Day Two in the O.C.

Sept. 15 - Well, technically, it is Day 3 in the O.C., but it is the second day of pool/beach time. We've been on the go all day: up at 7 a.m. for our 5 mile walk on the boardwalk; back for lunch (pork chops and corn. Thanks, Stephen!) Off to the beach for wave jumping and sand castle building, and then back to the pool to Eli's water slide fix.



We learned that men and women ultimately come to the same solution when the group splits up and can't find each other: the guys parked, got out of the car, and waited on the boardwalk; the girls drove around looking for the other car, drove back to the house to see if the guys went back, drove around a little more, finally parked, got out of the car and waited on the boardwalk. The guys found us within 5 minutes. It didn't help that the girls didn't have a cell phone. Oops. Either way we had an enjoyable 5 mile walk on the boardwalk (after we had coffee). Lunch, again, was delicious. I think I know why we get invitations to join others on vacation. We provide the cook :) One thing is for sure, no one leaves hungry or thin after Chef Stephen takes control of the kitchen.

Next, we headed to the beach. We loaded all the beach accessories into the cars and drove over to the Hilton and unloaded. Eli was overcome with happiness when she saw the ocean and the sand. She was in sandcastle-making heaven. She stayed out of the ocean after she was quickly knocked on her dupa by consecutive waves. We buried the children in sand. Unfortunately for Jameson, he was unable to dig his way out. Wailing, however, works. After a while, you just felt sorry for him. Although, in Adam's defense, he did equip him with a bucket hat. Jameson also tried out the boogie board. Not bad for an amateur.

After we were hot, sweaty, and sandy we decided it was the perfect time to go for a dip. We have become regulars at the Hilton's pools and we didn't disappoint today. Courage took hold of little Eli and she braved the water slide by herself! All was well until Daddy went to the bathroom and Mommy took over the catching-Eli-as-she-comes-down-the-slide duties. I wasn't quite Johnny on the Spot. However, she was fine and still blamed Daddy. "I fell into the deep water and Daddy wasn't there to catch me," was her story. And that was about the time everyone agreed it was time to head back to the house.

We just ate like kings: Filet Mignon Oupoivre with Hashbrowns (and some asparagus). We're off to take another walk on the boardwalk to get Eli some ice cream!

The O.C.

No, we're not in California ... just Ocean City. The Pierces (Tara, Adam, and Jameson) graciously invited us to join them on their family vacation. We agreed to disrupt only the beginning of the week. The accomodations are fantastic ... and we were all estatic to see (hear) Bike Week come to an end. Though, it provided for some interesting people watching.
We hung out at the pool today. Couldn't ask for better weather. Low 90s, breezy and sunny. Eli really enjoyed the water slides. I think she went down the slides at least 184 times. I'll update more tomorrow!

Hershey Park (and camping, too!)

This past weekend we traveled to Hershey, PA, for some camping and amusement park fun. It was a gorgeous weekend and we had a delicious time! Who came: Eli, G-ma, G-pa, Aunt Amber, Aunt Desi, Aunt Michelle, Stephen, and Sharon; Dogs: Lemon, Pacino, Bella, and Kegan.

We all convened at a local Hershey Park campsite. Michelle and I, being the latecomers (and workaholics), arrived at midnight on Friday and conveniently enough, our campsites were perfectly established. All we needed to do was get comfortable in our sleeping bags! (Thank you, Stephen.) Eli stayed awake to kiss me good night and we all fell asleep to the sound of crickets chirping.

The next morning we woke and Eli reported, "It's bright and tunny outtide (she's can't pronounce "s" yet)." And she was correct: the perfect weather to have breakfast outside (thanks for the yummy cinnamon french toast, G-ma!) and get ready for Hershey Park. Logistics aside (showering, packing ... should we take our swimsuits ... I don't know if I want to carry a bag, etc.), everything went smoothly and we arrived at the Park at the early hour of noon. There, with 40,000 of our closest friends, we carefully meandered through the crowds to watch Eli get on her first kiddie ride. She didn't seem amused. (See picture on green dinosaur.) But, she came around. Eventually. A little bit of pink ice cream in a huge waffle cone pretty much did the trick. And two quarters. (She loves money.) Next up: trucks. Maybe influenced by her Uncle Sider? (See picture with truck and inappropriately-sizedDaddy sitting on top.) Still haven't found the ride for Eli. Next door to the big trucks, we happen upon Frog Hopper. That did the trick. Smiles all around and maybe even a squeal of delight. (See picture with Eli and inappropriately-sized Daddy in the chair next to her.) Now what? We checked out the sea lion show (just so-so) and made our way to The Boardwalk at Hershey Park (water park). See picture with appropriately-sized Daddy carrying little one on his shoulders.) The water park, in my humble opinion, was mass chaos. By this time it was about 4 in the afternoon and there were thousands of tired, wet people/children milling about. Eli, Stephen, G-ma, and G-pa all changed into their bathing suits and headed into the brisk, crowded waters. I graciously stayed behind to watch the stroller, which was no longer being used to tote Eli around. Instead it acted as a luggage carrier ... similar to one that you would find at an airport.

In any case, watching little children visibly shivering from the cold water, wind and setting sun, I felt victorious in my decision to stay dry. But, it did look like they had a lot of fun. Until, Eli clung to G-pa for body heat. (See self-explanatory picture.) It was time to leave the water park for warmer activities. Mommy's pick: how about the swings? It measured a "satisfactory" rating. There was definitely a smile, but no requests to "do again." (See picture.) Also on the agenda was the kiddie-version of the log ride. G-ma and G-pa stood in line to take Eli on the ride, but when the log rounded the corner, I was taking photos of Stephen, G-ma, and Eli. G-pa must have known about the wet seats. I was honored with the request to accompany Eli on the truck ride. We patiently stood in line (see photo) ... to ride truck number 2. Eli did a fantastic job steering. I was happy to be a passenger.

The day ended with another couple of rides on Frog Hopper and the finale -- the adult version of the Log Ride. Eli rode with her aunts Amber and Desi. They got a really cool photo that captured the moment. It was a great day and a wonderful weekend. See everyone at the Penn State game!

Smith Mountain Lake

So, I'm a little late with this post ... last weekend (two weekends ago, now), we visited the Barnharts and the Mayhews at their lake house in Smith Mountain Lake. We had an absolute blast spending time with the Emma, Sarah, Michelle, Erik, Osie and John (and Jessie and Jack). Even if we weren't staying at a lovely house right off of the lake with a pier, a boat (with tube), a ski doo, perfect weather, etc., (basically all the luxuries of life on a lake) we would have had a lovely time. (The toys sure were fun, though, and we did take advantage!) Michelle and Ocie started the weekend off with a spectacular "Slow Country Boil" dinner that left everyone happily stuffed and ready for an evening boat ride. Stephen ended the weekend of gourmet dinners with fabulous hamburgers and grilled pork (and hotdogs!).

Eli had an awesome time with Emma and Sarah. They welcomed her as if she were their long lost sister. Hugs, giggles, tears and all ... Eli became quite familiar with the Barnhart's new kitten, Jack, who I have to say, was awfully tolerable of Eli. But, sometimes, enough is enough, and Eli has the scratches and playfu

l bite marks to prove it. :)

I can't end this post without saying that Lemon had the most enjoyable time. Whether it was non-stop ball chasing, leaping off the pier or taking a morning swin, she was in her element and slept soundly for several days after we returned.

We hope to make this an annual event ... Did we just invite ourselves back? :)

It's Been A While

Stephen said I would eventually slow down in my blog-posting when it was no longer a novelty. I didn't want to believe him. Alas, he was correct. Not because I have lost interest, but because there isn't enough time in the day. I'll be better. I promise.

So, since the last post, much has happened.
Timmy and Simoni moved to Florida. We are sad to see them go, but they seem quite happy with their new life living near the beach and enjoying the sun. We can't wait to visit them.

Eli (and Hamma) went kayaking for the first time. On a random Monday (or Tuesday?) evening this month, Stephen hoisted the kayaks on the truck and we all drove to one of the Reston lakes to enjoy some time in the water. It was a beautiful evening. It was peaceful, relaxing, and we were close to nature. Some of us got even closer - Michelle and Eli flipped their kayak and ended up in the lake. Luckily, our very brave 2-year-old was undeterred and immediately got back in the kayak for more. (See array of pictures.)


Amber and Desi visited us during the whirl-wind trip to the DC-Baltimore-Annapolis area for a Rascal Flats concert. Always good to see them! I introduced them to Baja Fresh. They, too, are now fans.

Last week, we spent a relaxing weekend in Harrisburg, PA, with the Siders. It was a rough visit -hanging out at the pool at their country club. Nevermind the illegal kayaking and the run in the boys had with the local water conservation authority. Just remember: always wear your life jacket, register your kayaks, and DON'T take 14 cans of beer with you ... at least not all of the same brand, if you are going to claim that you picked them up along the way ...

Summers are always full of adventure.

We are looking forward to visiting the Barnharts this coming weekend at Smith Mountain Lake and seeing G-ma and G-pa (and the rest of the Vereb clan) at Hershey Park in a couple of weeks.
More posts and pictures to come.

Almost Out of Gas

Just a few more hours of this fiscal fast and I'm runnin' on empty. Literally. The you-need-gas light is illuminated and I may have enough gas to get to a gas station tomorrow morning.
Other than that little hiccup, I'd say this was a success. In fact, not only did we not spend any cash, we made money by taking Stephen's swimming trunks back to the store. We prematurely rewarded ourselves by going to Costal Flats for an early dinner yesterday (after the victorious merchandise return) on gift cards. (That doesn't count, right?)
Now we're on our way to a lake in Reston for last minute weekend activity. Again, I'll promise pictures and videos at a later date.

Another Two Days To Go

It's been a couple of busy weeks. Last weekend Timmy and Simoni drove to Florida. We found out they were moving the previous week ... it all happened so fast. Simoni has relocated permanently, and Timmy is following the last weekend in July. We sure are going to miss them, especially Eli. I have pictures and video, and will try to post this weekend. This week we started the fiscal fast and we have two LONG days to go. It's been difficult, but an eye-opening experience. I was ready to give up on day one - getting pants hemmed and in dire need of a pedicure. In some ways it makes you plan ahead and think about the amount of unnecessary spending, but in other ways I've found it to be counter-productive because I'm just compiling of list of things to do for next week when I am allow to spend money. Oh yeah, I've also become quite good at getting co-workers to pay for me and telling them "I'll get you next week ..." The challenge will be this weekend.