Long drawn-out decisions of deciding on a costume, the preparation of getting ready for the evening, the hours of decorating and pumpkin carving, and even the fall festival no longer define Halloween for us. It’s a weird feeling. In some aspects, it’s nice not having the stress of having to get the girls fed and dressed in their costumes in record time in order not to miss a second of Halloween. In other aspects, it means they are growing up.
Growing up means animal onesies….
Trick or treating on their own, no parents in tow…
And a quick trip to the pumpkin patch to pick out an array of pumpkins and squash.
Meanwhile, competing for the most amount of candy and then trading it, never gets old!
Once upon a time in the years 2016 – 2019, while Mila lived with us as our second au pair and then later lived in DC, she would anticipate her future wedding in Brazil and shared how much it would mean for Justin, me, and the girls to be there.
Fast forward to 2024…Mila and Artem, who she started dating in 2019 while working in DC, decided to celebrate their nuptials in Rhodes, Greece! While Mila envisioned the girls being part of her wedding, the timing of it just didn’t work for taking the girls out of school and their activities. Justin and I decided we would represent M-Unit and turn the trip into our annual anniversary trip. Mila, the girls, as well as ourselves, were disappointed they couldn’t be there for the big day.
Justin and I had been so busy with work, the kids, and life, that we honestly didn’t give much thought to the trip leading up to it once we booked it in the spring through our travel agent, Jim. In fact, I’m surprised we didn’t forget anything in terms of packing!
We debated back and forth if we should spend the whole trip in Rhodes or visit another island. We opted for the latter and while it was good to see both islands, we spent too much time on flights to do so. We also overbooked tours some so we didn’t have as much down and free time on the trip that we normally enjoy.
Wednesday
Our trip started out with nearly a three-hour flight delay Wednesday evening causing us to miss our connecting flight in Athens.
Thursday
We rebooked on another Sky airline, for an extra fee, so that we could arrive to our hotel Crete four hours late vs. nine hours late. We were given Sky Lounge privileges so at least we had some comfortable seating and free snacks while we waited. It was disappointing though knowing that we were missing out on an entire afternoon that we normally would have used to explore the hotel, hang out at the pool and beach.
It was nearly 8:00 by the time we checked in our hotel (Porto Platanias Beach Resort – Luxury). There were actually three hotels part of the Porto Platanias name….we were in the smaller adults only one and were upgraded to a room with a private pool and beach access! The best part of the upgrade was the two full bathrooms! We also received a bottle of prosecco, some fancy desserts, and had one free round of the filled mini-fridge.
We quickly showered/freshened up and got a taxi to take us up the mountain to a restaurant Cosmos. The location on the top of the cliff was very nice…food was good too though nothing that blew us away.
Friday
Our first full day started with a big European breakfast, that had a great array of options. With full bellies, we headed out to our first private tour…a Chania City and Food Tour. Our tour guide, Aphrodite, was great and we enjoyed eating and walking around Chania City. We were able to visit many historical sites including the Venetian fortifications, the Arsenals, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the Etz Hayim Synagogue, and the Turkish Quarters.
We also tasted some traditional Greek favorites: olive oil, olives, bougatsa, and more cheese, olive, bread and tomatoes.
Visiting the city of Chania was really nice. An hour or so to explore on our own would have been nice.
We spent the afternoon walking on the beach, swimming in the sea and the pool, enjoying our champagne, working out in the gym, and strolling through all the shops and restaurants in town.
For dinner, we went to a highly rated Italian restaurant right, Cugini, which was delicious.
Saturday
Saturday we were up again early for another private tour. This one a Private Hiking Experience, which combined visits along the Akrotori peninsula and offered a little bit of scenery, culture, hiking, and beach. Our tour guide Nina, was great. The first stop was the Monastery of Agia Triada, built in the 17th century; the Monastery is still active today producing wine, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Our next stop was a smaller and older monastery, Monastery of Gouverneto, where we hiked a rocky footpath passing the Bear’s Cave along the way. The Bear Cave was named after a stalagmite that looks like a crouching bear. The hike was mostly downhill, which meant the return was mostly uphill and had our heart rate up there!
A bunch of goats passed by us on the way up.
Next stop for us was the beach of Marathi, where we enjoyed a nice seaside lunch and then enjoyed the beach for an hour. The water was so calm and clear. It was a beautiful beach….though there were a lot of people there as it was such a beautiful spot.
Sunday
We had an early (7:00 am) pick-up to head back to the Chania airport for our flight to Athens and then to Rhodes. Thankfully both were on time. We arrived at our Rhodes Resort and Spa (Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort) about 2:00 so we had time to enjoy the beautiful beach for a few hours in the afternoon. We were also able to get another workout in at the gym before dinner!
We ran into Mila on our way to the beach and she invited us to join all the wedding attendees at the hotel’s Italian restaurant that evening. We saw her parents and Nicholas again after many years. We also got a chance to meet many of Mila and Artum’s friends, who were all super nice and gracious. Many of their friends were friends from their time in Virginia and DC. Their friends and family came from everywhere….the U.S (Maryland, Virginia, Richmond, Pittsburg, Charlotte, Florida), Portugal, Brazil, London, Germany, and Australia.
Monday
Monday morning was our only morning where we didn’t have to wake early to catch a tour or flight. We slept a little later than normal, went to the gym, and had a leisurely morning eating breakfast (another great spread) and drinking coffee. We ran into Karolin at breakfast and she joined us for breakfast.
We spent a few hours in the afternoon at the sea, enjoying both laying out and the water.
Then at 2:30 it was time to get wedding ready!
First stop, the hotel lobby waiting for the shuttle bus to take us to the beach ceremony.
Waiting for the ceremony to begin.
The ceremony!
Mila and Artum each wrote their own vows. It was really beautiful to see that despite being very different from one another, they have a mutual respect for one another. They communicate, challenge one another, and support one another.
After the ceremony pictures!
Then the bus shuttled us about 20 minutes to a restaurant in the most beautiful setting where we took picture after picture witnessing the majestic sunset.
Screenshot
The location of the wedding was absolutely breathtaking. Mila and Artum had a few technical difficulties with some of their planned wedding festivities (i.e. translation of speeches, slide shows, etc.), but they made the most of it. The majority of Mila’s guy friends are gay and they knew how to get a party started on the dance floor. They had me laughing much of the night watching them.
The shuttle bus brought us back home about 12:30. Justin and I proceeded to go to bed. The younger crowd had a beach afterparty until 4:00 am!
Tuesday
Our last full day! We had a tour scheduled for the medieval Rhodes town and while we wanted to see it, we didn’t necessarily want the tour portion. We tried to cancel but it was too late for a refund, so we stuck with our tour starting a little later than originally anticipated and cutting the tour portion in in half so we had time to explore and buy some souvenirs on our own. Our tour guide, Mary, was very nice and she thankfully wasn’t too offended about us wanting to cut the tour short.
We saw the Palace of the Grand Master, once home to leader of the Knights of St. John of Rhodes. Today it is a museum housing medieval furniture, elaborate mosaics, and archaeological exhibits from Rhodes.
We explored the Jewish Quarters and the Kahal Kadosh Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in Greece, and the Jewish Museum of Rhodes.
We spent a few hours on our own eating gyros, gelato (my one time) and exploring shops.
We enjoyed a few last hours at the beach until dusk and then ate our last full meal at a local Greek restaurant.
We had a great trip, though this trip we didn’t stick to our travel principles and it was a reminder to us that our best times of travel are when we stick to the travel principles that are us.
Cheers to Mila and Artum and a second trip to Greece!
Year 4, though not consecutive of staying at Conch’d Out in North Topsail Beach, NC with our beach family, the Brophys and Nidays.
We had incredible weather and we “beached” and “pooled” daily. The kids loved catching the waves while boogey boarding, even Avery was in the mix this year riding the waves to shore.
I even went in the water one day!
Pool and hot tub time often followed beach time, and often the pool was frequented again in the late afternoon.
We kept to our standard food routine…each family cooked one night and then we had pizza, BBQ, burgers/dogs, and a seafood boil the other nights.
We left the house rarely, only going to the grocery store and Bada Bing Bada Bang for delicious ice-cream and creamy ices.
We celebrated Harper’s Birthday – 11 years of loving this girl!
We “Christmased” in August, a first for us. Ms. Augusta orchestrated it and we all enjoyed giving and receiving; Christmas breakfast, dinner, and cookies made a showing. I napped twice, carried a book with me, read barely, walked a lot, and cleaned very little. We had fun, soaked up the sun, and made memories
The first day snuck up on us. Eight weeks of summer wasn’t long enough. We all could have used one or two more weeks of summer, especially mom.
Avery and Emerson did great waking up to their alarm and making their own breakfast. Mom was on the struggle bus. Bus rolled up at 6:42, a few minutes late!
Harper too woke up to her alarm, showered, and was excited to be a 6th grader. Two sets of pictures as the planned first day of school outfit could have easily turned into a wardrobe malfunction.
The annual bus stop breakfast didn’t disappoint. Pretty sure the ratio of food to what is actually eaten is 10:1. Harper confidently rocked the last seat of the bus.
Afternoon Update: Avery was quite talkative and had a good day. Emerson is already counting down the days until summer. Harper had a great day and is excited about the flexibility seating including the yoga balls. Mom got dressed, did her hair, and is feeling good about day two!
Similar to last year, I had the girls each create a list of things that would make for a fun summer. Justin and I did the same. Here is what our lists read:
Harper:
Muse Paint Bar
Bowling
Mini Golf
Lots of Play Dates
No fighting
Sleepovers at Grandma and Grandma’s
Not as many chores
No forcing us to do workbooks or reading (unless it is for book club)
Movie night with family
Swimming
Family Game nights
Keeping the house clean
Limits for screen time
Hanging out with the siblings
Emerson:
Likes print out lists for week days
Swimming
Surprises (i.e. cookies, going out to eat, etc.)
No workbooks
Avery:
Hang out with friends
Limited reading and workbooks
Going out to eat
Going to Zava Zone
Going to water mine
Swimming at Papa and Grandma’s house
No reading at the beach unless needed or wanted
Get together with cousins and bbq
Not having to do everyone’s chores when Emerson and Harper are at sleepaway camp
One on one dates
Parental Units:
FUN
No fighting
Getting along
Reading – daily unless schedule too busy
Hands on learning, experiences
Hanging out in the pit
Eating outside
In order to do that, need help keeping up with house
Keep current trash and dishwasher schedule
Breakfast, lunch dishes, etc. in dishwasher or hand washed, dried put away
Will learn own laundry this summer – that way not reliant on me
Help keep house tidy
Mudroom – can be cleaned at end of day if that will enable continued play outside
Will ask for some help with some fun projects that can be made fun…gives us more time for those fun things….i.e. vaccuming cars, cleaning garage, art bin…..this is stuff to do on quieter days
WHAT WE DID: While we didn’t accomplish every single thing, we sure did a lot. I think we had a fantastic summer…perhaps this is why I wasn’t ready for it to end!
Tuesday, June 11 – impromptu CAVA with Harper on Town Green, impromptu Rita with 3 girls
Wednesday, June 12 – KONA shaved ice truck and water balloons – last day of school, swimming at Cora’s after school
Thursday, June 13 – Papa Donut delivery, Emerson lunch with Papa and Grandma at Virginian, Harper Rock Climbing with Girl Scout Troop, Harper sleepover Papa and Grandmas, Avery dance rehearsal for recital
Friday, June 14 – Emerson and Avery hang out with Papa and Grandma’s during day…Don Pollo take out for early dinner before watching Avery’s dance recital; Avery gets take out CAVA for lunch, Friday night dance recital…4 dances!
Saturday, June 15 – Harper joins Ian for 643 lesson and gets a mini throwing lesson. Avery helps with Advanced Combo in 11:00 recital. Avery performs in the 3:00 and 7:00 recital; Avery gets a McFlurry after last performance and they forgot to mix it! Emerson, Harper, and Daddy have at home baked potato bar.
Sunday, June 16 – Father’s Day! Ate breakfast together and talked about what summer fun meant! Family clean-out of the pit including spraying one another with the hose…Emerson said “we should make this a family tradition and do it as a family every year”. Papa and Grandma came over for dinner and Papa enjoys a homemade tie from Avery and homemade Oreos from Harper
Monday, June 17 – Avery and Emerson volunteer at VBS this week. They walked to Chipolte on their own after VBS and ate lunch together. Then they treated themselves to Ritas! Dinner was a quickie tonight w/ Emerson having softball practice but we I whipped up some amazing chicken quesadillas. Harper had Coever soccer camp this week with Liza….it was 90 degrees today so treated them to McFlurries on way home!
Tuesday, June 18 – Avery and Emerson volunteer at VBS in morning. Harper and Liza go swimming at Papa and Grandma’s after soccer camp. Harper has first Tuesday Jody book-club. Homemade waffles and bacon for dinner!
Wednesday, June 19 – Avery & Emerson VBS volunteers; Harper soccer camp. Surprise viewing of Inside Out 2 at RTC followed by dinner at Jacksons in RTC; Emerson helped Mom and Dad finish cleaning/putting together pit and cleaning garage.
Thursday, June 20 – Avery & Emerson VBS volunteers; Harper soccer camp. Avery & Emerson walk to Sandwich Shop for lunch after VBS and also treat themselves to Ritas! All three girls enjoy afternoon at Papa and Grandmas for swimming. Avery, Harper, and I order Papa John’s for dinner and enjoy a dinner with lots of laughter.
Friday, June 21 – Avery & Emerson VBS volunteers…last day is Vienna Pizza for counselors; Harper soccer camp…her team the Swifties won and she got a medal. Justin and Emerson leave for Philly for overnight tourney and have some Daddy/daughter time; Avery, Harper, and I order Matchbox takeout and play Sequence.
Saturday, June 22 – Emme and Daddy at softball tourney. Stefanie, Avery, and Harper go swimming at Papa and Grandmas for afternoon…order takeout with Papa and Grandma from Don Pollo.
Sunday, June 23 – Avery, Emerson, Mommy go to VPC Church service so Avery can guide the littles…Maddy forgets to call counselors down!; Avery goes to Lions Camp Merrick and meets Vivia only for camp to be cancelled an hour after we got there. Avery instead has Camp Sleepover at Papa and Grandmas….Avery opens her family letters in one sitting since camp is cancelled.
Monday, June 24 – Avery has Grandma Camp and goes to see Thelma at Tysons Theatre followed by lunch (Turkey and Bacon sandwich and lemon ricotta cookie) at Nordstroms Café, followed by swimming afterwards. Harper goes to Sewing camp with Callie in the afternoon. Emerson has Day 1 of 643 Camp. We prep, cook, and eat dinner together as a family followed by a nice leisurely walk on Hillington.
Tuesday, June 25 – Avery and Vivia go to Tysons Mall for shopping and lunch at Nordstroms Café! Harper has sewing camp. Emerson 643 Camp. We have family night at Muse Paint Bar.
Wednesday, June 26 – Surprise treat…Pastries by Randolph! Avery & Harper go to sewing camp! Avery & Emerson go to Papa and Grandma’s after camp for swimming and they get take out from Social Burger for dinner. Emerson goes to 643 Camp. Mommy and Daddy eat a late sushi dinner in pit and Harper and Emerson join us.
Thursday, June 27 – Avery and Harper spend morning at home together….baking blueberry lemon muffins, making peanut Nutella pretzel bites, playing soccer and having fun. They go to sewing camp in the afternoon and have a great time. Harper goes to dinner at Vienna Inn with Papa and Grandma. Emerson has 643 camp and practice.
Friday, June 28 – Avery goes to Amaya’s house. Harper enjoys morning with Papa and Grandma at The Virginian and swimming with grandma followed by sewing camp in afternoon. Emerson’s last day of 643 camp. Girls and Daddy enjoy evening at home together with Santini’s take out, a neighborhood stroll, and Avery gets her bulletin board put up in her room.
Saturday, June 29 – Avery and Emerson have leisurely morning and help one another put fresh sheets on their bed with no fighting! We take girls to Cold Spoon coffee for mango smoothies (Emerson and Harper) and a chocolate chip cookie (Avery) after Emerson’s softball games. We order Taco Zacolo take out for dinner and have family game night of Pictionary.
Sunday, June 30 – Pancakes for breakfast…Emerson and Avery help make! Emerson has softball tourney in Sterling….she goes 4 for 7 at bat, including a double, makes a double play at first and has a lot of action at first…great weekend…her team is runner up in close game! During break, we get smoothies and ice-cream from Cold Spoon coffee! We go to Fireworks Pizza for dinner after the tourney.
Monday, July 1 – No IPAD and phone week….welp the girls thrived…there was laughter, getting along, harmony all day!! Harper and mom had a date to RTC Peds…thanks to nothing more than a cough, we did some shopping at CVS and Whole Foods together and Harper got a yummy blueberry scone from Whole Foods for breakfast. Papa took Avery to her math tutoring session at Panera and treated her to a candy cookie, Avery came home with treats for Emerson (strawberry banana smoothie) and Harper (chocolate chip cookie). The girls enjoyed spending the afternoon together playing wiffle ball, making French bread pizzas for lunch, and playing tennis at the tennis courts. Harper arranged Avery’s American Girl Doll collection. Avery went to Chloe’s house for a small birthday party celebration. Harper and Emerson cooked a beef taco dinner together for the family and had a lot of laughs while doing so. We had family game night playing Harper’s “Who Knows Harper Hoops” Game.
Tuesday, July 2 – Harper gets surprise free (on Starbucks) ham and cheese sandwich from Starbucks. Avery and Emerson have middle school book club with Jody and Cora. Harper spends afternoon at Hunter Mill Swim Club with Josie and Amelia. Emerson spends afternoon with Alex…they walk on bike path to Chipolte and then go to Papa and Grandma’s for a little swimming. Harper has 3rd Ms. Jody book club. Avery and Mom go for 30 min walk in Vienna between doctor’s appointments. Pat and Bill come over for dinner!
Wednesday, July 3 – Girls start a puzzle….again no electronics and getting along great! Emerson and I go to CVS together to get rest of items for camp. Harper goes to driving range with Daddy. Daddy makes burgers for girls.
Thursday, July 4 – Lazy PJ morning! Went to Workman’s house for 4th of July for swimming and BBQ with Whelan’s and had a great time.
Friday, July 5 – Lazy PJ and TV morning again! Some board games in Pit, wiffle ball, and evening with Owen and Hannah swimming at their country club. Hannah has sleepover with Harper.
Saturday, July 6 – Hannah and Harper finish their sleepover with bagels for breakfast. Emerson and Avery also enjoy a bagel breakfast. As a family, we go to Lake Anne Farmer’s Market. Girls go swimming at Papa and Grandmas in afternoon. I join them along with Becca! We have family dinner and finish prepping for Harper and Emerson to go to camp.
Sunday, July 7 – Emerson gets new trail shoes from REI…last minute purchase before camp! We go to Leesburg Public House for yummy dinner before dropping Emerson and Harper off at Camp, where they are with Alexis and Josie Kinney. We surprise girls with Sweet Frog for dessert after dinner.
Monday, July 8 – Harper and Emerson at Camp Highroad. Avery goes to Day 1 of Cuppett’s SDI Camp. We make a quick stop at Whole Foods on our way home, where Avery gets a brown butter cookie. We enjoy a yummy meal of grilled pork with Avery (Avery got a side of mac and cheese for herself at Whole Foods). Avery and I attend the CDC Intro Meeting together virtually and let her know we agreed for her to do a solo this upcoming year.
Tuesday, July 9 – Harper and Emerson at Camp Highroad. Avery goes to Day 2 of Cuppett’s SDI Camp and she gets her front walkover. The Rowshandals come over for dinner…Avery hangs out with their two kiddos (Olivia and Matthew) and we order take out from Don Pollo…kids and adults have a great time.
Wednesday, July 10 – Harper and Emerson at Camp Highroad. Avery goes to Day 3 of Cuppett’s SDI Camp, her first Jr. A company choreo, and starts discussing solo songs and styles with Ms. Tory. We stop at Whole Foods and Avery grabs nugs and mac n cheese for dinner.
Thursday, July 11 – Avery goes to Day 4 of Dance Camp, goes to Papa and Grandma’s after camp and enjoys dinner with them (her personal white pizza from Luciano) and swimming. Emerson and Harper come home from camp…they had a great time and are already looking forward to going back….Harper next year, Emerson next week! We eat Cava takeout at 8:45 pm for a late dinner!
Friday, July 12 – Avery and Ms. Tory finalize the song “Hold On” for Avery’s solo! Avery finishes out a week of SDI – Week 1. Emerson’s Rehobeth Beach tourney was cancelled just before she, Justin, and Harper were going to leave. They were both very disappointed and had a lazy day at home. Justin took girls to Costco for a Friday night “date”. They brought home takeout from Santinis. We watched I am Sam as a family for family movie night.
Saturday, July 13 – Emerson, Harper have 643 date followed by Chipolte for lunch. Avery and I have MacPherson Optician date followed by CAVA takeout. Harper spends afternoon baking a zebra cake. Avery and Emerson spend afternoon vegging in front of TV. We order Papa Johns for dinner (3 pizzas, 2 pizza bakes and boneless wings) and enjoy an evening of eating and laughter. The girls try and rate Harper’s zebra cake.
Sunday, July 14 – Buttermilk pancake and breakfast sausage morning made by mom (sausage Harper). Leftover Papa John’s pizza for lunch. Leisurely morning for girls doing reps, playing soccer, and doing PT. Emerson and Justin go to Firebirds end of year party at 2 Silos Brewing…Harper joins. They drop Emerson off at Camp Highroad camp for second week. Avery goes to Papa and Grandmas for swimming and a sleepover.
Monday, July 15 – Avery is at grandmas and grandpas in the morning after her sleepover. She gets a candy cookie at Panera after her tutoring session. Harper has her first day of Madison basketball camp. Avery goes to Day 1 of Week 2 SDI Camp. Emerson is at Camp Highroad. We make chicken, veggies, mac n cheese, and rice for dinner and eat outside and enjoy a good evening of conversation.
Tuesday, July 16 – Girls all at their respective camps. Avery, Harper, Daddy, and me enjoy a simple yummy dinner (Costco mac n cheese, cantaloupe, fruit, green beans, chick peas and zuchinni with parm) with good convo
Wednesday, July 17 – Girls all at their respective camps. Avery, Harper, Daddy go to Bear Branch for dinner while Mommy is out. Harper so tired she falls asleep on couch in her clothes for evening!
Thursday, July 18 – Girls all at their respective camps. Avery swims at Papa and Grandma’s after dance. Harper swims at Hunter Mill Pool after camp with her friends. Daddy and Harper pick up Emerson at Camp Highroad. We enjoy steak and sausage dinner outside together followed by a short family walk (Emerson gets excused).
Friday, July 19 – Harper last day of Madison Warhawks b-ball camp. Her and Josie swim at Papa and Grandma’s after camp. Avery’s last day of the second week of SDI Camp. Avery goes to Papa and Grandma’s after SDI Camp. Harper, Avery, Papa, Grandma enjoy Luciano’s take-out for dinner. Emerson has lazy day at home, staying in room to close to 10:00. Emerson and Daddy go to CAVA for dinner before her Victory tryouts. Harper and I watch the WNBA All Star Night.
Saturday, July 20 – Bagel and donut breakfast morning. Emerson goes to 643 with Daddy and has Firehouse Subs for lunch. Avery and Harper have leftover pizza and baked ziti from Luciano’s respectively. Girls go to Papa and Grandmas for swimming, though rain and Papa and Grandma not being home have them take a detour to Starbucks where Harper gets ham and cheese croissant, Avery and Emerson get strawberry acai. Avery and Harper swim while Emerson and Grandma look at old basements in the yearbook. We have Don Pollo takeout for dinner. Harper and Emerson watch the WBNA All Star Game.
Sunday, July 21 – Harper makes yummy chocolate chip cookie bowls. The Nowak and Tarr families come over for hanging out and eating. Kids play Legos, Bingo, and go on hike in backyard.
Monday, July 22 – Emerson and Harper enjoy morning at home making breakfast together, having Bible study and painting. Avery goes to mall with Grandma for early birthday shopping at Lulu and Athleta Girl. Harper goes to PR Running with grandma and buys new sneakers for early birthday present. Grandma gets Harper a mango buzz smoothie from Sweet Leafe…they bring one home for Emerson. Avery has her first day of her third week of SDI. Emerson, Harper, and Avery work together to make beef tacos for dinner. Harper and I go on a nice walk and talk after dinner on Hillington followed by a quick Shookie Shower (we had a few other of those this summer as well)
Tuesday, July 23 – Emerson, Harper, Avery enjoy Bible Study at home. Emerson and Harper continue their paintings. Avery has SDI Camp in afternoon. Harper enjoys Lego time while Emerson watches (aka) naps in Harper’s room. Harper and I enjoy a 30-minute walk in the parking lot while counting cars and waiting for Emerson at an appt. I treat girls to a shared water at Whole Foods…lol. Girls all go to Pazzo with Papa and Grandma for dinner.
Wednesday, July 24 – Papa picks up Emerson and Harper in the morning for day spent at Papa and Grandma’s…it starts with a bacon and bagel morning…(Avery gets a bagel too), followed by swimming. Emerson has 643 Lesson with Ian…Harper joins and is ball girl. Avery has third day of third week of SDI Camp and Wednesday choreo. I treat her to Chipotle take-out for dinner. Justin and I have sushi in the pit for dinner; Harper partakes in the sushi, while Avery eats her Chipotle and Emerson is in charge of the music play list. Harper and I finish reading Farmer Boy, a book we started reading together this summer.
Thursday, July 25 – Girls all walk to Ms. Pats in the morning to hang out. Avery had SDI Camp in the afternoon. Emerson and Harper spend afternoon with Ms. Pat…they go to Chipotle for lunch, play games, and hang out all afternoon. We all go to grandma and grandpa for dinner and see Bernangos. We have Don Pollo for dinner. Avery sleeps over.
Friday, July 26 – Avery spent morning at Papa and Grandmas with boys. They went to Wolftrap to play on playground. Avery had SDI Camp in the afternoon…her last day of her third week. Emerson and Harper spent the afternoon at Papa and Grandmas with the boys…they went swimming. The boys slept over and we made Naan Bread pizzas for dinner, played outside, and inside.
Saturday, July 27 – Kids sleep in until 9:00! We have pancake and sausage breakfast. Girls spend morning playing inside and outside with boys. The cousins enjoyed a Rita’s outing in the afternoon. Avery went swimming with the boys….Harper and Emerson were around but chilling. Emerson had a babysitting gig at The McAllisters. Daddy and I stopped by Papa and Grandmas and adults enjoyed some Taco Zocola.
Sunday, July 28 – Avery goes to Camp Easterseals Sleep away camp! Mom, Dad, and Avery make the 4 hour trip to New Castle. We stop at a Subway on the side of the road for lunch. Avery is there for the week! Emerson and Harper meanwhile spend the day at Papa and Grandma’s with the boys swimming and hanging out. We enjoy a BBQ at Papa and Grandma’s of burgers and steak….a fun time though we felt Avery’s presence missing.
Monday, July 29 – Avery first full day at Camp Easterseals!! Harper and Emerson go to Papa and Grandmas in the afternoon for swimming and hanging out with the boys. The four of us have salmon and mashed potatoes for dinner, followed by after dinner walk and Olympic watching on the couch.
Tuesday, July 30 – Avery at Camp Easterseals! Emerson and Harper have chill day at home…some Bible Study, Harper Jody’s book club, and spend the night at Papa and Grandma’s with Noah and Elias.
Wednesday, July 31 – Avery at Camp Easterseals! Emerson and Harper spend entire day at Papa and Grandmas with the boys. They go to the Library, The Vienna Inn for lunch, swim, and go to Bear Branch Tavern for dinner (Lauren and Gabriel join them). We enjoy watching Olympics in the evening.
Thursday, Aug 1 – Avery at Camp Easterseals! Emerson and Harper spend chill day at home together. Mom takes them to Whole Foods to pick up pizza slice and side of nugs for lunch. Emerson and Harper do more Bible Study together and watch most of The Wedding Planner. In the evening, they go to Papa and Grandmas and hang with boys, Papa, and Gabriel…they swim and have Chinese Food for dinner.
Friday, Aug 2 – We pick up Avery from Easterseals! She had the time of her life…wanted to stay longer!! We bring Crumble Cookies, snacks, and a homemade scrunchie by Harper to greet her. Emerson and Harper go to Papa and Grandma’s for the day. Papa takes girls and Noah bowling, to the arcade and Andy’s pizza for lunch. Emerson and Harper go to the mall and CAVA with Auntie Lauren, Grandma, Gabriel, and the boys. Avery, Daddy, and I enjoy take out from Lucianos.
Saturday, Aug 3 – French toast breakfast. Avery and Emerson have an early start to their b-day celebration…opening a few presents including Megan Trainor tickets and buying their birthday desserts. Elias and Noah spend day at our house. We buy Emerson’s apple pie and make Avery’s ice cream cake for tomorrow. Whole Foods “take out” for dinner, family eats together.
Sunday, Aug 4 – Avery and Emerson’s birthday! Pancake and sausage morning. Mini-golfing at Oakmont with Gabriel, Elias, Noah, and Lauren. Italian Gourmet Birthday lunch with entire Maddy, Bernango, Friedman families and Becca. Swimming in early evening at Papa and Grandmas. Social Burger take-out for dinner.
Monday, Aug 5 – Avery and Emerson go to movies with Grandma and boys (Despicable Me 4). They eat Tony’s pizza for lunch. Harper gets her nails done with Aunty Lauren, and goes to lunch at Caboose with her and Gabriel. Harper goes swimming with Gabriel. Girls and boys eat dinner at Papa and Grandmas.
Tuesday, Aug 6 – Emerson goes to Alex’s house. Avery and Harper spend afternoon with Noah and Elias. We order Mama Tigre for dinner.
Wednesday, Aug 7 – Avery goes to breakfast at The Virginian with Auntie Lauren, Elias, and Noah. Girls and I say quick goodbye to Lauren and boys before they head home to London. Girls play with McAllisters…Harper spends much of the day with them. Avery has last session of SDI Choreo. Harper goes to Ms. Pat’s to hang out and for dinner.
Thursday, Aug 8 – Avery and Emerson tour Thoreau with their 8th grade schedules in advance of students! Harper goes to Quarter Deck for dinner with Papa and Grandma followed by Dairy Queen for dessert. We eat salmon and steak dinner together as a family (Harper hangs out since she already ate).
Friday, Aug 9 – Girls get mani/pedi’s with Ms. Pat as their birthday present! We have CAVA take-out for dinner.
Saturday, Aug 10 – Saturday August 18 – Beach, TopSail, NC – Ocean, buggy boarding, pool, beach family, Christmas in July, ice-cream, shell collecting, shark teeth and coquina searching, sleepovers, series binge watching, lots of sausage and dessert.
From babies to toddlers to kids to tweens to teens. These two are somehow 13. Thirteen years of being their mom, 13 years of loving them.
The worst part about being a twin they say is sharing a birthday. I get it….not having the entire day to yourself and having to make joint decisions on how to celebrate. An extended birthday celebration is a must, especially when your shared birthday is on a weekend.
They each opened a few of their presents Saturday. Emerson picked up her apple pie from Pie Gourmet – size large of course! I made an ice cream cake, with Harper’s assistance, for Avery since Ben and Jerry’s couldn’t make her request on time.
Sunday, their actual birthday, started with a pancake breakfast and sausage.
Mini-golfing at Oakmont with the boys was next.
Some present opening followed by lunch at home catered by The Italian Gourmet. Papa, Grandma, and Becca joined. Emerson had her lasagna!
The selection of desserts was scrumptious. Emerson had her apple pie. Avery had her ice-cream cake.
A late afternoon swim followed.
The day was capped off with Social Burger take-out. Avery had her burger!
6 Days, 5 Nights…that’s how long Avery was away at Camp Easterseals sleepaway camp. She LOVED it and can’t wait to go back.
While she was both excited and nervous about going, she swallowed her nerves and pushed through. While the first night was a little tough, she said my letter to her that evening helped her get through the night, and by morning she didn’t want to leave.
She didn’t call me the entire week; she said she thought of calling me the night before we were picking her up (we picked her up a day early) only to see if she could stay an extra day!
Picking her up was great…not only seeing and hugging her but seeing how she interacted with the wonderful counselors and friends she made; the hugs, special handshakes brought a contagious smile to my face.
She rode horses, canoed, swam in the pool, cooked, did artwork, climbed the rock-wall, ziplined, and “bunked” in the afternoons. She showered occasionally, chatted for hours at bedtime, and most importantly proved to herself just how capable and independent she is.
Camp Easterseals…Avery’s coming for you next year!
Three dress rehearsals, three shows, eight dances; and one more show as a stage assistant.
Five years ago, I sat in the audience and watched Avery’s ballet class perform without her. She was paralyzed with fear and couldn’t bring herself to step on stage. There was no redeeming herself the following year as the world was shut down from COVID. The following year, 2021, the world was slowly recovering, the “recital” was a typical class in costumes. Avery had a foot injury in 2022 so while her Pre-point class performed in the spring ballet, Avery was on stage only as a tree and for her bow. Last year, 2023, four years after Avery’s stage fright incident, she finally performed on stage….I remember holding my breath at her first competition, praying that she would come out with her dance team. She did, and she did many times after that the remainder of the year with additional competitions, a spring ballet, and multiple performances in the recital.
I no longer “worry” about her getting on stage. She gets up on stage each time dancing her heart out and I just sit back and enjoy.
Friday 7:00 SHOW
Hot Lunch Jam (Jazz III)
The Pridelands (Modern A)
One Girl (Junior A Company)
Broadway Bound (Junior and Senior Company)
Saturday 11:00 SHOW
Stage Assistant for Advanced Combo
Saturday 3:00 SHOW
She’s In Love (Junior A Company)
Broadway Bound (Junior and Senior Company)
Saturday 7:00 SHOW
Warrior (Junior A Company)
Broadway Bound (Junior and Senior Company)
And while I thought this schedule was a lot of dances and costumes, next year, she is adding even more classes to the mix!
How do I write a blog when I am feel like I have no words? Middle school is halfway over for Avery and Emerson. Harper, one year remaining in elementary school. I’m just speechless truly.
Avery and Emerson both had a great year, each earning all A’s! Harper had a great year as well earning all 4’s in the Citizenship and doing well in her academics. I am so proud of the hard work and dedication that they put into their classes and assignments this year.
This is the first last day of school picture where Emerson has noticeably gained some height on Avery. Both looking older and older with each passing year, though pretty sure Avery has been wearing that same jumper for at least 3 years!
The bus stop on the last day of school will forever be a childhood memory for these three….from water balloons, super soakers, and the Kona ice truck, to every other kid on the school bus who wishes they got off at our bus stop.
