Summer Adventures

Every day is an adventure.  It seems that every day I'm either on an adventure or planning the next one.  Not planning in the sense that I'm not enjoying the current one, but planning in the sense that I hear or think of something I've always wanted to do and find out how we can do it as a family soon!  Our latest summer adventures have focused around local fun.  As we anticipate the arrival of my oldest coming back from his 6 week summer adventure in Montreal, the little ones and I are taking in every day around us and finding inexpensive, exciting things to do. 

Recently, we went to a local farm for pick your own blueberries.  As a child growing up, we had pick your own strawberries and I distincly remember leaving the fields with red fingers, red shoes and a slight belly ache from all the berries.  Blueberry picking is a nice alternative that does not involve discoloration of any body part or clothing, but just as much fun, finding those perfectly blue berries still attached to the tree. 

 

I even found this random pinecone that looked just yummy!

 

 

The next adventure we went on was a hike in a new section of the Blue Hills.  DCR maintains the Blue Hills so well that we usually just stick to what we know and take simlilar hikes.  I saw a friend post her adventure in a new section of the Hills and had to go.  Who knew you could have so much fun, so close to home.  We found wild blueberries, the longest 'bog boardwalk', and lots of smiles and laughs.  We sang songs on the walk, reminding me of simpler times and that there is no reason to rush anything that they are learning or doing.  We need to slow down, cherish these moments and capture their expressions of themselves in the simplest way - just being present.

 

 

Simple Summer Dressing

My little daughter loves all things farm fresh.  Red Leaf Lettuce, brussell sprouts, lavendar, you name it.  Recently, she started eating my salad, right out of the bowl....dressing and all.  If a kid will eat my homemade dressing, it should be shared with everyone.  I do tend to improvise and make the quantity that I need based on the day and week..so here goes:

Whole Grain Mustard - Cilantro Dressing
Using a Tablespoon as your measure for each serving of salad, i.e. 4 servings of salad, multiple this recipe 4x.

1 Tablespoon Whole Grain Mustard, I prefer Trader Joe's
2 Garlic Cloves
1 Tablespoon EVOO
2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
1/2 teaspoon of freshly chopped cilantro
Salt/Pepper to taste

Shake in your favorite dressing container - I love the Bonne Maman jars!
And serve - refridgerate extra up to 5 days.
Bon appetite!

Ten years

As we dance, laugh, and sing our way into the New Year, I find myself bursting with energy about how this year will transpire.  This year marks the 10 year anniversary for a few moments in my life and I am grateful for how this journey has gone.

This year I will renew my expiring passport with my married name.  10 years ago in the cold New England months, I received my passport with excitement for the summer trip to Europe that I was planning.  I had not planned to get married that year, but life took a turn for me that was the best thing that could have ever happened to me.  Seems kinda silly as I read this back to myself, but the significance of having the same last name as your husband and being 1 family, means so much to me.

This year I will return to Europe with my husband for 10 days to commemorate each year we have been married.  10 years ago I was going to complete graduate school in August and take off the next day for a month long trip through France, Italy, Greece (they were hosting the Olympics), and Spain.  I completed graduate school, hopped on a plane, but did not last the month planned, as I was 12 weeks pregnant and was missing comfort things.  However, my husband did squeeze in a proposal under the Eiffel Tower, so I hope he does it again.

This year I will run a half marathon and possibly a full marathon!  10 years ago I started training for a Marathon after being inspired watching the Marathon runners down Boylston Street.  Previous years, I had worked the infamous Boston Marathon/Opening Day, near Fenway Park, not realizing the excitement and thrilling experience that is our Boston Marathon.  In 2004, I worked at bar right on Boylston Street and after the race, clearly remember walking down Newbury Street, observing the faces of the Marathon runners as the sense of accomplishment consumed them.  I want that and need that 10 years later.

This year I will help each of our children grow and learn in the ways that they need.  10 years ago I remember the fear of being pregnant so young and not knowing if I could be responsible for such a small precious gift.  I wanted to teach my unborn child everything I knew about gratitude, love and life and wanted to learn along side him about things in life that I was not taught.  It has been an amazing journey being these 3 kids mother and I know we will continue to grow that love of learning together this year.

This year I will reaffirm my love for my rock, my lobster, my husband.  10 years ago he looked at me with such joy and excitement about the baby we had created together.  His unwavering and solid ability to believe in me, trust me and move forward when things did not go exactly as we thought they would have has been the strength I have needed to find more strength within myself.  I will be forever grateful.

Ten years.  Seems like yesterday all of these things happened.  Happy to be here.  At peace with the present and looking forward to how the next Ten Years will go.