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Today's the day too!
To celebrate, we had a night “not here.”
Neither of us had spent any real time in the Starved Rock area, and I had found out about the Bayley House Suite. See their site for more information about the history of the house, but we had such a wonderful time, we felt compelled to share…
Randy & Robin have done a fantastic job with the renovation, decoration, and set up for this bed and breakfast. They were very inviting, and we spent some of our evening sharing stories with them by the fire.
They’d also set up for us a private fire pit for our use amid their extremely well put together garden. Our area of the house included a huge bathroom, a nice bedroom, a living room with TV, couch, and dining space, and an enclosed porch complete with sofa, hot tub, and a great view of nature. The decoration throughout was made things feel like home.
My only regret for the trip was forgetting my camera so we can’t share any pictures. Another reason for you to go their website and just one of many reasons for us to go back. Pictures to follow once we do!
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Monday, May 17, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
January Cruise... Finally!
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I know, I know, another long delay in posts.
By now, you may already know that Robin and I had a great week's get-a-way in January. We cruised seven days out of Miami with four fantastic stops.
Caymen
First, was Grand Caymen. We did an underwater walk, but didn't want to risk our camera, so we used a disposable, that we haven't developed yet. It was a really neat outing, after which we walked to seven mile beach and back, found a little restaurant that overlooked the bay, and headed back on board.
Roatan
Stop two was Isle of Roatan. We weren't greatly adventurous here, but that's ok, the day was fantastic! We took a ski lift to a beach that was minutes from our dock. As you can see from the pictures, we were among the first there, but it did fill up. Amazing sand and water, and equally amazing banana beverages!
Belize
We had an afternoon snorkel trip, which gave us some time in the morning to check out the shops near the peer. This and Caymen were "tender ports" which means we actually stepped from our boat to a small boat that took us ashore. That was a small adventure by itself.
We'd made friends of Ed and Karen, and they were on the snorkel trip with us, which included a stop at a man made island on the way back. Way fun day, and a great chance to use our waterproof camera - thanks mom!!!
Cancun
We'd been to Cancun a couple times, so there wasn't much to report or take pictures of here.... that and..... well.... many of the pictures taken weren't really to be shared. Ed - I'll mail you a CD, those pictures shouldn't even be emailed!
Overall, we had a great trip. Links below will show some of the sights of the Carnival Valor, our newest friends, Ron & Betty and Ed & Karen, and of course, the nightly bed buddy called a towel critter:
Around the Boat
Towel Critters
Cheers!
I know, I know, another long delay in posts.
By now, you may already know that Robin and I had a great week's get-a-way in January. We cruised seven days out of Miami with four fantastic stops.
Caymen
First, was Grand Caymen. We did an underwater walk, but didn't want to risk our camera, so we used a disposable, that we haven't developed yet. It was a really neat outing, after which we walked to seven mile beach and back, found a little restaurant that overlooked the bay, and headed back on board.
Roatan
Stop two was Isle of Roatan. We weren't greatly adventurous here, but that's ok, the day was fantastic! We took a ski lift to a beach that was minutes from our dock. As you can see from the pictures, we were among the first there, but it did fill up. Amazing sand and water, and equally amazing banana beverages!
Belize
We had an afternoon snorkel trip, which gave us some time in the morning to check out the shops near the peer. This and Caymen were "tender ports" which means we actually stepped from our boat to a small boat that took us ashore. That was a small adventure by itself.
We'd made friends of Ed and Karen, and they were on the snorkel trip with us, which included a stop at a man made island on the way back. Way fun day, and a great chance to use our waterproof camera - thanks mom!!!
Cancun
We'd been to Cancun a couple times, so there wasn't much to report or take pictures of here.... that and..... well.... many of the pictures taken weren't really to be shared. Ed - I'll mail you a CD, those pictures shouldn't even be emailed!
Overall, we had a great trip. Links below will show some of the sights of the Carnival Valor, our newest friends, Ron & Betty and Ed & Karen, and of course, the nightly bed buddy called a towel critter:
Around the Boat
Towel Critters
Cheers!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thanksgiving Cruise
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This one deserved a post of it's own.
Dar, Mom, Robin & I took a little four day get-away for Thanksgiving weekend. It was a great to spend some time away and to just be away for a minute. Trip seemed quick, but was still good. We did make some new friends with our table mates for dinner and another couple we met out on the sun deck each day.
Here are some pictures from our camera.
Also, a first for all four of us, we swam with dolphins. The unanimous highlight of trip for all involved. Here are the pictures from that.
This one deserved a post of it's own.
Dar, Mom, Robin & I took a little four day get-away for Thanksgiving weekend. It was a great to spend some time away and to just be away for a minute. Trip seemed quick, but was still good. We did make some new friends with our table mates for dinner and another couple we met out on the sun deck each day.
Here are some pictures from our camera.
Also, a first for all four of us, we swam with dolphins. The unanimous highlight of trip for all involved. Here are the pictures from that.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Iowa Pictures
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There were so many - I have to break them into various albums and be selective! Our summer '09 vacation started in Little Amana, Iowa. Nothing exciting by name, but we stayed in a hotel that has an in-door water park (two slides). The kids loved it, more than four hours of fun and they wanted to go back. Here is a large sampling of the pictures from the water park.
The next morning we did a quick, rolling tour of the Amana Colonies. This was the culture part of the vacation! Along the way we found an amazing copper art house, some fantastic chocolate, fudge, and wine, the famed Amana Meat Shoppe, and various other neat little stores. These are some pictures of the copper art and around the streets there.
Separately, amid the Amana Colonies, there is a natural, shallow lake bed that is completely filled shore to shore with lilies. August is a little late in the season, but we still managed some good shots.
The trip rounded out with a stop at Uncle Randy's and the Iowa State Fair - the best fair in the nation! Here are the pictures from there, including, of course, the highlights of the butter cow and the kid who eats ice cream via his sunglasses! While at Randy's we reunited with our pal CJ (the bulldog) and he had two new friends who had so many names, I hesitate to put them here as I'll use the wrong name. Of course, there are dog pictures.
On the way home, we stumbled into a impromptu Stangl Reunion. No pictures, but all the bald heads were there! Great trip, fun end to the summer, now school resumes! :o)
There were so many - I have to break them into various albums and be selective! Our summer '09 vacation started in Little Amana, Iowa. Nothing exciting by name, but we stayed in a hotel that has an in-door water park (two slides). The kids loved it, more than four hours of fun and they wanted to go back. Here is a large sampling of the pictures from the water park.
The next morning we did a quick, rolling tour of the Amana Colonies. This was the culture part of the vacation! Along the way we found an amazing copper art house, some fantastic chocolate, fudge, and wine, the famed Amana Meat Shoppe, and various other neat little stores. These are some pictures of the copper art and around the streets there.
Separately, amid the Amana Colonies, there is a natural, shallow lake bed that is completely filled shore to shore with lilies. August is a little late in the season, but we still managed some good shots.
The trip rounded out with a stop at Uncle Randy's and the Iowa State Fair - the best fair in the nation! Here are the pictures from there, including, of course, the highlights of the butter cow and the kid who eats ice cream via his sunglasses! While at Randy's we reunited with our pal CJ (the bulldog) and he had two new friends who had so many names, I hesitate to put them here as I'll use the wrong name. Of course, there are dog pictures.
On the way home, we stumbled into a impromptu Stangl Reunion. No pictures, but all the bald heads were there! Great trip, fun end to the summer, now school resumes! :o)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Texas Pictures
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Had a nice, quite Easter Sunday to get the pictures together from Texas, so without further adeaux, here they are:
Pictures from the Stars Game
Pictures from the Dallas World Aquarium
Enjoy!
Had a nice, quite Easter Sunday to get the pictures together from Texas, so without further adeaux, here they are:
Pictures from the Stars Game
Pictures from the Dallas World Aquarium
Enjoy!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Spring Break
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Many more pictures to come, but a quick note to share that we had a wonderful Spring Break trip to Texas. Well over due for Robin and I, and a first for the kids, the trip was highlighted by a fantastic Stars game where Jackson rode the Zamboni and a trip through the Dallas World Aquarium, which I now call the zoo.
Here's a couple fun shots, many more to come when I have the time. Happy April!
Many more pictures to come, but a quick note to share that we had a wonderful Spring Break trip to Texas. Well over due for Robin and I, and a first for the kids, the trip was highlighted by a fantastic Stars game where Jackson rode the Zamboni and a trip through the Dallas World Aquarium, which I now call the zoo.
Here's a couple fun shots, many more to come when I have the time. Happy April!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Minor Kudos to Delta
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In a follow up to a previous post, Delta has sent an email stating that a check will be mailed for our currier expenses, and we have received $100 each in travel vouchers. That's a better response than I expected.
In a follow up to a previous post, Delta has sent an email stating that a check will be mailed for our currier expenses, and we have received $100 each in travel vouchers. That's a better response than I expected.
Friday, February 6, 2009
The Cruise Again...
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Just bragging once more... If you click on the new friends icon at www.coconutsvi.com and let it play out, you'll see us. It takes some time, they have a slide show for visitors all month long. It was just updated this week.
:o)
Just bragging once more... If you click on the new friends icon at www.coconutsvi.com and let it play out, you'll see us. It takes some time, they have a slide show for visitors all month long. It was just updated this week.
:o)
Friday, January 2, 2009
Christmas Cruise!!!! :o)
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Last post about 2008, and it's a great one!
As we didn't have the kids for Christmas week this year, we jetted off for some fun in the sun! After we finally relaxed from our travel (see post below), it was an absolutely amazing week. I'll give my run down, Robin may add more later. Use the links to see day by day pictures.
The first afternoon & evening were really spent getting aquatinted with our surroundings for the week, meeting our great waiter team, and settling in. Here are some pictures of us on day one and the lido deck as said good bye to Miami.
Our first full day was a day at sea. We didn't carry the camera for all of our basking in the sun, we did capture an amazing sun set over the water. That night also included our first formal dinner, which a minor time change almost caused me to cause us to miss. I would have never lived that down. My good friend, our waiter, Homer, saved the day, double lobster for anyone an hour late he said!
Day three brought us to an evening visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico. I haven't seen many cruise stops that dock at 5pm, but we did. It was fun too. While we may have turned in a bit early, we saw the area, found a great little restaurant, and did a little bit of shopping. The Bacardi tour we hoped to take didn't fill up, but the bright side is that gave us time to see the city and a reason to go back!
Fourth day and stop two was spent in St. Thomas. Beautiful area, and another that we put on the map for a potential return visit!. Intermixed in these pictures you will find pictures we took while para-sailing, some taken of us by the boat operators, and some that the para-sailing company preloaded for us from the island. Again, we shopped a bit and walked the main street area. Great story about having lunch with a young lady born and raised there, and meeting the most known officer in all of St. Thomas! Ask us sometime. You may also see a picture of us at www.coconutsvi.com, that was where lunch was. Also in the pictures of St. Thomas, you'll find Robin's next purchase, the yacht with that isn't complete without the hela-pad!
Day five, known throughout the rest of the world as Christmas Day. We docked at St. Martin, made a bee line for a beach we knew was close to the dock, and sat there all day. Spending a day like that doesn't really feel like Christmas, but it didn't feel all that bad either! What can we say, our White Christmas this year consisted of White Sand and a Pina Colada! Ok, the pictures speak for themselves, I'll stop bragging. Another yacht was sited, but no hela-pad this time, very second rate!
Day six marks the end of the cruise, a wonderful final sea day where the water was the calmest of our trip and the waiters knew just where to find us! During the day, we gave up resisting the crazy on board water slide and each took our turns. - Ok, I went twice! - And after dinner we took some final shots of the boat we called home and reminisced just a little.
A steady part of Carnival is the formal pictures. We took a bunch, only bought a hand full, but here they are to complete the full photo tour.
Our travel back was delayed a little bit, but it was just an ordinary airport delay, and didn't have the drama involved in getting there. Thanks to Kurt for getting us to and from the airport, and again, thanks to Mom for getting us there!
Last post about 2008, and it's a great one!
As we didn't have the kids for Christmas week this year, we jetted off for some fun in the sun! After we finally relaxed from our travel (see post below), it was an absolutely amazing week. I'll give my run down, Robin may add more later. Use the links to see day by day pictures.
The first afternoon & evening were really spent getting aquatinted with our surroundings for the week, meeting our great waiter team, and settling in. Here are some pictures of us on day one and the lido deck as said good bye to Miami.
Our first full day was a day at sea. We didn't carry the camera for all of our basking in the sun, we did capture an amazing sun set over the water. That night also included our first formal dinner, which a minor time change almost caused me to cause us to miss. I would have never lived that down. My good friend, our waiter, Homer, saved the day, double lobster for anyone an hour late he said!
Day three brought us to an evening visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico. I haven't seen many cruise stops that dock at 5pm, but we did. It was fun too. While we may have turned in a bit early, we saw the area, found a great little restaurant, and did a little bit of shopping. The Bacardi tour we hoped to take didn't fill up, but the bright side is that gave us time to see the city and a reason to go back!
Fourth day and stop two was spent in St. Thomas. Beautiful area, and another that we put on the map for a potential return visit!. Intermixed in these pictures you will find pictures we took while para-sailing, some taken of us by the boat operators, and some that the para-sailing company preloaded for us from the island. Again, we shopped a bit and walked the main street area. Great story about having lunch with a young lady born and raised there, and meeting the most known officer in all of St. Thomas! Ask us sometime. You may also see a picture of us at www.coconutsvi.com, that was where lunch was. Also in the pictures of St. Thomas, you'll find Robin's next purchase, the yacht with that isn't complete without the hela-pad!
Day five, known throughout the rest of the world as Christmas Day. We docked at St. Martin, made a bee line for a beach we knew was close to the dock, and sat there all day. Spending a day like that doesn't really feel like Christmas, but it didn't feel all that bad either! What can we say, our White Christmas this year consisted of White Sand and a Pina Colada! Ok, the pictures speak for themselves, I'll stop bragging. Another yacht was sited, but no hela-pad this time, very second rate!
Day six marks the end of the cruise, a wonderful final sea day where the water was the calmest of our trip and the waiters knew just where to find us! During the day, we gave up resisting the crazy on board water slide and each took our turns. - Ok, I went twice! - And after dinner we took some final shots of the boat we called home and reminisced just a little.
A steady part of Carnival is the formal pictures. We took a bunch, only bought a hand full, but here they are to complete the full photo tour.
Our travel back was delayed a little bit, but it was just an ordinary airport delay, and didn't have the drama involved in getting there. Thanks to Kurt for getting us to and from the airport, and again, thanks to Mom for getting us there!
Don't Fly Delta
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I can't put it any more plainly than that.
I'm uploading pictures as we speak, and I know everyone wants to hear about the cruise. It was amazing, but first, I must tell the tale of how it nearly didn't happen.
We had a Delta air travel plans, that took us from Chicago's midway airport to Miami via Atlanta. I've flown through through Atlanta many a times over the last 18 months, and was comfortable with this plan.
At 5:30 AM, we happily boarded our plan, happy to be flying in the cold temperatures, no snow or ice, so all should be well. We were both thrilled to be heading off to some sun and warmth for Christmas.
Our flight was to depart at 6, and our lay over was only 45 minutes. Soooooo, about 6:30, still at the gate, we both began to worry. Soon there after, the pilot announced the potable water hose froze to the plane. "Perhaps this is the first time a flight has left mid-way in sub-freezing weather," I sarcastically thought.
The one bright spot of the morning was our flight attendant, who had previously worked in the ticketing call centers and helped us find a good number to call and to know when to request someone in the supervisor ranks. As the plane pulled away, nearly 8:00 that morning, he allowed the bending of FAA rules as I finalized our adjusted travel plan with a supervisor in their Salt Lake facility.
Jump to Atlanta, and we walk off the plane and confirm with a gate agent that we are both confirmed on a plane leaving for Ft. Lauderdale in about an hour. No problem, a bit extra on the cab fare, but we'll be there. Alright, with travel plans seemingly secure, it was time to get a sandwich and call the good folks at Carnival to let them know we were running late.
As our flight time approached, our gate opened for business and it was time to get boarding passes for our flight. Now, I pause to ask, have you ever had one of those moments when you know you don't necessarily need to tell EVERYTHING you know?? Well, our new gate agent had one of those moments, and she told us too much!
Casually, she says, "You know your bags have gone on to Miami, right?" As my face exploded in shades of crimson, she continued, "That flight left about twenty minutes ago. I'm not sure why you didn't go stand by on it. Let me check... umm... Yes, it had four open seats."
At this point for me, it gets a little blurry, I think the hulk came out, but if I recall, I stopped just short of speaking in any other languages. As we boarded the plane, she told us for the 15th time that although an airline can bring bags to your door when they lose them, they are unable to transport them within a metropolitan area like Miami.
I called my parents and provided all of the details of our bags, ticket numbers, etc, and then, as the flight attendants were not as pleasant as the earlier flight, we shut off our phones and left our fate up to the gods...
Lost in all of this, is that Carnival requests you be on board by 2:30 for a 4:00 departure. While in the airport I called to let them know we were now landing at exactly that time. They noted the passenger roster, and let me know that all would be well. That was reassuring, but didn't give us the time to navigate two airports.
Once on the ground, we frantically began calling and it turns out, my Mom had created our own little Christmas Miracle. There were still some very tense moments, as we got to the dock at 3:00 and our luggage arrived about 3:35, but Mom had come up with a 24/7 messenger service that was able to get our luggage from MIA and deliver it to us, in hand, at the dock, without a minute to spare.
If you are ever in need, and I hope you aren't, look up On Time Delivery at 954-564-5447 or www.otddelivery.com. And Thanks Mom!!!!
I can't put it any more plainly than that.
I'm uploading pictures as we speak, and I know everyone wants to hear about the cruise. It was amazing, but first, I must tell the tale of how it nearly didn't happen.
We had a Delta air travel plans, that took us from Chicago's midway airport to Miami via Atlanta. I've flown through through Atlanta many a times over the last 18 months, and was comfortable with this plan.
At 5:30 AM, we happily boarded our plan, happy to be flying in the cold temperatures, no snow or ice, so all should be well. We were both thrilled to be heading off to some sun and warmth for Christmas.
Our flight was to depart at 6, and our lay over was only 45 minutes. Soooooo, about 6:30, still at the gate, we both began to worry. Soon there after, the pilot announced the potable water hose froze to the plane. "Perhaps this is the first time a flight has left mid-way in sub-freezing weather," I sarcastically thought.
The one bright spot of the morning was our flight attendant, who had previously worked in the ticketing call centers and helped us find a good number to call and to know when to request someone in the supervisor ranks. As the plane pulled away, nearly 8:00 that morning, he allowed the bending of FAA rules as I finalized our adjusted travel plan with a supervisor in their Salt Lake facility.
Jump to Atlanta, and we walk off the plane and confirm with a gate agent that we are both confirmed on a plane leaving for Ft. Lauderdale in about an hour. No problem, a bit extra on the cab fare, but we'll be there. Alright, with travel plans seemingly secure, it was time to get a sandwich and call the good folks at Carnival to let them know we were running late.
As our flight time approached, our gate opened for business and it was time to get boarding passes for our flight. Now, I pause to ask, have you ever had one of those moments when you know you don't necessarily need to tell EVERYTHING you know?? Well, our new gate agent had one of those moments, and she told us too much!
Casually, she says, "You know your bags have gone on to Miami, right?" As my face exploded in shades of crimson, she continued, "That flight left about twenty minutes ago. I'm not sure why you didn't go stand by on it. Let me check... umm... Yes, it had four open seats."
At this point for me, it gets a little blurry, I think the hulk came out, but if I recall, I stopped just short of speaking in any other languages. As we boarded the plane, she told us for the 15th time that although an airline can bring bags to your door when they lose them, they are unable to transport them within a metropolitan area like Miami.
I called my parents and provided all of the details of our bags, ticket numbers, etc, and then, as the flight attendants were not as pleasant as the earlier flight, we shut off our phones and left our fate up to the gods...
Lost in all of this, is that Carnival requests you be on board by 2:30 for a 4:00 departure. While in the airport I called to let them know we were now landing at exactly that time. They noted the passenger roster, and let me know that all would be well. That was reassuring, but didn't give us the time to navigate two airports.
Once on the ground, we frantically began calling and it turns out, my Mom had created our own little Christmas Miracle. There were still some very tense moments, as we got to the dock at 3:00 and our luggage arrived about 3:35, but Mom had come up with a 24/7 messenger service that was able to get our luggage from MIA and deliver it to us, in hand, at the dock, without a minute to spare.
If you are ever in need, and I hope you aren't, look up On Time Delivery at 954-564-5447 or www.otddelivery.com. And Thanks Mom!!!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Living Christmas Letter
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Ok, so many of you have or will receive our Christmas card that essentially says to look here for what we've done all year. Easier said than done, given that we've now nearly reached three months without a new post. Shame on us, but we've been so busy doing, that it's been tough to capture it all, so here goes the fourth quarter wrap up...
Starting immediately after the waddle, we kept the charitable walk theme going with the full family taking part in a local heart walk. Also that weekend our friend Julie took some amazing pictures at Miller Park, one of which became our Christmas Card. See more of that day's photos here.
Moving into October, Robin and I spent the first weekend of the month at the site of our one night honeymoon to celebrate our one year anniversary (slightly early). This time we had the opportunity to explore the local area, and we continue to recommend Lazy Cloud to anyone who may be in the area. Here are a few pictures from the weekend.
Robin and the kids took in the Homecoming Parade.... I'm sure a preview to future years when they are all participants.
We also spent a quick weekend in Nashville to celebrate (in belated fashion), Mom's birthday. I still love that town, area, and all that goes with it. For this trip, we lodged at the famed Gaylord Nashville Resort. Great, great place to stay..... once. :o) I have many friends in the area, but wasn't in town enough to venture out. Apologies to all who I missed, but I promise, I'll be back! Can't upload all the pictures, but here are some.
October ended and November began with the wedding of Robin's friend Joanne. It was a beautiful, traditional Greek wedding.
November still had the flurry of activity, but not the photographic opportunities as October, so there seems less to report. Thanksgiving was at our house with Robin's mom joining us. The Monday prior, Robin tagged along for a 2nd grade field trip in the yuck of winter. For her trouble, she was rewarded with a virus that will come back to another mention soon.
That bug kept us from spending the weekend following Thanksgiving in Chicago, but we still made it up Sunday morning to sponsor our family's most recent addition, Vaughn, at his baptism. A great family meal and a snow filled drive home promptly followed.
As we plan to travel for Christmas this year, but the aforementioned virus spread and got stronger, Robin and I visited the clinic together to start December, receiving his and hers Z-Pak's last weekend.
We're improving steadily, so all is well.
We even cleared it with Santa for an early arrival so that the kids can have Christmas here as well as with their father.
Throughout all of this, we've had Basketball and sometimes Volleyball on Mondays, Thursday Gymnastics, and Saturday Basketball games, filed trips, friends, dinner parties, and so much more. Sometime, we'll find time for rest too!
That brings us current. We will have another exciting adventure to report back on soon, so stay tuned, and I promise more than quarterly updates. This is our 55th entry in two years.
Happy Holidays to all - See you in '09!
Ok, so many of you have or will receive our Christmas card that essentially says to look here for what we've done all year. Easier said than done, given that we've now nearly reached three months without a new post. Shame on us, but we've been so busy doing, that it's been tough to capture it all, so here goes the fourth quarter wrap up...
Starting immediately after the waddle, we kept the charitable walk theme going with the full family taking part in a local heart walk. Also that weekend our friend Julie took some amazing pictures at Miller Park, one of which became our Christmas Card. See more of that day's photos here.
Moving into October, Robin and I spent the first weekend of the month at the site of our one night honeymoon to celebrate our one year anniversary (slightly early). This time we had the opportunity to explore the local area, and we continue to recommend Lazy Cloud to anyone who may be in the area. Here are a few pictures from the weekend.
Robin and the kids took in the Homecoming Parade.... I'm sure a preview to future years when they are all participants.
We also spent a quick weekend in Nashville to celebrate (in belated fashion), Mom's birthday. I still love that town, area, and all that goes with it. For this trip, we lodged at the famed Gaylord Nashville Resort. Great, great place to stay..... once. :o) I have many friends in the area, but wasn't in town enough to venture out. Apologies to all who I missed, but I promise, I'll be back! Can't upload all the pictures, but here are some.
October ended and November began with the wedding of Robin's friend Joanne. It was a beautiful, traditional Greek wedding.
November still had the flurry of activity, but not the photographic opportunities as October, so there seems less to report. Thanksgiving was at our house with Robin's mom joining us. The Monday prior, Robin tagged along for a 2nd grade field trip in the yuck of winter. For her trouble, she was rewarded with a virus that will come back to another mention soon.
That bug kept us from spending the weekend following Thanksgiving in Chicago, but we still made it up Sunday morning to sponsor our family's most recent addition, Vaughn, at his baptism. A great family meal and a snow filled drive home promptly followed.
As we plan to travel for Christmas this year, but the aforementioned virus spread and got stronger, Robin and I visited the clinic together to start December, receiving his and hers Z-Pak's last weekend.
We're improving steadily, so all is well.
We even cleared it with Santa for an early arrival so that the kids can have Christmas here as well as with their father.
Throughout all of this, we've had Basketball and sometimes Volleyball on Mondays, Thursday Gymnastics, and Saturday Basketball games, filed trips, friends, dinner parties, and so much more. Sometime, we'll find time for rest too!
That brings us current. We will have another exciting adventure to report back on soon, so stay tuned, and I promise more than quarterly updates. This is our 55th entry in two years.
Happy Holidays to all - See you in '09!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Philly Post I
Sorry for all the delays, fotomat - the site that has all the other pictures on the blog has been non-responsive. Took me a bit to figure out another site and get these a little bit cleaned up.
Philly was great. I'll bet we walked 30 miles or more. We saw everything from city hall to Penn's landing on foot - and even parts under the city! Great steaks (see second post), excellent gelato, a chance for me to know Yuengling would be on tap everywhere I went, and oh yeah, there's some amazing history there as well.
Also a chance to meet Robin's cousin, who was great, taking us to dinner our final night.
Much needed vacation, though it also starts a fall where we'll be traveling more than the usual, it was great to relax for a full week.
Enjoy the photos!
Philly was great. I'll bet we walked 30 miles or more. We saw everything from city hall to Penn's landing on foot - and even parts under the city! Great steaks (see second post), excellent gelato, a chance for me to know Yuengling would be on tap everywhere I went, and oh yeah, there's some amazing history there as well.
Also a chance to meet Robin's cousin, who was great, taking us to dinner our final night.
Much needed vacation, though it also starts a fall where we'll be traveling more than the usual, it was great to relax for a full week.
Enjoy the photos!
Philly Post II
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The most important Philly post... the Cheesesteaks!!!
Ok, so two places are the most talked about, they are Geno's and Pat's. After a wonderful walk through the Italian village and some interesting parts of South Philly, we eventually found our destination.
Then there was the moment of indecision... Two places, one meal, and way to far to make the walk again. But the problem was solved, when the two of us split a cheesesteak in both locations! Great thinking!
Both were good, but they were up staged by our hotel's recomendation, Jim's. Eviedently, all good cheesesteaks were founded by short named men. We had a vote of 2-0 that Jim's won among the three we sampled, and it wasn't just the beer talking. Great atmosphere, better sandwhiches.
The most important Philly post... the Cheesesteaks!!!
Ok, so two places are the most talked about, they are Geno's and Pat's. After a wonderful walk through the Italian village and some interesting parts of South Philly, we eventually found our destination.
Then there was the moment of indecision... Two places, one meal, and way to far to make the walk again. But the problem was solved, when the two of us split a cheesesteak in both locations! Great thinking!
Both were good, but they were up staged by our hotel's recomendation, Jim's. Eviedently, all good cheesesteaks were founded by short named men. We had a vote of 2-0 that Jim's won among the three we sampled, and it wasn't just the beer talking. Great atmosphere, better sandwhiches.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
National Capital
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Just a quick post. Had a GREAT weekend in DC. Chris showed me around. I believe we actually walked the length of the beltway. Got some good pic's, here's a sample.
Check the hockey blog for my April Madness Bracket!
Just a quick post. Had a GREAT weekend in DC. Chris showed me around. I believe we actually walked the length of the beltway. Got some good pic's, here's a sample.
Check the hockey blog for my April Madness Bracket!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Cruise Blog!!!!
So it took me a few days, but here’s the cruise blog.
My grandparents included the whole family in the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary aboard the Carnival ship ‘Ecstasy.’ The trip also corresponded with my grandmother’s birthday, Robin & my exams and engagement, and my uncle’s new job, so everyone had something to celebrate.
The trip was fantastic. Four days away at sea, and one great day in Cozumel. On board, the staff took a ton of posed and candid shots which are available for purchase. Mom went a bit overboard with those, but that's okay with me as it gave me plenty to share here.
The food was fantastic, we had a good weather, and the escape from reality was very welcomed. From Tom, who runs the art gallery to Rolie who took care of us at dinner each night, the staff on board were tremendous.
Also, I became more active with my camera than I’ve ever done. I don’t think the pictures do justice to the amazing blue of the sea in and around Cozumel. While there, Robin & Mom parasailed while Tom and I went 105 feet under the sea in a tiny submarine (no, it wasn’t yellow, but they did play that song!). The girls got done first, but as you’ll see, they found a way to pass the time.
Enjoy these pictures as well, and if you ever get a chance, a cruise is a vacation I highly recommend.
That’s all for now, talk to everyone soon!
My grandparents included the whole family in the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary aboard the Carnival ship ‘Ecstasy.’ The trip also corresponded with my grandmother’s birthday, Robin & my exams and engagement, and my uncle’s new job, so everyone had something to celebrate.
The trip was fantastic. Four days away at sea, and one great day in Cozumel. On board, the staff took a ton of posed and candid shots which are available for purchase. Mom went a bit overboard with those, but that's okay with me as it gave me plenty to share here.
The food was fantastic, we had a good weather, and the escape from reality was very welcomed. From Tom, who runs the art gallery to Rolie who took care of us at dinner each night, the staff on board were tremendous.
Also, I became more active with my camera than I’ve ever done. I don’t think the pictures do justice to the amazing blue of the sea in and around Cozumel. While there, Robin & Mom parasailed while Tom and I went 105 feet under the sea in a tiny submarine (no, it wasn’t yellow, but they did play that song!). The girls got done first, but as you’ll see, they found a way to pass the time.
Enjoy these pictures as well, and if you ever get a chance, a cruise is a vacation I highly recommend.
That’s all for now, talk to everyone soon!
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