Sunday-Kohls, More Flip Flops, Kohls again, and Clothes

Sunday is usually reserved as being a day of rest. Not this Sunday. I awoke to hearing, "Can I wake Cousin up?" by several cute little voices. I pretended to stay asleep until I couldn't take it anymore. The girls were already getting ready to have breakfast outside. The weatherman predicted another hot one, this time only a high of 92. Uncle Mark had returned to his softball tournament so it was just the girls this morning.

While eating breakfast, Auntie Mar and I checked out the flyers to see what kinds of sales were happening. The first flyer I looked at was Kohl's, a favorite of the both of us. We saw that they had the Adidas flip flops I had wanted (thanks to Laura I now needed the ones with memory foam-these are also the same ones that Gwynn got on Saturday-thanks cuz for the great idea of the flops). Auntie Mar asked the girls if they wanted to go but they were more interested in playing outside. We decided that I would go to the store with flyer in hand, circled with the sale items we wanted. I went prepared to shop. I found the flip flops and got them in brown...so cute. I got a pair for Auntie Mar, in brown as well. Found the towel, rubber plant mats, reed diffuser, water shoes for Uncle Mark and even an outfit for me. Cashed out and realized that Auntie Mar wanted two towels. Went back, got another and cashed out again. I did leave without a lawn game (I was looking for lawn golf).

I got home and showed Auntie Mar what I had accomplished. Her flip flops were too small, the plant mats were too small, and Uncle Mark already had water shoes. You know what this means. Another trip back.

While I waited for Auntie Mar to get ready, I got my camera out and the girls wanted to sing another song. One turned into three each which meant a full memory card for cousin. They're quite the performers.

Auntie Mar and I headed out to check out Fred Meyer as well as Kohls. At Fred's we got a new pool/slip and slide since the one from yesterday ripped. We were also on the lookout for a camera case, a snow cone make, a new book for me, a possible sweatshirt of some kind, and shorts for the girls. We found the camera case and shorts but the rest was unsuccessful. Their book selection was weak, the price on the sweatshirt/sweater was too high, and there were no snow cone makers to be found. However, we found a sign from Nana. As we were looking at the lawn games (we did find lawn golf), we also saw luggage. Why the two are together, I'm not sure. But there, all alone, was a single smiley face luggage tag. If that's not a sign, I don't know what is. I bought it immediately and searched for a second but to no avail.

We left that Fred Meyer's and made our way to Kohls. We made our returns and checked out shoes to see if they had the flip flops in a smaller size. Wait til you hear this...we had another sign. In the adult women's section of Adidas flip flops was a child's version of the same in the size for Paige. Why would these be there if not sent for us to see (since Paige had really wanted a pair like Gwynn's). We left Kohls with the kids shoes and a pair of shorts with Paige.

Now it was off to TJMaxx and Marshall's for a look at swimsuits for Auntie Mar. We left both places without a suit but Auntie Mar scored an awesome Life is Good sweatshirt (hey wasn't I the one looking for a sweatshirt) and a dress for Gwynn and an outfit for Paige.

We made our way over to another Fred Meyer and I found another smiley tag, this time in bright yellow. The first one I bought was in hot pink. No snow cones here but we did get ground meat and bread for dinner.

Finally it was time to head home. I think I was officially shopped out. We got home and showed the girls the goodies we had found. Paige was excited to see her shoes but when she opened the box there was something missing...one of the flip flops. Unbelievable. I'm going to make another trip out to Kohls tomorrow to get the lost shoe. For someone who loves Kohls, I'm not sure when I will want to go back.

We hung out inside for the rest of the night and heard quite the thunder from a quick moving rain storm. Now I'm ready for bed and trying to think about plans for tomorrow. The lake is out since it will be the sight of a field trip for the children of parks and rec. Perhaps the fountains or a trip to the park. We'll have to see where we end up.

Saturday-The Mall, Flip Flops, and Dancing

Even though we didn't venture out much, Saturday remained a busy day in Lake O. Uncle Mark had a softball tournament so he was out of the house for much of the day. Auntie Mar had to get up early to get beautified. She had a 7:00 appointment to get her hair colored and highlighted. When she got back, the four of us walked down to Bean Street, our new favorite breakfast place. We sat outside but knew that the day was going to be a scorcher. The paper said to expect temps to reach 96. Walking back, Auntie Mar and Gwynn took the "long way" while Paige and I took the "short way." Either they ran or there really isn't much of a distance in length because the long way ended up being shorter than the short way.

We made our way to the backyard where Auntie Mar set up the pool. This was so that the water would be warm when we got back from our trip to the mall. It was a very successful trip with everyone leaving with a little something. Gwynn got Adidas flip flops, Paige and I got new Crocs, and Auntie Mar got shampoo and conditioner. When we got home, the girls got their suits on and started to enjoy the outside. The pool was good but when Auntie Mar added the slip and slide it turned great. Time flew before it was time for pedicures. I went first for my 3:00 appointment. When Uncle Mark got home, Auntie Mar joined me at Elite Nails. We sat side by side and enjoyed the foot treatment. On the way home, I stopped for a menu from the new Pizza Schmizza. The girls and I were going to have a movie night at home while Auntie Mar and Uncle Mark had their "date" in celebration of their anniversary.


The girls and I enjoyed our cheese pizza (I also enjoyed a greek salad). We watched Bridge to Terebithia and I cried...of course. After a Wizards of Waverly Place episode I had some entertainment when Gwynn and Paige danced and sang for me.

Happy Anniversary

Just wanted to wish Auntie Mar and Uncle Mark a very happy 22nd wedding anniversary. It was a wonderful wedding...well what I remember of it. I was their flower girl you know :)

Just another day at the lake

Yesterday, while the girls were at the doctor, I went out and about and ran some errands. I made my way to a lovely shop called "Accessories of the Heart." I wanted to find Auntie Mar a new bead for her Pandora bracelet and this was the closest store. It's a cute store that sells different types of jewelry, including Pandora and Troll beads. It also carries Vera Bradley-my favorite types of purses. I got the bead I wanted, called "The Journey" and I headed next door for a coffee at Starbucks.

When I got home, I sat down and looked through the local paper only to find a flyer advertising my camera for $50 less along with a free 2gb card. It didn't take me long to call the store I had bought my camera from and ask if they could match this deal. They offered me a refund along with the free memory card...all in all I saved $70. Not bad at all.

After going to the mall to get my refund, I took the girls back to the lake for some more fun in the sun. I found a perfect spot on the grass by the first "pool." This would provide a place to watch the girls from while also giving me the most sun exposure. We arrived around 1:00 and as the afternoon went on, so did the heat. Today was a day for dips in the lake to cool off followed by a chapter or two while drying in the sun. The girls had fun hanging on the dock and swimming from the left side of the lake to the middle (this is where Paige feels most comfortable). We ended up staying at the lake into the evening. Auntie Mar and Uncle Mark ended up meeting us there, carrying Subway for us girls. We ate on the blanket and finally arrived home around 7:00. SIX HOURS I spent at that lake. All very worth it. The girls had fun. I had fun. I even met a nice lady who happened to have moved to Oregon two years ago from Connecticut. We chit chatted and I learned that she had worked at Pfizer for 15 years and knew of all the places I know of back home. I think she enjoyed the reminiscing. She mentioned wanting to meet Mar and Mark since they have CT in common. That shouldn't be too difficult since she has a daughter in the same grade as Gwynn, at the same school. She also has another daughter who is going into Kindergarten just like Paige. What a small world!

What's a better way to end the day but a s'more over a fire. Muy Delicioso!

Jump Around...Jump Up, Jump Up and Get Down

This morning, the girls hung around the house, playing together in the garage. After breakfast, I cleaned up the kitchen a bit and started putting some odds and ends away (as well as cleaning my room which the girls have enjoyed since I arrived). Once I was done, I decided to join the girls outside. I grabbed my book ( one from the shopaholic series since I finished Beach Road last night) and a coloring book with markers. The girls had made their own spread complete with sleeping bags, blankets, and backpacks. It seemed that they were playing school or camp...probably imitating the movie Camp Rock starring Gwynn's favorite rockstar Joe Jonas.

Well, as soon as I got settled the girls got up and said they would be heading outside. It was evident that I was in the way. Instead of staying in the garage by myself I went to the backyard and sat at the table. I started writing my thank you cards to my students and read a little.

The girls continued to play on their own for most of the morning. It remained cloudy and looked like it was going to stay that way for the afternoon. Paige had attended a birthday party at Inflatable Kingdom (a huge room with four giant inflatable jumpy things). We decided that this might be a good adventure. Free play started at 2:00 but by the time we were all ready we ended up leaving the house at around 2:20.

All trips to Oregon have to include at least one adventure...getting lost (right Laura...haha). Auntie Mar gave me directions but it was obvious that I wasn't listening very well since I somehow ended up on I-5 heading in the complete wrong direction. When I finally realized this mistake, I tried to turn around. You know how most exits have a way to get back on the highway going the opposite direction? Well, not this one. This exit dumped me in the middle of a residential neighborhood. After some navigating I finally found my way back to I-5 South. I called the jumpy place and they gave me the correct exit number.

We finally arrived and the girls were exicited to get jumping. They had a maze, a tall fire truck slide, a smaller castle with a slide and a regular jumping room. The girls kept busy for a while but soon saw the ice cream bin. Each girl chose a strawberry shortcake treat. Once they had their fill of sugar, they continued to jump around. The girls lasted until 4:30 when Free Play was over.

When we got back, the girls returned to their morning activities and I went inside to help prepare for tonights Southern Living party. Earlier I had cut up fruit for the sangria and now it was time to make the bruschetta. When Uncle Mark got home, he took me and the girls to dinner at Baja Fresh (Southeastern CT so needs one of these). We got home just in time for the party to start. It was a nice social gathering where I got to see some of Auntie Mar's friends that I had met during my last two summer visits.

The big news is that I am going to have a party at the end of July. It will be based on the new Fall catalog that comes out August 1st. The consultant is going to let us have the party in July but she will put in the order in August. I am inviting all my loyal readers (that means you mom) to take a look online and see if there is anything of interest to them. I'll send out an email with more details.

Tomorrow's plan is to sleep in-the girls have physicals in the morning. Then maybe out for a little shopping...I so NEED a coat or sweatshirt since I forgot to pack one and it gets cold at night. Should be a nice, relaxing day...hey maybe we'll hit up the lake.

The Homeless and Cigarettes according to Paige

Last night, Auntie Mar and I were sitting downstairs, talking about the girls, when Paige comes downstairs and joins us. Somehow the conversation turned to the homeless. Paige went into detail about how she would help the homeless. Previously she had asked Auntie Mar about why the homeless are there and what their signs say. Often they mention how money could help them. Well, I guess Auntie Mar mentioned that sometimes it's hard to know whether the homeless will use the money for buying good things or to buy cigarettes. Last night, Paige came up with her philosophy of how to decide how much money to give to the homeless.

"First, I would go to the store to see how much cigarettes would cost...like pretend they were five dollars. Then I would give the homeless two dollars. Because if I didn't do that then they would get the cigarettes. They would spend the two dollars on a sandwich."

Very impressive thinking.

What was Gwynn doing while this conversation was going on...playing her DS. She really loves that Super Mario Bros. game.

Too much sun leads to a burn

After spending quite a bit of time at the lake yesterday, I came home to realize I missed a major spot with no sunscreen...my knee. I have to admit that my leg hurt for much of the night. When Auntie Mar and Uncle Mark came home, we got ready to go watch him play a couple games of softball. We grabbed a quick bite, I had a slice of my favorite pizza-Pizzicato and the girls had "crapdonalds." We arrived to see the game had already begun. It didn't look promising but soon enough Uncle Mark's team came into a flow and started smacking the ball. They ended up winning the first game but fell to the other team for the second one.

After the beginning of the second game, we left to make a quick run to Costco to see what they had to offer in the camera department. Unfortunately, they had nothing I had been looking into. We came home and the girls were exhausted. After a quick bath and shower both girls were in full bedtime gear. Paige was the first out...like a light. Gwynn and I stayed up together playing DS-her on Super Mario Brothers and me on Yoshi's Island. My eyes started to go and I called it a night. Gwynn stayed up for a little while longer reading but she too succumbed to the long day.

Our morning started off with us on the go. At around 9:00 we made our way down to the new coffee place, Bean Street. I can't forget that we brought Nibbles, the Hamster, with us. In a carry case, Gwynn held him the entire way as we walked to the cafe. The girls wanted a strawberry smoothie with their food and I forgot about the whole "buy one and split in two" so the girls each got their own. We had a nice little breakfast outside and then started on our walk back to the house. The girls asked me to hold their drinks but the teacher in me said to have them do it themselves. And they did!!! I was proud of them for walking the entire way, without complaining too much about how cold it was. Next time we'll grab a hot cup or a sleeve to put around the drink.

After getting home, I made a couple calls and found that The Shutterbug in the mall had the camera I wanted in stock. I immediately asked them to put it on hold, since every other store didn't have the pink one I wanted, and we packed into the car for a ride to the mall. After picking up the camera, the girls wanted to walk around-to Build-A-Bear and the Game Stop. While both girls would have loved to buy something, we left empty handed. We also walked by a Hallmark store selling, what else, Webkinz. Well they of course found the ones they wanted-Gwynn a striped snake and Paige a kangaroo. Sadly, Cousin Di stuck to her guns and we again left spending no money. As a treat we ate at the Nordstrom Cafe for lunch. The girls were so patient waiting for their mac and cheese that seemed to take forever. The waitress even offered them two cups of tomato soup. While eating, the girls tried to convince me that they "really wanted" the Webkinz but again Cousin said the word no child wants to hear...No.

We left Nordstrom with Gwynn telling me that "this is the first time I have left without a bag...ugh." Too Cute :) We hopped in the car and headed back home so that we could get ready for the lake. I have a feeling this will be a daily ritual. We got our suits on and headed for the sun and water. As we were walking down the steps, Gwynn says to me, "Cousin, we're gonna do the same thing as yesterday." I say "OK, what's that?" "You know, we're gonna go on the dock by ourselves and you stay over there." I guess they don't need me cramping their style. I instead found a sunny area, lay out my blanket, set up my chair, and get out my book. This works for me. They did a great job swimming by themselves and catching the rays on the deck. We even had a surprise visit from Auntie Mar.

We finally left the lake at about 5:30 and made it home just in time for dinner. Tacos outside and then the girls had some quality time with their Dad. Auntie Mar is upstairs in a meeting...that's right a meeting from 7:00 to 9:00. I guess that's what happens when you're meeting with people in Singapore. I'm looking forward to a relaxed night. Maybe I'll finish my book...but what will I read at the lake tomorrow.

Time to go SHOPPING!!!

During my day of arrival yesterday, we took some pictures of my camera of me at the airport and Paige riding my suitcase. All really cute photos. Here's the problem...the camera is so old, I can't upload the pictures. During the school year, I have been using the camera that they lend us. Unfortunately I had to turn the camera in at the end of the year and had to revert back to my Canon Powershot. It used to be my dad's before he upgraded...how I ended up with his is for a whole other story.

I talked to Mom this morning and she said to just go and buy a new one. You know what that means...shopping. I love to shop but found camera shopping troubling. I have no idea about mega pixels and zoom. I asked my trusty confidants, Mom, Johnny, and Laura, for their advice. Each came with their own idea of what camera is best, some say Canon, others say Nikon and another says Olympus. What's a girl to do?!?! I guess I am going with my gut and probably sticking with Canon.

For today's action, I borrowed my aunt's camera...look at that...a canon :) We spent the entire afternoon at the lake swim park. Gwynn and Paige managed to get me in the water twice, even though it was a mere 68 degrees. After some bathing in the sun, the girls decided to venture on their own. Paige spent some time at the play structure while Gwynn stayed on the dock. I joined Paige for a while as I watched her swing across the monkey bars. Then I joined Gwynn on the dock for some more sun. Soon after, the girls heard about a boy who had gotten bit by a fish. Well that was enough to pique their interest. They asked if they could walk to the other side of the dock to see the fish. I said of course and asked if they wanted me to go to. Do you know their answer..."No we can go by ourselves."

I, the lone cousin, watched from the sidelines as the girls became adventurous. Soon they found a ladder to the shallowest part of the lake. This was perfect because Paige could go in by herself with Gwynn. No need for hands to hold. I'm hoping the more we go to the lake, the more confident Gwynn will get so that she can take the test in order to go to the deeper ends of the lake, including the diving board area. I know she can do it, but she needs to know that too. I'll keep up the encouraging.

Tonight's agenda includes catching a softball game of Uncle Marks and shopping for a camera. Wish me luck!

An ontime departure and arrival

For the first time in a long time I had a productive day of travel. I left Providence on time and arrived in Detroit with about 40 minutes to grab some breakfast before getting on my connecting flight. In Detroit, I waited in line for what seemed like forever but finally found my seat. I was looking forward to not having someone sitting next to me but of course that didn't end up happening. The last person on the plane had the seat next to me. We ended up leaving Detroit about 30 minutes behind. The four hour flight definitely dragged but there were no major problems. This whole food thing is ridiculous. Remember when you got a snack of pretzels or peanuts. No, now you can pay 5 dollars for a snack box or 7 dollars for a veggie platter. Hey, at least the drinks are still free.

Even with our half hour delay in Detroit, we made up time and actually arrived 5 minutes early. There waiting for me was Auntie Mar, Gwynn, and Paige. Remember back in the day when family could wait at the gate and see you come off the plane. Now the excitement of arrival is delayed until you get to the security area. We made our way down to baggage and there on the carousel was my luggage...HOORAY!!! Both pieces arrived together meaning no worries about running to Target for clothes and necessities like last year.

We grabbed a quick lunch at Subway and made our way to Target...oops didn't I just say we weren't going to need to go there. I guess I still needed some necessities like hair spray and deodorant. The girls found their way to the toy section and each came out with a new Nintendo DS game, Gwynn with her Petz Dolphins and Paige with Ratatouille. I left with a coloring book.

When we got home, Paige was excited to give me my new Webkinz...a Cocker Spaniel Lil Kinz which I aptly named Annie. Then it was time to register the Webkinz and start playing. It was quite a sight to behold...all three of us at the dining room table laying on our laptops. Once I can I will add some pics from the day.

Now it's hanging around time. Auntie Mar ran out to get an oil change and her nails done while Gwynn and Paige do my hair. Even though it's 4:30 here, I'm still on east coast time. This might make for a long night.

Ready...Set...Go

It's official, I am packed and ready to board the plane in the morning. Did I mention that my flight leaves at 6:05...bright and early. That means that I need to be up, well, in several hours, around 3:30. Ouch. The good news is that I will be in Oregon around 11:00 their time. My first night there is always a long one. By the time I go to bed, it's really three hours later for me.

I talked to Paige yesterday and she seems excited for me to come out. She told me to bring the necessities, "your iPod and your swimsuit." She also spilled the beans about a Webkinz that is waiting for me. Auntie Mar told me that they have been spending some time at the Swim Park already this year. This Swim Park is the lake that my aunt and uncle have "rights" to. It's divided into three sections, each separated by a dock. The first year we spent most of our time in the kiddie pool, simply splashing around. Last year we graduated to the first section of the lake. Gwynn worked on her swim strokes while Paige practiced being on her own (even though she preferred to hold on to me). I'm wondering if this year Gwynn is ready for the second section which is a bit deeper than the first. I'm pretty sure I will stay in the first section with Paige. I don't mind. It's a chance to stay cool and get a tan.

So, I'm off. Hopefully my flight will go off without a hitch. No missing luggage, no delays, no problems. Keep your fingers crossed.

Relay for Life

For the past three years, in honor and remembrance of my grandmothers, Ann Lewerk and Geraldine McGuire, we have had a team at our local Relay for Life. We are AnnGeri.

Today began this 24 hour adventure. My mom and dad went to Avery Point to set up camp last night. They had already returned, ready to help by 7:15 this morning. I, on the other hand, slept in and arrived at 9:30 to help with Survivor Registration. At first I questioned why I was there...it seemed that my mom had everything under control. But then she got asked to help with cutting the oranges and serving the food and this and that so I became more involved as the morning went on. I was actually surprised by the diverse crowd of survivors. Some young, some old.

I held my emotions together pretty well (you all that know me know that I can cry for anything) but then the survivor lap came up. I watched as my Poppy began to line up. That just did it for me. It reminds me that he had cancer and that both my grandmothers had died from cancer; therefore, the tears started to come. Mom, Pat, and Poppy walked hand in hand for that first lap that started this worthwhile cause.

I pulled it together and the rest of the afternoon went off without a hitch. Well, I did cut my finger when cutting the oranges. I played a little DS and apparently I am not smarter than a fifth grader. My dad napped and my mom and I decorated the luminarias for the ceremony tonight.

I am again procrastinating about packing and instead am writing this. I came home to feed the dogs and will make my way back to Avery Point for the 9:00 luminarias. Want to talk tears...I'll need a lot of tissues for that one. They read off the names of all the luminarias which have been bought either in memory of someone who has passed from cancer or someone who has survived the disease. It's quite an emotional event.

The official plan is to pack tomorrow and prepare for the trip to Oregon on Monday. I better get motivated.

Should be packing but...

Well, since my brother has one and my dad tried one and my cousin is doing a great job on one, I thought it only fitting me to try my hand at one.

Here goes my attempt at blogging :)

I am leaving Monday morning, bright and early for Lake Oswego, Oregon to spend six weeks with my cousins Gwynn and Paige. I will be their nanny/cousin di for those weeks and thought it might be fun to document my adventures. This would also be a way to keep friends and family posted as to what's been going on.

Tonight I should be packing. I have a hella busy weekend and can't seem to get the motivation to get started. Tomorrow is the Relay for Life and I volunteered to help my mom with registration. Therefore, tomorrow is shot. Saturday night I'm supposed to jam out to "Branded" who is playing at the Derby. Colette is expecting me so I have to make at least an appearance. So Sunday, rainy Sunday. That's the day I'm going to pack and straighten up the house before I leave. Not sure when I'm gonna find the time to get it all done. But I will because I have to.

Oh and did I mention the random guy that stopped at the condo today. Mom and Dad dropped off Annie and I saw some guy wandering down the driveway area of the condo complex. I didn't think much of it so I sat down to finish watching Rachel Ray. Knock, knock. Annie went nuts and there is the guy. I had the screen door closed but the regular door open. He told me he just started at Kirby and they wanted him to sell one today. RANDOM!!! I said no thank you and he went on his way. But how weird is that.

Well, going to try and either pack a little or go to bed. We'll see how productive I am.