Irish Weekend 2010

Three years ago this past weekend is when Brian drove from Philly all the way down to Wildwood to meet me at Irish Weekend. He had been out with his friends and when I was talking to him Johnny grabbed the phone and gave him directions to get down the shore. He met us at Flip Flops and it was the 1st time he had met anyone in my family. So, Irish Weekend does always seem "special," in a way, to me.

We got down the shore on Friday night and just hung in the house with the fam. Saturday afternoon Johnny, Allison, Kevin, Brian, and I headed over to the festival. We walked the streets, checked out all the vendors tents, ate completely unhealthy food, and drank some beers. There was definitely some great people watching! Aunt Rita and Uncle Scott had us all over for dinner and then we went out after with Kevin, Korrin, Michael, and LeeAnn. When we got back to the festival we soon realized that the crowd wasn't a pretty scene and the lines at all the bars were ridiculously long. We decided that it be best to go to another bar, away from the festival area, and it was a great choice. We got into a bar where we could all sit down and drink/eat casually...and hear each other talk. Another great Irish Weekend is down in the books.

Day 3 of Boston get-away

Saturday we went out to the Copley Square area, walked on Newbury St, strolled through the Boston Commons park, and visited the site of the famous Cheers TV show. Newbury St was cool because it was old brownstone type buildings with stores and cafes on the ground floor and homes on the top. We stopped and had lunch at an outside cafe...it felt like we were in France. Boston Commons was full of people and we were thinking it was some kind of music festival. However, as we walked through and observed the people, the vendor tents, and listened to the music/speeches we realized it wasn't a music fest...it was a Freedom Ralley. It was interesting but we quickly realized that we were too old for the college-age audience and we certainly weren't dressed for the part. So we did some people watching and then did some more walking to get to the site where Cheers was filmed. We did a TON of walking that day and were exhausted by late afternoon. We rested and then went to a sports bar down the street from our hotel for a late dinner. There weren't as many history lessons for me that day so I was able to survive on water to hydrate me through the miles of walking vs. the coffee and beer that I had the day before.

Day 2 of Boston get-away

Friday we got up and took a cab to Faneuil Hall. We grabbed breakfast and then started along the Freedom Trail. It is a walking tour where you follow the red arrows on the ground as it leads you from one historic spot to the next. Brian was having a grand 'ole time learning while I, the "non-history buff," asked a hundred questions....including standing inside Paul Revere's house and whispering to Brian "ok, so who was Paul Revere?" He looked at me in horror but calmly explained Paul's story to me. (I wonder if my diss-like for history has anything to do with Mr. Eastwick in high school???) I had told Brian that as long as he kept me caffenated in the morning and got me some beers in the afternoon that I'd walk where ever he wanted to go. We did stop at The Green Dragon for a few beers in the afternoon and I was happy. Apparently that bar has a story of it's own....it's where revolution began or something like that...I'll have to ask Brian for a refresher course. That night we went to the North End and walked the streets of Boston's little Italy. We had an awesome Italian dinner and stopped in another bar for some drinks after. So, I did learn a few things that day.....but the true test is if I'm questioned again I may tell you that Paul Revere was a band in the 70's.

Day 1 of Boston get-away

Brian and I have been in need of a weekend getaway so we cashed in some Marriott points, used an airline credit we've been saving, and headed to BOSTON!! We flew there Thursday morning and got home tonight. As soon as we arrived, we checked into the hotel, put on our sneakers and started walking. Our hotel was on the waterfront. We walked along the waterfront and grabbed lunch at the Legal Seafood Test Kitchen. We took some great pictures of the city's skyline and mapped out a plan for the next couple days. We went to the Union Oyster House for dinner, which is a historic restaurant in Boston, and walked the streets some more before we called it a night...we wanted to get up early on Friday to get as much sight-seeing in as we could.

(Jadie had a vaca of her own....she spent the weekend with MeMe, Gpop, and Aunt Gracie at the shore....she must've had a blast because she's exhausted!)

Bloody Mary...the 1st drink on all our Vacations..

Fall is almost here!

What a great weekend! The weather started to change so we turned off the air and opened the windows. I love the fresh, brisk fall-like air flowing through the house. The kids (Jadie, Autumn & Harvey) are loving it too because they like to look outside and hear all the noises. Yesterday I cleaned the house and pulled out all my fall decorations. The spiced candles are burning and putting that awesome scent in our house. The pumpkins, scarecrows, and witches are sitting on tables and countertops to bring that cozy/homey feeling that makes me all warm inside. We took a drive yesterday and passed by Johnson's farm so of course I asked Brian to pull in. We didn't get our pumpkins just yet but we grabbed coffee and walked through the shop and watched the kids at their apple-picking bday parties. We bought some apples and a couple of the last Jersey tomatoes of the season. Today Brian woke up with a smile on his face, put on his Eagles shirt, and was clapping his hands telling Jadie it was football all day! She had no idea what he was talking about but she starting jumping up and down because she knew she was supposed to be excited about something. Brian logged onto his computer and ESPN has been on the TV since 8:30 this morning. He can't wait for 1:00 to get here! Ahh....September is here!

We ate like kings & queens

Saturday night we had clams, shrimp, crab legs, crabcakes, veggies, and filet mignon. Brian & Kevin cooked on the grill while Allison & Corinne did most of the cooking inside. We ate and ate and ate. We had tunes playing and the drinks were "a flowin." After dinner we put the new puzzle on the table and we each sat down at different parts of the night to try to complete some pieces....which, by the way, still isn't completed. It was an amazing night filled with laughter, fun, and family.

Fall activity #1

When the weather starts to change at the shore our activities start to change. Instead of laying on the dock or going to the beach we play indoor games. Here is a puzzle that we worked on Friday night and Saturday during the day. As soon as it was complete Corinne ran to Hoys and bought another one....we are still working on that on as it's a big tougher.

Every night

This is where she plops herself every night.....at my feet so that I have to fall asleep in the fetal position. But of course I don't care. :)