A summer of High School friends

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Last night we were lucky to have another of Adam’s high school buddies make an appearance at our house. This is the summer of high school friends!

Looking at old photos

Dave and his soon to be college aged son Jake joined us for dinner last night. Jake
was surprised to see himself at age 5 in Adam’s album. The photo was of the Isberner’s wedding, which Dave had brought Jake to.

It was odd talking to Jake. He was a fine young adult. And we could chat about anything with ease. We even chatted about how much we both loved the show ‘Entourage’. However, he was also able to talk with equal enthusiasm to our 4 year old about the new movie ‘Cars 2’. Made me feel old, but also that life was short.

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Friendship

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Friendship is a funny thing. I’ve lived so many different lives in so many different cities and I’ve picked people up every place I’ve been. Some have stayed around and some have disappeared. You never know who will become a real friend and who won’t for many years after meeting the person. But no matter how many people I meet, there is nothing more heartwarming about the feeling you get when you realize someone is becoming a good friend. That ‘ah-ha’ moment when it dawns on you that this person has some staying power.

Jack and Grant at the Morton Arboretum, May 2010

I had that feeling today when a friend of mine shlepped 45 minutes to the Morton Arboretum to meet us. She gave birth to her third child nine days ago. Nine days ago! And it’s her third! And it’s 45 minutes away! Her oldest is Jack’s age and I’m pleased to say joining him next year at his pre-school. Her second is Ben’s age. I missed the boat on matching our third kids together. Maybe I’ll catch up for her fourth?

Jack and Grant at the Morton Arboretum, August 2011

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Foster Beach

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“I guess the old grind ain’t so bad.” I thought as I sat on my beach blanket Tuesday morning with my good friend Pam.

Pam playing with Max in the Lake

We visited Foster Avenue Beach. It’s got a parking lot right out front where there is always parking for $1 and hour. It has the usual Chicago Beach accommodations, bathrooms, shower at the exit to wash off the sand, small concession stand. It also has a wheel chair accessible ramp where you can wheel your stroller right to the water’s edge. And very attentive life guards.

Once again, six kids, all boys.

It’s a great beach for families. The life guards were so attentive that they even reprimanded Jack for accidentally getting some mud in his water squirter. They also had me take off my kids life vest. Yep. You read it right. Apparently there is a rule in Illinois that if the life vest is not regulation you can’t wear it. I also had this problem at the Hidden Creek Aqua Park also.

Mom tip: If your kid is scared to swim getting a life vest is a great way for them to get over their fear. I can’t take credit for the idea, I stole it from my friend Kelly. Before the vests Jack wouldn’t enter the water and Ben would jump in without caution. After the vests and a few weeks of practice, both kids can swim without me holding them. Just make sure you get a regulation one, otherwise you’ll find yourself with a a two year old like a floppy fish, thinking he can float when he can’t!

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Back to the Old Grind

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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.

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Cayman Again

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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.

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Hopey the Matchmaker

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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

 

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Another Day in Paradise

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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.

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More Reunion Fun

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The weekend continues at a fast pace. If we keep this up for the rest of our vacation I think I’ll need a vacation after this vacation  just to get some rest!

Yesterday morning we took the boys to Quiet Waters Park Splash Adventure. It was obvious from all the giggling and smiling that the boys had a blast, and we had even more of a blast watching all that happiness.

Quiet Waters Splash Adventure

If you are ever in South Florida, it’s a great park. Since it was summer they divided the time into a little under 2 hour session. That amount of time was perfect for the age our boys are at. Anything longer would mean stopping for meals or snacks. The parking was $3 and the entrance fee was $5 a head.

That evening we called not one but TWO sitters to watch the boys. Hey, when they are free it makes the decision a lot easier. My Aunt Doris and my mom both watched to boys while we went to the second night of my reunion. There were a lot less people there than the first night but it was equally as enjoyable. At one point my high school buddy turned college roommate, Holly and I actually had a dance off on the dance floor. Maybe it will make my monthly video. Or I might bury it in case my kids see it in the future…

Two out of Three of us are pregnant...

Finally today we spent the day at the hotel pool where a small amount of people trickled in from the reunion. The best part of the day and perhaps the entire reunion weekend was a barbeque pool party hosted by our good friend Kate. Ironically she didn’t graduate in our year but hung out with us all so much she is considered an honorary member.

Adam pretending to be a Sea Monster

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