Maureen Goes West...Again...

Our annual sales meeting was in Palm Springs, CA last August - yeah - that's right, I said August. I'm not so sure the desert was quite where you want to be in August but alas it's where we all gathered for a few days of meetings, education, amazing food, and yes - a dry heat that felt, well, hot. 

Our resort was beautiful and after seeing those desert mountains earlier in the summer in Phoenix I was actually thrilled to be back surrounded by them. It really is a beautiful landscape out there and the sunrise and sunset skies were magnificent. I found that getting my walks in at 6:00 am (thank you jet lag) made for cooler temps and those amazing sunrises. There was beauty all around and it honestly reminded me quite a bit of Hawaii - shorter flight too. 

Of course the highlight is always being with my team. I just really love this group and I'm thankful everyday I get to work for this company and with these people. We had productive days and fun nights - it's kind of what we're known for. Work hard - play harder. 

One of the nights we had a private 7 course meal that we got to watch the chefs prepare. It was right up my alley and totally delicious. 

To wrap up our meetings we played a fun (& educational!) game of Jeopardy and then we got to spend the rest of our day doing whatever we wanted - that meant the pool for a bunch of us. Kind of the only way to survive the afternoon heat. 

So while the desert in August wouldn't exactly be my first choice - it was a great trip and I look forward to getting together with my team again soon! 

First day of school...

Wow - 5th grade!!! I couldn't believe Adam was already at this milestone grade - though it's less of a milestone where he goes to school since 6th grade is also in the elementary school - but still! He was really excited because he was selected to be a patrol and because he got Mr. Sladki and he was really hoping for him. I was happy for another male teacher - not sure why but I just feel like that works well for Adam. 

Harper was going to be starting in the Pre-K room with Ms. Menaz! He loves her and has been waiting to finally be in her class - she was excited too - she loves her sweet Harper boy. 

Chocolate croissants for breakfast were a treat to kick things off followed by the obligatory front porch photos. 

Adam is sadly the only kid at his bus stop but he wore that patrol belt with pride and I know he'll perform his patrol duties to best of his abilities on the bus and at school. 

Always a little tinge of sadness as the bus pulls away - the end of the easy breezy days of summer and one year closer to graduating. 

Of course that sadness goes away when I see them both come home with excitement in their eyes after getting through that first day and finding out what's in store for the year to come. To cap off the day we did a picnic at the park and Dairy Queen for dessert. A sweet ending to the perfect beginning of a new year. 

Last day of summer...

Just like that summer vacation was over and it was going to be off to 5th and Pre-K for the boys. To send them off with a bang we once again borrowed Mark & Bebe's boat and it was off to the Occoquan for a day on the water. 

It was pretty windy so the water was quite choppy but we found our way to our favorite swimming hole and took one last summer splash! The boys sure did become quite the boaters this summer. Not too shabby on their tans either. 

Much like the summer the day was over in a flash and before we knew it I was setting out their outfits - per tradition - and then it was off to bed - big day ahead! 

A Day for Nate...

A dear friend and colleague of mine lost her son, Nate, just a few days after he was born. She has since gone on to have another child, a beautiful healthy baby boy, and he's thriving and brings their family such joy. That said they have asked that on Jake's birthday each year that everyone who knows them participate in "A Day for Nate." A day to give back in someway either through some community service or acts of charity and to think about Nate and his family while doing so. So I discussed this with the boys and suggested maybe we could bring some kind of goodies to our local fire station. Harper immediately chimed in and proclaimed that ice cream sundaes would be best! So, that's what we did. We gathered up lots of ice cream flavors and toppings galore and it was off to the fire house. 

They were so appreciative and we made sure they knew about Nate and his family. They were touched that we would choose them to receive our "A Day for Nate" act of kindness. Harper then got a personal tour of the fire house and even go to sit up in one of the big trucks. 

I can't imagine the incredible sadness my friend experienced but knowing each year on his birthday we can fill up the day with stories of service and kindness all in the name of Nate I know means the world. 

Apple Picking at Lake Pontusak...

We had one dreary and cool day during our trip to Lake Pontusak but it gave us the perfect opportunity to check out a local apple orchard and winery - I've always got a pretty solid case of fall fever come August so this was scratching that itch for sure. 

The boys loved picking the apples and then got to enjoy apple cider donuts as Andy and I did a wine tasting. We then enjoyed some wine and apples and struck up some good conversation with a couple from Rhode Island who are big campers - we were even able to give them some suggestions of places to stay in Virginia which was on their destination list for their next trip. 

Of course now we needed to figure out what to do with all those apples so it was into the kitchen for Chef Harper and myself. Apple dumplings were suggested by a friend of mine who saw our haul on Instagram - a short cut recipe that was perfect for Harper to make. Was a fun way to spend a rainy day at the lake for sure.