Summer Time Blues

In the past two months, both sides of our family have had Summer Vacations but unfortunately we didn't get to enjoy them as we would have liked to.

In June, my side of the fam got together in the Outer Banks for some fun in the sun in an oceanfront beach house for a week...too bad my hubby couldn't go.  It was wonderful to see my family and even my good friend Nikki flew in with her son, Cash for the week...but I still missed my TJ.  It just wasn't as enjoyable without him.

This month, TJ's side of the fam met up on Fenwick Island in a gorgeous home on the bay...too bad that he had to go alone for 1/2 the week and the other 1/2 was spent worrying and dealing with dog issues.  Our poor Lucy woke up very ill the day we were to leave so I ended up staying home with her while TJ met up with his family.  The next day was Independence Day and I spent it alone with the dogs.  Again, another vacation separated...not fun.

Thankfully Lucy recovered.  An exam from the Vet discovered her ailment and she was immediately put on more medicine (just add those to her basket of pills she already gets) to help her get well again.  We thought once Lucy was better that we'd finally be able to enjoy the last three days of vacation together...but wouldn't you know it...our devil of a dog, Lola did not want to cooperate with the dog-sitter/house-sitter. 

My Mom says that Lola is in her "teenage years" and is just rebelling.  I'm in doggie teenage hell!  The worst part is that she has no problem listening to TJ...she seems to have a problem with me (and other women).  I'd be lying if I didn't admit to some serious thoughts of getting rid of her...as in, giving her to someone else to deal with.  My growing baby belly and this pregnancy is not making it easier to deal with a very naughty dog.

So, there you have it.  Our Summer...so far.  I hope it gets better...soon.

Birthday Surprises

My husband is so thoughtful! He has planned fabulous trips for each of my birthdays since we’ve been married (nearly two years). Last year we began with New York City, hitting Broadway to see Wicked, visit the Statue of Liberty and tour the town. This year we kept it country as we road tripped to Nashville, enjoying cabin life in the hills of Tennessee and kayaking at Rock Island. I have so many wonderful memories. I look forward to many more (memories and birthdays)!
P.S. Did I mention that he bought me a PINK kayak!? It came with my friend Kassidy in it!

Growing up so fast!

I've been working on our Summer plans for this year and realized that my nephew Turner, just turned one this week! He's growing up so fast and he along with his brothers (Tyken and Trager) will be moving into their first new house soon! T.J. and I can't wait to visit all of them this Summer...here's a look back at last year when we were visiting Utah! I remember that the "older" kids went on a log ride at Lagoon and got soaked...guess some kids grow up faster than others.

San Diego

Our trip to San Diego was so much fun! Everyone was looking forward to Kassidy and Derek tying the knot! Our unexpected luxurious hotel room was quite the commodity...TJ decided that with our giant see-through shower in the middle of the room, he could pretend to be Rocky Balboa getting ready for a fight once the whole room steamed up! Boys!
From our arrival to the BIG day for our friends, it was a trip that we'll always remember!

All over the map!

It's been too long since my last blog. Here I sit in Utah, at my sister's house on a warm Sunday evening and I couldn't help but pull the laptop out and of course catch up on some much needed blogging.

T.J. and I have literally been all over the map! At the end of May we went to San Diego for my friend's wedding and then headed over to Hawaii and were able to visit my sister. On Father's day weekend we went down to South Carolina and then hopped over to Atlanta and saw my parents and my brother with his family. Then, I was the lucky girl (ha, ha) who got to go to girls camp with our Stake in Maryland. Although I am not a camper (never have been and sadly for T.J., never will be) I still had a lot of fun with the girls and stayed in the beautiful area of Cunningham Falls close to the Pennsylvania border. T.J. was a trooper and helped all of us to clean up and take down tents on the 4th of July.

Now we are in Utah and were able to see my niece, Londyn baptized and confirmed on Saturday and my nephew, Turner blessed this morning. Tomorrow morning we fly back to Maryland and then jump in the car to head down to Holden Beach to spend the week with T.J.'s family. I honestly feel like we've been running around (and flying around) from place to place but we've been so happy to be with each other and of course see so many friends and family!

I promise to put some pictures up when all is said and done...most likely when we get home in a week or so.