Destination: Relaxation

Once upon a time, people took vacations that did not involve laptops, cell phones, email, etc. The last time Frank & I had a vacation where we were truly able to relax and forget about work was last spring when we went to St. Thomas. Wanting another escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we planned a long weekend trip to Barbados. Our arrival was also accompanied by clouds which brought the first rain the island had seen in three weeks (lucky us!); however, we didn't let the weather dampen (ha!) our vacation one bit! The first day, which turned out to be pretty much a wash, we hopped in our rental car and went exploring the western side of the island. During periods when the rain subsided, we got out to explore the small towns along the coast. By late afternoon when we made it back to our incredible resort, the clouds parted and the sun shined on "one of the ten best beaches in the world". The next two days brought a mix of cloud/rain/sun, but we soaked up every minute of available rays. Each morning we would walk over to the cafe on the resort and read while I enjoyed my coffee. Our days were filled with reading, naps, daiquiris and rum punch, swimming, and did I mention relaxing??? While we both decided that Barbados wasn't our favorite island, our resort was beautiful and our time together much needed. It was truly a chance to recharge!

Day #1 exploring the island:


When the clouds finally parted, we understood why reviews had said Crane Resort was so great:



Crane Beach with its powder-soft, pink sand:


Little evening fun:

Spring has sprung!

Rather than April ushering in its typical cold showers, April of 2010 brought record setting temps and an Easter day that no one could complain about! With all of the traveling that Frank and I had been doing lately, we desperately wanted to spend Easter weekend at home. Unfortunately with our bathrooms undergoing a HUGE overhaul, we didn't have space to host everyone, so had a small Easter celebration with the Garone's. My Dad came early on Saturday to help Frank pick up mulch for our yard. Once Laura & Jon got into town, we headed into DC to walk around the tidal basin (along with a few thousand other tourists!) to check out the cherry blossoms. Our group grew by one more when my mom met us in Georgetown for dinner at our fam favorite, Bangkok Joe's.

The weather on Easter was so gorgeous that we decided to eat outside on our back porch. With mom and Laura's help, our spread consisted of ham, mashed & sweet potatoes, broccoli casserole, along with various other side dishes...all topped off with carrot cake, chocolate cream pie, and sugar cookies. My cousin (twice removed?), Stacey, studying at Gallaudet, came over to join us for dinner as well. It was such a relaxing day and Frank & I thoroughly enjoyed hosting our first holiday versus traveling!

Giving Love a Bad Name

I typically don't attend lots of concerts; not because I dislike them but I simply don't make them a priority. Within the last month, I've attended more concerts than the past few years combined. Frank's friend, Greg, scored free tickets to John Mayer's February concert at the Verizon Center, and invited us to tag along. Frank and I then decided to be spontaneous and scalped pretty damn good seats to the Black Eyed Peas show at the Verizon Center, which was a phenomenal show (and had a surprisingly older audience). Last but not least, I was able to get Laura and I great seats to Bon Jovi's show at the end of March through the Amex presale. We rarely get to hang out with just the two of us and had such a great time! He put on a great show and we loved every minute of singing along with the band!

Life begins...

at retirement (or so they say)! Frank's Dad retired at the end of February and his mom threw a great surprise party in his honor the weekend of March 27th, which Frank & I wouldn't have missed! We made another early morning trip to LI that Saturday and got to celebrate this great milestone with him.

Congratulations on your retirement, Dad!

Today was a fairy tale...

March...in New England...could be snowing...could be raining...or it could be the most perfect spring sunny, 70 degree weather that a bride-to-be could ever wish for! Mike & MK certainly lucked out when selecting March 20th as the date for their Newport, RI wedding.

Frank & I drove up bright and early Friday morning since the groomsmen had a 1pm deadline to confirm their tuxes fit correctly. By leaving at 4am (and taking the Tappanzee Bridge), we were able to dodge traffic and make it in time to enjoy a leisurely lunch outside with Mark, Sarah, Greg, and Eugenia before the groomsmen kicked off their itinerary. Mike's family hosted the rehearsal dinner that evening at the Canfield House, where Frank & I drooled over the prime rib (we gave up meat for Lent) that mostly everyone else selected, but still enjoyed some yummy New England scallops.

Saturday proved to be just as gorgeous; with the sun brightly shining, Kristen, Eugenia, Sarah, and I left the boys to keep Mike from getting cold feet ;) and set off to take in the sights of Newport. We toured The Breakers, the Vanderbilt family's 70 room 'summer cottage', which was unbelievable. Entire rooms were constructed in Europe and then shipped over to be included in the house - Definitely a site to see.

Speaking of beautiful sites...At 5pm Saturday afternoon, MK walked down the isle to meet her anxiously awaiting groom, wearing an exquisite asymmetrical ivory wedding dress. She looked stunning (and Mike didn't look too bad himself) as the couple exchanged vows overlooking the Newport Harbor. The remainder of the evening consisted of great food and dancing and, of course, the after-party at the infamous GA-te House. Congratulations, Mike and MK - Your day was truly a fairy tale and we loved every minute of it!

OceanCliff

The Gate House, where most of the bridal party stayed

The boy's prepping for the rehearsal

The happy couple at the rehearsal dinner


The Breakers


The beautiful couple