Ferrara's in Florida

Last week Joel said to me out of the blue, "Mama, your cooking is very good.  You are tied with Mimi." Take-aways from this one-liner of Joel's-- 1.  Mimi's meals are incredibly memorable, given he hasn't had her food in at least 4 months. 2.  Joel has mastered comparing, a skill needed for elementary school. 3.  My cooking has either (a) improved or (b) I cooked something my little guy really enjoyed. 4.  Joel perhaps may be viewing too many cooking competitions on Netflix.

Joel: Mama, why don't you get any days off of work?  Daddy gets 1 or 2 days off every week. Me: It's interesting you noticed this.  Why do you suppose I don't have any days off? Joel:  I don't know.  Is it because Daddy works harder than you? (said in a very pure, inquisitive way) James: Mah Mah.  Mah Mah. Me: Yes James? James: Sphth Sphth Aboo Aboo deebee deebee. Me: I am driving so I cannot help you with whatever you need. James: Ohhh (then a sigh) [hilarious!] He repeats this over and over until we arrive to our destination. James to Ruby: Mah Mah. James to Sable: Mah Mah. James to Nana: Mah Mah. The young boy may very well think he has FOUR mothers: me, Sable, Ruby and Nana.  After all, we care for him in the same way.

Sweet Baby James is weaned.  His midnight singing has ceased too. He is running fast, started climbing and says "Mah-Mah" emphatically and often. His baby blues are sticking around.  He enjoys Nana's meatballs, goat cheese by the chunk, mandarin oranges halved, frozen bluberries and lots of water.  He enjoys reading cardboard books, stacking blocks and tupperware, destroying his siblings' Lego cities and throwing food on the floor. He still loves his family and his family adores him.

double swing for James and Sable Falling asleep during homework Sam's Club with an extra buddy Ice cream with Nana Brothers James watching Daddy and Big Brother make guns Joel hard at work Sweet Boy Morning talks with General Rex

Second time spending our anniversary at this beautiful island resort.  Located in St. John National Park (formerly Laurance Rockefeller's vacation home), the place is immensely untouched and natural.  We didn't take many photos but here are a few. the view outside of our room the view from the ferry this is the front of the resort boats galore these iguanas are friendly donkeys grazing outside of our room  Sugar mill ruins and a fruit tree with bougainvillea 

Little Brother loving on Big Brother who cried over a caterpillar sting to the thumb   At 15 months, he helps himself onto the couch and lounges like a male person Part One: Resting and Relaxing while Daddy works Part Two: Cat Napping while feeding the baby Digging for shark teeth in the creek with friends Playing in the woods is the best! Our 5-food stout alligator in the neighborhood pond Homework:  Joel's handwriting words A perk to homeschooling is just this--Teacher Mommy can choose handwriting words that interest Student Joel.  Writing isn't #1 on his list of fun activities, but these words sure keep his interest. Ruby's request at the nail salon: penguin pedicure Dudley Farm with Pops and Nana (Aunt Barbie snapping the photo)

Technically, we do not have a scheduled "spring break" as most schools designate this time of year.  But our friends/neighbors do, and we ventured to Pops and Mimi's condo for 2 nites.  With precious James, it took a drawn-out 6 hours to drive four.  Wowee, were we glad to get out of the car.  The beach was lovely and surprisingly warm.  The only way to describe it is like being under a magnifying glass.  The sand and sun made 59 degrees feel like 80.  Truly a lovely few days... Schooners had "high" chairs for the high top tables Ruby (8), Mattox (7), Ella (9), Sable (10), Aiden (10) Amazing Sunsets! We even saw Mars once the sun slipped below the horizon Despite this face, James loved the beach The hot tub was enjoyed by all Joel's visit to the pediatric ER