Island Escape....

 

The summer was incredibly fun AND busy this year, but thankfully, King Tony was able to take off a little bit of time and we returned to our favorite vacation destination, Martha's Vineyard, and our beautiful 'special house' which the kids absolutely adore.  This year, we were joined by Queen Wendy's brother, Erick and his four girls, who beached, hiked, and ate their way across the island.  It was the perfect vacation, in a perfect location, that we call 'our second home.'

  

 

Our days were spent on the beach, exploring the island/nature reserves, or in the pool. Heaven!

 Dead crabs can be found along many shores. We were fortunate to get to them well before the seagulls, and took the opportunity to teach the kids about sea life and the life cycle of some creatures.  Uncle Erick oversaw the lesson... :)



Uncle Erick stands closeby to educate the children about the sea...

The kids walk the shore to discover everything from blue crabs, to horseshoe crabs, to mussels, clams, barnacles, seaweed and so much more. Fabulous days to not only get exercise and fresh air, but a lovely lesson or two along the way....

 Dining out is one of the lovely perks of vacation, and chowing on seafood and all its decadence was defintely something we were interested in partaking. The kids got to view vats of lobsters in order to pick their own. Here are the kids getting a lesson at The Net Result, and Alec and Papa waiting for our meal (cooked to order) to be delivered to our seaside table. Can you say, awesome??? :)

Beyond the beaches and pool, we also got in a few rounds of golf--mini golf to be exact. The royal kidlets took up golf this past summer--after being 'schooled' by their cousin Jenny Kate--on how to really hit the ball! It is now a summertime favorite, and our kids sought out a 'hole in one' a few times, but sadly, have not yet earned such high reward. It's a work in progress.... :)

Martha's Vineyard became the actual location for the original filming of JAWS. Anyone who has seen it can appreciate the beauty of the island. Interestingly, each summer, JAWS fans from around the world convene on the tiny locale to celebrate the creation of the film. There's even an island 'joint' called Sharkey's within which JAWS paraphernalia, and official photos from the days of original filming, line the walls for patrons' view. 

 

There's no place like the beach...there's no place like SOUTH BEACH! :)

 

Abby Pie takes on the waves!! 

 

Cousins Maryann, Lilly, Adia and Jenny Kate join in our sand-filled adventures. They look a lot better in their bathing suits though... :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Uncle Tony prepared several delicious meals fresh from the grill this summer. He's a GrillMeister!

Abby takes over the pool slide. She's fearless. Well, she's always been fearless, so we actually had to put the fear of God into her about safety...her AND her twin brothers.

 

A beautiful trip, indeed.

Shark Week 2012

We interrupt this family blog to celebrate SHARK WEEK 2012. You know how we celebrate? A week long festival of Discovery Channel shows, National Geographic OCEANS, JAWS (over and over again) and of course, cake from Cakes for Occasions (CFO; www.cakes4occasions.com).

Priceless!

 

Summer Bucket List 2012

While you can't yet see the checks marking off the summer bucket list items, the kingdom's royals have been busily taking charge of their list and making good use of their summer! Many of our items have received checks, although there are still many more to go!

The kids are making unique choices as to what and when they want to do things, but fortunately, we're able to accommodate pretty much every request--or--at least redirect their interest so that it mirrors our own availability. For example, the kids had a trip to the Museum of Science on their summer bucket list, which we were gladly able to incorporate into SCIENCE week in homeschool. Their favorite parts were the aeronautical (rocket ship/planets), weather (complete with lightning show), and dinosaur exhibits.  Museum of Science: check!

Aramis on his way to the moon.....

"Hiking is exhausting" says one; then Abby says"I love to hike!" :)

Alec finds something 'beautiful' from the list

SCAVENGER HUNT/HIKE-combo: CHECK!!

 

Visit with the cousins in NY--CHECK!!!

Riding the Carousel in Syracuse with Mimi; Swimming in the pool with Lilly- fun, fun!!

Splash Pad- CHECK!! :)

Abby LOVES the splash pad!




Camping with Papa in a TENT...a HUGE treat! - CHECK!!!

The boys, PJs on, get their flashlights ready!!

 

In the morning, this is what we found...sleeping Papa and Alec...and Aramis was lost amid bean bags and blankets. Abby wanted NO part of the camping adventure-- so she and Mommy enjoyed a warm, cozy bed. :)



 Picnic with Papa (Take #1; Boston Courthouse/Boston): CHECK!

Firepit and S'mores: CHECK!!


The summer has gotten off to a FANTASTIC and busy start...and of course, there's 6 more weeks to come!

F is for Family and FUN!

Residing on a lovely plot overlooking Delta Lake is the home of our brother Erick, sister Beth and 4 beautiful girls. Their house is truly a palace by the lake and as often as we can, we escape to their super-sized digs to spend time with Auntie/Uncle and cousins. There is ALWAYS something new and exciting lurking at every visit--be it a new science experiment, new friends, or a new experience. The most recent trip was no different as this time around, the cousins taught the royal kidlets how to mini golf. Yes, it is true, we've not yet enjoyed this experience with our kids, so what an awesome treat courtesy of Grandma Mary!  They loved it!!

Aramis tries a new technique...

Abby watches lil' bro's form...

Alec gives his ball a nice tap and into the hole it went!

Aramis tees up for a swing...



Fortunately, Jenny Kate has PERFECT golf form, and showed her cousins how it should be done....

Aramis takes a turn in the *green ring*

After an exhausting round of mini golf, the family hit the pool for some swimming fun.  The cousins are so fond of Mimi, Lilly, Adia and Jenny Kate. Mimi, in fact, just received her Lifeguard certification (for pool, open water, AND scuba), and started working during our visit. Lookout NY, there's a Baywatch Babe in town! Congrats Meemers!!

Massive pool, hours of fun for all....and don't forget the pool house saying, "Pee Pee OK, Poo Poo, NO WAY!" :)

Lifeguard Mimi works with Princess Abs....so awesome!! XOXO

We end this post with the view of the lake from Uncle Erick and Auntie Beth's home. The stairs lead all the way down to the water below, but it is just breathtaking!