Even off the island we go to the beach.........

We were lucky and able to steal some beach time while we were in California for the wedding.  The kids had a blast - and even tried out the freezing cold ocean.

Not warm like the water on the island

Sophia intensely working on her sandcastle

Ronan patiently waited with a cracker on his back for the sea gull to land

Dill chill'n on the beach

Dillon and Anna catching up and having fun

Beer, beach and family

Ronan running with the Gulls

Sophia giving the camera the eye

Dillon slack lining on a long piece of kelp

Carith thank you for taking great photos - hope you are enjoying Mexico

Wedding Weekend....Plus Some

As many of you know my sister Hopi got married in November at Holly Farm in Carmel Valley, California.  The family, plus some spent a long weekend at the farm together to celebrate the wedding of Ed and Hopi.  The property was perfect - there were a total of 6 acres, a Hacienda with a big kitchen and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, the Casita for the Newlyweds and the Banana Cabana that was a great Bachelor hang out (I personally could add another bedroom to this one and live in it forever - and sadly I have no pics of it).  There was a Barn that was perfect for the reception/dancing, a fun field for soccer and other sports.  The biggest hit of all seemed to be the Bocce court and the ping pong tables.  Scattered throughout the property were little sitting areas where you could always hide and steal a quiet moment - although this never seemed to happen.  I was able to capture some special spots and moments while there, unfortunately I have NO photos of the wedding day - just not possible with all the craziness.  We will all have to wait to see the photos that Dave and his Wife Peggy took - I am sure they will be great.

Carith and Laurie's sleeping spots the night of the wedding - perfect to crash into

The beautiful oak tree that Ed and Hopi stood under to exchange very special and touching vows.  I know I was not the only one shedding tears for the entire ceremony.  It was a touching moment in time

The bouquets of flowers Hopi picked out to hang above the ceremony

Where the vows were exchanged

An interesting carving hidden on the property

The hanging flower jars along the paths

One of the many old surf boards on the property

A seating area near the dance floor

Breakfast time at the Hacienda

Breakfast preparations - Tim always made sure to arrive with beer in hand (that him on the right)

One of the many amazing plants on the farm

The zebra watching over the sporting events

Steve could not resist doing a happy jig after beating the KIDS at Bocce Ball

Little Eddy was the number 1 guest of the weekend

Sophia and Little Eddy watching a game of Bocce

Special moment

A game of keep away

A fierce game of ping pong

A big thank you to Ed and Hopi for bringing everyone together.  Two families have joined and we all have developed friendships.  Hopi has become a grandmother - hehe, Dillon and Ronan have gained cousins, Anna and Sophia have gained brothers and sisters, I have become an aunt to some my age (I think), my parents have become great grandparents.  Regardless of our titles we have all gained more family to spend time with and develop friendships.  It was a very fun filled time and we all came away richer in family - Hopi and Ed - we wish you the very best and happy lifetime together.  There is no doubt that your relationship will continue to grow and you will share many memories in the years to come. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!

Planes, Cars..........

Once again we are traveling, Nov. 7th the boys and I headed to Denver via North Carolina in order to make it to my sister Hopi's wedding in California.  My parents picked us up in Denver and we dropped my brother off in Albuquerque before heading to Carmel.

The super sized KLM plane we watched take off in St.Maarten

Amazing to watch

Sunset back in the states

The infamous gas station stop

Heading west.....somewhere in the Arizona/California border area

Just had to.....

I just had to post this photo - who could resist and we wanted to be able to look at this for many years to come.

A little bit before we left the island the Nutella jar (by the way -take note of the Nutella jar size we have on the island) was pretty much empty except for the coating on the inside that always seems impossible to get.  I asked Dillon if he wanted to lick the jar out.....he said sure.......not thinking much of it I got busy packing.......well, much to my suprise a little bit later he said here mom - now that takes talent.  Something to be proud of Dillon - I have never seen a Nutella jar this clean.

It's Your Birthday !!!!!

A few days ago it was Ronan's 8th birthday - I really wanted to post this then but unfortunately the place we were staying had worse internet then St.Maarten - crazy I know in the United States.  The lucky boy celebrated his special day in Carmel, California and it included a shopping trip to the amazing toy store they have.  Although Ronan really missed sharing his day with Daddy (who is back on the island preparing for exams) he had his brother, cousins Anna and Sophia and Oma and Papa to keep him busy.  He also shares his birthday with our friend Alejandro who lives in Santa Cruz - he shared a special surf session with him the day before.  It is really hard to believe our little Ronan (our little seal) is 8 years old - growing up so fast.  I remember very clearly the day he was born - he came 10 days early which worked out perfectly so he could enjoy thanksgiving with the whole family while sleeping in his moses basket on the table.  A very peaceful and happy baby who loved to cuddle and still does today.  Enjoy the pics of our cuddle bug.

Waiting to see his morning birthday suprise in Oma and Papa's cabin (and no he is still not wearing shoes off the island)

Opening gifts with cousin Sophia

Heading out for his surf session with Alejandro, his wife Kelsey and Dillon

Warming up in the sunshine

Showing his independence Ro chose to head back out solo

An amzing thing to see your 8 year old paddle out to the line up all on his own, the confidence and strength is beautiful

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RONAN, we love you mom,dad and Dillon XOXOXO

HMMMMMM

Hmmmmm, that is how I feel and what I am thinking.  I am in Denver at Grammy and Boompa's (Mike's parents) house and the clock says 5AM.  My mind is kinda thinking it is 8AM - the time I should be seeing on the clock in St.Maarten.  We arrived at DIA around 10pm this time - which is 1AM on the island.  Our flights were good - the first one was bumpy as we skirted past remenants of Hurricane Tomas and we were late arriving in Charlotte - we ran through immigration and customs and back through security to make it to our connection - the boys made super efforts, they new if we missed our flight we would not see Grammy and Boompa before they left for Mexico.  They were fighting a few tears at the prospect, but we made it just in time to board.  We are looking at a full day of running around in preparation of Oma and Papa picking us up to go to Hopi's wedding. Haircuts, dress shirts, warm clothes from the storage unit......LOTS TO DO.  I do have to say the cool air feels AMAZING........it was a perfect 52 degrees when we arrived in Denver.  I would have pics to post from the airport (the boys watched the big KLM plane take off) but I don't really feel up to tiptoeing to the truck in my shorts this early to get my camera.......there will be plenty coming with all our upcoming activities.  So while everyone is sleeping I will try do some school work - if my brain is clear enough.

BAKED APPLES

Even though we are in the Caribbean there is still a feeling of fall.  Maybe it is just ingrained in us because our minds and bodies have always gone through the season of fall. But I really truly believe the feeling is in the air.  It is blustery with the tradewinds, regular rain showers and dark clouds over the ocean.  Weather that makes you want to get cozy inside and make yummy food.  One of my favorites that I remember from my childhood is baked apples.  They are really easy to make, fun for the kids and they make the house smell delicious...........PERFECT for fall.

Our green apples (you can choose any variety of apples)

I cored the apples (much easier with a corer) and the rest of the ingredients ready for the boys to use.  All you need is butter and brown sugar (all I could find was light brown here), you can also sprinkle cinnamon on top - our boys aren't fans of cinnamon yet so we skipped it.

The boys filling the apples with brown sugar and butter

Our apples ready for the oven - we put them in at 375 and kept checking them - when they were tender we took them out.

Our baked apples fresh out of the oven.  The boys loved them and the house smelled wonderful - perfect after a fall day. ENJOY