During the summer, it is always a treat to visit my sister out East.  We walk to the beach and set up camp till sunset…

Samy took the little one in for a dip:

This kid just won’t wear a hat!

and this kid seems to want to wear a rock – go figure!

Me and the Monsta walked the beach to find a fisherman who had quite a setup going on. He had all these poles in these holders and on top of each pole were bells. Every time the bells would ring, he would run to that pole and reel in a fish. It was really amazing to see. They were biting like mad. We made small talk and next thing you know he is showing cookie how to catch porgies…

These were already in his cooler:

He used sand worms for bait. I might add at this point that they are really freaking gross!

The bells rang and fisherman guy let Ben reel in the fish. He tried with all his little might…

Here it comes…

He did it! His first catch ever.

We spotted some jellyfish on the walk back:

On the way back up the hill to Julie’s house, Monsta insisted that he haul the bag all by himself:

We all took refreshing outdoor showers and by the time we were drying off, Samy had already prepared this awesome mussel appetizer. Look at those colors!

A little wine, a little sun, and family. It was a perfect day.

Because his lips are so lushy lishy…

Late night hunting with Grandpa in the yard:

Monsta was complaining that his tummy hurt and this morning woke up with 103 fever. I made chicken soup with alphabets in it and he is pretty much just dozing on the couch all day. Poor kid.

I can’t believe that nine months ago I practically gave birth to David in the car. If you missed that helluva story, read here. I can’t tell you how much joy this little one gives us. He is always in a good mood and giggles and smiles and really just goes with the flow. What a pleasure!

Today, I have had special alone time with him because the Monsta is at my inlaws. He is hangin’ with Grandma and Grandpa and Great Grandpa today and tomorrow. I really crave alone time with the kids. It is rare that I get it. It is always the three of us during the day and the few times I get with just one or the other is special to me indeed.

On sunny days around here, it is a given, we are at the pool! There is no question that is the place we love to be the most. The monsta can spend hours kicking around in his tube and the little one is always content sitting on someone’s lap.

Have I mentioned that he is the sweetest baby EVER?

Ben takes breaks from the pool to play on the slip n’ slide. His favorite thing is for Daddy to give him a BIG push.

I’m so glad that summer hasn’t officially started.

Mom treated us to lobsters!

Grandpa moved to NY from Florida and met Cubby for the first time.

A funfilled day spent with cousins.

I got in trouble for this one but come on…..you’re only a kid ONCE!

Busy, busy week for me…..

Hope you enjoy some photos!

A Birthday that lasts for more than a week must be a kid’s dream. The Monsta doesn’t understand why we keep celebrating but he sure doesn’t mind the dessert! It started last Thursday (his actual Birthday). The immediate family came over for dinner and cake:

He made a wish (which is usually…I hope Mommy does good…..could ya die!)

Then on Saturday, Craig’s cousins came for the day. My inlaws joined us later in the day and we had dinner and cupcakes:

Thanks Rachel for those lishy cakes!

All this celebrating and the real party is still coming. We always have a BIG bash for Ben’s birthday and we love it because it kicks off the summer. That is scheduled for this Saturday. I’m a bit worried about the weather. It is not looking good right now. I don’t know what we will do if it rains. This small house can’t accommodate all those people. Yikes!

Memorial Day weekend photos are soon to come this week…..

Off to Flamenco soon – I’m back to classes if you didn’t know.

have a great night! xxo Marina

Yesterday turned into a splendid day that was spent at the beach. I was secretly stressing about what if Cubby didn’t like this magical place but he turned out to be a true Palencia after all. I use my maiden name for the simple reason that I grew up on the beach. I don’t remember many days NOT being at the beach in the summertime. We made long days even longer back then by packing breakfast, lunch and dinner. We set out early like eight o’clock and munched on HOT bagels from Higbie Bagels while watching the waves. We swam and dug and slept and built and talked and listened to music for hours on end. The whole family as a family enjoying ourselves as a family should. We would grill on a hibachi till sunset and then finally go home with the smell of Coppertone and salt still lingering on our clothes.

Is it possible to recreate those days?

Yesterday was spur of the moment as my Mom and her friend were going. I spontaneously said we would meet them there. Ben was in his element and had a smile plastered on his face from beginning to end. David was the sweetest little thing…..he sat and ate and lounged the whole time never once making a fuss. Could I ask for more? Ben and I dug holes and then made a tunnel to connect them which was really cool. We passed things back and forth. We ran to the water a zillion times and he made me say, “Don’t you dare come up here water!”. When it did, we would yell, “HEY!” and run. The water was so freezing that I couldn’t feel my toes but it didn’t matter. Nothing mattered but having fun.

When we got home, I placed this little, wiped out guy on the grass, so I could water my window boxes. He looked so cute!

This is everything!

Celebrating Mom – iheartfaces

While Earth Day was a few days ago, I’m behind in posting the pics.  We had a tremendous day talking about all the kind things you can do to help save our planet.  Monsta likes to discuss these things.  He is always pointing out litter that we see when we go out.  He asks why did somebody throw that on the ground Mommy?  Keeping our kids aware is the most important thing we can do as parents.  They will grow up learning that Earth is our home and it has value and we don’t want people to dirty it up.  He gets that we recycle in the house but maybe I need to bring him down to the recycling center so he gets to see the big picture.  That would be an experience for him and me.

Using the dirt that they dug up from putting in our new fence last week.

Filled a pot that we got at a Spring fair up in Westchester County.

Look at me, I did it!

Planted grapefruit seeds from a grapefruit we shared months ago. It was delicious and we dried the seeds on the windowsill.

Planted zinnias in Cubby’s pot.

Add some water and wait…….

What are some of the fun things YOU did for Earth Day?