ST JOHN BOUND

I'm officially on vacation. Done from work for 10 days!!!!!! I have needed a break so much after the craziness at work and just life stresses in general. We are headed to the beautiful Island of St John, our second time back actually staying right on St John, third time visiting. It's our favorite place...most beautiful water and beaches...we rented a home with Ted's parents. We are thrilled we got them to come along with us....it has been a tough road these last four years as I have learned to live with the death of my parents...it has added pressure and complicated our relationship. The whole situation has been heartbreaking...nonetheless, they are loving and supportive and wonderful Grandparents to Elle & Harry.  There was no manual on how to handle a tragedy and the impact it would have on special relationships. I am proud we have continued to move forward and work through this together.

I feel so blessed that I have the oppotunity to take my children to a beautiful place, to be in an amazing villa overlooking the Ocean, walking distance to incredible beaches...I pray for fun, relaxation and safety. The trip got even better today when all of us were upgraded to first class all the way to St Thomas Saturday. I am sure we will get some odd looks with a one and 3 and 1/2 year old! Should be interesting. I most defintley will take up the offer of a glass of champagne. I want to celebrate. Celebrate the year of our beutiful, healthy Son, Harrison...Elle growing up to be a great, big Sis, Our successfull careers, Ted's Mom turning 60 and retiring and my Father's birthday is on the 28th. He'd so enjoy being with us on vacation. I sure will miss you guys. We have much to celebrate for in June.

Feeling lucky today. My life has been filled with such fabulous travel and Ted and I have had the opportunity to see such beautiness even through the toughest of times in our lives.

With all this, my thoughts are with my dear friend. She was diganosed with stage 4 colon cancer out of the blue. We spent a weekend in Chicago last month without knowing the terrible news we would receive a week later. She has started chemo and is so incedibly strong and SO positive. I am so proud of her. She will get through this.

All my love and safe travels for a beautiful week with my Family. Watch over us, Mom and Dad.

sweet Harry turns one

Another milestone missed but I know in my heart you are always there with us...but it will never be the same. Any joy in our lives is followed by...but I wish Mom and Dad were here...

Grandpa ended up in this hospital so he was unable to come up for Harry's party. I was so sad not only for his health but I wanted him there to represent our family... H's only Grandparent from my side of the Family. But he called once he got out of the hospital to say how much he wanted to be there. I was just glad they caught the bleeding ulcers. He's not allowed to leave us anytime soon. Harry's party turned out sweet...it was a small gathering but I had so much fun putting together his little vintage summer theme. He was feeling a bit under the weather though but we were able to capture some cute pictures. He didn't eat any cake but a few licks of frosting. (we sure he's my son??)

Life is really flying by and June is a really special month for our family between Dad, Aydan and Harrison's birthday...Aunt Kim and Uncle Mike were also born in June...and we have our Family vacation to ST JOHN quickly approaching us...really looking forward to putting everything aside (I will try) for the week and to enjoy the beauty of the Island...Elle is getting SO excited to be in an airplane as a big girl and continues to talk about the beach and all the stuff she plans to do. I'm looking forward to the memories and I am so glad we convinced Ted's parents to come along...will be so nice for the kids to have those memories. We will miss you Mom and Dad...know how much you would have enjoyed this.

Today is Father's day and I miss my wonderful, laid back, always helped others, never judged, always looking to have fun, DAD. I miss you more than words could ever explain. Hope they're treating you well up there. You would be so proud of the family Dad. You'd be so amazed at Aydan these days and what a cool dude Harrison is. We keep in touch with Justin...and he seems to be doing OK. We love you...

All my love,

1st week of June

After another horrific nightmare end of May...June got off to a GREAT start with the most fabulous weather... back to high 70s with no humidity and full sun. Work is over the top stressful and demanding right now prepping for a big meeting this upcoming Thursday, but we still managed to have a great weekend with the kids and put it aside when I could. Ted had a race on Saturday with a co-worker so the kids and I kept busy going on walks, hanging out in the square, grabbing popcorn...I absolutely love this neighborhood even more when I'm alone with the kids as there is so much to do and a lot of people around with their kids all in walking distance. Sunday was an early morning but I caught a quick jog and we headed to the zoo to meet Elle's BFF JR and his parents. We've gotten to really know JR's family...we have so much in common and we love hanging out with them. Between soccer, them being in the same class and meeting up throughout the weekend, these kids nearly see each other daily. It's fun to watch them together. Harry is doing great - I still hold him a ton (think i am trying to prevent him from walking, although he did take ONE step on Friday!) and I got a few, rare minutes with just me and Elle for her FIRST manicure. What a blast she had although I got sad after...she's too big now....she was sitting there getting her nails painted like a little lady. Breaks my heart. All of these milestones...some bigger than others just make me miss my family SO much more wishing I had mom to call to share in these special moments. We have a big weekend ahead as we celebrate the birth of Harrison a little early while we're back in MI and I'll get to see my nephew who was born the day after Harry 8 years ago....time has really flown.

June will be a busy but memorable month between everything we have going on, Harry's 1st birthday and our family vacation later this month to ST JOHN...I will be ready for a vacation.

All my love,