Can you tell from my decor I want to live at the beach?...

I am not ready to change out my summer shells for fall decor, are you?

Where has the summer gone?

Pool side reading while being lifeguard...tough life...







View before landing in Mexico...

Arrival at the Barcelo Maya...cheers!

Our view from the hotel upon arrival....

Mayan Ruins....the real Mayan name is "Zamma"

Long set of stairs to climb down to swim at "Zamma" aka Tulum....

Mayan Ruins....



Poolside....

Meagan and Michael meeting our dolphin "Chuck" Such an amazing adventure....

Me doing a belly ride with "Chuck" So cool...

Dolphins showing off for us....

How is your summer going? We are having an outstanding summer this year. Needless to say, we have been so busy I haven't had the chance to write a new post since summer began.

Today the kids are in camp and I finally have a day to myself. For the inquiring minds who wanted to know, I am going to take this time to update you where I have been and what I have been up to this summer.

After school was over in June, we traveled to Riviera Maya, Mexico. We stayed at the Barcelo Maya Palace right on the beach and the view was amazing. We visited the Mayan Ruins, swam with dolphins and enjoyed fun filled days on the beautiful beach and pools.

July, it was off to visit the grandparents in Delaware. As much as we love the Eastern Shore, it was an adjustment after we were spoiled from spending a week in the Caribbean. Then it was back home to host some out of town quest. First, a very dear friend who used to be our neighbor across the street with her two boys. Our kids have been friends since our oldest were 18 months old. The boys are now 10 years old and our youngest kids are 8 years old (Moo will be 8 in Nov.) It is so nice to see the kids grow up together even though we may only see each other once or twice a year, they always pick back up where they left off. The next guest was my sister and her two daughters, and two dogs. They currently live in NC and it saddens me that they do not live closer. It was so nice to have them here for a few days. The kids had tons of fun in the pool and I was able to take my sister to one of my favorite places for a hike - Sugarloaf Mountain. Of course the day would not have been complete without taking my sister to the Sugarloaf Winery which is so conveniently located up the street from the Mountain ;) Then it was back to the beach for my 14th annual "girls" weekend. I treasure the fact that I have a great group of "girl friends" to spend "girl" time with every year. It is sad to say however, we are finally growing up and plan on doing something more "adult" like next year. We have held onto our tradition of fun in the sun for 14 years going to the Eastern Shore in Ocean City, Maryland. However, sun and fun all day is great, but it is time for us to move on.

August has really come in strong for us. The kids started a two week camp on the 3rd. The camp they are going to features horse back riding, zip lining, rock wall climbing, swimming, crafts, and more. The best part is the camp is located on a horse farm - mountain side. They get to play and fish near the river and just enjoy good outdoor fun. They are exhausted when they come home. I never used to send the kids to camp but I am so glad I did this year. Camp forces them to try new things and meet new friends. Also, it helps prepare us for the dreaded "morning routine" that's approaching real soon - School starts August 31st.

We are going to finish the summer off with some more fun activities, a visit from some very dear friends for a few days then back to the beach for one last get away before school starts.

I did manage to get a few staging and redesign jobs in this summer but plan on more this fall. So make sure you check back this fall for an updated website and some updated before and after photo's of some of my redesign work.

Honestly, although I love working and re-designing homes, I will miss being "Camp Counselor" with the kids. I am very blessed to be able to spend so much time with them. (Now I just need to remember that when I get frustrated with them ;)

Hope you are having a fantastic summer too!

Cheers,

T