Portugal and the Algarve Coast

One bonus of having a sister-in-law who works in the travel industry is all the connections she has to amazing locations and homes.  We spent a week in a small fishing village, Benagil, off the Algarve Coast in Portugal with Maren in the most beautiful and scenic home on a cliff overlooking the beach.  The weather was incredible all week long and the kids enjoyed playing with Dad, swimming and exploring. 

 

Summer in London

After a whirlwind year of anticipating moves to Zurich, London, Chicago and New Canaan CT, Mike tried making it up to us by arranging to work out of his London and Zurich office for the summer.  We left for London where his sister Maren lives after spending the 4th of July in the states, and were so excited to see Maren and stay in her lovely flat in Hampstead which is a lovely part of London with an 800 acre park next door.  We spent the first week getting to know the area, shopping and checking out Gweneth Paltrow's favorite bakery in the neighborhood (she lives here), and I even ran into Sacha Baron Cohen at the market.  We've had the best croissants, crumpets, english muffins, scones and meringue we've ever had here in Hampstead!

A trip to London wouldn't be complete without visiting all the touristy locations and riding on the classic double decker bus tour.  We're so thrilled to be able to soak up the feeling of living here and taking things slow and easy, which I need right now.
Buckingham Palace

House of Parliament

Tower Bridge

Maren's neighborhood

Tower of London

A Visit From The Swedes

Our wonderful cousins from Sweden took a trip from San Francisco to New York the month of June.  Fortunately we were able to spend a little time with them before leaving for our summer of travels and changes.  We actually left Madison with them while Mike Cy and I spent the 4th of July weekend in Boston.  Madi and Steffi picked up where they left off after not seeing each other for a couple years and enjoyed shopping in SOHO and eating at Lombardi's, spending July 4th in New Canaan and enjoying a few parties and sleeping over on a friends yacht.

Mike, Cy and I loved Boston.  We took a "Duck tour" of the city, followed a colonial 4th of July parade and fireworks on the harbor, and just took in all the sights (including Salem).

Madi Graduates

This morning was Madison's moving up ceremony.  She is officially a High Schooler and is finally finished at her Middle School which she has been going to since 5th grade!  She's been on the honor roll, played a part in every school play and concert, sang solo's, had her artwork displayed, became a ballerina, and is becoming such a lovely girl.  

First Day of 5th Grade

8th Grade Graduate

Celebrating with Crepes

Birthday

This year was a bittersweet birthday since we are moving over the summer.  A group of my girlfriends here in New York threw a wonderful birthday/farewell luncheon for me.  Later in the evening, Mike and I went into the city to see the Broadway musical Everyday Rapture and ate dinner at one of our favorite restaurants Giovannis.

Willy Wonka

This year Madison played Violet Beauregarde in her Middle School production of Willy Wonka. It was a lovely night as several of the Young Women from our church came to support her. Great job Madi!

Cy's Brothers

A couple of my girlfriends and I alternate houses hosting a day of play each week for our energetic toddlers. This gives us a chance to run errands, play, shop, sleep, or do whatever our hearts desire. Since the boys nap, it usually ends up being a full 5 hours off (or on when it's my week to host). I highly recommend this to anyone who doesn't have the luxury of family close by. They have become so close, and Cy loves my friends like Aunts.

Have you ever seen a haircut on a kid that was so ugly, it was actually cute?  This is how I feel about Cy's bowl cut/toupee look.  Mike wants to buzz it and thinks it's horrible.  Cy was so difficult and wouldn't let me shape it, but it makes me happy and gives me a laugh.  Is this child abuse?

ROME

It's a long story, but I had an international ticket I needed to use and decided to take a 3 day trip to Rome since I had never been. The weather was perfect, the food was to die for, and the enriching and educational experience was as phenomenal as I could have dreamed.

St. Peter's Basilica

Massive columns at the Vatican

In front of St. Peter's at the Vatican

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

The Colosseum and Arch of Constantine

Inside the Colosseum

National Museum of Castel Sant' Angelo

Trevi Fountain

Spanish Steps

My room at the Convent

My breakfast and lunch....Gelato!