Watching the sunset over Delaware Bay at Sunset Point Beach in Cape May, NJ. That strange object on the left of the shot is a sunken ship. Farewell summer. It’s been fun.
Finding Peace at Lake Waramaug {Photo Friday}
It’s easy to find a peaceful spot along Lake Waramaug in New Preston, CT. It’s quiet, peaceful, and there is absolutely no cellular service to be found. The lack of cell service is jarring at first. As soon as you adjust to not being able to check in on anything, you can take a deep […]
Exploring Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge {Newport, RI}
Over the years we’ve explored most of the trails in and around Newport, RI. Somehow, we missed Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, just past our favorite beach in Middletown. It’s windy out there, at the end of the island, but it’s a beautiful sanctuary for birds (and the people who visit). There are a several […]
Island Lighthouse {Photo Friday}
My girls and I took a desperately needed break from our daily life this week and spent a few days in Newport, Rhode Island. We managed to catch two sunsets over Newport Harbor. The photo above is a tiny lighthouse on Goat Island, a small island in the harbor, and home to the Hyatt Regency […]
To Sakura Matsuri and Back Again
Last week, three teens, a tween and I piled into the car and headed for Brooklyn to attend Sakura Matsuri, the annual Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Driving from Connecticut to Brooklyn can take anywhere from 90 minutes to 17 hours, depending on traffic. Sometimes it’s worth the effort. The festival is […]
If You Take the Kids to Jersey
If you take the kids to Jersey, they’re going to want to swim at sunset. When it gets dark, they’ll catch a chill. They’ll ask to warm themselves by a fire. On the beach. Being by the fire will remind them…to eat marshmallows. They won’t be interested in seeing the historic sights in town, even […]
Gone Swimming
This week, all the kids in our town will be heading back to school. We’re not quite ready yet. Instead, we’re at the beach. Swimming. Mermaiding. Enjoying time with the family. We may never come home. Deep summer is when laziness meets respectability. -Sam Keen
Moments at Acadia National Park
Traveling with family is best viewed by looking at individual moments, not as good days and bad days. We took our little women on their longest road trip to date, an 8+ hour drive, to Acadia National Park on the coast of Maine. The trip was intense in one moment, then hilarious, then heart-stopping […]
Life Learning at the NY Botanical Garden
She was whining as we pulled into the parking lot. “I don’t want to do something educational!” She didn’t believe me when I told her a trip to the New York Botanical Garden would be fun. Her sisters were only slightly more enthusiastic. I promised them that they wouldn’t have to learn a thing. I […]
A Walk Through the Garden – Wordless Wednesday
I think this is the closest I’ve ever been to standing inside of a Monet painting. This was taken at the New York Botanical Garden. If you look closely, you will see the Princess wandering around in there. She blends well, dressed in pink. This post is a part of the Wordless Wednesday Link-up with […]
I Want to Live on a Family Compound by the Beach
I’m participating in Finish the Sentence Friday. To play, one blogger starts a sentence and everyone gets to spin a story from it. This weeks prompt: The last time I went on vacation, I… …discovered I want to live on a family compound by the beach in Jersey. Sounds insane, right? My mom planned a […]
Walking Manhattan in Christmas Chaos
Two teens, two senior citizens and I went walking in Manhattan. Who was ready to pass out first? Who was in the most pain the next day? The answer may surprise you. The Adventurer and I took the train into the city last Saturday with Grandma and Grandpa and my nephew -who I’ll refer to […]
Touching Natural History
“We’re going to see the dinosaurs! ” I tried to convince the Princess that our trip to the American Museum of Natural History was worth waking up early. “We’ll also get to go to the planetarium and see huge crystals in the gem room and…” I was more excited than my three girls together. “It’s […]
Not Disrobing on the Jersey Shore
As I write this, Hurricane Sandy is approaching the New Jersey shoreline. Here at my home in Connecticut, we are waiting and hoping that we don’t get hit as hard as predicted. I can’t help but remember the little town that provided an amazing summer escape for my family and hope that it is still […]
Spread Your Wings at Sharon Audubon
My girls love birds, owls and all things that take to the sky, including bats. I carefully planned a day trip to the northwest corner of Connecticut to visit the Sharon Audubon Center, so they could have a closer look at a variety of birds of prey. I thought it was a great idea, but […]
Happy Landings
I stood at the edge of the parking area. My dog sniffed the cool autumn air while I looked out over the wide field. Once a dairy farm, Happy Landings looked bright but deserted. Although I’ve lived in Brookfield, Connecticut for nine years, I never bothered to explore the nature preserve on the side of […]
Strawberry Fields Forever
Her nose is an inch from mine when I open my eyes. Her breath on my face stirred me from a light sleep. I don’t jump this time. “Morning, my girl,” I say. Her little face lights up with a smile. “Can I have a waffle now?” she asks. “Sure sweetie.” I pull myself out […]
Family Beach Guide to Newport, RI
All beaches are not created equal. If you’re looking for a safe, family friendly beach with nearby food and activities, Newport has plenty of choices. Match your family’s preferences to a specific beach or explore each one for a diverse vacation. Easton Beach, also known as First Beach, is often the only beach tourists find when […]
Seeing Green at NYC’s Bronx Zoo
I assumed that the zoo would be less than clean and not very green. I also assumed being the mom of three girls meant life would be all roses, tea parties and ballet. Well not really. I imagined that my girls would not have a fascination with all things toilet related. I was wrong on both counts. We […]
