Camper Bistro...

We might be "camping" but you won't find us heating up a can of beans over the fire for dinner.  We've found ways to whip up fantastic meals on our various adventures and our recent trip to the Delaware Shore was no exception.

After noticing that we were staying right down the street from a perfect spot to hunt for mussels we immediately threw on our water shoes, emptied Adam's beach toy basket and rode our bikes down to the bay.  In less than five minutes we had all the mussels we needed for a great shell fish appetizer! 

For lunch the next day we found a local seafood market where we bought fresh sea scallops and big, pink shrimp that we turned into a light seafood salad.  We mixed up some Bloody Mary's with Old Bay and had the perfect beach day lunch while Adam napped.

Our vacation home on wheels might not have a gourmet kitchen but we love the challenge of finding creative ways to dish up "good eats!"

Airplane watching...

Airplanes never fail to scoop up all of Adam's attention.  He could be in the middle of talking to Santa Claus, whilst riding on the Polar Express, drinking hot chocolate and eating cake and an airplane flying over head would make him stop and watch until it was out of sight.  Yep, he's pretty serious about his plane watching...

Camping on the Delaware Shore...

Last weekend we turned our vacation home on wheels into a vacation home on the Delaware shore.  We stayed at a state park on the Indian River Inlet, and what it lacked in landscaping it more than made up for with spectacular views of the sun setting on the bay and the full moon the followed. 

We were about 400 yards from the beach and with our bikes, bike trailer and Andy's exceptional problem solving skills, we had the perfect mode of transportation to get us from A to B.
 

This is the first time I've ever stayed near Bethany Beach and I have to say, I'm in love.  It is such a cute little beach town and it doesn't hurt that there is an ice cream shop on the board walk called "Maureen's."  I can rarely find my name on coffee mugs in gift shops so to see it there with the words "ice cream" after it was quite a sight! 

The best part though, was the fact that we weren't really on vacation.  It was just a weekend.  I'd almost be tempted to say "with weekends like this, who needs a vacation," but I won't. ;)

Our clever solution to keeping Adam in one spot!

One for the pie...one for Adam...

Though it was probably more like, one for the pie, six for Adam...but at least he offered to help make our patriotic dessert to cap off our Memorial Day weekend. 

And to all those who have served and who continue to serve our country, we can't say thank you enough! 

Water, water, everywhere!

Knowing that while the pools on top of the mountain would be open they would also be freezing we decided to bring up a water table so Adam and Olivia could still enjoy some water fun.  And boy did they have fun!

There wasn't a dry seat in the house (or on the deck rather) as the two of them giggled their way through the afternoons dumping water on themselves, on each other, on ME, and more appropriately, on Andrew! :) 

Water tables are definitely the best $30 you can spend.  Add to the toys that come with the table some measuring spoons and a few pieces of tupperware and you've got an activity that will keep the attention of energetic toddlers until their fingers are beyond pruny and their beloved family members are drenched. 
A great way to spend an afternoon in the mountains!

(Thanks Uncle Lee for the great pics!!)

Kickin' off Memorial Day Weekend...

After many, many, many months of renovations and repairs to our family's Wintergreen house we were finally able to head back up the mountain to enjoy the long weekend in the woods. 

We started our weekend the only way we know how, a picnic at Wintergreen Winery.  We very much looked forward to getting back to our favoirte vineyard and were greeted by the same smiling faces that recongized our longer than normal abscence.  They had new wines for us to taste and after settling on a chilled bottle of their famous Thomas Nelson White, we headed outside for a picninc lunch.

Adam and Liddy had fun, as always, chasing each other around their big open fields.  The creek was running as well which adds the perfect backdrop to a great start to a holiday weekend. 

Apparently it's not just the wine that will make you want to take a nap...all that chasing around seems to have had the same affect! ;)

Escape to Clearwater Beach, FL!

My company holds a conference every year in Clearwater Beach, Fl and so we used it as a great excuse for a mini-Mom & Dad vacation!  I headed down on Monday and then Andy joined me on Thursday just as my conference was wrapping up. 

We had such a great time just relaxing by the pool, laying on the beach, exploring the area and we even got in a dinner with cousin Melissa.  We ate well, enjoyed lots of fun beach drinks, and while we missed Adam, it was nice to be able to just close our eyes on the beach with no worries other than who was in charge of getting the next round! :)

Aside from all the relaxing, I'd have to say the best part was watching the sun set each night.  It never gets old watching the sun make its way down to the Gulf, pausing momentarily before it dips its toes in the water, then finally submerges, leaving in its wake a pink and purple sky.  Amazing, every time. 

Of course one night Andy tried to eat the sun...silly Andy.

We may have left our kid behind with Grandma and Grandpa (thanks again, by the way!) but we certainly found the kid inside of each of us while we were away.  I suppose that's what vacation is all about, re-charging, re-connecting, and re-living the feeling of being carefree, if only for a few days!