Christmas Lights At The Washington D.C. Temple!

Waited 4.5 years to see the temple lights again at the Washington D.C. temple and they never get old. Every time we come here it's as if we are going for the first time. This temple has added so much significance to my life and I am so glad it's opened up again. Renovated and lit! Such a beautiful sight and going during Christmas is truly magical. I LOVE this tradition we created 15 years ago and as long as we live less than 4 hours away we will come every year! Hope everyone had a nice "twixmas" (the week after Christmas) and that everyone starts off strong in the new year! Now for some photos that hope light up your life! 

Christmas Sunday!

 

Here's hoping this time will serve as an opportunity for us all to appreciate our loved ones and to provide moments for us to reflect, reset, and look ahead to a new year renewal. So many of us want change, but I believe that in order to make that change and be happy with others is that we have to look at ourselves and be happy with who we are. Each year is a chance for us to be better. To not let the little things get to us. To even love those... who for whatever reason have caused us harm, suddenly ignores you, or just plain dislikes you for no reason. Those are the petty things that we shouldn't worry about. Even those that don't even know us personally and dislike us for whatever reason is their issue. And to be honest it's liberating to dismiss those knowing who you're true friends are-even those you have met online. 

The world is changing and we choose to change with it. We choose to allow things to affect us. And I choose joy. I choose happiness. I choose positivity. I choose love. I choose gratitude. I choose "to let it go." And man does it feel good!

However you honor this time we wish y'all a Merry Christmas and hope that y'all were able to spend time with loved ones. To seriously not sweat the small stuff. Life is short and with all that has happened lately in the media with suicides it's so important to check up on your loved ones. A simple text, a phone call or even a card makes a world of difference! Believe me, I know! 

Winter Solstice '22.

 

I asked my son the other day what his favorite season was and to my surprise he said winter. I think he's the only one in the family who really enjoys winter and being outside making snowballs and having snowball fights with his peeps and sisters. And me! I personally don't mind going outside for a bit. And when I mean a bit, I mean like half an hour! First snowfalls are the best and I absolutely love that part of winter. It really is beautiful, but then after a day it becomes slushy and gross and the desire to be outside goes away.  Nonetheless I don't mind winter that much because it means that we are closer to spring/summer and longer days are returning. So as long as I have a son who still loves going outside when the snow hits I will be a good sport and join him on enjoying the first snow. They're only young once! 

**Picture taken in 2019 when we had our first snow in November! 

Christmas Magic In NYC!

There are so many cool decorations that go up around the end of November and not enough time to get to all of them. As redundant as these photos get on the internet they never get old! Especially the Rockefeller center tree! We haven't gone to see it since they delivered it last month but hope to capture its beauty again this weekend. As crowded as fifth avenue gets during the holidays it is worth it to take in all the magic of what the city brings when it comes to the holidays. So much to do and see. My two youngest are in their teens and till this day even my 22 year old lights up when she sees the city all decked out for the holidays. It's a beautiful sight and look forward to seeing a little bit more before the holiday ends! Now for some holiday photos of the city!

Macy's At Christmas.

Don't get to psyched on this post because this is the only picture you're going to see from Macy's at Christmas this year. Noah is definitely getting way too old for the holiday display windows at Macy's. He said that this year the window displays were baby-ish (LOL) and I have to agree. Baby-ish for him but not for the million other toddlers and kids who may still believe! Noah still believes in Santa and loves his elf Miles but I have a strong feeling that this will be the last year we see Miles. Who knows. But this is the only photo I captured of Noah walking away from the crowds and display window and because he looks so cool and all had to share! We still had a fun time walking around and in all honesty with all the crowds this holiday it's best not to take photos and to just enjoy the moments offline instead of being in someones way trying to take pictures! 

Temple Day With The Best Kids!

What better way to start off the month of December than to go to the temple- especially during the holiday season. About nine youth and a few adults from our church all ventured out to Philly to attend. Going to the temple, even if it's just to walk on the temple grounds is pure joy! I love the feeling that overcomes me while stepping onto the temple grounds and an even peaceful feeling as I enter inside the temple. To see the youth there with their folks is a sight. And whether or not to they wanted to be there they will still receive those blessings. I love all these kids and wish them the best feelings while they are at the temple. Hopefully it'll be something they will appreciate and on their motive continue to attend as they get older. But for now-just having them altogether warmed my mama heart! 

28 Pretty Good Years.

 

December 15th definitely creeped up on us and to be honest I personally don't mind having a low key anniversary this year. It's nice to just wake up in the morning and lean into each other with a soft kiss (bad breath and all) saying "happy anniversary babe." And that's enough. It's simple and sweet and don't need the gifts of the world to prove our love for one another 9although he did give me some chocolate and a sweet card!)

Time, hugs, great conversation, laughing and just being together watching a movie on Netflix while it's frigid cold outside is good enough for me this year. I am so grateful for this time in my life to feel that I don't want or need a lot. I have what I need right in front of me. my family. Living and breathing the same air as me. My husband, my kids, and my love for God. Just being together for another year is survival. No matter how happy one may seem or how much one travels and explores with their kids-times can get hard. And just celebrating another year of marriage is a milestone. It doesn't matter if it's your 5th, 8th, 13th, 19th, 25th, or in our case, our 28th anniversary. Each passing year together is special because we made it. And we didn't even realize how fast it came upon us. Not that's saying something. Happy anniversary to us! 

I Hate Leaving New York.

The city still continues to surprise me every day. 

How you may ask? 

A city like New York, where everything is moving all the time at this constant driving pace right?

It’s like a living organism breathing and changing, and overtime your relationship to it becomes like this incredible romance. At first it’s intoxicating, irresistible and then slowly it becomes comfortable and safe. You have this cellular connection to it, as if you’ve known each other forever. Like your oldest happiness, and sometimes you’re on the outs, and sometimes you’re making up. And every now and then you catch yourself in this transcendent moment where  you think to yourself, “oh my God, I’m madly in love with you. And I always will be.” 

And I think that’s when it surprises me.

I may not live here on the daily, but these are my sentiments exactly! I Hate Leaving New York. 

Miracles Do Happen! Harry Potter and The Cursed Child On Broadway!

When Noah and I walked into the Lyric theatre to have the usher direct us to the seats in the orchestra section we couldn't believe our eyes as we were walking closer and closer to the stage. Our jaws dropped when the usher said, "it's the last two seats in the front row." I was in shock and Noah sat down all chill while I was still trying to take in this moment at how close we were. We were lucky to have sat together because I heard when you win lottery tickets that chances are you won't sit together but the Gods were on our side and we were together and laughed and sat in awe as we watched this magnificent show. We made eye contact, saw how all the magic tricks were played and even saw spit and all! It was the best evening with my handsome boy and the best Christmas miracle gift ever received! 

A Disco Christmas At Industry City!

Can't believe we are already 12 days into December! Where has the time gone! Especially since I haven't blogged since the end of November. That just shows that I'd rather be offline taking in the moments of the Christmas season and just chilling. I love to write and journal but there are days when I'm just not in the mood and when I do journal/blog I have a lot of catching up to do. Plus, my hands begin to ache after typing for so long so eventually there will come a time when I most likely won't blog anymore. Who knows! But I do love this time of year and couldn't let time pass without blogging about my favorites in the city. We venture out so much in NYC that I love to take pictures of every art installation and epic Christmas decoration! On this day we went to industry city and the courtyard was all decked out with disco balls! Such a cool decoration. This courtyard in industry city always has the coolest holiday decor. Noah and I had a little photo shoot and it was the best!

Thankful For Novembers.

Can't believe this is the last day of November. Where did the past 11 months go! So much has happened this month. So many memories were made. It's amazing how fast time flies when you love the life you're in. Spending it with loved ones. Even when the season changes time goes by even faster. November was filled with so much goodness. From Noah's 13th birthday, to sticking with tradition by going to the Macy's thanksgiving day parade. 

96th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Not sure how many more parades we will attend in person but I'm hoping that we will continue to go even after the kids are grown up! Seeing the parade live in NYC is definitely a once in a lifetime thing to do especially if you are a New Yorker or live in the tristate area. People from all over the world travel to see this iconic event so anyone who lives close to the state of New York you have no excuse! GO! You will have so much fun and feel energized. Going to the parade despite our sleep depravation truly brings us joy and we always have a grand time cheering on those in the parade as well as making new friends along the way. It definitely is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!

It's Thanksgiving Week!

Thanksgiving week has arrived here in NYC and we couldn't be more excited. Just looking at Tom Turkey atop the Macy's building in Herald Square definitely gets you in the holiday spirit and we are ready for it. But first, the Thanksgiving parade. We look forward to going and seeing it live. I'm sure the crowds will be crazy this year as opposed to years past but we've been going since 2012 so we are used to the crowds! I am so thankful for the blessing we have to be able to attend such an event and take in all the New York city moments while we are here. We absolutely love the city and cherish every nostalgic minute. Hope everyone has a wonderful thanksgiving week whether your prepping for Turkey day, traveling or spending it with loved ones. Hope y'all keep it a simple and sweet-chillaxin' thanksgiving day!

When Fall Meets Winter...

 

Last weekend we explored Central Park and checked out the last of the fall foliage just in time before the leaves completely fell off. Fall is such a wonderful and beautiful season of vibrant colors yet it's very scarce. Just when you think you have enough time to get outside and check out the autumn leaves they are already pretty much greeting winter by slowly falling on the ground. Nonetheless we ventured out and walked and captured some fall moments. Even with the leaves on the ground Central Park in NYC is absolutely magical.

He's 13!!

Somehow our youngest and only boy is officially a teenager! I literally cried as I helped comb his hair this morning. There are days when he doesn't mind it but he had an alfalfa thing going on and couldn't help but to tear up a bit as he said, "Mom, I got this!" Ahhh! He has seriously grown up and I am so proud of the young man he is becoming. Independent. Brave. Fierce. He truly is our magical being. My solace. Our last teenager to raise. And I want him to know that he can do anything in this world. I'm in awe as I watch him grow and figure things out while navigating in this world. It's remarkable!

Grateful for this journey together. May we continue to raise you better each day. May you share your love in this world for the greater good. And just be yourself every day of your life.

Had so much fun taking pictures with our Jersey boy! Happy 13th birthday kiddo!  

Forever Grateful For Falls!

Now that Halloween is over and the month of October has passed I can now focus on November that includes my son's upcoming birthday! Can't believe how quickly time flies and that he will be an official teenager next week! So thankful for a new month that helps us to refresh and regroup. In spite of living in a time where there is STILL so much turmoil and despair in the world there is also beauty and light and so much to be thankful for. Family, fall foliage, the simple joys of life that include going on a walk. Happy November everyone! Let's hope the weather stays in the 60's for awhile so that the colors of fall linger a little longer!

Feliz Dia De Los Muertos!

Thankful for my ancestors who have lived and passed on and for this day in which we remember them. 

This past week there was a beautiful display of art done by Mexican artists celebrating Mexico week: the Dia De Los Muertos at Rockefeller Center. I went last year and it was so beautiful that I couldn't miss out on this years exhibit.

Such a fun and wonderful celebration of my heritage. To remember those who have lived and passed on and to know that they will always be a part of our memory even after they're gone. So glad I have passed this tradition on down to my children so that they can understand this day and reflect back on their loved ones.

Love all the sculptures here including this large jaguar sculpture (above photo) done by Cesar Menchaca. There's also an ofrenda, and a tianguis. This was the second year artists displayed their sculptures and if you happen to be in NYC next year please come and check them out. Each year there are different sculptures and they are indeed beautiful! So lucky to live near a sea of culture! And at the end of this post you can see a video of my daughter Lexie singing "Cielito Lindo" and this heartwarming video done by my oldest daughter Sierra.

Happy Halloween Witches!

Halloween week this week has been a little off but nonetheless the kids and I made the best of October. Despite our downfalls we've had whether it's with school or something personal we never let anything or anyone ruin our moment of family fun. This whole month has been fun venturing out to see all the wonderful halloween decorations in the city. Jon and Noah both decided to be Jason from Mortal Kombat (the game, not the movie) and we had so much fun walking around picking out different decorated stoops and town homes to take pictures. Sorry New Jersey but New Yorkers really know how to decorate! Plus-it's New York! I even did a little video in which you can see here on my tiktok.

Chelsea and Noah went out trick or treating and they brought home loads and loads of candy! One great thing about Jersey hoods is that they know how to distribute the good stuff! Candy that is! Although it began to drizzle around 7pm and then full on rain close to 7:30 the kids scored and we were home by 8pm. Not a bad Halloween evening for a tween and 17 year old. Now for some Halloween photos!! 

Halloween In Manhattan!

 

The Upper East side in Manhattan is all decked out for halloween and in the classiest way. These black pumpkins are to die for! So cool and Noah had fun checking them out. We absolutely love this time of year where we can walk the streets of New York and check out all the halloween decorations. From the upper west side all the way to the upper east side there are tons of homes and stoops decorated for all New York to see. Them trick or treaters are going to have so much fun trick or treating on this side of Manhattan! 

Spooky Season On The UWS!

One more week until Halloween and there are so many photos I want to share of decorated stoops and homes in New York city. We love coming here every year to take a look at what's new and how different certain homes decorate each year. It's always interesting to come back and see all the creative ways New Yorkers decorate. They surely do go all out for autumn and Halloween and each year we just keep coming back for more. Last week we stopped by this Instagram legend on Columbus on the upper west side. They always go all out! They sure do hoard gourds and we love it! 

Chelsea's Senior Night-Tennis.

 

This past Monday was senior night for chelsea and she was recognized for her accomplishments and hard work in being the best tennis player she can be. Three coaches, four tennis partners, 25 teammates, and four years of 324 tennis matches! Can’t believe this is the end of Chelsea’s high school tennis career and she ended up winning her last match! 

I have also witnessed how soooo many of the younger girls loved and looked up to her. These young women were (are) like the little sisters Chelsea never had. For Chelsea, it wasn’t always about winning, but making it a team effort and paying attention to the younger girls who needed a boost as they themselves are learning to have a love for the game. Bittersweet for sure as she’ll miss them when she graduates and as she hangs up her tennis racket for the time being.

Under The "Pumpkin' Bridge!

 

This pumpkin art installation is back at Pier 17 and it's absolutely gourd-eous!! It sits on the Heineken bridge and once again we ventured back to capture it's beauty with all the pumpkins on display! It's a square arch this year and it's just as pretty as when it was displayed in a round arch a couple years ago. It's even more pretty when it's lit up at night! So if you can make it come close to sunset you can capture it during the day as well as in the evening and it will look so magical! Happy October!!

Little AMAL In NYC!!

 

Last month we had the opportunity to see Little Amal. Little Amal is a 12 foot tall puppet who is a 10 year old Syrian refugee and she has arrived in NYC to raise awareness for all refugee children and represents all children fleeing war, violence, & persecution. She carries a message of hope to those children who have been displaced. 

Amal- which means hope in Arabic already trekked 5000 miles across Europe and even made it to the Vatican where she met the Pope. 

She will be here until October 2nd and like a child is touring all the wonderful places all over the city. In 17 days she trekked and experience so much within the five boroughs in NYC.

On this day particular day she led us through a massive scavenger hunt that began at Diana Ross playground in Central Park where Noah used to play as a toddler and ended at Belvedere castle where she was awarded with a cake!

Such a sweet moment in New York history and a fun afternoon all while marching with Little Amal capturing photos of her with my New Yorker friends.

She also has a website and you can read her story and all the places she’s been. Her final destination was Brooklyn where she experienced the notorious Jane's Carousel which is our fave!

O C T O B E R !

As much as I miss September and that it flew by so fast "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." October is so cozy and colorful with all the different colored hues of autumn. I love all things fall-ish and going from farm to farm, garden to garden, and orchard to orchard has been the funnest thing ever with this kid. We have a whole month to do this and exactly five weeks until his 13th birthday. He's a November baby and before you know it October will be done and November will be here! We will surely be enjoying these October moments in hopes that it goes by slow because the season of Fall sure is short and man do I want to appreciate it and savor it!

Apple Picking On The Last Day Of September.

As soon as Noah came home from school we decided to go apple picking at Battleview Orchards. It was a perfect overcast day to go. I had a feeling the orchards were going to be picked over and I was right. Luckily we found a few good apples but the one thing Noah really wanted was a golden apple. Those are his favorite and so we lucked out on finding a couple. We left with a few apples and because I forgot this place is cash only had 13 bucks on me. Luckily these eight mediocre apples were only 4 bucks!! Such a great deal and we had such a fun time without heavy crowds. I'm totally getting used to just having one kid now and it's probably best since Chelsea will be gone next fall. But tradition is tradition and I love apple picking. Even if it's just with one kid. Might as well get used to one on one outings with my only boy. And it actually was super fun! Now for a little apple picking photo op...

"Bug Light" House in South Portland, Maine!

Can't believe we've been to Maine sooooo many times and never made our way to this cute lighthouse. It's called "Bug Light" and it was built in 1875 and it is seriously one for the most elegant lighthouses in Maine. It was built with plates of cast iron and was dubbed "Bug Light" due to its small size and it's the cutest thing this side of the Atlantic Ocean! Every time we come to Maine we always go to Cape Neddick to see the Nubble lighthouse and although that will always be my favorite my second favorite is now this cute little bug light! The history behind all these lighthouses are amazing and love that we have them all over the ocean for a wonderful purpose to always guide us on the way home!

51.

I’ve aged 200 years in the past year and I have all the GREY hair to prove it but that’s my life. My Life that’s filled with beautiful moments and trials that make us strong. One thing I’m extremely grateful for is my family. No matter how the day ends up we always end it with love in our hearts. I also want to publicly thank those who sent me birthday wishes. It’s the little things you know! And spending it in Boston with 4/6 of my family was the best! Cheers to surviving the first year in my fifties! 

Autumn Babies....

 

No matter how much I wanted summer to stay I have to say that I am extremely happy that fall is here! I say this every single year!! The fact that Noah and I are autumn babies makes the season even more colorful! I turn 51 in exactly two days and looking forward to celebrating with my family and also doing all the fall things that are meant to be done during this beautiful but short season. So let the leaf peeping, pumpkin picking, apple picking, apple cider drinking, birthday season begin! Happy first day of Fall! 

 

Nostalgic Moments & An End To Summer...

The past couple of weeks have somewhat felt like fall and can't believe today is the last day of summer! It looks like today will be the last temp in the 80's but with New Jersey/New York weather you just never know! There are days when we will have 70 degree weather in December when it should be cold in the 40's! Nowadays we just go with the flow and whatever temperature is that day we'll just go with it! Rain or shine, snow or sun- we'll take it even in the winter months that will soon follow! 

Tennis Season- Senior Year!

Tennis season has begun for Chelsea and I couldn't be more excited! Even though the US OPEN is over I still get to watch my girl play. So far she has won a couple of matches and her serve is strong! She has improved so much in the past four years of playing in high school. It's bittersweet knowing that this is her final year playing in high school and am so excited to see her play. I hope she wins lots, but most of all I just want her to have fun with the game. 

In Memory Of A.J....

Last Friday a student from Noah's school was killed in a biking accident and today he was laid to rest. It truly This memorial represents his memory and a reminder to me that biking accidents can occur at any time, any day to anyone. Particularly children. Our town has a lot of kids and this accident was literally less than a mile from my house. The location where he was hit is what I call deadman's curve because of how quick people try to beat the traffic to turn on this street. I personally no longer turn on this street because of that purpose. Then again the Peddie bridge is still closed off anyway so I can't even drive through it. That was a shortcut for me on my way home and it no longer is an option...for now. 

Ever since Noah brought flowers to lay them down on his little memorial the week has been pretty somber.   I've been focused more on my time with my kids talking to them and I mean really talking to them and less on social media. It's so nice when you truly look at what's around you that's "real" and to appreciate what's in front of you. I know life goes on and we will eventually adventure on at times but we will never forget this sweet boy or what happened here last Friday evening. RIP A.J. and know that our prayers are with your family and we know that you are looking down from above. 

We Remember....

It was a rainy day on a Sunday afternoon when we drove to jersey city to pay our respects and reflect on those who lost their lives on September 11th, 21 years ago. Going to the Empty Sky memorial is always a somber space where we see people setting up flowers and ribbons on the name space of their loved ones. There was even one woman who caught my eye and after taking her picture expressed my sorrow to her in regards to her loved one. She seemed strong but could see that there were tears about to stream down her face as she was placing the ribbon on his name. 

Even 21 years later we remember. And still shed tears. I didn't even know these humans who lost their lives and yet my kids and I still mourn and grieve for them. Knowing that we live so close to ground zero and having come all the time to pay our respects since we moved to the east is a humbling feeling. We didn't make it to the world trade center memorial this year, but we are Jersey folk and this is our second year going to Empty Sky on September 11th. And it truly was a bittersweet feeling. Here's a little video from last year to reflect....

US OPEN - 2022

Summer isn't quite over yet and September began with going to the US OPEN. I love, love this time of year because it's the beginning of fall to come, my birthday month, and of course - going to the US OPEN. 

Jon took the day off to take me to see a couple of matches and all I have to say is that it was a perfect day! The weather was 75 degrees and I was with my favorite person celebrating an "early birthday" gift. Also, watching Tiafoe play against Alcaraz was amazing. Such an emotional ending to the day and so happy for Tiafoe who has come a long ways a tennis player to be at this point in his life today. Such a talented player with a lot of heart! I know he will win someday and hope to be there again when he does! Love, loved this day and to end this post I will share a few photos. 

12th & 7th!

Today is the first day of school for my last two birdies. Senior year for Chelsea and 7th grade for Noah. I look back at this post and wonder...where has the time gone! I feel as if I blogged about their first years of school yesterday! Wishing the best of luck to them and to all the kids out there who have already returned to school. I pray many blessings of safety upon our children as they enter the halls of their school-wherever they roam. Hoping that they are not faced with any tragedy. Adversity is common among kids growing up and trying to find their way as they get older, especially when it comes to their future. I am thinking of the kids of Uvalde as well and hope that those who survived that horrific tragedy  continue to be resilient and strong as they return back to school. Everyone is built differently and I hope that my kids will remember to always BE KIND, keep their guard up and to live each day as if it was their last! 

Audrey.

“Two drifters, off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after the same rainbow's end
Waitin' 'round the bend
My huckleberry friend
Moon river and me.”

On the final weekend of August Chelsea and I drifted along the west village where we saw Audrey the musical. It was such a sweet story of one of our favorite icons. So glad we saw this as it was only off broadway for a month! A great way to close out the season before school starts!

The End Of Summer Break!

 

Ahhhh! I can't believe that the end of summer break is here and that this was our last beach trip of the season. I have loved every minute spent with these kids and although I'm grateful for education and that they will be back at school this week I will definitely miss hanging out with them! The older they get the more I want to appreciate their presence and all the things that their heart desires which isn't too much. They are the most agreeable kids and I especially love the way they don't plan and want to do the simple things in life. Going to the shore are moments of fun, sand in our tushes upon leaving, and splashing in the waves while soaking in the ocean. Ahhh yes - I'm sure going to miss these moments...and so will they!

Beach Day!

With summer winding down we are taking advantage of time by going to the beach. We have less than two weeks before school starts and we really want to soak in these final days of summer-literally! I have to say that this summer hasn't really been filled with beach days because of having other commitments and being that it's been soooooo hot would rather go to a movie, museum, or just stay in the comfort of our home watching Netflix! 

We did manage to go to the beach when Jon was off from work and adopted my other son winsley for the day. Sure do love that kid and Noah is always happy when he tags along. As much as he loooooves his sisters I'm sure that he would like some male bonding with his friends from time to time. It's nice that Noah has a couple of good friends that he can have fun with and are like a brother to him. And looking back at this post I can't believe how tall these boy have gotten in one year!!!! I blame it on the pandemic!!

Beach Day From 2021!

In 2021 blogging became kind of blah for me and really had to push myself and be in the mood to write. Unfortunately this sweet beach post never made it in real time so I am documenting it now. Beach days are our favorite and every time we invite Winsley it just makes Noah's day. He's definitely his brother from another mother. Having Winsley around also gives chelsea a little break from Noah- getting the feel of how it is to have "another brother." LOL! She loves her bro and loves Winsley as if he were her bro too and on this day they all had a blast! 

Coney Island At Dusk!

It feels like it was just June yet somehow we are nearing the end of august! We are trying to "live up" of what's left of summer before school starts so last week we ended up going to Coney Island. It's become tradition to go every summer and even though it can be trashy (in a good way) we love going! We don't mind the smells of weed or trash because let's face it, it's legally part of the world now but we don't mind that and we just focus on the positivity of this unique experience and just have fun with it! 

We always always ride the cyclone and the wonder wheel! They are both old rides and I swear I felt as if I was going to fly out of the roller coaster every time it took a curve. We screamed and cheered and upon rolling up to the top before dropping down the guy sitting behind us said, "welcome to hell." I totally had a final destination moment but nonetheless chelsea and I had a blast screaming all the ahhh's and I even said, "shiiiiiiiiiiiiT" once while riding this 95 year old roller coaster. Don't regret it and it's definitely worth the 10 bucks!  

It was a low key fun afternoon and stayed until late in the evening. I'm so glad I made this reel at dusk when the lights turned on because it truly does look magical. 

Tender Moments...

Two days have past since Lexie flew back to Utah and we already miss her something fierce. I know that time will pass and that we will see her again during the holidays but when you're getting up there in age and have two kids left at school-you just want to relish all the time with your kids and honestly at times don't want them to leave. These tender moments in pictures of Lexie saying bye to us are priceless. I am so grateful for the time she took to come home and visit and spend three weeks with us. We had such a great time and wish she could have stayed longer but school for her starts at the end of this month plus we need to wind down and get the rest of the kids prepared for another school year come September. So glad school starts after Labor Day here in the east so we can have more time for one last little hurrah of summer. 

Tennis In The Summer Time!

Temperatures have been in the 80's lately and before Lexie left the kids managed to play a lot of tennis. It's a perfect time to play and get all hyped up with the US Open beginning in a couple of weeks. We hope to attend a watch a match or two with the kids but with school in session it's almost impossible and Jon and I  usually make it a date night. 

There are many more tennis moments that were made this summer but only captured the kids on this day as the weather wasn't too hot for me! There are days when I can handle the heat and days I can't (thank you menopause!) So on this morning while we let Chelsea sleep in Noah and Lexie had a little match with me being the "umpire." I am so happy that Noah enjoys playing tennis and it is my hope that he will join the team this next spring instead of track, but it's his choice as to what sport he wants to do. He's getting better and better at tennis though and would love to see where it takes him if he sticks with it. Lexie is pretty much a pro and whether it's 100 or 80 degrees she and Chelsea will never say no to playing a game of tennis!