Mystic or Bust

We headed north over the weekend to Mystic, Ct. The weather cooperated Saturday and was beautiful on Sunday!

Our first stop was the Mystic Aquarium. Beluga whales, sea lions, sting ray touch tanks and more! The kids loved it.

True to character, Maeve has found her latest future occupation - Beluga Whale Trainer Extraordinaire! The girl has plans - big plans.

Myles seems content to enjoy the marine life from a healthy distance. Oh, that smile!

While Eamon and I watched from a safe perch, our M&Ms fearlessly touched, even pet, the African Millipede. Myles wondered what was moving around on its back. Oh, no worries, just mites. Apparently, not the type to come home as a souvenir.

After a nice dinner, we ducked in for an early night. The kids loved staying in our first class accommodations - HoJo, Mystic style!

Then a bright start for the seaport. Beautiful views of the Mystic River were the backdrop of our day. Eamon strolled peacefully enjoying the scenery.

Maeve found her pleasure craft of choice.

Myles found his! He comes from the school of Bigger is Better!

And, I found mine.

We played.

And, built toy boats. Myles was open to Daddy's input for general design and craftsmanship.

While Maeve opted to create solo.

It was fun to be away, no beds to make or meals to prepare. The fun memories made are certainly number 131 on my Gift List.

It's a Wrap!

And, we are back! We came home early to avoid the storm. I'm so glad to have a little extra time to get ready for M & M's 1st day of school! It was great to sleep in my bed last night. It is always good to be home.

Here are some final pictures of vacation.

Eamon relaxing under a tree.

In cognito...

Eamon singing along to Jimmy Buffet, playing in the background, at the poolside party

Really, letting it rip now.

Sunglasses for the performance

Just plain-old cuteness.

Maeve enjoying poolside games and dancing

Limbo time!

Tidal pool fun

Lookin' to catch a wave on our last day

My little man

My big man

The prince, fast asleep, on the beach.

Myles building his castle, but his true joy was knocking it down.

Maeve and Myles sittin' in a southern tree!

One of our last dips. Our final evening we did a pool crawl. Two hours - five pools, serious fun!

The sky as we ate dinner our last night.

I am so grateful for time away and memories made! It is easier to come home when there is something exciting ahead. Monday starts school and fall activities so there is no time for lamenting the end of summer! But often, in my mind I go to Carolina...I hear it is beautiful there today!

Gift List continued...

118. Our home - safety from the storm.

119. Our reunion with Grandma. The children were busting to see her.

120. A surprise visit from Uncle Joe. Tears in his eyes as he watched Eamon laughing and eating-up all the attention. Real men do cry!

Post Card Series - Volume 10

Just some updates, we are all real tired tonight.

Maeve playing her version of Bocci Ball

Mady enjoying her last night with Eamon. Not such a great shot, but you can still see Mady's love and devotion to our little man.

Uncle Tim and Aunt Colleen

All of us, well not me - I am taking the picture.

My little shadow. I had planned to read, but Maeve thought we should chat.

That face - he was standing over me. All this, while I was trying to read.

On a bike ride. And yes, David is wearing a Jonas Brothers' t-shirt!

A fun time is being had by all!

Post Card Series - Volume 7

Maeve and I walked the beach at 6:30 this morning. She was so thrilled with the lighting, quietness, and the abundance of shells available.

Girl s watching morning T.V.

Cheers! Drinks by Pool Bar Jim!

Showing off tattoos

Talking to Daddy - missing him today!

Myles digging on the beach!

Mady and Eamon are getting along so well. She makes him laugh and smile!

Post Card Series - Volume 6

We are back with a charged camera and a new view from The Grande Ocean Resort. Officially there will be no reason to leave this haven. We had lunch at the Island Grille then swam and beached the late afternoon and evening away!

These pictures are from our room.

Maeve and Myles relaxing on our swing.

So much conversation has taken place on this very swing, year after year.

View from our swing.

In the first pool.

Maeve wanted to catch a tan for a bit.

Star Alert!

Pool Bar Jim's famous drinks!

Even Mady had her own frozen concoction. Isn't she the most precious little lady!

All the children enjoy her. Maeve is such a mother, and Myles dotes over his baby cousin!

Poor Myles can not seem to escape all these girls!

And Himself! Eamon lounging in the villa enjoying such a grand view!

He is such a good boy - always pleasant and up for any adventure we present.

Jerry and his girls have decided to stay until Thursday when they will pass the baton to David, Tim, and Colleen. This week has great potential I'd say!