Old Time Summer Swimming Holes

I took the kids to the brook this week.  Some may say "a brook?" Here in Vermont we have 'brooks' in other parts of the country it's called a stream or a crick. As we were walking the brook looking for that 'perfect' place to call our special swimming hole for the summer, I couldn't help but start having memories of years past doing the same thing with my Mom that I'm doing with my kids now.

I stopped in my tracks and started taking it all in.  The tangy smells of the air, the sounds of the water running over the rocks, the forget-me-nots and daisies growing

We found a couple of great spots in our brook that will work nicely this summer.  Here are the kiddos swimming.

It's not big by any means, but to kids' it's the greatest thing in the world.  Here they can play, cool off and be themselves.  They enjoy nature and everything that is going on around them.  I love to hear them complain when I say "time to go!" It tells me they are having a great time and have grasped the importance of using the imagination.  Here there are no computers, TVs, ipods, (they'd get smashed on a rock in seconds) They can just PLAY! 

Gone are the days when you can go outside at 7am on a summer day and not come home until the street lights come on at night.  You would show up for lunch, with 3 friends in tow and then you'd go back out and play!  Clothes got filthy, shoes got mud on them that turned into concrete, and you had about 27 scratches from the berry bushes loaded with yummy fruit! 

You could get the entire neighborhood together and either play capture the flag (which in our case had about a 4 mile radius) or we'd wait until night time and play hide and seek where everyone's yard on the street was 'fair territory'.  I remember my brother-in-law hiding in the top of a tree and we couldn't find him at all.  He's up there hanging on for dear life and the evergreen just kept swaying back and forth as we were running around screaming "WHERE IS HE?!" 

There was no obesity issues.  We were always running around, or riding our bikes.  We were never inside even if it rained.  We put the rain gear on and were out the door.  Mothers' loved us playing, but hated putting us in the tub because that meant the next morning she would be about an hour scrubbing the tub...but hey, we were kids, that's what we do!

So as I watched my kids swimming in the brook, I really was happy to see them enjoying the simple life.  A life that isn't truly gone, it's just been put on the top shelf for a bit.  So if you remember those days and you have kids, take them out.   Remember the fun you had, and let them play and get dirty!  Go find that swimming hole!   

To all the Dad's out there...

I did one for Mother's Day, now I have to do one for the Dad's!  Many of the Mother's Day Lessons can fall into the Dad category, however, there are a few that only can be for you guys!  For you soon to be new Dad's, take note!   Happy Father's Day!

Lesson 1.  When your wife is in labor for 42 hours and says she loves you then swears at you in one breath, make sure you are out of reach. (Not that I have done this..Love you Denis!) :)

Lesson 2.  Diaper Tabs go on the front of the baby not the back.

Lesson 3.  Your wardrobe?  Yeah, about that...you may want to invest in some cheap t-shirts.

Lesson 4.  The boogie man exists.  Ghost exist, and they live under the bed and in the closet.  Practice kick boxing and learn how to flush these evils down the toilet.  Seriously, flush them down the toilet.  You'll get to sleep sooner!

Lesson 5.  It's okay to cry when you take your kid to school for the first time.  Just bring Kleenex.

Lesson 6.  Tents in the living room are awesome!  Heck, buy a tent for the back yard!  You will be an instant hero!  However, you will have to sleep in the tent with your kid the first time..see Lesson 4.

Lesson 7.   From the Mommy Lessons, when your child says "I'm washing your car Daddy!"  Pray that you remembered to put up the windows and closed the sunroof.

Lesson 8.  When they say "I gotta go!"  They gotta go!  Yes, you can bring your daughter into the Men's room when potty training.

Lesson 9.   Homework.  It has changed.  Math is new, reading is different.  When you try to help your child, 'they' will correct you. 

Lesson 10.  You will at some point make a trip to the ER, it happens.  Keep Mom calm.  Make sure you have cash for ice cream after.  Don't be embarrassed when the doc says "Oh good to see you again!"

Lesson 11.  The back seat belongs to the kids, it WILL get trashed.  Carry extra bags in the car.

Lesson 12.  They may do silly things.  They will have some tough times and do things they wish they hadn't done.  We are their parents and all we can do is say we love them, guide them, and give them the tools they need to be successful in whatever life challenges them to do! 

Happy Father's Day!!

Jamaica Part 3

Hotel Activities and Off Site Activities

At the hotel there were many activities you could take part in.  In the pool area there is a bulletin board that had all of the activities of the day posted.  There was always a Water aerobics class in the morning.  Then there was either a DJ or something for the kids at pool side.  Denis and I were mostly on the beach.  You can be by a pool anytime.  We wanted the beach!

There were plenty of non motorized sports for you to enjoy!  I have to say this, there were no jet skis ANYWHERE!  Every other island we've been to that's all you hear, the slapping of the jet ski in the water with the revving engine.  Not here, not ever.  It was PEACEFUL!  Okay, back on track here.  They had kayaks, paddle boats, snorkeling gear, and sailing, NO COST.  If you wanted to go diving, you had to pay for that, as well as the glass bottom boat.  Here is a picture of the set up..

The beach itself is a 1/2 mile long for this resort.  It is 'cut up' but you can walk it all.  I'll describe each area of beach,

East Side:  This is the Quietest.  You can explore the water and find really cool shells, and fish.  There is a Shuffle Board and Volley Ball area.  

Center Side:  That is exactly what it is, the center of EVERYTHING!  The busy pools and stage are here and it gets loud.  This is a child friendly resort, so lots of kids in this area.  (Stay tuned for kids activities a little later.)  There are several things that happen here.  Just look at the bulletin board for daily details.  This is also where all the nightlife happens.  Like me getting hauled up on stage to take part with 11 other women on a scavenger hunt...

My husband took this photo...I'm 3rd from the left.  I want it made known that I was not intoxicated, and I was the only one wearing proper foot apparel.  This plays an important part later on down in the story.  So the object of this 'game' was to bring back the item the emcee requested.  Not being the last one back, if you were last you were out.  Here is what I had to get, one item each time out.  A straw, room key, $5.00 (us), a man's belt, (my husband wasn't helpful on that one..I got it from a guy from Australia!)  So, this got me to the 'final 2'.  I was going up against a woman from Maryland.  Our challenge...get as many guy's T-shirts in 2 minutes.  I looked over at my 'cheering section' and low and behold, the T-shirts were coming off.  "oh good grief" was my first thought.  "This is so not me..."  Oh well!  So we were off, I was going up and down the rows getting shirts, promising to return them as I ran at about mach 1 (proper footwear!)  I run back and the other girl is coming across as well.  The final count was, I had 13, she had 14.  Oh the HORROR!  But I got a prize anyway!  A new glass from Margaritaville!  Now about those shirts...The emcee made the guys run up and find their shirts...

I thanked them all for their sacrifice, and I hugged the girl from Maryland saying 'good job!'

We also had a Steel Drum band perform for us one night.

West Beach:  This is the Adult side ONLY!  There is a pool with swim-up bar, the boat dock is out there as well.  This is where you see a BUNCH of fish!  It was really amazing!

Children's activities were endless.   They had many things to do!  Now I do believe there was a charge for dropping your child off at the care center, but if you want a couple of hours of peace, this is the way to go.  Here is the children's center!

Let's just say, the place was impressive! 

There were a couple of duty free shops on sight where you could pick up items.  Anything from your souvenir shot glass, to aspirin, they had it!  They also had a cute clothing store as well!

The hotel organized off site tours as well.  Depending on what you wanted to do.  Denis and I decided to take a shopping tour.  This was fun.   $30.00 for us together and it was a 3 hour trip around town.  It was just perfect!   Just be careful.  They see Americans coming and they want your money!  They will do anything to sell to you!  So watch out.  Be ready to bargain!  This place especially was a little creepy.  We walked off the bus, looked around really quick, and got back onto the bus...

The folks that run these shops (there were about 50 in this compound) follow you.  "Come look what I make!"  Everyone wants your business.  They sometimes trick you as well.  They have been known to say "What is your wife's name?" husband says her name, "here this is for your wife!" Husband is handed a figurine with his wife's name on it.  The cops get called all the time on this.  So BE CAREFUL! 

If shopping isn't your thing you can also go to the Dunes Falls and go on a zip line!  We didn't get a chance to do this.  However, we heard from everyone it was a great trip!  There was also a rafting tour.    All you have to do is go to the 'Tour Desk' at the hotel, and they will tell you what they have to offer and the cost in American dollars. 

One last place that we checked out was the Coral Cliff Casino.  It's the only one around.  Very nice set up, and a lot of security.  You feel safe in there.    Here is a picture of the outside.  No photos allowed inside.

That concludes the tours and activities portion of this trip!  My next blog will be on the FOOD, additional photos, and leaving the country!  Stay tuned!   

Jamaica Part 2

The Hotel...

So after a crazy ride to the hotel, which was only 7 miles from the airport, we pull into the Holiday Inn Sunspree.  I know a lot of you are saying "a Holiday Inn?"  Yes, and it was amazing what they had to offer!

So we get out of the taxi and arrange with the driver to pick us up on Wednesday.  He said "I'll be here!"  We turn and walk into the resort, and this is what you see in the main lobby!

Of course you will see a lot more people...We took this in the morning so we could get the best shot!
We got into the check-in line and were greeted by someone with a tray of drinks.  Rum punch!  What a way to be welcomed!  When it was our turn, we were able to check-in but our room would not be available until 3pm.  It was 2:15.  So they gave us our ID bands so we could go get a bite to each and a drink.  So off we go to the Jerk Chicken/Pork hut.  More on that when we get to the 'food blog'.  So 3pm rolls around, we head back to the lobby to get our room.  There was a line..a very long line.  There was only one person handing out the keys.  This made for a very long wait.  It was muggy warm and people were getting grumpy.  I was one of them.  I had been up since 2:30 am and I was beat!  The wait ended up being an hour and a half.  UHG!  So that is something that needs to be changed.  No doubt!  However, we head to our room in building 5, and get there to find out the elevator is out of order.  Great!  What next.  So we walked 4 flights of stairs.  The first thing we noticed was that our room was on the corner of the building with only one room next to us.  SCORE!  We open the door and THIS is what we saw..

They gave us an ocean view!!!  Okay the hour and a half wait was not in vain!  The room was very clean and we were well stocked with everything we could need.  The rooms had all the normal stuff you would get at hotels in the states.  The bathroom was small, but maybe that's because the room had a garden tub in it!  Everyday the cleaning staff did something cool with our bed.  Here is an example:

When you go to the islands you usually can expect to see some mold, it's tropical, humid.  Mold happens, but not here!  I didn't see any anywhere!  Also on the balcony there was a mini clothes line of sorts so we could hang up our suits to dry. 

The hotel had WiFi but there was no cell service.  So we had to 'activate the room phone'.  This took some doing.  We called the front desk and asked them to turn it on.  There is a 75.00 deposit.   Then calls to the US were 3.80 per minute.  No, I'm not making this up.  To me it was worth it because I needed to touch base with my kids.  It's my way of knowing they are okay.  Yes, I can be a nervous Mom at times.  We kept our calls short, just enough to say I love you, and we'll talk tomorrow!  So keep this in mind.  The hotel phones do not allow you to use pre-paid calling cards. 

So there is part 2!  Part 3 will be about hotel and area activities!

Jamaica Part 1

Every year my husband and I try to hit a Caribbean Island for our Anniversary.  This year the kids pulled Jamaica out of the hat.  No seriously, they actually pulled it out of the hat.  You see we have a hard time 'deciding' so I decided to let the KIDS decide for us.  It works just fine!  Put all the countries into my son's Red Sox ball cap and let the draw begin!  This 4-5 part blog will have information to get you pumped to maybe make this trip!  It was AWESOME!  However, there are tips that can make it better!

So we went to Montego Bay.  We left on a Sunday, and the skies looked fantastic for flying.  I was a little concerned because the 1st Tropical Storm was named and it was directly in our flight path...Alberto.

This was at flight level 37000..Alberto was spiking to at least 40000.  Amazingly not one bump was felt.  Or as I like to call them 'Pot Holes'.  Our Captain and FO did a great job going around this monster! 

So then settling back into watching Food Network on the FREE Satellite TV on the company plane!  I say company because my husband works for the company we were flying on.  Yup, perks are cool!

So one more hour in the books and I look down and notice this...

The map on the TV was showing us going around the bottom of the Florida Peninsula.  I didn't have any other indication of position..but thought this was pretty neat.  If anyone in the airline world has seen this and knows what and where it is let me know..I'm truly curious!

Okay, so 45 minutes later you hear the engines power down slightly and you feel the 'dip'.  Oh we must be starting the decent!  I grab the camera waiting for my first view of the beautiful island of Jamaica!  I look at the window and see we are getting ready to 'punch the clouds', and get ready for a bump.  Bump was hit and then all I see is white mist.  About 3 minutes later we come out and this is what I saw..

  "WOW! That looks like Vermont!"  My husband was quick to agree!

So we land at the Airport in MBJ only to be held for a couple of minutes due to another airline getting ready to push out of our gate.  So I took a picture of the Airport.  Didn't look like much from the outside.  But wait for the 'return portion' of the blog..you will be amazed!



So we pull into the gate, engines power down, seat belt sign goes off and you would think it was every man, woman, and child for themselves!  WOW!  People, we're all going to get drinks don't worry Mon!  We walk downstairs to the Immigration area of the airport.  Please note that you will be given a form to fill out on the plane PRIOR to landing.  When you are done filling it out, put it in your passport! That way it doesn't come up missing!  It needs to be ready to go or you will get scolded!  So you get 'checked in' and you are now off to Customs.  This was easy.  They just check your passport and that FORM.  Then they say 'Welcome to Jamaica!' and you are off!  Now you are in the baggage claim area.  My husband and I never check a bag.  We have carry-ons.  It's an island.  You don't need much.  We go get a taxi.  Another note.. Taxis run 30.00 American anyway you go in Montego Bay.  It's always 30.00.  No mater what.  So we get into the taxi and our driver 'Junior' takes us to our hotel. 

Jamaica Part 2 will be the hotel!  Stay tuned!

Small Town Happenings

As I type this, I'm realizing what a great town we live in.  We are 9 months post Tropical Storm Irene flooding and our hometown is starting to come back to life.  Today for instance the train station was the main stop for 'National Train Day'.  It was great to see so many people there!  Here is a photo journey of the morning! 

                                                         Lots of Arts and Crafts!

Face Painting of course! 

Here comes the train!

They got interviewed for the 11:00 news!  This was bigger than big for these two!  Even though they were not on at 11:00....

Here we are on the train checking out the old cars!  Perfect end to a fun morning! 

To all the Moms out there!

I have to say in the past 9 years, I have been one busy Mom!  I knew I'd be busy, but not REALLY busy! Here are a few things I have learned and want to share with the new Moms out there.  My sister just did a great post on "Mommy Badges"..you need to read that. That's  Lesson 1.  You should be able to read it through here.  If not let me know!  http://layspeakingchick.blogspot.com/

Lesson 2.  When packing that diaper bag, remember the wipes..brown paper towels in the bathroom are not a good alternative..

Lesson 3.  Car seats keep our kids safe, but not the parents.  Buy 2 sets of car seats! 1 set for each car!  A lot of drama will be avoided by doing this!

Lesson 4.  Joggers vs. Strollers.  It really doesn't matter.  Airline personnel hate them all!  Especially Double Joggers.  Oh yeah good memories traveling with that beast!  This also goes for those Cadillac car seats as well.

Lesson 5.  Keep plastic bags in your car at ALL times!  Trust me here...

Lesson 6.  Ice Cream will fall off the cone, child will scream.  Just buy another cone!

Lesson 7.  First Day of school, you will cry, bring tissue for you and the mother sobbing next to you!

Lesson 8.  Back Packs at the end of the school week are scary..wear rubber gloves

Lesson 9.  Your child will get injured, it happens.  Grab the dish towel hanging on the stove handle, wrap around the wound, elevate and maneuver child to the car for a trip to the ER. Don't Panic!  By the way..don't be embarrassed when they say "Oh so good to see you again!"

Lesson 10.  With birthday parties, always make sure to have one extra goody bag, for the kid that shows up last minute.

Lesson 11.  Water hoses and kids...yeah.  Just make sure your car windows and sunroofs are closed! "I'm washing your car Mommy!"

Lesson 12.  No matter what they do, they are your kids.  We brought them into this world and it's up to us to give them the best of life as we can!  Hug them, say you love them several hundred times a day!  Then remind them once in awhile how many hours of labor you were in to get them here!

Happy Mother's Day!