Lazy Sunday afternoon in Montauk

Last Sunday, Pete and I decided to take a ride out to Montauk..for two reasons...the waves were amazing compliments of Tropical storm/category 1 Hurricane Bill and we wanted to have lunch at O'Murphy's. For those of you who have never been, O'Murphy's is a small town bar right in the 'circle' of Montauk. They have THE BEST MUSSELS know to mankind! Words cannot even describe!! We enjoyed a few hours lounging on the beach, watching those beautiful waves under a blue sky. It was a great day, just being together.

Congrats to our Friend Dan!!

Our friend Dan has been doing a lot of swimming this past summer...and I mean a lot!!! Back in July, he swam the 'cross bay swim' which was 5 miles!!! 5 miles!!! I can't even swim across my pool (cause I still have to hold my nose and all!!!) and he makes it look so easy. He does it all for charity! Dan asked Pete to help him this year by kayaking ahead of him as his 'spotter'...they did awesome together!!! Two weekends ago, Dan was in another swim down in Amityville. This was a two mile swim for Juvenile Diabetes. Pete joined him again and needless to say, they rocked!!! I brought the boys down to the beach that day and they were so excited to see both Pete and Dan approaching the finish line. I admire all of the people who participate in these events. Especially when it's for such an amazing cause!!!! So here's to Dan and Pete for giving their time for others!!! We will always be there to support you....just let us know the time and date and we will all be there to root you on!! I did take a few pictures of John and Ryan in the kayake and wearing Dan's swim cap, which by the way has it's 'place' on the hutch in the boys room!! Here is a video of Dan coming out of the water...it was hot and I am sure he was tired!! We are proud of the both of you!!!!!

Congrats John & Ryan!!!

Friday, August 14th, John and Ryan took their karate belt test. They did amazing and are now official Purple Belts!!!! I am so proud of you both!! Keep up the great work and before you know it, you will be taking your black belt test!

Our Florida Trip...August 2009

We just returned back from an amazing week in Orlando, Florida. Pete and I and the boys flew down last Tuesday where we were greeted by my brother and beautiful nieces at the airport. Funny cause Kasey had called us to say that they were not going to be able to come. I was upset, I have to admit, cause I have been waiting months to see the girls. When low and behold, I was bear hugged from behind by Erin...or "E" as she likes to call herself! What a great suprise!!! We spent the days at the beautiful pool where the kids literally swam for hours on end! The six of them (my four boys and Kevin's two girls) would stroll up to the pool bar and order their 'virgin' pina coladas daily...it was hysterical to watch. We all went to Disney on Thursday and lucked out with the weather. We did get the usual afternoon thunderstorms, but we only waited I would say 40 mins for the longest ride. The lines were not terrible. The kids had an absolute ball together. On Wednesday night, Pete and I put the kids (all 6) in camp at the hotel. There they ate pizza and icecream, decorated a t-shirt with fabric markers and stencils. They played miniature golf, rode the bicycles built for 8 and then finished off the night with a movie and some basketball. What a great experience for all of them!

Saturday rolled around way too fast....too depressing to even think that we were going home. How could 5 days have passed so quickly? We spent Saturday at Kevin and Trisha's house..kids were in the pool for the last time....I was already getting misty eyed. When it was time to say goodbye, Nicholas was the first to 'lose it'. Then they rest fell into place...Kasey was next I think, then Ryan, and so on and so on.....what an amazing time they all had spent together. It is always hard leaving my brother and his family. We don't get to see each other nearly as much as I would like. At least we have these memories...memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you Pete for taking us on this trip...I will never forget it! You are one in a million!!!!!