New Hope...not there was anything wrong with the "Old" Hope

As we McCay's do, we abruptly decided, in the afternoon, that we were embarking on an unscheduled adventure. I can't say it was totally unplanned, we had discussed a couple of weeks ago the various Fall family day trips we wanted to accomplish. We crossed O.C.N.J off our list last week, now, (again, abruptly) we were ready to conquer New Hope, Pa.

It was a gorgeous Sunday, and we were having a 'Carpe Diem' moment. So, the adventure begins. I leave it up to husband to nail down directions, and be able to program the GPS. I have a very dysfunctional hate/like relationship with the GPS lady, I felt it best to let him deal with her. As we leave driveway, hubs says,"we need to get to 95", this will come back to haunt us later. I ask, "what does SHE say?" Well, let's see.......NOT 95!!!!! OK, well we need gas anyway, so we'll just listen to HER. I really can't speak of it in great detail, as the Post-Traumatic Stress may once again rear it's head. Let's just say, I did not know there were actually that many twists and turns, detours and little towns and neighborhoods one could incorporate into one trip, and never leave NJ! Mind you, we never got lost, we were just on the road to nowhere. We did manage to cross a Bridge that spilld us into Pa., and after a very loooong country road (where you swear the Deliverance theme song complete with Banjos will begin playing) we finally see civilization, we see NEW HOPE!!!!! Now, I know why it is named that, we had just about given up on ANY Hope, and here, right in front of us, Hope was renewed!

After parking, and the first of two funny bathroom 'incidents' (we won't go into detail;), our fun began. The sidewalks are so narrow, it forces you to encounter each and every passerby, whether you want to or not, but it really did lend itself to the 'vibe' that is New Hope. It feels like you are bumping into old friends, and common thread running through. The Artsie-hippie-eclectic-melodic-revolutionary-haunted-enchanting aura of this place just wraps itself around each person, you cannot help but be effected.

We were surprised so many things were still open, as our 'abruptness' allowed us to get there at 3:45pm, we were glad there was still so much to do. We promptly ate. A sweet lil' restaurant called the Sand Box did not disappoint. We sat outside and enjoyed all those walking by, and the many sounds of motorcycles making there way up and down the tiny Main Street. This is also where funny bathroom incident #2 (no pun intended) occurred. Again, you will be spared details, but let's just say, they CLEARLY need to distinguish a man/woman door, OR whoever occupies said bathroom CLEARLY needs to lock the door....nuff said!

Our History buff son read each and every marker along the way, explaining the rich history of this town. We were sad that the Parry Museum was closed, but we will come back again to experience that. We meandered in and out of stores, down to the water front, then crossed the Bridge over to the Jersey side into beautiful Lambertville. The kids loved both towns, and asked (repeatedly) if we could move there.

Can't wait to see where our next adventure will take us, imagine if we actually (dare I say) plan something? But, I do believe sometimes the best things occur when you just allow it to unfold, see where the day leads you and not over think it. Oh, and after asking two different people their views on directions for our trip home, we of course did not listen to them....and took 95!!!! STRAIGHT home, no twists or turns, imagine that!

Final Farewell to Summer

This weekend was absolutely gorgeous, blue skies, abundant sunshine and the perfect temperature. A great weekend for Indian Summer/Block Party in Ocean City.

There is that point when driving on the Expressway, just before the 9th Street/O.C exit, where the Bay runs right along side of you. It is a point where everyone in the car rolls down the windows, takes in the salty Bay air, and sighs a collective sigh. It is at this point that my sweet little family all feel we have arrived "home". That is how close to our hearts the Shore is to all of us. HOME.

We ventured up the still under construction 9th Street Bridge. It boggles the mind how this monstrosity of steel and cement will finally look when finished. At the present time, it looks like it will end up right inside of someone's living room, as it comes unbelievably close to the Condos that sit right at the foot of the bridge. Quit a daunting sight.

Our first stop was Asbury Ave, we wanted to eat, and there were amazing restaurant vendors lining the streets. After filling our bellies, we headed directly to the beach. We spent time on the jetty letting those glorious waves crash in around us. A walk on the Boards, with the pre-requisite visit to Kohl Bros for Ice Cream rounded out the trip. What more is really needed?

"There's 104 Days of Summer vacation, and School comes along just to end it!"

Well.....it's that bitter-sweet time of year for me. The cooler air moves in, forcing you to accept that which you are in denial of, Summer is over!!!!!!

Which leads to the other issue I have, sending my kids back to school. As much as they may drive me crazy (crazier), I truly love having my kids home. No real bed time. Sleeping in, well, for only the oldest, the youngest---never! Care-free days, planning trips to the beach, hanging out with their friends......just freedom to be kids.

September rolls around and slaps you in the face. The reality being, these children will be another year older the next time I get to have them all to myself again come next Summer. It has been a season of tremendous growth for both my children. My oldest really coming into his own, having a great group of friends to spend time with, and really devoting time to his music. It is a joy to see he and his father 'jamming' away, and just enjoying each others company so thoroughly. He now enters his last year in Middle School, really?!?

My Baby, celebrated a birthday over this Summer. We reveled in watching her become such a strong and confident swimmer this year. She is so extremely active, you can't help but get caught up in the energy that is Julia!

So, I will welcome, accept, and embrace this new school year. I will look forward to all the new adventures it will bring for my children. And, I will be counting the days till Summer returns ;)

Payton Christopher Murray, Welcome to the World!

Our family grew by two feet as they say. We are so Blessed to have this beautiful baby join us in this family. Lauren did an amazing job delivering this Baby Boy. The nurses on the Maternity Unit are talking Record Breaking performance, especially for a first time Mom!

I was so fortunate and privileged to be asked to be a part of the Birth and be in the Delivery room. It was awesome to be a witness and not a participant this time. It truly is a miracle to witness.

So, without further ado, I present:
Payton Christopher, born on August 11, 2010 at 9:28 a.m
he weighed in at 6 lbs., 4 oz.,....and 19 in. long.

It's a Swim Party!

Julia finally got to have her Birthday Party at Barclay Farm Swim Club on August 8. It was a great day!

Happy 8th Birthday to our BABY!

July 6 is a very important day in our house. Our lil' firecracker, Julia, entered our lives on that date, in 2002. Life has never been the same since, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Since it was during the week, we just did a simple celebration with her favorite, Ice Cream cake.

She received many calls, from her admiring public, which always brings a smile to her face. Mom Mom Murray (or MaMaa, as Jul calls her)was one of the first to call her. But since she wasn't feeling great, she wouldn't be able to stop over. She didn't want to share her germs with the B-day girl. But, assured her, she & Pop Pop would see her just as soon as she was better. She got a very special package in the mail from New York. It is always very exciting when these parcels arrive from the Big City. It was from Egg (Ed) & Linda. They have never forgotten either of the kids B-days, always making them feel so special. It was her very own portable DVD player and assorted movies, awesome!

A few days later, the kids slept over Mom Mom & Pop Pop McCay's house so we could attend my Class Reunion. It was during that visit that Julia was treated to a most wonderful surprise, Mom Mom made her her very own, AMAZING birthday cake. It made this lil' 8 year old feel soooooo special. She received a beautiful ruby heart necklace, just like the doll in her cake was wearing!
It was indeed a very good Birthday for Ms. Julia. We opted to have her actual party after vacation time, when it would be a bit less hectic. So, she gets to celebrate again!

Our Lil' Fish!

Much to our amazement, we have a child on the swim team!!!!!! It happened quit unexpectedly, but what a complete, joyful experience it has been.

At the beginning of this swim season, Julia was not what we would call a "swimmer", but, she was definitely a "try-er". So many people would tell us to put her on the swim team. This blew my mind, as I always thought it best that one was a proficient swimmer, before joining a team that, well....swims! We would ask her if she wanted to join the team, and she would always reply, "maybe next year". O.K, fair enough, and we left it alone. Then came the day....As we were leaving our Swim Club, after a incredible day of swimming, a 'big girl' life guard ran after us, calling to Julia. Her exact words, "I was watching you swim, you are really good, do you want to join the swim team?" I think to myself, 'Oh, dear girl, don't waste your time, she doesn't want any parts of it'.....but, what I heard come out of my little ones mouth was,"SUUURE!"

The rest, they say, is history! Julia has become so confident in the water, and we are overflowing with pride. Her big brother is right there at every Meet, cheering her on. It really has been a wonderful family experience, and a most pleasant of surprises. But to just see how proud she is of herself, is worth everything.