Once we finally slipped on our shoes yesterday we had already lounged away half the day! The rain had created a cozy morning indoors and allowed us the guilty pleasure of tossing all potential plans aside and enjoying a morning full of nothing but time. Ahh.. But alas..the rain stopped and our wandering ways kicked in. After little discussion we all piled into the car and headed to one of my favorite of all favorite places...Wickford RI. Of course it's loaded with boutiques, on the water and pleasing to the eye. But beyond that, The Grateful Heart store is located in Wickford. There was a picture taken of me and hubby nearly 14 years ago outside of The Grateful Heart store that is now on this blog and thus the name of this blog was retrieved. This time around I have 2 extra reasons for my grateful heart and we all stood under the sign for a new pic. One I'm sure to post as soon as I get home! We wandered down the flower filled streets, some of us window shopping while others were puddle jumping. We wound up by the bay feeding three very friendly ducks. My grateful heart was feeling quite content!
Today we roamed the Southern end of Rhode Island. We started off in Westerly. This little town was one of the first we took our girls to during our last visit 2 years ago. We loved the pizzeria and the Westerly Park. Hoping to duplicate the day we stopped first at the park. There we looked for the 'fairy tree'. It is a very old, magical looking tree whose branches sweep the ground. If you step through the branches you are welcomed to a canopy of shade and declarations of love that have been carved into the bark by many who no doubt thought the privacy romantic. My girls agreed, if Tinker Bell lives in Westerly RI this would be her tree. One of the highlights of our last park trip was the beautiful pond, full of water lilies and ducks. Unfortunately the pond had been drained. With many workers on sight we hope to see the pond in all it's new glory next year! After the park we decided not to have pizza but to seek out lobsta! We found ourselves at a local dive called Two Fishes where we plowed into fried clam strips, lobster bisque, warm lobster rolls and fried scallops. Though we were not raving about our experience we all agreed that they were generous with servings and the price was more than fair.
Next stop..Watch Hill. If you have any preconceived idea of what a historic New England town should look like, Watch Hill should live out your dreams. The homes are spectacular. Big, beautiful and breathtaking. The town is quaint and is home of the last flying horse carousel in the world. We enjoyed frozen treats and carousel rides. Took a stroll through the shops and many pictures around the docks. Every time I see a sail boat I want a picture of it..why is that? Luckily we got lost on our way out of Watch Hill and enjoyed an extra 20 minutes of beautiful scenery!
Once we found our way out of Watch Hill we then headed over to Quonochontaug Bay (say that!)for the kids to go clammin'. Earlier in the day Brian had been advised by a local to hit this area for easy access to clams and ease for the girls to maneuver. Low tide was 6 pm, we arrived at 4 pm. But there were many already walking out, so the Roy's joined. Another great adventure...clams, snails, horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs, the marsh...the girls really enjoyed seeing creatures from this coastal classroom!
We packed up and headed home, sandy and hungry. We didn't bring home quite the loot clammin' as we had crabbin'. But that's ok. Now we know what it's all about. Look out clams, we'll be back!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Rhode Island RULES!!
This week we are visiting Nina (aka Brian's mom) in Rhode Island..truly a beautiful state! We flew in Sunday and the girls enjoyed the plane ride so much they wanted to do it again!! Lucky for us their grandmother was waiting for them, a golden carrot that lured them off their 'carnival ride'. Right away we found ourselves on an adventure. Nina had heard rumors of a farm opened for raspberry picking and away we went. I must say that the farms in South County Rhode Island are like none I've ever visited. In Tennessee we have a few wonderful, fun pumpkin patches we visit in October..maybe I should go during the summer and check them out? But really, the farm we went to Sunday (the Farmers Daughters Farm) was artsy and ornate, full of flowering plants, herbs, fruits, veggies..really over the top! Can't wait to post pictures. We left three overflowing pints heavier and $15 lighter. One can only guess how many raspberries left the vine and went straight into the bellies of the pickers..we gladly paid for the berries!
On Monday we headed into Massachusetts, Foxborough to be exact. Patriots Place was the destination..and what a destination indeed! Who needs a football game to go to a stadium when it shares a parking lot with some of the best shopping and eating around? We all had lunch together and then the two obsessed Patriot fans (the apple doesn't fall far) dropped the other 3 off at the movie theater while they toured, slack jawed, the Patriot's Hall of Fame. Those two were elated to experience that together, and I couldn't have been more relieved! The girls and I visited the most luxiourious, plush movie theater I've ever witnessed and settled in for 90 minutes of cartoon comedy in the movie Despicable Me. After the movie and the Hall of Fame, this car load headed over to reunite with an Aunt and 2 cousins.
What a fun night that was! We were greeted at the door with a cute little Grace yelling "Mommy...Kendall and Mallory are here!" Leave it to a kid to break the ice! Tears and laughter, smiles and hugs greeted everyone at the door. And then there was food! and food! It was such a nice evening. Brian reconnected with his cousins and they shared stories..old and new. Nina and Aunt Ethel were able to relive some old memories and though they are not sisters by law anymore, their memories were fond and their friendship runs deep. My girls were elated to meet another cousin, as was I. And did I mention the food? Let me brag on Aunt Ethel's culinary skills. Italian through and through, she woo'ed us with her antipasto and wow'ed us with her homemade meatballs. You know when you look forward to meeting someone new you tend to pray for something in common? Well..God gave us that and much more! I couldn't be happier for Brian and Kerin and David...for "Aunt Mickey" and "Aunt Ethel", for the newest in this story line Kendall, Mallory and Grace. I've said it before and I'll say it again..there is nothing so sweet as family. Nothing. We left happy and stuffed. Most importantly we left feeling blessed.
Tuesday was a day of new adventures. We lounged in the morning, then slipped on our swimsuits and headed for the beach. Toting chairs, blankets, towels, sunscreen, sand buckets and chicken legs...what? Yep, chicken legs..raw. Brian took the girls crabbin' and they had a blast! Dozens were caught with Brian's chicken leg tied to a piece of twine technique and the girls swift use of a net. The rain ended our day and sent us to the docks to buy lobsters (lobsta) and little neck clams. We brought home our loot (9 blue crabs they caught too!) and were treated to a feast fit for royalty! Kendall loves the clams! Mallory liked the lobsta..but she wanted most to play with the crabs. Once she realized she could pick them up (they had already seen the inside of the crab pot) she picked 2 to play with. What the heck..we let her. Where in Tennessee will she ever get a chance like that again right? And once again, another night of going to bed overstuffed and happy!
So today we're approaching lunchtime and everyone is still in their pj's! It's a rainy day and we've vetoed the trip to the aquarium. I'm sure there will be a trip out, just not sure where yet. Do not fear though..hungry we will not be! We have a long list of restaurants just waiting for us to visit...today will not disappointment!!
On Monday we headed into Massachusetts, Foxborough to be exact. Patriots Place was the destination..and what a destination indeed! Who needs a football game to go to a stadium when it shares a parking lot with some of the best shopping and eating around? We all had lunch together and then the two obsessed Patriot fans (the apple doesn't fall far) dropped the other 3 off at the movie theater while they toured, slack jawed, the Patriot's Hall of Fame. Those two were elated to experience that together, and I couldn't have been more relieved! The girls and I visited the most luxiourious, plush movie theater I've ever witnessed and settled in for 90 minutes of cartoon comedy in the movie Despicable Me. After the movie and the Hall of Fame, this car load headed over to reunite with an Aunt and 2 cousins.
What a fun night that was! We were greeted at the door with a cute little Grace yelling "Mommy...Kendall and Mallory are here!" Leave it to a kid to break the ice! Tears and laughter, smiles and hugs greeted everyone at the door. And then there was food! and food! It was such a nice evening. Brian reconnected with his cousins and they shared stories..old and new. Nina and Aunt Ethel were able to relive some old memories and though they are not sisters by law anymore, their memories were fond and their friendship runs deep. My girls were elated to meet another cousin, as was I. And did I mention the food? Let me brag on Aunt Ethel's culinary skills. Italian through and through, she woo'ed us with her antipasto and wow'ed us with her homemade meatballs. You know when you look forward to meeting someone new you tend to pray for something in common? Well..God gave us that and much more! I couldn't be happier for Brian and Kerin and David...for "Aunt Mickey" and "Aunt Ethel", for the newest in this story line Kendall, Mallory and Grace. I've said it before and I'll say it again..there is nothing so sweet as family. Nothing. We left happy and stuffed. Most importantly we left feeling blessed.
Tuesday was a day of new adventures. We lounged in the morning, then slipped on our swimsuits and headed for the beach. Toting chairs, blankets, towels, sunscreen, sand buckets and chicken legs...what? Yep, chicken legs..raw. Brian took the girls crabbin' and they had a blast! Dozens were caught with Brian's chicken leg tied to a piece of twine technique and the girls swift use of a net. The rain ended our day and sent us to the docks to buy lobsters (lobsta) and little neck clams. We brought home our loot (9 blue crabs they caught too!) and were treated to a feast fit for royalty! Kendall loves the clams! Mallory liked the lobsta..but she wanted most to play with the crabs. Once she realized she could pick them up (they had already seen the inside of the crab pot) she picked 2 to play with. What the heck..we let her. Where in Tennessee will she ever get a chance like that again right? And once again, another night of going to bed overstuffed and happy!
So today we're approaching lunchtime and everyone is still in their pj's! It's a rainy day and we've vetoed the trip to the aquarium. I'm sure there will be a trip out, just not sure where yet. Do not fear though..hungry we will not be! We have a long list of restaurants just waiting for us to visit...today will not disappointment!!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Lessons from a 7 year old
My oldest seems to always find ways to stop me in my tracks. Most of those times it's to 'redirect' her behavior, if you know what I mean. But there are those moments that I find her to be the teacher and I am just excited to be privy of the lesson. Take yesterday for instance, lessons were plentiful! There was something that sparked her interest in making paper airplanes. Being the girl she is, there was detailed decorating and naming of the fleet. As they took their first whirls through the vast space known as the Land of Livingroom, both she and her little sister cheered with excitement. We went to the library, because if I'm nothing else I am definitely supporting an activity that means I can be a spectator, and we checked out an origami book claiming 'very easy' airplane directions. So much for hands off...our fleet then grew by half a dozen. By the time my husband came home there were 3 M.I.A.'s, 2 teetering on the edge of the ceiling fan, 2 more hiding behind the t.v. and many unrepairable. The kitchen was strolled with scrap papers and the super durable wing mender..aka scotch tape. We went out to eat, returned and sat outside at 9:00pm giving the survivors one last flight of the day. I was reminded how very easy fun can be. No computers, no t.v., no packet with 1000 pieces. Love that imagination!
Before the airplane obsession we met a few of my friends at Chik Fil A for lunch. Of course my girls went straight to the play structure, play first..eat last! They played for an hour, stepped out to let their waitress know their order (that would be me if you are confused) and then came out for a quick 10 to scarf down their chicken and fruit. Another 45 minutes later and Kendall steps out to tell me her friend Amber is leaving. "Oh really? Who is Amber?" I ask. "My new best friend, we've been playing together. She's Great!" Again..I investigate "Do you go to school together?" "No, just met her here." Best Friend?? Then she says, "Amber is coming over to meet you." Polite, must have a good mother, I think. Sure enough, cute little Amber comes over and gives Kendall a necklace, the same necklace she has around her neck. This child who met my child maybe 1 hour ago is giving her a parting gift!! She gives K a hug, K hugs back. Feeling caught up in the moment I whisper to K 'maybe you should give her one of your silly bands?' K looks at me like I've just grown a third eye and I realize that mother's shouldn't always take the glory...or be at fault. Nevertheless, the girls left Chik Fil A being changed by each other. What a great lesson. It doesn't take much. Everyone can give of themselves, one way or another. Your time, your ideas, your help, your laughter, your friendship, your necklace! Just to clear Kendall's name..she only had 2 silly bands on and each were given to her by her two bestest buds. She did say if she had others she would have shared. I'm going to just have to believe that...
So this morning we were getting ready for our day. The girls had eaten ice cream before bed last night and they had to wash their sticky hair this morning. K jumps in the shower and washes her hair. When it was time to condition I asked her how she was doing and she said "Just fine mom. I'm getting more mature you know?" Assuming she's watched an episode ICarly I just agree. Then she gets out and is drying her hair. I say "good job". She says "Yeh, I'm definitely getting more mature." Now I'm paying attention. I second that "I do believe you are." Ten minutes later as she's walking through the kitchen brushing her hair I hear her say to little sister "I'm getting mature." I'll bite. "What does mature mean?" I ask. She says "It just means I am getting older, growing up. Soon I'll be an adult."
I smile. She's right. But first I pray for more days of paper airplanes and 15 minute best friends..please. Mature, she's working on it. Phenomenal...she's got it.
Before the airplane obsession we met a few of my friends at Chik Fil A for lunch. Of course my girls went straight to the play structure, play first..eat last! They played for an hour, stepped out to let their waitress know their order (that would be me if you are confused) and then came out for a quick 10 to scarf down their chicken and fruit. Another 45 minutes later and Kendall steps out to tell me her friend Amber is leaving. "Oh really? Who is Amber?" I ask. "My new best friend, we've been playing together. She's Great!" Again..I investigate "Do you go to school together?" "No, just met her here." Best Friend?? Then she says, "Amber is coming over to meet you." Polite, must have a good mother, I think. Sure enough, cute little Amber comes over and gives Kendall a necklace, the same necklace she has around her neck. This child who met my child maybe 1 hour ago is giving her a parting gift!! She gives K a hug, K hugs back. Feeling caught up in the moment I whisper to K 'maybe you should give her one of your silly bands?' K looks at me like I've just grown a third eye and I realize that mother's shouldn't always take the glory...or be at fault. Nevertheless, the girls left Chik Fil A being changed by each other. What a great lesson. It doesn't take much. Everyone can give of themselves, one way or another. Your time, your ideas, your help, your laughter, your friendship, your necklace! Just to clear Kendall's name..she only had 2 silly bands on and each were given to her by her two bestest buds. She did say if she had others she would have shared. I'm going to just have to believe that...
So this morning we were getting ready for our day. The girls had eaten ice cream before bed last night and they had to wash their sticky hair this morning. K jumps in the shower and washes her hair. When it was time to condition I asked her how she was doing and she said "Just fine mom. I'm getting more mature you know?" Assuming she's watched an episode ICarly I just agree. Then she gets out and is drying her hair. I say "good job". She says "Yeh, I'm definitely getting more mature." Now I'm paying attention. I second that "I do believe you are." Ten minutes later as she's walking through the kitchen brushing her hair I hear her say to little sister "I'm getting mature." I'll bite. "What does mature mean?" I ask. She says "It just means I am getting older, growing up. Soon I'll be an adult."
I smile. She's right. But first I pray for more days of paper airplanes and 15 minute best friends..please. Mature, she's working on it. Phenomenal...she's got it.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Predictions..
"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place. It will not be late by a single day." Habakkuk 2:3
While we were visiting the beach last week, we were walking into a store when out of the blue my oldest stopped me to ask what number we were. "What?" I asked, confused. She repeated "What number are we now...you know with Baby Brother". Oh..that number! Though we were miles away from home, he was continually on our minds. Many comparisons were made, predictions of the future. "Look how well these girls are doing in the water, that will make it easier when we get baby brother", "if we had baby brother here we would definitely not all fit into this van", "wonder if baby brother will play in the sand or will he be a water baby?" It was fun to guess and to have our friends around to share their own predictions. Some things would be more fun, others a bit more challenging..but all were met with great anticipation of the blessings we know he will bring to our lives. Though I haven't checked in a few weeks I do believe we are sitting at around 35..which made my oldest quite happy. Me too! The one thing I have been reminded of throughout this process is that it is in God's hands. His timing is always right. I love the last line of the above scripture..'It will not be late by a single day'. What a beautiful promise that is! We all are so excited to share our lives with him. Can't wait to take him to the ocean, to share my love of the beach with him. To holds his hands while his toes play in the sand. To hear him squeal with delight as we lift him over the waves. What a great day that will be! And for the record...I think he will be a water baby who loves to throw sand at his sisters!
While we were visiting the beach last week, we were walking into a store when out of the blue my oldest stopped me to ask what number we were. "What?" I asked, confused. She repeated "What number are we now...you know with Baby Brother". Oh..that number! Though we were miles away from home, he was continually on our minds. Many comparisons were made, predictions of the future. "Look how well these girls are doing in the water, that will make it easier when we get baby brother", "if we had baby brother here we would definitely not all fit into this van", "wonder if baby brother will play in the sand or will he be a water baby?" It was fun to guess and to have our friends around to share their own predictions. Some things would be more fun, others a bit more challenging..but all were met with great anticipation of the blessings we know he will bring to our lives. Though I haven't checked in a few weeks I do believe we are sitting at around 35..which made my oldest quite happy. Me too! The one thing I have been reminded of throughout this process is that it is in God's hands. His timing is always right. I love the last line of the above scripture..'It will not be late by a single day'. What a beautiful promise that is! We all are so excited to share our lives with him. Can't wait to take him to the ocean, to share my love of the beach with him. To holds his hands while his toes play in the sand. To hear him squeal with delight as we lift him over the waves. What a great day that will be! And for the record...I think he will be a water baby who loves to throw sand at his sisters!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
More from TopSail
Our trip ended this past Saturday when we headed toward home. We made sure to spend a little extra time with our toes in the sand and the girls enjoyed riding a few more waves before we hit the road. What a great trip we had! The day before leaving the Gardner's had one more special place to take us to. The Sea Turtle Rescue Hospital, just a mile down the road, was such a great experience. This little building housed (at the time) over 2 dozen rescued sea turtles..weighing between 40- 600 pounds! The girls all had favorites...Lenny the 400 lb. blind sea turtle, Boater the equally larger turtle who played with a red ball..in all we learned the near fatal stories of 5 of these very spectacular creatures and the dedication this small operation has to helping them all. There are only 2 Sea Turtle Rescue Hospitals in the US and we were fortunate enough to have the chance to get to meet these great folks..and turtles!
We enjoyed yet more yummy fare from my new favorite restaurant, Just Baked..also located less than a mile from the house. I think me and the girls could honestly live on Just Baked and Luna Pops if given the chance! One night Ang and I were able to steal away for an adult only meal (and a little retail therapy). Shopping first in Wilmington, then we crossed the International Waterway and entered Wrightsville Beach where we dined at a quaint little restaurant, South Beach Grill, and truly enjoyed the experience altogether. We couldn't have been happier...new clothes, wine and a fab meal...what a great time!
The last night the girls all painted their very own sand dollar (we purchased these). This craft was made even more special when Kayla cracked open an extra sand dollar and showed each girl the 'doves' inside, letting them each have one of their own. Special indeed.
As if it needs to be said, we will be returning to Top Sail Island. Maybe even this Fall, depending upon the circumstances that are hovering around the beautiful waters of Destin, Fl. Whether it be this fall or next spring, we are sure to retrace our steps as best as we can. We know the treasure that awaits us on this narrow strip of land!
We enjoyed yet more yummy fare from my new favorite restaurant, Just Baked..also located less than a mile from the house. I think me and the girls could honestly live on Just Baked and Luna Pops if given the chance! One night Ang and I were able to steal away for an adult only meal (and a little retail therapy). Shopping first in Wilmington, then we crossed the International Waterway and entered Wrightsville Beach where we dined at a quaint little restaurant, South Beach Grill, and truly enjoyed the experience altogether. We couldn't have been happier...new clothes, wine and a fab meal...what a great time!
The last night the girls all painted their very own sand dollar (we purchased these). This craft was made even more special when Kayla cracked open an extra sand dollar and showed each girl the 'doves' inside, letting them each have one of their own. Special indeed.
As if it needs to be said, we will be returning to Top Sail Island. Maybe even this Fall, depending upon the circumstances that are hovering around the beautiful waters of Destin, Fl. Whether it be this fall or next spring, we are sure to retrace our steps as best as we can. We know the treasure that awaits us on this narrow strip of land!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Tip of Top Sail Island
Five Wandering Girls..tip of the island.
3 Roy Girls at Serenity Point
Taking a much needed break after our long journey.
Always up for a little fun..these girls had a great time!
Yesterday morning we woke up, grabbed a little b'fast, threw on our suits and headed to the end of the island. The Gardner Girls had another fun adventure lined up for us. We were to start on the ocean side of the island, walk to the very tip end known as Serenity Point and then continue our journey down the Sound side. By the top of the morning we were on the tip of the island..fun! The girls had their own mesh seashell bags and they loaded them with more than seashells..they found many cool crab shells, seaweed, sponges and even a skate egg sack..who knew? Oh..and a washed up (already very devoured by crabs) shark, about 3 foot long. Really, I can't say enough how very cool it is to experience the ocean with such knowledgeable guides! What a treat! At the end of our trip the girls were so tired from walking all they could think to do was to lie in the water..and that they did with much enthusiasm! We treated ourselves to an ice cream cone before lunch..indulgent is definitely the motto of this trip.
After dinner we decided to go to the local skating rink. This rink was opened in the 60's, above the post office in the town of TopSail. It has no air conditioning, but many window fans, hardwood floors and the cashier still uses the vintage cash register that no doubt was there from the beginning. Nostalgia at it's finest! The music was played on a record player using 45's. And although we were the only ones there, the rink master was quick to tell us we were skating in the wrong direction. My girls had never been to a skating rink, definitely not one out of the 60's, and they loved it! K was counting laps, I think she made over 15. M lasted about 4, took one big spill and still wanted to do more but her mom thought she had better end now while she still wanted to do more. Before we left they dimmed the lights (basically turned off the overhead) and the next thing we knew there was a magical silver disco ball spinning with green and red lights glimmering off of it. The girls squealed with delight..me and Ang took our victory laps, singing to Michael Jackson's Beat It. Afterward we went to the desk to make a request..for old time's sake. We were hoping for a little Hokey Pokey before we had to leave. Unfortunately the Hokey Pokey had been such a popular roller skating tradition that they had worn it out long ago. We would have to leave without the Hokey Pokey. As we walked down the stairs to the parking lot we were tired, worn out and oh, so happy. Music or not..we put our 'whole self in and (we) shake it all about!'.
3 Roy Girls at Serenity Point
Taking a much needed break after our long journey.
Always up for a little fun..these girls had a great time!
Yesterday morning we woke up, grabbed a little b'fast, threw on our suits and headed to the end of the island. The Gardner Girls had another fun adventure lined up for us. We were to start on the ocean side of the island, walk to the very tip end known as Serenity Point and then continue our journey down the Sound side. By the top of the morning we were on the tip of the island..fun! The girls had their own mesh seashell bags and they loaded them with more than seashells..they found many cool crab shells, seaweed, sponges and even a skate egg sack..who knew? Oh..and a washed up (already very devoured by crabs) shark, about 3 foot long. Really, I can't say enough how very cool it is to experience the ocean with such knowledgeable guides! What a treat! At the end of our trip the girls were so tired from walking all they could think to do was to lie in the water..and that they did with much enthusiasm! We treated ourselves to an ice cream cone before lunch..indulgent is definitely the motto of this trip.
After dinner we decided to go to the local skating rink. This rink was opened in the 60's, above the post office in the town of TopSail. It has no air conditioning, but many window fans, hardwood floors and the cashier still uses the vintage cash register that no doubt was there from the beginning. Nostalgia at it's finest! The music was played on a record player using 45's. And although we were the only ones there, the rink master was quick to tell us we were skating in the wrong direction. My girls had never been to a skating rink, definitely not one out of the 60's, and they loved it! K was counting laps, I think she made over 15. M lasted about 4, took one big spill and still wanted to do more but her mom thought she had better end now while she still wanted to do more. Before we left they dimmed the lights (basically turned off the overhead) and the next thing we knew there was a magical silver disco ball spinning with green and red lights glimmering off of it. The girls squealed with delight..me and Ang took our victory laps, singing to Michael Jackson's Beat It. Afterward we went to the desk to make a request..for old time's sake. We were hoping for a little Hokey Pokey before we had to leave. Unfortunately the Hokey Pokey had been such a popular roller skating tradition that they had worn it out long ago. We would have to leave without the Hokey Pokey. As we walked down the stairs to the parking lot we were tired, worn out and oh, so happy. Music or not..we put our 'whole self in and (we) shake it all about!'.
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