hot weekend up north

On Thursday, June 5, Rob Cecilia and I flew to LaGuardia for Rob's 20th high school reunion. JP picked us up and whisked us away to Westover Girls' School (where he works and lives and Jen graduated) in Woodbury, CT.
On the train at Hartsfield-Jackson.sweet repose on the plane.

Deli food at JP's. It was New York good.

Jen came to Westover to join us for the night. So, I had the pleasure of spending the evening and most of the next day with 3 out of 4 of the Burlington kids. (Stephie and Larry moved into their new house the very same weekend- congrats guys!) We had dinner out and got to bed late. On Friday we lounged til midday while Westover had their graduation. The girls do this circle ceremony every year that we watched from JP's window. Sweet or cult-like? Any comments Jen?

I don't understand private school life. I do envy the personal connection that JP, Rob and Jen seem to still have to their high schools. On Friday JP drove us to Sharon were we stayed with the gracious and dashing Keith Johnson at his modern CT retreat. Friday was a study in contrasts. We passed Westover (Jen's high school), Trinity-Pawling (JP's high school), Salisbury (Rob's high school) and Danbury High School (my school)In this picture (barely visible) under the bridge there is an outdoor playground for the childrens' center housed at the school. For the children of the students.I obviously married above my station.

Keith made us a beautiful dinner at his home (why didn't I take photos?) that night. Thank you Keith for your hospitality, company, wine, coffee and air conditioning. The temperature as we turned in for bed was about 55'.
Saturday morning brought a heat wave. By the time we arrived at Salisbury for lunch festivities, it was 85' and climbing. Little CC braved the heat like a champ.

By noon we had stripped her down to the diaper. A beautiful (maple?) tree on the quad shaded us lovingly. The men of Salisbury in the shade of forementioned tree:

After an afternoon rest at Keith's we returned to Salisbury for a super steamy dinner at the dining hall (90' and no A/C). Everyone was a good sport, but we didn't eat much.

Keri and David Leavy:the crowd at the end of the party.Jon, Rob and Dave.Marwan and Lena.Sunday morning we met up with JP and drove to the city for a Yankees game. On the way in we saw the new stadium, under construction:

A good family friend, Jack, got us box seats for the game. THANK YOU FOR THE ROCKING TICKETS!!! Therefore, my first and only trip to Yankee stadium was unforgettable.

First pitch of the game- note the ball in the air.JP in the box.Jack in the box- Ha!Jeter walking.The view of other boxes from the outdoor seats.Jeter photo on the wall inside the box.Rob calling in our lunch order.CC is amazed.Posada and the umps during the Star-Spangled Banner.View from our seats

Burlington boys on their old stomping ground- final trip to the old Yankee stadium.

What a weekend- CC in peace on the way home.

postscript: Never ever fly Airtran out of LaGuardia, even if they pay you.

reception/brunch photos

All Saint's honored Rob with a reception on June 1. Several parents and youth spoke, the youth choir sang and the staff did a top 10 list (see previous post). Here are some photos from church and brunch at Babette's following the reception.

Robert jumps into a crash pad. Nice mid-air shot, eh?

An affair to remember

Last Saturday we celebrated Gloria and Scott's engagement at our place. The weather was pleasant, the food was excellent, the couple was handsome and the music (provided by classical guitar) provided an elegant touch. Thanks to Gustavo and Werner for the food and decorations. Thanks mom for the cake.

fun food.
Werner and mom making bridal bows.

Lovely mom.
This shot is posed- no cake for CC yet.
Cucumber radish salad.
Handsome man holding my baby.
Scott and Glo.

flowers at the table
Deanna and Scott in dappled sunlight.
Jenna, Jeremy and Glo in more dappled sunlight.
Gulru and Thor, dappled sunlight.
Lanterns and music.

What is she talking about?
Scott and Gloria and the coconut creme cake.

CC, in white linen, reposes on Papaw's lap.

Memorial Day and more girls weekend

Memorial Day Mystery Photo: (scroll to bottom to find out what it is!)
Friday last I drove to Canton to be with my sister and mom. We had a lovely evening in Cumming, Georgia. We dined at Tam's Backstage downtown. I loved the food and even more, the conversation. We had the rare opportunity to catch up on life, wedding planning, kid stories and more. We convened in time to see 'Dearly Departed', a comedy about family drama around a Southern Baptist funeral. Southern accents were required for all the actors, but no one was able to pull it off. In fact, the actors were able to pull nothing off. The comedy turned to community theater tragedy and we made an early departure (discreetly, at intermission) from 'Dearly Departed.' On Saturday we made something of a pilgrimmage to the North Georgia Premium Outlets. Shopping with my 2 head fashion advisors and without children made the morning a delight, despite Memorial Day crowds. Thanks for a fun time Gloria and mom. Thanks to dad for keeping his little buddy, Cecilia, for much of the weekend.

One major flaw about our girls weekend- I didn't get any pictures of Gloria! (email some please mom or Glo). The pix I do have are from a little trip to the garden- CC's first time on the "G-ee." The light by the lake was so pretty. CC liked the flowers. I loved this little bell pepper.

Rob brought the kids up on Sunday night and we made pizza:

Memorial Day brought yummy food and sunny weather. Perfect for a picnic. :) In the afternoon we picked cherries and pitted them. That brings me to the mystery photo. Answer: Mom's cherry cobbler , the perfect finish to our Memorial Day picnic.

I gave birth to my husband's twin!#$?!!

Quotes:

"Esther, you are Princess Leia and I am Luke, okay?"- Robert

(talking about Esther) "She is just the cutest thing walkin'."- Porter Hutto

(explaining the band-aids and bruises on her arms and legs)-"I wrecked on my bike. I spotted this amazing purse going down the street and went right over my handlebars!"-Karla Kosar

From Rob's reception yesterday

The top ten reasons Rob will be missed at All Saints', presented by the All Saints' staff

10. His non-anxious presence

9. Those shiny shiny shoes

8. That shiny shiny head

7. Wardrobe advice (solicited and unsolicited)

6. That "you must be kidding me" look at lunch (or when I'm wearing something. . .interesting.)

5. That "you must be kidding me" look at staff meetings (or when I'm wearing something . .. interesting.)

4. His voice (no, not his singing voice but his speaking voice at full volume. It's really loud. It carries. . .)

3. "Foodie" conversations and cooking tips.

2. With Chris Epperson AND Rob gone, no metrosexuals left on the staff.

1. Laurie, Robert, Esther and Cecilia