hear someone wish you a happy day! And, even though I didn’t get to actually see friends or family on my birthday, I still felt very loved and that made all the difference!

I’m excited for this new “birth” year. It started off on the right foot… so that only means good things from there, right?! 

And, off to Boston!

Another weekend trip took me to Boston! This was a fun adventure. I took the kids on the ferry with one of their cars and it was their first time one the ferry. They loved it! And, I loved the fact that I had their Itouches and portable movie players because it's a 2 hour trip!

When we got off the boat I drove them to a local playground to get some energy out because we had a 2.5 hour drive ahead of us! It was a nice day so we had a picnic at the park as well.

Off we set for Boston! 

I loved driving in and passing Fenway... seeing the Charles River... and so many other favorite landmarks! We arrived at the hotel, but there was a crazy line to even valet park the car and to check in to the hotel. The kids were squirmy and just wanted to get out of the car... the last 30 minutes had been torture! Then, it took them forever to get the luggage up to the room and all the kids were anxiously awaiting their swimsuits so they could jump in the pool! Well, lucky us... this hotel was renovating their pool that day but allowed us to use another one in a hotel about a ten minute walk away. So, off went... I didn't care how far away the pool was... we were going or else I was going to go nuts!

We had fun at the pool and quickly returned to the hotel to change for dinner. Since I was in charge :) I got to choose where we went for dinner and also had invited my brother, sister in law and niece!

I LOVE the Cheesecake Factory. Funny thing is that I don't really like Cheesecake, but I love all their other menu items. And, their menu is so big and varied that everyone can find something they like.

This was the first time my brother had met the kids. They were pretty well behaved and we had an enjoyable dinner. I ate so much food! The portions there are so big. I picked off the kids plates so much that I ended up taking most of my dinner home! I was glad to combine my two worlds though... that of my work life and my family. I am always talking to Evan and Madison about the kids and I tell the kids all about my brother and his family (especially my niece!) It was also nice to have another adult to talk to at dinner as well :)

We walked back to the hotel. It was only 8 PM, but I was EX-hausted. I plopped the kids in front of the TV and mentally tried not to think anymore. Luckily Beth arrived by 9:30 and I went to bed

In the morning I had some free time so I set off to pick up my triathlon clothes at REI. It was fun to be back on the "T" even though I was riding the dreaded green line. REI happens to be close to Fenway, so when I got off at the T stop I was greeted with this painted on the wall. I felt like the team was welcoming me home!

The rest of Friday was a blur. I had to get my bike for the race... and then hunt and peck my way back through the one way streets of downtown Boston. An exhilarating and scary experience all at once! I even went the wrong way on one-way streets because I could not figure out where I was! I got to spend some time with Evan, Madison and Holland and it was awesome! But, went to bed around 9 PM because Evan and I were getting up for the race at 4 AM!

4 AM came way too quickly! I was so tired and completely questioning my sanity in deciding to do this race. I was so lucky to have Evan with me. It would have been a disaster from the beginning without him. Starting off with... he drove the 1.5 hours to Falmouth while I slept :)

We arrived in the quiet and asleep town as the sun was starting to rise (well, it was a cloudy day, but the light was just starting to come up). He navigated to where we were supposed to park and then literally walked me step by step with what I needed to do. This wasn't just a road race. I know what to do in those races! This one was a bit more complicated! You've got the bike, transitioning, more rules.... etc.

Luckily we got there with plenty of time to spare and he walked me through my set-up of my things. We had some down time before the race started so I took pictures and then we did a little pre-race warmup. My body just wasn't ready to move yet though.

Here's my professional picture of the staging area :)

Pure chaos to someone who has no idea what they're supposed to be doing!

This is where we came out from the swim.

See that red circle thing in the water? There were two of them in the water giving racers a rectangle pattern to run. But, this one actually moved during the first wave of the race and the poor swimmers in the water chased after it. It must have been the longest swim of their life. They stopped the race and repositioned it, but oh man... felt so bad for that first wave of athletes.

Even though it didn't move during my part of this race, I still felt it was like the longest swim of my life! (And, I've swam father distances... in a pool!! Which I much rather do!). The current was so strong that we all started about 20-30 feet to the right of where we should have. The waves were choppy. It was miserable for me. I just kept praying for it to be OVER! I don't feel like I am a terrible swimmer... but this was torture! I swallowed more salt water than I care to think about and don't think I did one proper stoke because I kept getting pounded by a new wave.

On to happier times, I thought this was one of the coolest - if not THE coolest - part of the race. We got painted with our race number on are arms and calf. 246!

I was proud of my number :)

Evan and I before the race.
I would not have been able to do it... or finish... without him!

After the delayed start and the crazy swim, I hopped on my bike. The bike part went much better than I expected as we rode through a nice (not too hilly) part of Falmouth. It was fun to have people on the streets cheering you on (that's not something you get in the swim part of the race!) I hadn't taken a moment to drink water in between the swim and the bike... so I was craving it by the middle of the bike portion. However, I was DETERMINED to not stop on my bike and just keep the momentum going!

When I got back to the transition area from the bike part, I accidentally crossed part of my bike over the finish line (which I guess is illegal but I thought the lady said that's what I was supposed to do! There were too many little rules!) And, I didn't feel like running my bike over to my spot so people we're shouting at me to "move!"... but I was like - "Whatever! Chill, people!" Ha ha... but I moved out of their way. 

I was so frazzled that I then forgot to put my bid on my shirt - which I guess is another disqualification! Ha ha... I didn't care. All I wanted was to know for myself that I finished! 

Well, at the first water station I gulped down water. My legs were still in the biking mode but I "ran" on. It was a coarse right along the water. Within a minute or two I passed Evan who was coming back in to the finish line. He started the whole thing in a wave before me, but he also did the whole thing much faster than I! The run went well, but I didn't feel like I was actually in my running grove until the 2 mile and at that point I only had just over one more to go! But, I did finish strong as running is my best sport out of the 3 of them! 

I finished!!! That's all that matters!

I was so happy to cross the finish line! Evan was there to greet me and lots and lots of water. I was so sticky from the salt water and sweat. My hands, face... everything felt just gross. Luckily they had showers there and a changing room... but before I did... just one last picture to prove I finished!

I did it!! Bike, Run, Swim... the whole thing!

Look how many bikes there are!

Well, even though I felt like I had lived half my day it was only 10 o'clock by the time we got back to the car and headed home. We hit lots of traffic, but got back by 1. I was refreshed by then so I decided to make the most of my bike rental and got back on my bike to bike around Boston! Very fun.... and then dropped it off and walked back to Evan's apartment. I loved going to see some of my favorite spots downtown and Boston is a bike friendly city... for the most part!

I finally showered and felt normal again. I gave Evan and Madison a date night... so I got to go with Holland to the Boston Commons and then over to the Boston Public Garden! It was a beautiful evening and we hung out by the pond. Holland caught the eye of just about everyone who passed by us! She is adorable and so much fun! She's at the stage where she can almost walk - almost! But, she's definitely a girl that likes to be on the move and in to everything!

Look at those adorable eyes!

Such a pretty night by the pond :)

And, I love this picture of Holland. 

Yes, she was a little pants-less... but just look at that face!

Priceless!

Early Sunday I headed back with the family on the ferry... back, back, back to more adventures on the island!

NYC - Round 3!

Since I am on the island for 2 months, we like to get off every now and then! One recent trip was to NYC (again!). Yep... my third time in just over a month! But, it was a lot of fun. It was SO dang HOT and humid... but a very nice hotel sure helps after coming in from being outside. This hotel was unlike any I've ever stayed in, but I would recommend it to anyone. They pride themselves on being eco-friendly. I didn't notice too many differences, but they always had fruit available for the taking in the lobby, a fabulous and free full breakfast, very comfy rooms with a kitchenette, a great work out room, and it was right by Penn Station so it was easy for travel! Loved it! And, top top it all off, it was just on the west side of an area where you can find GREAT Mexican restaurants!

It was a very quick trip, but during little breaks I got from working, I was able to do a session at the Manhattan Temple in Lincoln Center (amazing and awesome that there is a temple in downtown Manhattan!). But, also had the chance to visit the American Natural History Museum  and two others close to it, as well as tour the financial district a bit... see some famous churches and financial bldgs... but also had the opportunity to get tickets to see the 9/11 memorial and to spend some time in the World Trade Center area. 

They are rebuilding some of the buildings and changing it from how it was done before... but it looks like it will be really neat when it is completed. Here are some of the pictures.

This is an actual uniform from one of the rescuers

This is really cool!  So sad, but very symbolic

The flag has the names of everyone who passed away on it.

I believe this is WTC #7

Construction area with some of the buildings already 

completed or close to being done in the back.

Reflection Pool #1

Along the sides of the reflection pool they have the names 

listed again of everyone who died in the tragedy

I believe this is the new museum they are building. 

Not yet done, but I think it's supposed to be completed soon.

Reflection Pool #2

This is the survivor tree. It is a pear tree that was badly damaged in the 9/11 attacks, but was kept in a park in Brooklyn until it could be replanted back at the WTC in 2010. It had gone through a lot, but is now thriving... and is very symbolic for the resiliency of those who survived the attack, New York City, and really, the whole country.

In the small museum/souvenir shop they had this motorcycle on display. 

I just thought it was a pretty cool picture and a pretty cool motorcycle!

It was fun to go back to NYC, yet again, and visit some of these sights. NYC is amazing... but I think my visits to it are done for a while :)

RI... and then Nantucket...thus far

Summer adventures continue. For work, I left DC on July 1st to drive to RI and then to Nantucket on July 3rd. However,  2.5 hours in to my trip (just outside Philly), I realized I left my computer bag in my apartment and had to return to get it! For someone who hates to drive in the first place, this was heartbreaking! The simple mistake lead to adding 5 hours to my already 8 hour trip! ACK!

But, fortunately, traffic was in my favor. I would stop every two hours at a rest stop and run around or do jumping jacks for a few minutes and then get back in the car. My IPhone became my best friend as I talked to many people and listened to lots of music! I know that it is with the Lords help that I was able to endure... and man, what a lesson I learned on checking three times to make sure I had everything!

But, my travels did allow me to arrive in RI just as the sun was setting. I decided to stop by Watch Hill before going to my dad's house. What's an extra 5 minutes to an all ready 13 hour trip! An amazing sunset was worth it!!

A view from the Watch Hill Yacht Club

On Monday I had some dental surgery at my dad's office and basically stayed low-key all day. Caught up on sleep, blogging and reading! Tuesday morning I set off for Nantucket. Another 2.5 hours in the car followed by a 2.5 hour ferry ride. Not too bad. It was hot. Thank goodness again for AC and my IPhone!

When I got to the ferry, they told me that they had switched my ferry time to earlier that morning so I wasn't confirmed on the ferry I thought I was. OH MY WORD. I was in shock and disgusted! It's hard to get a ferry spot this time of year and you have to book well in advance. How can you just change someone's time and NOT tell them! Well, no one there could answer my question.

BUT, fortunately, by some miracle, they found a spot for me and I got on. I literally would probably have had a melt down right then and there... I was tired, sick of driving, and in pain from the surgery the day before. And, I knew I had to get the car to the island! Thank you HF for helping this work out!

Views from the ferry as I approach Nantucket!

The next day was July 4th. I hadn't been on the island for the 4th, but I knew I was in for a treat. I went for an early morning run and then set off in to town with the family for adventures! The kids love the activities on Main Street! A watermelon eating contest (Jed won first place!) Some crafty stuff, face painting, and another favorite was the DUNK TANK!

Jed's ready!

Jed's in! (I heard the water was SOOO dang cold!)

But, that didn't deter Max!

Love that face!

I had to wait on the sidewalk for a bit and saw these cuties walk by. A perfect July 4th outfit!! Many would be consumed later in the day... but these guys only pretended to act the part :)

The highlight of July 4th on Main Street is the HUGE water gun fight. Seriously, the WHOLE town gets involved. I should have worn a bathing suit! But, they close main street. Everyone brings whatever water gun, water balloons or water fighting items they have in possession and gets ready for the big moment!

But, first, roll in the firetrucks! The crowd looks on and makes a pathway down the street.

Unknowingly, I had chosen a spot right next to the firetruck. Pretty cool!

The first thing they did was put up there ladder...

In order to fly the American Flag!

Such an amazing sight to see. I love our flag!

It stands for freedom. It stands for a nation coming together... despite differences of belief in religion and politics... but a nation that comes together in tragedy and in celebration of freedom!

The crowd gathers in around the firetruck

and the "fight" begins!

Some more invested than others!

But, even in the beginning of the fight, the fireman stands 

on the top and "teases" the audience with his periodic spray!

The fight slowly intensifies!

But, then the firetruck intensifies it's fight! 

And, there's another truck now involved 

couple of yards away!

It's fun to watch people down below try and 

throw water balloons up at the fireman!

Water, water everywhere!!!

It was A-mazing! I wasn't in a bathing suit so I tired to hide under one of the awnings of the stores on main street. But, the fight went on for about 40 minutes until the firetrucks won! But, it was so much fun to see the entire island (or so it seemed) get involved and have so much fun!!

The next day I was lucky to have two friends visit me on the island (Amber and Ethan). They had been on the Cape for most of the week and ventured over to Nantucket for a day. After work, I met them at Surfside Beach. It was a beautiful day and we just sat and talked and took pictures as the sun was setting. 

Amber is such a photographer! We took pictures of our feet in the sand. 

I like how it turned out. 

Amber had the idea to take a few poses as we sat on the beach. We were right next to a lifeguard stand and since it was late in the day we decided to make good use of it since the lifeguards had gone home!

Amber taking a picture of Ethan and I as we all walked back to the car. 

After the beach, I took Amber and Ethan on a brief tour of the island, but then I took them to the yacht club to get freshened up and we took advantage of the scene to take even more pictures!

It was so much fun to have friends visit me... and it was such a beautiful day!

Life on the island thus far has been good :)