Our mini vacation to Vactionland

We are not much of a road trip family, but we loaded our kids into the car (drugged Sadie to prevent car sickness) and headed to Maine to visit my cousin, Jen, and her family! Although Jen was an older cousin when I was a kid and we didn't hang out much, as adults we have much in common and it has been so great sharing mom moments with her and getting to know one another better.

The trip was a success and I think we did a good job of squeezing as much MAINE into one weekend. Saturday we went to a small, but beautiful, beach on the ocean and Natalie tried out swimming in the ocean. It was kind of in a cove, so there was not much of an undertow or waves to navigate through. Sadie was not so sure about the ocean and I don't think she even got her toes wet... but she did a great job of collecting as much sand as possible on her body! Colin, was very overtired and was either cranky or sleeping!

Saturday afternoon we went to my Aunt's house that is in a cove of an ocean. The ocean was at high tide so we were able to swim right off her land. It was wild... in that it looked just like an Adirondack lake - peaceful and clear, surrounded by evergreens, but yet it was salty water!

That night, the kids went and picked up live lobsters for dinner! Liam and Natalie each held a lobster before it became our dinner (that doesn't sound good, huh!). Sadie was not so sure what to think of it and when we sat down to dinner, she told us she wasn't hungry and didn't eat a thing!! That night, while she was in the tub, she told me... "Mom, I was sad for that crab. I didn't want to eat it!" I might think we have a vegetarian on our hands, but after she got out of the tub, she ate leftover ham!

I thought the lobster was absolutely YUMMY!

Jen and my kids are all about the same age. Liam and Natalie are both 7. Aela is 5 and Sadie is 4, and then Shae is 2 and Colin is 1. Aela and Sadie had a wonderful time together and during the weekend told me many times that they were best friends. Here they are in the tub, pretending to be twins!

What a great trip.

Thanks to Jen and family for hosting us and sharing your weekend!

Giumarra Family Reunion

Since Nick's grandmother passed away, the Giumarra's have made a point to have a annual family reunion. Nick's father is one of seven children, so these reunions can get pretty big! This year, the reunion was held by Nick's sister, Lisa and her family. They did a remarkable job pulling off such an event. The day was perfect - beautiful and relaxed. The kids absolutely LOVE playing with their big cousins!

Nick and his brother, Tony and sister, Lisa.

Ryan and Tony. They are both 9.

Jenise (13) and our girls.

I am impressed and awed by the work that went into making this day possible. I think it is really incredible to show our children the special bond to our families.

Family Day!

You would think that with the entire Summer off that we wouldn't feel so crazy, but I guess we fill up whatever free time we have. In the midst of it all, we see each other a lot, but family time is often focused on what the kids need, getting their dinners together, doing laundry, packing up a bag to bring it here or there and we don't get enough time just hanging out with one another.

Last week we had a true family outing - just us - enjoying one another.

We took the kids on the Minni-ha-ha tour boat on Lake George and then for a picnic lunch in a close by park. Being out with 3 small kids is never easy, but it was relaxing and truly enjoyable. The kids loved having Nick be part of their fun. Sadie and Natalie have been playing together really well these days and it was super cute to watch them do "pretend play" in the middle of the park with just each other to play with.

I am really hoping that we can make family days a regular part of our lives.

O'Brien Family Reunion

5 Siblings

9 Cousins

10 significant others

7 (almost 8) Grandchildren

5 dogs

LOTS and LOTS of fun.

Since I was 5 years old and living in Maryland, we have spent our summer vacations in the Adirondacks with my mom's brothers and sister and families. There are many, many fond memories of those weeks together.

Seeing how crazy our own life is now, I am in awe that my parents and aunts and uncles were able to commit to that annual vacation week for so many years. Truly what a gift that they gave all of us with that special bond and relationship with our cousins and family. I fondly remember pontoon boat trips, the island, late nights at at the Lake George arcade, babysitting the younger cousins, the rope swing, the path between Jessie's home and Erin and Katy's place, the many thunderstorms and so many more...

Since our families have grown and expanded in so many ways over the past 10 years or so... the annual vacation week has held strong in a Family Reunion Weekend. It is so special that we all make it a point to be together. I bet my grandma is smiling :).

This weekend was full of fun and visiting.

Saturday morning my cousin Jen and I ran the Race the Train run up in North Creek and the kids (all 6 of them) got to ride the train and be our cheerleaders! Jen almost beat the train!! Nice job. Saturday afternoon was spent swimming and swimming at Lake Vanare. Lots of yummy food and great company.

I KNOW that my children look forward to and love this weekend just like I always have.