P365 - 2013 - Day 212 - cousin's day

P365 - 2013 - Day 212 - cousin's day

It was cousin's day on the beach today.  The kids had a lot of fun and the adults had a great visit.  So glad they could come today and hope to see them again soon!!

*Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family.  Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. - Jane Howard*

 

P365 - 2013 - Day 211 - Another player

P365 - 2013 - Day 211 - Another player

We have another player in the house - The Princess had her first soccer practice with Stafford tonight.  My Wonderful Husband will be coaching her team this year and she went out tonight and gave it all she has.  She was so exhausted when she got back she surely earned a trip to Skipper Dipper.  It's shaping up to be an interesting fall - between the three teams, we will be doing soccer practices four nights per week.  Bring on the crazy.  Bring on the soccer. 

*It's hard to beat a person who never gives up. -Babe Ruth *

P365 - 2013 - Day 210 - Three girls

P365 - 2013 - Day 210 - Three girls

Three girls and three bottles - My two friends and I went out for dinner and drinks last night before our one friend heads back to NYC.  I will miss her but look forward to time spent together when she returns!  The three of us had a lovely night with  good food, good drinks, good conversation, and plenty of laughs.  I am so lucky to have these two ladies as friends!  Love them!!! 

*Never forget the days I spent with you.  Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours. - Ludwig Van Beethoven*

P365 - 2013 - Day 209 - Still July

P365 - 2013 - Day 209 - Still July

I can hardly believe that July is drawing to an end.  I love summer and mourn the passing of days.....  Lazy mornings, beach days, ice cream, BBQ's, time with friends, and later nights with nothing to plan for the next day except more of the same.  Sadly, before I know it, this scene will be interrupted with questions like, "What do you want to pack for lunch tomorrow?", "Is your backpack packed?", "Did you do your homework?" etc, etc....  But not yet.  It is still July; and since we do not have to leave and go back to PA this year, school will be starting later than usual for these  three.  So I intend to cherish this last month of summer, relish the fact that this is now home and we don't need to leave at the end of August, and enjoy every moment of this ride called life.  

 *If it could only be like this always – always summer.... - Evelyn Waugh*

P365 - 2013 - Day 208 - golfing

P365 - 2013 - Day 208 - golfing

The Boy asked if Daddy could take him miniature golfing.  He said he was all dressed for it.  This kid cracks me up.  The Bear joined them and they had a fun morning golfing while I caught up on laundry and got dinner ready for after the beach.  

*Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots - but you have to play the ball where it lies.
- Bobby Jones*

P365 - 2013 - Day 207 - Still smiling

P365 - 2013 - Day 207 - Still smiling

The Bear had a soccer try out tonight.  He was the first of our three to go through try outs and he was very excited.  He had a blister on his foot from camp this week but he didn't complain, just taped it up, and ran and practiced for over an hour and a half.  He was still smiling at the end when I snapped this picture because that is just the kind of kid he is.  Pain, schmain...he did awesome and we should find out soon what team he will be on.  We love him and wish him lots of luck with Stafford Soccer!!  xoxo


*Anyone who has a continuous smile on his face conceals a toughness that is almost frightening. - Greta Garbo*
 

P365 - 2013 - Day 206 - last day

P365 - 2013 - Day 206 -last day

Today was the last day of soccer camp for the kids.  It was a great opportunity for the kids to work on their skills and get to know some of the coaches and players that they might be playing with this year.  I am very excited for them and I look forward to seeing them shine on the field this fall!!

 *Behind every kick of the ball, there has to be a thought. Dennis Bergkamp*

P365 - 2013 - Day 205 - 26

P365 - 2013 - Day 205 - 26

I have been telling the kids that I am "25" for years now.  This year, I conceded that I would turn "26" - I told them that I would age one year per decade...they thought this was pretty funny so all of my birthday cards from the kids wished me a "Happy 26th birthday" and even my cake bore the same wish.  I love that my family gets right on board with my silliness.  
Today this "26 year old - forty year old" ran 10 miles to get back on track with my quest to run the 18 mile in October.  Tonight, My Wonderful Husband and I finished my "26th" birthday cake - a seriously yummy oreo cheesecake - which was the perfect reward for running those 10 miles!  With my cake all gone and four days into this new decade...once again I say Happy Birthday to me...here's to a good year!!

*Hear 'em singing Happy Birthday
Better think about the wish I made
This year gone by ain't been a piece of cake
Every day's a revolution
Pull it together and it comes undone
Just one more candle and a trip around the sun.

- Jimmy Buffett*

P365 - 2013- Day 204 - waves after...soccer

P365 - 2013 - Day 204 - waves after...soccer

Thankfully the rain stopped and we were all able to get up to the beach.  The kids got a chance to hit the waves after a day on the soccer field.  Afternoons like these are what make me truly happy.  

 *I've spent most of my entire life surfing, the rest I wasted. - Unknown*

P365 - 2013 - Day 203 - Soccer camp

P365 - 2013 - Day 203 - Soccer camp

Today was the first day of soccer camp for the kids.   They were all smiles on the way out the door this morning and some seriously sweaty, tired kids when I picked them up at noon.  I hope they come out of this week with some new skills and as even stronger players than they already are.  Fall will be here before we know it.. time for these three to make a name for themselves on the field in a new area. Bring it. 

 *Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do. - Pele*

P365 - 2013 - Day 202 - Fun day

P365 - 2013 - Day 202 -  Fun day

We had a fun day at Thundering Surf.  We took a spin on the Lazy River, rode the water slides, the boys rocked the Flow Rider, and we played some mini golf.  We got out just in the nick of time when they closed for the approaching storm...and what a storm!!  We look forward to going back and using our bonus passes that we got on our way out. 

*When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses. - Joyce Brothers*

P365 - 2013 - Day 201 - Four - oh!

P365 - 2013- Day 201 - Four - oh!

Forty. 40. 39+1. 4 -0 Four - OH! - Not sure how I got here... but here I am.  Happy Birthday to me! 

*Some people never find it
Some... only pretend, but me:
I just want to live happily ever after every now and then... 

- Jimmy Buffett*

P365 - 2013 - Day 200 - "Stoked"

P365 - 2013 - Day 200 - "Stoked"

The Bear entered his first skim board competition.  He did a great job and I was very proud of him!!  He was definitely "stoked" and can't wait to do it again!  

*We don't remember days, only moments. - Unknown*

P365 - 2013 - Day 199 - where I planted myself

P365 - 2013 - Day 199 - where I planted myself

This is where I planted myself after a not so great day.  A comfy chair, my laptop, a book, and Harry Potter.  Some days require a change in perspective and as many diversions as you can find.  Then off to bed to hopefully wake up feeling more like myself.  

*After all, tomorrow is another day. - Margaret Mitchell*

P365 - 2013 - Day 198 -Guess who?

P365 - 2013 - Day 198 - Guess who?

Guess who?  Yup, that's yours truly..me:-)  I think I was 3 years old in this "sailor suit" photo.  Ok - so I said I would post a picture of myself every day this week.. I didn't say how old the picture would be.... ;-)

*I'm happy to report that my inner child is still ageless. - James Broughton*

P365 - 2013 - Day 197 - toes

P365 - 2013 - Day 197 - toes

 My cousin, his wife and their new little daughter came for a visit today.  It was pretty hot, so while the kids and the guys went to the beach, we stayed behind at the house with the baby.  But later in the day she went up for a quick visit to get her toes in the sand and in the water.   It was so nice to see them and meet their sweet baby!  Can't wait to see them again soon:-)  

*Once your feet have touched the warm sun drenched sand of the seashore, you will never be quite the same again. - Unknown*

 

P365 - 2013 - Day 196 - Me and my gang...

P365 - 2013 - Day 196 - Me and my gang...

In keeping with getting myself in a picture each day this week, this is me and my gang on our way to their first day of basketball camp.  It was a beautiful, hot morning with the sun was shining off the bay as we went in to the gym.  The kids had a great first day at camp followed by some fun in a friend's pool and then skimmin' and surfin' all evening.   They said it was the best day...and they were right.  I am one lucky mommy to have such awesome kids!!  I truly enjoy being able to spend time with them and see the world through their eyes.  They keep me young and on my toes!!  

*Youthfulness is about how you live not when you were born. - Karl Lagerfeld*

P365 - 2013 - Day 195 - Half my life

P365 - 2013 - Day 195 - Half my life

Here I am again...are you tired of me yet? haha   (Thanks for taking the picture Stacey!)  "Now that I am getting older"... and reaching this "milestone" birthday, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that I have been with this handsome guy for just about half of my life!!   Yes, we met when I was a mere babe of 20 years old...and I can't think of anyone I would rather be with on this journey! xo

* Remember when thirty seemed so old
Now lookin’ back, it’s just a steppin’ stone
To where we are, where we’ve been
Said we’d do it all again
Remember when - Alan Jackson*

P365 - 2013 - Day 194 - My summer position

P365 - 2013 - Day 194 - My summer position
 (photo credit - The Princess)

I am rarely in P365 (or any pictures for that matter) - My Wonderful Husband would tell you that is because I balk at the thought of anyone taking my picture or claim that the pictures stink and don't use them.   That is sort of true.... so in my effort to be more accepting of myself "now that I am getting older" ;-) I am going to try to allow photographic proof of my existence... hopefully someday my kids will then be able to look back at pictures and know that I was there too...haha  To this end, during this "the last week of my third decade" I am going to try to get in a picture each day if possible.  So here I am in my summer position...feet in the sand, watching the waves and my kids, soaking up the sun and the salt air. 

*I don't believe in aging.  I believe in forever altering one's aspect to the sun. - Virginia Woolfe*

P365 - 2013 - Day 193 - last week of my third decade

P365  - 2013 - Day 193 - last week of my third decade
 (photo credit - The Bear :-))

So as I was sitting here tonight trying to pick out the picture of the day, I realized that tomorrow I enter the last week of my 30's.  I am not sure how this has happened...nor do I know where the time has gone, but there it is.. I will be entering a new decade in one short week from tomorrow.  I am going to be honest.... I am not totally on board with this.  I realize that I can't do much about it, I hear everyone telling me it isn't a big deal, rationally I get all of that...I just would prefer to be turning, say, 26 instead. ;-)  
But here I am as I enter this last week of my third decade....all in all, not too shabby I suppose...definitely lucky and blessed with wonderful family and friends....and "now that I am getting older" ;-) I try to appreciate every single moment, live every single day, and love every single second.  Here's to a great week on this side of 40 and a wonderful lifetime on the other. xo

*The great thing about getting older is that you don't lose all the other ages you have been. - Madeleine L'Engle*

 

P365 - 2013 - Day 192 - summer nights

P365 - 2013 - Day 192 - summer nights

It was a rainy day that turned out nice and ended as so many other summer nights end...with the kids riding bikes with friends.  :-)

*I am a summer person. - Elin Hilderbrand*

P365 - 2013 - Day 191 - I got this!

P365 - 2013 - Day 191 - I got this!

My Wonderful Husband took a friend and I out for a stand up paddle lesson on the bay this morning.  I am not going to lie - I was nervous about this.  I had visions of me falling in the bay.  I almost bailed... but I said I would do it... so I put on my big girl bathing suit and did it.  And you know what? It was fun!  It was a little hard when the wind kicked up (and I am slightly sore right now) and when my defective paddle split in half I was slightly concerned.  But My Wonderful Husband swam out to me and finally realized that my paddle was in fact defective!  All in all, it was cool - I didn't fall in the bay, I paddled so hard I gave myself a blister, and I am ready to try it again!  Forty...schmorty....bring it on... I got this! ;-)

 *I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.- Jimmy Dean*

P365 - 2013 - Day 190 - made me smile

P365 - 2013 - Day 190 - made me smile

I stopped by Bikini Headquarters today to pick up a bathing suit I had put on hold last week and found this bracelet while I was in there.  I loved it and had to get it.  It reminded me of the "sailor's knots" bracelets that I wore as a child every summer.  I would get a new crispy white bracelet at the beginning of every summer and never take it off.  It would get soft and mold to my wrist and that crisp white would turn a weathered color.... The thought of those bracelets remind me of summer.  Beach days, pool days, playing with friends, salty skin, chlorine hair, days spent in bathing suits, dirty feet, and happy sleep.  So when I saw this bracelet, this "grown up version" of my childhood summer bracelet, I knew I had to get it.  Because it just made me smile:-).

 *Dear God 

be good to me; 

the sea is so wide, 

and my boat is so small. 

- Breton's Fisherman's Prayer*

 

P365 - 2013 - Day 189 - sky

P365 - 2013 - Day 189 - Sky

The sky looked a little threatening tonight...but that didn't stop the kids from playing outside.  When the rain finally came they played and laughed under the deck until it passed.  

*Don't wait for the storm to pass.  Learn to dance in the rain. - Unknown*

P365 - 2013 - Day 188 - July Flashback 2003 and 2005

P365 - 2013 - Day 188 - July Flashback 2003 and 2005

This month's flashback is a combination picture from 2003 and 2005 - all three of my babies their first July at the beach.  The Bear and The Princess were 6 months old in July 2003 - they were not overly fond of the sand..but looked oh so cute in their bathing suits and floppy hats.  The Boy was two months old in July 2005 - he loved to sleep outside on the beach or even on the deck.  This is where their beach bum days began. 

*On the beach that day, I knew...forever...an island child. - Corinne G. Ruff*

P365 - 2013 - Day 187 - come back soon

P365 - 2013 - Day 187 - come back soon

My brother, Uncle Stephen, came for a visit and a beach day today.  So happy that he came down - we enjoyed some time on the beach, a BBQ, Skipper Dipper (of course;-)), and a rousing game of horse. We sure hope he can come back soon!  xo

*Happiness is only real when shared. - Jon Krakauer*

P365 - 2013 - Day 186 - Who me?

P365 - 2013 - Day 186 - Who me?

(Photo credit - The Princess)

"Who me? No, I was not just snooping through your beach bag.  Nope, not me.  I am just making sure no one else does...you can't be too safe you know...."

The Princess caught him in the act of putting his entire head in the beach bag - she went to get the camera but he was smart enough to not get it caught on film.  

*Dogs are great.  Bad dogs, if you can really call them that, are perhaps the greatest of them all. - John Grogan*

P365 - 2013 - Day 185 - A tradition

P365 - 2013 - Day 185 - A tradition

We marked another year celebrating the 4th with fireworks on the bay.  I get sentimental in the summer... I have said before that I see the passage of time more clearly in the summer months.  We have been going to this spot to watch fireworks since The Boy was one year old.  I remember how The Bear and The Princess sat in awe that year and The Boy watched from his Daddy's shoulder - never crying, but safely in his Daddy's arms.  Each year, they have loved it more and we have built a tradition of our very own right here on this dock, overlooking the bay.  I would not trade these moments for anything in the world.  Happy 4th of July from The Leonard Family! 

*Oh the summer night has a smile of light and she sits on a sapphire throne. - Barry Cornwall*

P365 - 2013 - Day 184 - My cousin and her new husband

P365 - 2013 - Day 184 - My cousin and her new husband

Wishing my cousin and her new husband a lifetime of love, laughter, health, and happiness!!!  So happy we could share in their special day and we look forward to seeing them soon!!  xo

 *Remember that happiness is a way of travel, not a destination. - Roy Goodman*

P365 - 2013 - Day 183 - bike race

P365 - 2013 - Day 183 - bike race

There was a very intense twin bike race going on when I walked outside after dinner.  Thankfully it appeared to be a tie, and I only heard sounds of laughter.  :-)

 *Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. - John F. Kennedy*

P365 - 2013 - Day 182 - Big day

P365 - 2013 - Day 182 - Big day

Today was a big day... we registered the kids in their new school.   It was such a pleasant and welcoming experience - we met a couple of the teachers and the kids were very excited to hear some of the things they will be doing.  I think it is going to be a great change!  Now on to just enjoying the rest of summer... :-)

*The principle goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done; men and women who are creative, inventive and discoverers, who can be critical and verify, and not accept, everything they are offered. - Jean Piaget*