tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70176759814576844822024-02-19T20:18:38.180-05:00PERPETUAL BOUNCEThe marvel and mayhem of life in the preschool laneshebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.comBlogger329125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-17761761051229147762014-04-08T08:11:00.000-04:002014-04-08T08:11:00.045-04:00Food for thought : Kale Smoothies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/30301518@N05/13696176705" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="#babyphoenix napped just long enough to let me finally jump on the #kale #smoothie bandwagon. by Sheba, on Flickr"><img alt="#babyphoenix napped just long enough to let me finally jump on the #kale #smoothie bandwagon." height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/13696176705_1194b28775.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I've always been a big fan of adding spinach to Indio's smoothies in order to get a little bit of green into his life, but I was slow to the whole kale smoothie phenomenon until recently.<br />
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Being home with a newborn leaves little time for preparing meals, but yesterday morning, during a brief 10-minute nap when Phoenix let me put him in his swing, I quickly threw some kale, peanut butter, milk, and a banana into the blender with some ice and made myself a delicious *green monster shake.*<br />
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I have to say, it was delicious and it staved off the hunger pains until dinner time. [Of course, Phoenix woke up the minute I sat down with my drink!]<br />
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Tomorrow, if I get the chance, I'm going to try it with avocado and honey instead of peanut butter.<br />
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Are you a fan of these nutritious green drinks? What's in your smoothie?shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-62385430214303190422014-04-04T21:21:00.000-04:002014-04-05T21:22:51.239-04:00I had a baby!I can't believe it's been almost 6 weeks since Phoenix flew into our lives. On February 25, 2014, we were blessed with the arrival of our long awaited baby boy.<br />
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My C-section was originally scheduled for March 3, but just like his older brother, this babe decided to choose his own birth date. He also decided that surgery wasn't for him and was born naturally after the most intense pain I've ever felt! [I don't know how women have more children after enduring 30 hour labors when I could barely handle the 2 hours of excruciating contractions I had!]<br />
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Life has been a bit more hectic than usual, but I have to say, it seems easier overall this time around. [Could it be the fact that I'm not in the crazed stupor that comes with being a new mom?] Hopefully, I'll start getting more sleep soon too!<br />
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Maybe I'll even have time to blog more regularly!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our baby boy #2: phoenix</td></tr>
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<br />shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-91718105208516006102013-11-03T00:01:00.000-04:002013-11-11T12:16:28.149-05:00Happy Diwali<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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May the light of the season shine brightly throughout the year.</div>
shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-1705416470716264532013-11-02T12:50:00.000-04:002013-11-08T14:09:00.184-05:00Cherish every ordinary moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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for you don't know when it may be the last.</div>
shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-49594250160016207652013-10-31T23:00:00.000-04:002013-11-08T14:04:42.297-05:00All Hallows' Eve 2013Gone are the days of trying to fit your costume over your snowsuit. [This was a common conundrum growing up in Canada!] This year, we were lucky to have perfect trick-or-treating weather.<br />
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Indio was super excited in the weeks leading up to the big night, having picked his costume in September and his pumpkins in early October.<br />
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The night before Halloween we carved our largest pumpkin, which wasn't very large. Indio loved planning our Jack O'Lantern's face, but wasn't enthralled with pulling out the guts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gross guts!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flexing with his mini-pumpkins</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">We met up with one of Indio's best friends from class before heading over to Ginna's and Henry's stoop to help them give out candy, our tradition for the last few years.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ninja + annie</td></tr>
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All in all, a fantastic night, even if one 4-year old boy was over-sugared and extra tired the next day!<div>
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How was your Halloween? Did you dress up?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-59119860746756285522013-10-07T13:38:00.000-04:002013-11-08T13:43:19.361-05:00Pumpkin patch: then and nowIt's hard to believe we've already racked up 5 years worth of pumpkin photos of Indio. Looking back, I couldn't help but compare my boy from his very first pumpkin patch [really just the display at the Amish market in Tribeca, New York, 2009] to the latest installation from a *real* pumpkin patch in Valatie, NY on our way home from Lake Placid.<br />
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Have you chosen your Halloween pumpkins yet? What will you carve yours into?shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-69972547706327136852013-04-30T08:07:00.000-04:002013-04-30T08:07:00.329-04:00Like it was yesterdayMissing you.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/41975510" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/41975510">Ed Sheeran - Small Bump [Official Video]</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/edsheeran">Ed Sheeran</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-76470626182435267542013-04-20T21:00:00.000-04:002013-04-20T21:00:01.767-04:00Help NYC's Children Get Fit!<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://www.loveourlocalbusiness.com/base/lolb2desktop?region_id=us&content_id=34752"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9G4XuMX94x4/UXKRidXanxI/AAAAAAAAH7M/JS8Q3G4IkkM/s400/Screen+shot+2013-04-20+at+9.00.23+AM.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="messageBody" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;">I don't normally post contests on my blog, but this one is dear to my heart.</span></h5>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;">Emil has been running his company, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fit-4-Life-NYC/373713407072?fref=ts">Fit 4 Life NYC</a> for several years now. He has not strayed from his original goal of helping New York's children lead healthy, active lives. </span><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;"><a href="http://they%20just%20submitted%20a%20wish%20to%20intuit%E2%80%99s%20small%20business%20growing%20strong%20campaign./">F4L</a> just submitted a wish to Intuit’s Small Business Growing Strong campaign.</span></span></h5>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;">Help </span><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=742330206&extragetparams=%7B%22group_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/emil.ramnarine?group_id=0" style="cursor: pointer; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;">Emil</a><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;">'s organization make a wish come true!</span><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;"> </span><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=373713407072&extragetparams=%7B%22group_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fit-4-Life-NYC/373713407072?group_id=0" style="cursor: pointer; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;">Fit 4 Life NYC</a><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;">'s mission is to help children in New York City's poorest communities to become active and fit, but most of the children in their programs do not have proper shoes or attire to exercise and play in. In addition, due to the high cost of sports/fitness equipment <a href="http://fit4lifenyc.com/">F4L</a>'s classes are taught with little to no equipment. </span></span></h5>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;">Click here to vote for Emil and his team: </span><a href="http://bit.ly/11lxQjc" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="cursor: pointer; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/11lxQjc</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> [You can vote once a day and you don't have to register for anything!]</span></span></h5>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.loveourlocalbusiness.com/base/lolb2desktop?region_id=us&content_id=34752" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;">F4L</a><span style="line-height: 1.38;"><span id="goog_1221993270" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;"></span><span id="goog_1221993271" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;"></span></span><span style="line-height: 1.38;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;"></a></span><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;"> would use the prize money to purchase shoes for their neediest kids and new sports equipment for their programs. Thank you for </span><a href="https://www.loveourlocalbusiness.com/base/lolb2desktop?region_id=us&content_id=34752" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;">supporting</a><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38;"> NYC's children.</span></span></h5>
shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-19291215584018955562013-04-09T00:01:00.000-04:002013-04-09T00:01:00.985-04:00Had to shareBecause we live in such an urban city, even the tiniest bit of nature mesmerizes us. Last Sunday's sunset was no exception.<br />
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<br />shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-82481080467225788242013-04-07T00:30:00.000-04:002013-04-07T20:44:19.888-04:00Another year downThis weekend I celebrated my birthday surrounded by love and laughter, the two things I usually wish upon others on their big day. From phone calls and emails to drinks on my birthday eve and brunch on the actual day, my friends and family showered me with wishes of another fabulous year.<br />
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It's hard to believe I'm another year older, though I feel more youthful than I did a few years ago. Weird how that happens.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">extremely rare date night last week at our favorite restaurant celebrating both emil's and my birthdays.</td></tr>
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After a delicious brunch at <a href="http://thesunburntcalfbk.com/">Sunburnt Calf</a> in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, we spent a few hours frolicking in the sand at the <a href="http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/the-park/pier-6">Pier 6</a> playground.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">extra indy shot just because it was warm enough to bare his adorable toes in the playground/sandbox.</td></tr>
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<br />shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-46580370276359239352013-03-31T03:00:00.000-04:002013-03-31T16:01:38.443-04:00Oh, hoppy dayI grew up "celebrating" Easter by eating excessive amounts of chocolate. Emil grew up with a more traditional [Catholic] recognition of the holiday. So far, Indio only knows that there are bunnies and an egg hunt with his cousins, which will be happening later today at his Great Aunt's place.<br />
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Yesterday, we introduced a new tradition and dyed eggs for the first time. Indio is quite confused as to why his fingers are still green this morning.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">such concentration</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rainbow eggs</td></tr>
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Hope you are all enjoying Easter weekend! [I can't seem to stop eating Cadbury Mini Eggs . . .]shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-48995682279449486882013-03-29T11:46:00.002-04:002013-03-30T10:27:18.277-04:00Viva Mexico!<br />
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It's been less than a week since we returned from our spring break/Emil's birthday trip to Mexico, and I'm still craving mojitos! We had a fabulous time lounging by the pools, playing on the beach and eating to our hearts' content. It was a much-needed escape from the everyday for both Emil and me. Emil and I visited Mexico together nine years ago on our first trip together, but back then we opted for a road trip with friends rather than a resort vacation.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jMsCbG_gDFE/UVWp8yvTFAI/AAAAAAAAH5s/VxhYbYm5YTA/s1600/IMG_8127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jMsCbG_gDFE/UVWp8yvTFAI/AAAAAAAAH5s/VxhYbYm5YTA/s200/IMG_8127.JPG" width="200" /></a>We flew AeroMexico into Cancun and were pleasantly surprised that we didn't have to pay $12 for a bag of peanuts, but actually received a decent meal [waffles and omelets] on our early morning flight. On the way back, we were treated to ham & cheese sandwiches, which hit the spot at the end of a long day.</div>
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We used <a href="http://www.usa-transfers.com/">USA Transfers</a> to travel to and from the airport and I couldn't have been happier with the service. We received prompt and clear email communication from company founder, Brant Boston as soon as I booked the ride, a spotless van with up to date car seats for children, a friendly, knowledgeable driver and the best part: they were always on time! </div>
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We stayed at <a href="http://www.h10hotels.com/en/hotel/hotels-riviera-maya/ocean-coral.html">Ocean Coral & Turquesa</a> in Puerto Morelos, about 20 minutes from the airport. The resort was beautiful, the service was impeccable [for the most part], and the food was good-to-great depending on the restaurant. There were four pools: a kiddie pool, a "quiet" pool, the main activities pool where we spent most of our time, and the "drunk" pool, which was a lot more live. Our only complaint of the resort was that it was very "American" and there wasn't much of a "local" flavor, but I guess that's to be expected at an all-inclusive resort that is catering to so many people from around the world.</div>
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Indio loved the pool and by the end of the week was jumping in and "swimming" without his floaty. I think it's time to revisit swimming lessons. He also become better acquainted with the ocean, dodging waves and venturing a little deeper each day. No matter how many times I see the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, I'm still blown away with the beauty of it. The beach had many palapas for shade, but wasn't as pristine as the one we visited in the Dominican Republic in December.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beach bum</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy birthday, my love.</td></tr>
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We ventured off the resort for a tour of the ancient Mayan ruins in Tulum. We learned that "Tulum" is actually a name that was given by an American back in the 1800s and the Mayans actually called their city "Zama", city of the sun. It was pretty awe-inspiring to imagine what it took to build this city centuries ago because it definitely took more than rock 'n' roll! After the informative part of the tour, we spent some time on the amazing beach at the bottom of the cliffs.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what I get when I ask for a "smile".</td></tr>
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I'm so glad we had the chance to get away for a little rest and relaxation before we head into this final term at school. It felt like winter was never going to end, so this was definitely a nice distraction from the cold and slush of NYC. It was even better that we were in Mexico for Emil's birthday!</div>
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As much as we enjoyed being lazy all week, Emil and I have decided our next trip is going to be a road trip because we can only sit on the beach for so many days.</div>
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Where have you gone on a road trip? Any suggestions for us? We're thinking July or August and so far have come up with touring the northwest part of the country. I'd love to hear your thoughts!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indio was delighted with all the "modern dinosaurs" on the resort</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Until next time . . .</td></tr>
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shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com4Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico20.8482492 -86.876106-7.8758582999999973 -128.1847 49.5723567 -45.567511999999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-34884890698462424352013-03-29T10:30:00.000-04:002013-03-29T10:30:59.996-04:00Coming up for airAfter two snowfalls in a week, spring seems to have finally sprung in this fair city of mine.<br />
<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/user/starlite21/media/4C858113-4FB9-4E1A-8A66-5DD4B65BAD79-1590-00000172CA1BE0DB_zpsd74398bc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 4C858113-4FB9-4E1A-8A66-5DD4B65BAD79-1590-00000172CA1BE0DB_zpsd74398bc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s101/starlite21/4C858113-4FB9-4E1A-8A66-5DD4B65BAD79-1590-00000172CA1BE0DB_zpsd74398bc.jpg" /></a><br />
And I couldn't be happier.shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-80031156130462895902013-03-28T15:13:00.001-04:002013-03-28T15:13:30.297-04:00Bloglovin'Did you hear the news? Google Reader will shortly be defunct.<br />
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As I searched for a new reader to compile all the blogs I regularly peruse, I came across <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/">Bloglovin'</a>, which seems to be great so far. [Maybe even better than Google Reader!] You can easily import all of your Google Reader blogs into <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/">Bloglovin'</a> and add new blogs with a quick click of a few buttons.<br />
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To follow my blog with <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/">Bloglovin'</a> click here--><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5297633/?claim=h7rdkvh7m4w">Perpetual Bounce on Bloglovin</a>shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-80958575523161260992013-03-05T07:00:00.000-05:002013-03-05T07:00:17.444-05:00Something Unknown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-51403888608733589592013-03-03T00:01:00.000-05:002013-03-03T00:01:00.845-05:00Ringing in the New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm so excited about our upcoming trip to Mexico and was thinking about all the great photos I hope to take when I realized I never posted anything about our visit to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic over the last holiday break. What's that old saying, "better late than never"?</div>
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When deciding what to do for New Year's Eve, E and I came to the conclusion that a trip away sounded better than any over-priced dinner or party in NYC. We both had a busy and somewhat stressful year and relaxation had definitely been in short supply.</div>
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We booked a last-minute stay at the <a href="http://www.majestic-resorts.com/en/majestic-colonial-hotel-punta-cana.html">Majestic Colonial</a> resort for 6 days and loved every minute of it. The first day on the beach, Indio exclaimed, "The sand here is softer than the Bahamas!" [I wonder how Riviera Maya will stack up.]<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8390/8503946720_e67254ea19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8390/8503946720_e67254ea19.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">attempting to distract himself from the "funny feeling in his tummy"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">poolside</td></tr>
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It seems like the minute you leave NYC, everything slows down. Everyone we met in the Dominican Republic from the moment we stepped off the plane was friendly, relaxed and smiling, often a rare occurrence at home.<div>
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The resort was beautiful and well-maintained. The sand was ridiculously soft and the water was crystal clear. As far as all-inclusives go, the food was good, though a bit salty at times. Indio loved the fresh fruit and yogurt at breakfast but was disappointed that his daily dose of bacon was dripping in oil. Most importantly, the drinks were cold and the service was great!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not crazy about the ocean, but loving the sand</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beach bums</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not so sure about the resort's "wildlife"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">entertaining hibachi dinner</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indio's first foam party</td></tr>
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This trip was just what we needed: some time to wind down and decompress before gearing up for 2013. I accomplished everything I had planned for this trip. I read a lot, slept more than usual [<i>a lot</i> isn't possible with Indio], took a ton of photos and spent time with my boys. We were so grateful to have this time away from the hustle and bustle of home.</div>
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Funnily enough, the laid back culture of the island quickly diminished when we reached the airport with all the other vacationers on their way back home. Boarding the plane was much like the NYC subway system--frantic and chaotic. Luckily, we [barely] made our flight and got home safe and sound.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">homeward bound</td></tr>
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shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-67990547653356077992013-02-18T01:19:00.000-05:002013-02-18T13:22:54.776-05:00ReminiscingAs I was organizing my <a href="http://flickr.com/">Flickr</a> photos on this blustery Monday, I came across this heart-warmer.<br />
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While we enjoy the day off for George Washington's Birthday in the States, I am missing my family as they celebrate Family Day in Ontario, Canada.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Nov. 27, 2009: Indio's first haircut</td></tr>
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shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-71562102117875478672012-12-25T10:01:00.000-05:002012-12-25T12:32:06.274-05:00Definitely on the nice list<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of the great gifts Indio received.</td></tr>
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Indio is finally old enough to really *get into* Christmas traditions. We weren't traveling over Christmas this year [a rarity for us since our extended family is scattered all over] so we were able to begin some of our own traditions.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">donning our new pajamas on Christmas morning.</td></tr>
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Yesterday afternoon, we watched, <i>Elf</i>, a movie that is loved by all in this house. We had a small dinner party with a few family members who live in the NY-area and we are looking forward to seeing other cousins later today.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Elf/dp/B000YHG72E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356455213&sr=8-1&keywords=elf"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51QMi5zCK1L._SX500_.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
Indio slept in until 8:30am this morning. That was a Christmas treat for me and E that I hope turns into a family *tradition*! He was so excited to open his presents and completely enthralled with each one. I was a bit worried he might throw certain gifts aside [clothes, books] in an effort to play with the more *fun* things like his action figures and vehicles, but he really did seem to love them all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indio laughing at me as I unsuccessfully tried to capture Cassius in front of the tree.</td></tr>
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Indio wasn't the only one that made the nice list. Instead of conventional presents, E and I decided to book a trip to Punta Cana! I can't wait to feel the sun on my face and sand on my toes!<br />
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<a href="http://www.majestic-resorts.com/en/majestic-colonial-hotel-punta-cana.html"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://www.majestic-resorts.com/idb/8722/hot_276_sec_130_1319466643514.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas. What traditions do you have? Which ones have you created for your own family?</div>
<br />shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-88705761679613587872012-12-24T00:01:00.000-05:002012-12-24T08:54:35.558-05:00From our family to yours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8500/8302992543_933e79fd12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8500/8302992543_933e79fd12.jpg" width="449" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Merry Christmas! May 2013 be full of love and laughter. xo</div>
shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-12041261142431736882012-12-15T08:07:00.000-05:002012-12-15T08:07:00.451-05:004th Trip Around the SunHappy birthday to the funniest, snuggliest, most adorable 4 year old I know.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8255896224_e461847db3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8255896224_e461847db3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[zombie face painting at a classmate's bday party]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dear Indio,<br />
<br />
You have made my life so much sweeter. Your smile is enough to get me out of bed in the morning, even if it is at the crack of dawn. As you grow into the little man you are, you continue to amaze me with your curiosity and love of life.<br />
<br />
I didn't think it was possible, but I love you more each day.<br />
<br />
xo<br />
Mama<br />
<br />
[Of course, I had to include a look back to day 1.]<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8079/8271642166_ae519f1c9b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8079/8271642166_ae519f1c9b.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fresh out of the oven.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-67580906170567469182012-12-01T00:01:00.000-05:002012-12-01T00:01:00.137-05:00'Tis the season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
. . . for our annual Santa Snapshot. Indio wasn't enthralled with the idea of sitting on a strange man's lap, but he warmed up quickly enough to get one decent photo.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8214893170_80fb8933b9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8214893170_80fb8933b9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012</td></tr>
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And just for fun, here's a look back . . .<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8217183076_b96b241789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8217183076_b96b241789.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8216128377_80e2819586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8216128377_80e2819586.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8216121057_9aa50ddde3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8216121057_9aa50ddde3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2009</td></tr>
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We don't have a photo from 2008 because Indio was only a wee 10 days old on Christmas Day. Have you started preparing for the holidays? What traditions have you started with your family?<br /><div>
<br /><br /></div>
shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-5963600118365868562012-11-25T19:00:00.000-05:002012-11-25T19:00:01.905-05:00My baby is growing up . . . too quickly! <br />
<br />
I can't believe three months of school are almost up. This year is even more momentous because Indio is finally old enough to attend the Montessori school I teach at. He is a "3" in a class of 3-, 4- and 5-year olds with two of the calmest teachers I've met. There is a lot of energy in this class, especially with the Kindergarten-aged boys, and both of Indio's teachers seem to handle it all with such grace. Of course, my kid is attracted to these rambunctious, older boys, especially on the playground where games of "Aliens and Vampires" are the norm!<br />
<br />
Luckily, Indio also loves the classroom work and routines. I had often thought about how my own child(ren) would be in a Montessori classroom and listening to Indio speak about the Montessori materials he uses in class brings my Montessori training from 12 years ago full circle for me. I'm so glad we made this choice.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8207566085_57513c1531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8207566085_57513c1531.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-90244312136812170952012-11-23T00:30:00.000-05:002012-11-23T09:33:47.197-05:00Happy 38th Anniversary. . . to the best parents in the world! Wishing you many more years together. Love you.<br />
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<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8211421602_50a4971417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8211421602_50a4971417.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-58862621230433428372012-11-22T07:50:00.000-05:002012-11-22T07:51:32.596-05:00Thankful<div style="text-align: center;">
for so many things, especially my little family.</div>
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<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8207554917_dd96e745b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8207554917_dd96e745b2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble! Gobble!</div>
shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017675981457684482.post-53601634870547895382012-08-06T08:00:00.000-04:002012-08-06T08:00:13.296-04:00A few days in paradise<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7270/7658608840_eeffc754d3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7270/7658608840_eeffc754d3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">landing in nassau in the rain</td></tr>
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After being home for just over a week from camping, we packed up and headed on another family vacation . . . to the Bahamas! Our good friends, Denise and Davidson moved to Nassau about 2 years ago and we were super-excited to see them again along with their adorable daughter, Mila. Emil's mother and youngest sister, Addie, also joined us on our sojourn.<br />
<br />
Much to our dismay, we landed at Linden Pinding International Airport during a summer storm. Thankfully, it was the only one during our short trip.<br />
<br />
Indio, Emil, and Addie spent most of their days in the water -- ocean and pool -- while Emil's mom and I relaxed with music, reading material, and drinks on the beach. After a hectic few weeks, it was a much needed break.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7658613374_5ac8479877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7658613374_5ac8479877.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the water was ridiculous! softest sand, clearest water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Each evening, we met up with Denise, Davidson, and Mila for dinner. We feasted on Bahamian specialties such as conch fritters, grouper, and rice and peas. We were on a mission to find the best conch fritters on the island, and I have to say <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/FRANKiE-GONE-BANANASArawak-Cay/227907620599945">Frankie Gone Bananas</a> at the Arawak Cay Fish Fry won, hands down! It was so wonderful to sit and catch up with our old friends, though it made me miss them even more.</div>
<br /><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/7658566686_bcebdda5de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/7658566686_bcebdda5de.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">how lucky we were to have such gorgeous hostesses: denise and baby mila!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7658641276_6e6ccdf0b7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7658641276_6e6ccdf0b7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my little mer-boy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7719813928_640342dbeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7719813928_640342dbeb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">coconuts on the beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8431/7719895462_0d22a67110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8431/7719895462_0d22a67110.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my sunshine</td></tr>
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</div>
We spent one evening at Davidson's parents' house, which sits right on the water. The views from the house were mesmerizing. Imagine waking up every morning to the sound of the waves in your backyard! Of course, we also heard tales of the many hurricanes that have hit the Bahamas. Davidson's mom, Ada, cooked us a delicious West Indian meal of beef curry, coconut rice, plantains, and daal puri. The meal was completed with a traditional Guyanese dessert: cassava pone.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8154/7658642510_74bdac1f70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8154/7658642510_74bdac1f70.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the view from davidson's parents' deck . . . crazy!</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Though this was a vacation to a foreign land, it was a treat to feel so "at home" with Denise and Davidson and his parents. Our time with them made this trip even more special.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/7658636880_7d57903b85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/7658636880_7d57903b85.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bahamians love canadians</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/7658624444_3c74b159c6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/7658624444_3c74b159c6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the comforts of home</td></tr>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our time in paradise was fleeting and it seemed like we were packing up for home just as we got used to it all. We were welcomed to New York by a huge thunderstorm only moments after we landed. It seemed fitting that our trip ended with a [meteorological] bang since it began with one too.</div>
<br />
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/7658651644_10980645ca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/7658651644_10980645ca.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">landing at laguardia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
shebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10458476339701063947noreply@blogger.com2