Tonight the mosquitoes in the car were “freaky” according to Zach. It was like a swampy breeding ground when we started to leave the farm tonight. We probably had 12 mosquitoes in the van. I had to pull over and spray all the children and myself with the Deep Woods Off. We’re talking the good stuff here. 25% DEET. And we still got a bite or two each. The van sat on the side of the road as the children & I killed about 8 of the mosquitoes. I got a couple driving down the road but then I had to pay attention more and just watched as they flitted in and out of my line of vision. Itchy!

The update is we stayed at Poppy’s (my stepdad) farm for 2 nights. Hung out the first day and explored. The 2nd day we went into Boston to the Aquarium. The boys loved the giant tank in the middle just as I did as a kid. We arrived at the perfect time. Caught the jellies exhibit (they look pretty cool when you don’t have to worry about them stinging you.) and watched them feed one species of jelly. I can’t remember which kind it was. Not the little blue ones. Not the giant ones. The guy actually stuck his arm in and squeezed the food out of a baster into the jellies’ tentacle area. Then the jellies pulled it to them. Amazing. They would drift right by his arm. The boys couldn’t believe he would put his arm up to the elbow right in the tank.



The highlight was watching the divers feed the shark in the big tank with a fish on a stick. The sea turtles were very cool. The boys named all the animals that were in Finding Nemo. The giant turtle was Crush and the smaller one Squirt. It went on and on.



That night (last night) we stayed at Uncle Mike’s. (my brother) The boys were in video game heaven. Today it was hang with Mike and go to a BBQ at the farm. This is where we picked up the mosquito swarm.



Now the boys are in bed. Showered. Ready to get up and play a last game or two while I pack the car AGAIN (4th time this trip). After I’m done it is off to pick up Grammy, say goodbye to Poppy, go visit my dad and head back home.



It’s been a great trip but I am ready to go home. I need a vacation…

Something to keep you all busy until I get back – or at least back to the computer: the Face of Tomorrow

This is fascinating! Thanks to Ernie at little.yellow.different. for finding it.

ps- 11 days until school starts!

Computer withdrawal. I’ve been without a computer for 4 days and I’m going through withdrawal. It’s sad really. But now, here I am.

I’ll be back with the kids from Massachusetts tomorrow night some time. The trip should be interesting. Aggravating is probably a better word. The trip home is always a nightmare. It’s NEVER a one potty stop. More like a 5 potty stop. And a stop or 2 for food. Another for gas. Another because someone is screaming. And if the trip is going really badly, another for a flat tire, trip to store for a new tire and even more food. Lets hope this trip back is not quite that bad.

Little update…

The beach was wonderful. The only problem is it was too short. A week would be too short. The kids were great. My cousins were great. Everyone had a blast. No one was lost off the side of the ferry either.

Conversation between Zach and my cousin Erin after he was plowed over by a wave, face planted in the sand, came up with a face streaming of salt water, snot and sand (out his nose and mouth), and cleaned up by Mom (that’s me):

Zach: “The ocean is freaky.”

Erin: “What’s freaky about it?”

Zach – thinking hard: “Lots of things,” looking out at the waves and horizon, “are freaky about the ocean.”

Erin: “Yes, lots of things are freaky about the ocean.”

Okay, this conversation was much funnier when she told me about it. Hopefully you get the picture of the little 4 y/o looking all serious and contemplative while trying to decide what exactly is freaky about the ocean. If not, I tried. ~side note: the word of the week has been freaky, It keeps popping up in conversation, on TV, etc.~

After the beach day was a pool day. Tons of fun. Relaxing. The kids didn’t get out of the pool except for lunch. Dylan was swimming on his own with no bubble and even Zach graduated to water wings. (Yes Jeff, we can get rid of the turtle floaty. Yay!) Erin took me for a pedicure. Bless her heart. It was lovely and I got a little wild. Instead of my usual black or blue metallic nail polish, I went with raspberry. They do not look like my toes. I’m still not sure what made me do it. Maybe all that sea air.

I also learned about finding your limit in relation to time spent with relatives. I’d never really contemplated this before. I think it’s a good idea though. I found one cousin to have a 35 minute limit (that’s the shortest). The word freaky has also come up in relation to her.

My other female cousins (wait they’re all female) I haven’t found my limit with. We haven’t spent enough time together since we were kids to find out this kind of information. I’m sure my limit would be much higher than theirs. I hope we get to spend more time together in the future. (If you’re reading this Erin & Karen – COME VISIT US!!)

Lots of fun and then we moved on to Mass. Took the ferry from Orient Point to New London. It always seemed like such a long ride as a kid. This one was too short. I had so much I wanted to do with the kids and it seemed it was time to get off before we did anything. An hour and 1/2 just isn’t as long as it used to be.

More update later…

We arrived on Long Island last night. It was a one potty stop trip. The boys were great. A bit loud now and then but very good.



They have already been in the pool. I hope the neighbors have been warned. If not, they know we’re here now. The kids are excited. (that means loud)



Today we are off to Fire Island. Ferry ride and ocean here we come. I’ll let you know if we all make it back alive. Hope I don’t lose anyone off the boat. Actually, do you think I could lose them just until school starts? No.



It’s a bit windy. I’m a little concerned about flying sand and whiny boys. I’m waiting to see how it all plays out. Keep your fingers crossed… the day could go either way.

Jeff was rewatching A Fish called Wanda last night while I was online. I heard this line (a favorite of mine)…

Scene: John Cleese’s character is a defense attorney for Wanda’s lover. They are in the courtroom and Cleese is questioning Wanda (Jamie Lee Curtis).

“And what time did he leave?” asked Cleese.

“Five to seven,” says Wanda.

“Five to seven. Are you sure?” asks Cleese.

And Wanda answers, “I know, because I thought to myself, where could he be going at five to seven with that sawed-off shotgun.”

I knew I had to mention it in my blog. Funny, funny movie. One of our fav’s. So, while looking for a good related link I came across Colin’s movie monologue page. A little something to keep you busy while I’m gone.