Homesick

Daddy on the docks
Originally uploaded by Mainline Mom

Ok, I admit it. As much as I love Texas, our vacation made me a little homesick. Coming back to heat indexes in the 100's every day, plus our terrible allergies, plus neverending drought with associated brownness and lack of trees...it's getting to me just a bit. Part of it is seeing people and events on Facebook that I'm missing. Also my new closest TX friend just left for her own vacation back to Pennsylvania.

My favorite part of the vacation was the beach, for sure. My mom's beach house is such a nice, relaxing retreat. Her husband just got laid off from his job, something they actually had been hoping for, so they will probably spend lots of time there...once rental season is over. He had a horrible commute every day and is retirement age, so being let go with a nice package is a good thing for him. If we lived closer we would get to visit the beach house pretty often...it's perfect even in winter because of indoor pools and tennis court priveleges. I'm really glad that my wondeful friend Susie will have the chance to enjoy the place next month.

It was nice seeing our parents, especially for them to spend time with my kids, but I really enjoyed seeing my sister. If we lived closer I would take her shopping all the time and give her a makeover. She works too much and her kids are seriously exhausting, although adorable. I can't wait till they all come visit us this Christmas. We are planning a 90th birthday party for my grandparents while they are here...should be interesting.

My grandmother's knee replacement was good, she seems to be getting around a lot better now, but it looks to me like her anemia is back. They have an appt today to check that, but I predict another hospital stay with more blood transfusions. They really want to fly to their summer home in Boston soon, and I hope they can.

For now I am diving into some more home decorating. I will update with picture when I am far enough along.

My Little Ninja

Check this out.

Bethany Beach 09

Bethany Beach 09
Originally uploaded by Mainline Mom

Well, this is the best family portrait I think we got this year. Not too bad I guess, but some parties were not being cooperative so we didn't get any others. I don't know why that fence wasn't there last year and is there this year. Would've rather had one on the ocean side, but the sun was too high in the sky yet. Didn't bring a tripod on this trip so my mom helped out with these a lot. Thanks mom!

The trip was good. A bit tiring, but very relaxing overall. I loved our time in Bethany Beach, and I wish I could've seen more friends in PA. Family came first and since my sister's family joined us there just wasn't much time for friends. My boys really were good as gold for the whole trip, I am loving the maturity they are showing. I don't want them to grow up too fast, but some things do seem to get a lot easier.

Alex and the Roosters

Alex had a conversation with some roosters during a recent trip to Linvilla Orchards in Media, PA. I grew up just around the corner from there.

By the way, Best Buy did not give us a hard time at all exchanging the empty Flip box. Mike has been having a blast creating videos of the kids, but most are slightly too long for blog posting...if you want to see more, click through to YouTube and look at BSDMike's other videos.

Opinions Needed Again

Thank you all for the many responses to my question about which bluebonnet photo to blow up on canvas. I was surprised by all the replies, and since most all of you had the same answer, I went with the one you chose and it looks lovely on my wall.

So I need help again. It's about time for our annual family portrait on the beach at Delaware State Park or whatever it's called. Here's a brief history:

First, pre-Alex and before I did any color coordination.




Next, when I was EXTREMELY pregnant with Alex.



And finally, last year with Alex. Beautiful outfits, but I need to change it up.



So I don't want to do these blue shirts again. White is an option but rather hard to photograph correctly, and a bit dull in my opinion. Navy blue is also an option, but since both boys had their navy polos on in the bluebonnet photos, I'm not leaning that way.

I tried to buy matching shirts in this orangey/mango color. Turns out Mike and Nathan match, while Alex and I are much more orange. What do you think, are we too clashy in these? Khaki shorts on the bottom, of course.



The only other option I can come up with is chocolate brown, with khaki shorts, which I thought might be a bit drab against the sand. But I do like chocolate brown, so I picked two options:



Main problem with this is that blouse....it tends to be unflattering on me...but I'm willing to try it, especially since I may be behind everyone anyhow.

I also have a plain brown T-shirt I could wear, and the boys have matching brown striped shirts which might be cute:



That T-shirt is just a bit on the boring/casual side for my taste, but the patterned blouse would clash with the striped shirts.

So, please give me your thoughts!