Friday, November 16, 2007

Lazy Day Delight

One of the beauties of being on vacation is that no matter what we do or don't do, we're still on vacation from our normal lives. There are no phone calls, no worries, no obligations, few responsibilities, and nothing that feels like real life. It's wonderful.


Yesterday we hung out all morning and finally left the house around noon to catch a movie (Fred Claus). We were seriously freaked out that it cost $33 for a matinee for our family of 4! Good grief. Add in a huge popcorn, 2 large drinks and a bag of Sour Patch Kids (gross) and it was like admission for one to an amusement park. Wow. The movie was pretty funny and it was relaxing and fun to go, so after the initial shock of the ticket prices we were fine.

We took advantage of the November heat here and went to the beach. It was hot. The kids loved every second of it. Claudia loaded us up with all her beach toys, so we were set.

This just makes me happy.
And this.
And this.
Especially this!


We came back to the house for a great dinner made by Claudia and Alfredo. We had homemade broccoli soup, salad, mashed potatoes & gravy, flank steak and carrots. It was fabulous, especially being able to enjoy it while in my pajamas. It's a gift to be so comfortable while a guest. We got the kids put to bed and then watched The Greatest Game Ever Played.


This is the scene in the mornings. It's art time (not planned) for the kids. Alexei keeps commissioning Whitney (and Randy) to draw dinosaurs for him and then always asks in amazement "How did you do that??"

**Do you need a break from real life?
How do you feel about sand?
Dining in jammies?
Vacation?**

19 comments:

michelle said...

This looks like it shaping up to be one great vacation! I love going to matinees. I loooooove the beach shots, and could Claudia be any cuter? Sheesh. I enjoy sand quite a bit, I just love everything about the beach. Dining with friends, hanging out, having unplanned art time -- good times.

patsy said...

Wow, this looks like the best day ever. dining in pj's - so much fun, & where are the kids. the adult dinner conversation must be delightful. How sweet of Claudia. What a great vacation!!

patsy said...

Wow, this looks like the best day ever. dining in pj's - so much fun, & where are the kids. the adult dinner conversation must be delightful. How sweet of Claudia. What a great vacation!!

melanie said...

I love a day on vacation that feels so relaxed. Yours sounds perfect! A movie, some popcorn, some time on the beach with a gorgeous sunset and dinner in your jammies, an absolute perfect day while on vacation!

I so need a break from reality!!

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

What a day! I love your view on vacations. I also love the view of the ocean.

Anonymous said...

Looks like you guys are having so much fun. We all need a break - especially this time of year. I'm glad you're enjoying yours!

becca said...

I had SEVERAL friends who headed out for a beach day yesterday (if Noelle had not had kindergarten we would have done the same!) I can't stand this horrible heat, but I do enjoy the beach more than anything!

Movie prices are RIDICULOUS! We buy the passes at Costco (and even they seem higher than they used to be!) I am so glad you are enjoying your vacation, like you said, any break from normal life is a vacation!

Melinda said...

I need a break from real life right now! It sounds so great where you are.

That was one serious meal they made you. How yummy!!

The beach looked heavenly. I want to be there right now.

Laurie said...

Oooohhhhh, those beach photos!!

I would love a vacation, anytime. We attempted one last weekend (a pseudocation you might say).

What a lovely meal in jammies!

Natasha said...

I am always amazed at how expensive it is to go to the movies. Maybe that's why we don't go often, but I have a feeling we will over the weeklong Thanksgiving break.

I love dining in pajamas. Sometimes when I have had a bad day I change into pjs as soon as I get home.

All of your vacation pics look happy!
How did you manage to get Whitney and Landon out of school all this week?

everything pink! said...

how does claudia look like a super model in every single photo. that one of her on the beach is amazing! i want to look that great and have a photo like that. seriously jill great photo.

we saw fred claus last week in the afternoon and i was like that would have been 5 bags of ribbon at the ribbon outlet, it was so much money.
and i thought the movie was so funny but not for kids - i mean really did they have to have the scene of them using the bathroom. an elf peeing - and they said crap like 100 times...
enjoy the rest of your vacation, i am so with you on the no phone or responsiblity! (that is so spelled wrong)

Elizabeth said...

Love love love sand!
That's a perfect day in my book.

Amy said...

What a lovely day. Your beach pictures are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

The thing I love about vacation is just that... no phone calls, no bills, no cleaning (usually), no schedule. I love being able to just do what you feel like doing. It sounds like you guys have had a great vacation. We have missed you but glad that you've had a great time. It's so cool that you are comfortable with Claudia and family.

Lauralee said...

Do you need a break from real life? ummmmmm YESSSSSSSSSSSSS
How do you feel about sand? LOVE It, except in my car...
Dining in jammies? love that! especially as a guest.. what a treat.. what awesome hosts.. she is beautiful.. love that picture!
Vacation? would LOVEEEEEE one, but am looking forward to an overnighter at my parent's for Thanksgiving.. that will do for now!

how was the movie? worth the $ or save to rent it? what do you think?okay I just read kristi's comment.. maybe we'll wait on that one...
have a great rest of your time..

Liz said...

Your vacation sounds so fun! Movies are seriously a rip-off these days! You all look great, and I love the beach photos!

amy gretchen said...

Nice after a busy day you were able to chill at the house and have dinner.

The beach looks like a wonderful time and your photos are beautiful. The sunset, well it never gets old does it? Just gorgeous.

Amie said...

I love the beach pictures.

Last time we went to a matinee there I thought it was ridiculous too. You can buy the movie twice for the price of the movie outing!

j said...

i am so there in my imagination! :) what a great picture of claudia and her little one. what an awesome day!