Backyard Adventures

Sometimes thrills are right under our noses. Seizing the moment, Nonna and Pops loosely planned a few days with the two and three year-old cousins under our wings, sans parents and siblings. The mission: Have fun!  Be kind!  Be safe! What we all learned: Popsicles are especially delicious outside, before playing in the sand. The … More Backyard Adventures

Elf Travels 11 to 15

Nonna wonders if the boy’s parents are becoming delusional, or simply up to their ears in parenting, work and holidaying.  There appears to be some discrepancy or repetition in the elf’s daily whereabouts. I will simply take literary license here. I’m a bit puzzled.  Is there is a connection between the character’s lofty placement and the father’s fibula stress fracture? … More Elf Travels 11 to 15

Elfin4

The elf is upside down today when he is spotted high above on the mirror downstairs in the living room. The two year old is a bit skeptical.  He senses his Dad’s imprint in the scenarios, but he says nothing. And he plays along.

Elfin 3

Buddy was spotted from below in the air vent high above today. Big jumps were to no avail. Perhaps there is a bit of frustration on the part of the boy, or maybe it is simply wonder.

Elfin2

Already the elf was part of the two year-old’s goodnights. This morning he surfaced on the ledge near the balcony. Tricky, he is.

Elfin Travels

Today the Elf was spotted on the center cherry red votive in the loft, not far from the boy’s room. The delight is huge, and the questions of a two year-old begin.  His dad appears sleepy. From “The Elf on the Shelf,” a book complete with elf by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell, comes a tradition … More Elfin Travels

Father’s Day 2014: Recalling Travels with Dad

A father’s influence is felt forever. Here, five travel bloggers share memories. * One man sought out extended life experiences abroad for his family. * A father-daughter road trip is relished for a lifetime. * Natural wonders provided the backdrop for family exploration together. * A dad’s curious mind and gravitational pull to the sea inspired yearning for the unknown. … More Father’s Day 2014: Recalling Travels with Dad

Mother’s Day 2014: my part of a collaborative post

http://travelingwithsweeney.com/2014/05/01/traveling-with-mom/ In the 90s, we two sisters began jaunts from L.A. and Milwaukee to be with our mom. We were growing our own families and juggled to make the visits happen. We met in Maryland at her home, played Scrabble and went for crab cakes. We surprised Mother, detouring from one of our homes to … More Mother’s Day 2014: my part of a collaborative post