Escape

Vacation can't come quickly enough. Both Tony and I are ready to be away from the day-to-day routine and spend some time together. Personally, I'm ready to escape. I'm ready to wander, to explore, and to let my mind unwind. At least this is a 3-day weekend, right?

Ivy & Daddy

A better picture of my pretty, pretty niece and her daddy.

My Brother's Family

Most of you have never met my brother, so here he is - Dana, with his wife Chris and their kids (also known as my nephews and niece). Austin is 7, Dakota just turned 5, and Ivy will be 3 in September. In case you didn't notice, Ivy loves to pose.

Mama

Mama poses like a queen in front of the handrangea bush, or is that a snowball bush? She's just as beautiful as her mother, isn't she?

Granny

This is Granny - my maternal grandmother. Her real name is Annie Ruth, but nearly everybody calls her Granny. I hope that I'm that beautiful when I'm 90.

Travel

I spent yesterday afternoon looking through travel photos. It's always exciting to look back at all the places I've been fortunate enough to see and experience. And I realized that the most fun and interesting parts of vacation for me are the times when we're just wandering about, not specifically focused on seeing any one thing. Sure, the well-known sites are a must; however, it's the little things that really stick in your mind when you get back home. This photo is one of those little things. In 2005 we were in Paris with Rachel and Veronica. Tony surprised me with a renewal of our wedding vows - 10 years at the time. We met Brandy in her neighborhood with the rain falling ever so lightly. We walked, slowly, straight uphill to an intimate and perfect spot to renew our vows. As we walked, I was overwhelmed by how blessed I was to have such an amazing husband, wonderful daughters, and fantastic family and friends. And then I passed by this door. For me, it represented all the beauty and wonder that was left to come - all the doors left to open. So, I share with you this photo, and this memory - of a girl wandering about Paris, not specifically focused on seeing any one thing, and filled with hope for an amazing future.

College Students

This is what college students do during the summer when they're not working, have no money, and need to occupy their minds. I'm certain I never did anything like this then, but I'm certain I would now. Parents of college students beware.

Mama & Daddy

How cute are my parents? This is a picture of them at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. I really miss them. Hugs & Kisses, Mama & Daddy!!

Fuggedaboutit

Who else but John Bonnet would be connected enough to snag THE table at Holsten's in Bloomfield, New Jersey?? For those of you that may not be connected, Tony and John are sitting at the same table as Tony, Carmella and AJ in the final episode of The Sopranos. Yes, they also had onion rings - the same famous onion rings that mobsters near and far crave on a weekly basis - see John holding one of those little golden rings of goodness. To be more specific, my Tony's sweet bottom sat in the exact same cheek spot as the other famous Tony. Fortunately, he has not picked up cigar smoking and not once have I heard him mention that anybody is swimmin' with the fishes. Fuggedaboutit.

Bad Girls

Bad Girl Elizabeth (second from left) had everybody over for Ice Cream Sundae Sunday a week ago. It actually turned out to be more of a Champagne and conversation Sunday, but we did eat ice cream with too many yummy toppings to discuss. Aren't my friends beautiful & awesome? And....we're already training Julianna at a young age to truly appreciate Bad Girlness (ice cream only). For those of you who don't know these fabulous women...clockwise from left: Kwanna, Elizabeth, Linda, Susan, Amy and Julianna. Brandy and Wendy are not pictured and were dearly missed.