You’d think he was gone a month when I saw this reunion at the airport…
We missed you Papa!
In fact it was a mere 2 day trip.
Pin ItAirport Pick up
1
Category Archives: Daily Fun
Back to the Old Grind
We humans are quite adaptable. It’s amazing how quickly we can completely change our environments and meld right in without any anxiety. In fact for the past week I’ve not felt a hint of nervousness. Perhaps if I had ventured into the drivers seat of our passenger side driving seat and tried to drive on the other side of the road it might have given me a flutter or two. I know Adam kept cursing himself every time he wanted to put on the turn signal and once again found himself turning the windshield wipers on instead.
After six months of careful diet I threw it all to the wayside. I could not believe how easy it was to not even think about calories. And I don’t even want to admit what I let the kids eat.
Once we were out of the country I barely checked my emails. Amazing considering that I can’t go a day in Chicago without checking them at least once.
Adam and I, who love to see how much we can possibly fit into one day started a lazy routine that included not much more than eating and playing on the beach with the kids.
Finally I didn’t feel like exercising once.
Who was I in Cayman?
The Wongs and Calisoffs at the Tiki Bar in Cayman
When we arrived back to our home in Chicago real life hit me. All of a sudden the rush was on. How quickly could I get to the supermarket and pick up dinner? I wondered as I shoved clothes from the suitcase into the laundry. I’d better call and order I thought while making a mental grocery list and sorting mail.
Life was back to it’s hectic pace.
And as quick as I shed my Chicago skin when I left, I grew another one. Must book the gym, must eat healthy, must call friends and organize some play dates for the kids, must file, must do the monthly video and photos. (Which are up, by the way. You can click on them to the right under the title ‘July 2011’ under ‘Youtube Videos’ and ‘Facebook Photos’.)
As much fun as I had on holiday, it’s always nice to come back home. I’m happy to see the DVR full of new shows, happy to see my friends again, happy start checking off the rest of the fun and exciting stuff I have planned for the kids this summer. I’m excited to be back on my own computer playing with my modern day scrap book, my somewhat censored diary – this blog.
Pin ItCayman Again
Our last day in Cayman we decided to explore the island a bit. We hit the Turtle Farm. I’d hardly say it was value for money but it was still an interesting excursion.
Turtle Farm
Just the shear volume of turtle alone was shocking. Judging by the size, many were probably over 100 years old, which made me feel almost youthful somehow. Thanks turtles.
Predator Reef
Predator Reef had this great underwater viewing area that would have kept me in awe if I were not so spoiled by the Lincoln Park Zoo and Shedd Aquarium.
There were two cool splash pool areas where you could wade with the fish but again, we were so spoiled by Seven Mile Beach’s white sandy beach, clear waters and great snorkeling that we skipped it and headed back to the villa after a quick walk around.
And of course, after our morning out, Aunt Hopey came by bearing all the good Jamiacan food from my childhood, Ox Tail, Jerk Pork, Curry Chicken, Callaloo, Rice and Beans, Fried Plantains, Cassava Cake and a first for me, Grape Nut Ice Cream.
Our Jamaican Feast
We pigged again. I’m on a serious diet when we return.
Pin ItHopey the Matchmaker
Last night, in the spirit of continued gluttony, we had dinner last night at Ragazzi with the beautiful and always kind spirited Aunt Hopey.
- Hopey and Tom
Although we met at Andrew and Karen’s wedding, Hopey has been given the title of first matchmaker. She wasn’t the only one pushing Adam and I together but she was the first one who eyed us both over and it clicked in her head. She made no secret of it. Instead she came right up to the both of us, while we were standing together, and informed us that the other one was single while raising her eyebrows knowingly. It made for an awkward silence which I filled with the comment, ‘well this is awkward’.
Now that there is nothing left to be awkward about, it was lovely to see her and her charming partner Tom for dinner and to learn a bit more about the island and what it’s like to live here.
The huge dinner last night didn’t stop us from our vacation eating frenzy. Without hesitation we woke up and headed to the Ritz Carlton for the buffet breakfast…
Ritz Breakfast Buffet
Pin It
Another Day in Paradise
The vacation continues…
Another beautiful day
Today Adam and I took turns helping Jack make a huge ‘man’ cave, complete with an opening for water to rush in.
- Jack’s Man Cave
Ben stayed closer to the shore for most of the morning, content to fill trucks with sand.
Ben takes over the other Ben's toys
This was followed by an enormous buffet lunch. When I saw they had Jamiacan rice and beans I had to dive in. Then I found out they did a wicked ackee and saltfish so I ignored the little voice inside of my head that said, “you are going to spontaniously explode if you eat anything else” and ordered that too.
- Yummy Ackee and Saltfish
This vacation is not for dieting, which is why, after a 2 and 1/2 hour nap for all the kids and most of the adults, I woke and started to dent all the juicy tropical fruits on our counter.
And so another day in paradise continues. After this post I’m headed back to the beach for more messy, sandy, watery fun followed by another huge dinner.
Boca High Reunion, Class of ’91
GBN Reunion
A good friend of Adam’s from high school and his agreeable girlfriend Virginia graced our house with their presence this week. They made for excellent play pals for the kids and adults both.
Ben and Jack welcome Brian
No visit from an ex-Chicagoan is complete without Chicago style pizza and we wasted no time ordering up Lou Malnati’s for dinner.
Former Glen Brook North friends joined us, making for a nice mini-reunion for Adam ironically right before the weekend of my own high school reunion.
Target practice while the Adults catch up
Pin It
Great Minds Think Alike
Our swim play date with my friend Elissa at the East Bank Club this morning…
Elissa and I at the EBC
Thank goodness we are evolved women, otherwise the moment when we both walked out of the dressing room and noticed we had the same bathing suit on could have been awkward.
Pin ItThe Summer Camp Debate
Today started an internal debate about Jack going to summer school.
He loves being with his best friend who is also signed up for the same camp, but he hate authority.
Summer Camp Buddies
My girlfriend and I signed the boys up together. I’d hate to sell her out at this point. I’d be upset if she did it to me.
Near the end of the school year we had to drag him kicking and screaming to class. But we persisted. Occasionally during those last few weeks the teacher called to come get him, they were unable to get him to behave or listen.
I figured camp with his best friend would be different. Less structure, less time away (it’s only 3 days a week, 3 hours each time). But right from the start he and the camp councilor clashed.
I signed him up because I didn’t want him to be the only kid without a camp. At his age most kids are in something at least a few days a week. Wouldn’t he be bored hanging out his mom and kid brother all day?
I signed him up because I was worried I’d be overwhelmed with them both at home for the entire summer.
I don’t want him thinking he can abuse authority, not listen, and misbehave and that will get him the reward of doing what he prefers.
But now that summer has arrived I am actually enjoying having him with me. It’s more fun with Jack around. And guess what, he and Ben play quite nicely together! There is so much I want to do this summer I’m finding it hard to fit it all in with camp. And I’m sure my mother would say (if she weren’t in Vietnam right now) to keep him home, enjoy it because it goes so quick.
Pin It
Life is Good
This morning Jack went to Summer Camp and Ben played in the East Bank Club Children’s Activity Center while I enjoyed this gorgeous sunny morning swimming laps at the adults only pool.
Adults Only Pool at the EBC
I’d like to thank my sponsors, well…er, sponsor for making this all possible. Thanks Adam!
Pin It