Mayday Mayday Mayday

It's May(days) and another school year is almost under our belts.  This month might as well be a holiday month because of the flurry of activity.  From sports conditioning, awards ceremonies and school events, our days, nights and weekends are full.  April whizzed right by, honestly don't know that we even had April, but I do recall a couple of important events.  The main one being....

Matt Deaton has been named South Warren High School's new Dean of Students.  I could brag on my husband all day.  I truly am excited about the next chapter for him at South but have spoken to quite a few disappointed parents who have (incoming) 11th graders that are crushed by not having Mr. Deaton as their APUSH teacher next year.  It's a testament to what kind of teacher and person Matt is.  I'm honestly happy that he will be at South with both our kids - Karson as a freshman, and Isaac as a 7th grader (sigh).  We've still got one little duckling left at Plano entering the 5th grade. You can now refer to Matt as Dean Deaton and to me as First Lady to the Dean Deaton. 

Speaking of his wonderful-ness, we took 71 Juniors to Boston last week.  He asked me early in the year if I would go as a chaperone because he had so many students interested in going this time.  I went with him the first year and was quickly reminded that I'm NOT 16 so it made me a little resistant but...I eventually consented.  However, I told him that I would really like for Karson to get to come as well.  She's at the right age (14) to participate, understand and appreciate it. I also had a hunch that this could be his last year or at least one of his last year's teaching.  I didn't want to pass up the opportunity for her to get to go with her dad (leading the trip).  And, I thought it would also provide her with the chance to take a different trip in high school if she chooses.  The forecast for Boston was about as crummy as you could imagine.  Rain for most of the week and chilly.  We packed our raincoats, boots and warm weather gear and left 70/80 degree beautiful BG and headed north.  On Sunday (post Saturday night prom), we loaded up three buses of teens and luggage and headed for the Nashville airport.  *IF you don't have one of those nifty neck travel pillows, TJ Maxx has them cheap.  I bought three and they came in very handy. We had a 7:15 PM flight to Boston and arrived around 10:45 PM.

From the airport to the bus transfer, we headed to the subway where we had to purchase 75 sub-passes for the week.  This is not an easy task.  You can only purchase four passes at a time.  Of course, there were only two terminals that accepted cash and the one Matt and I were working with wouldn't allow for purchases without exact change.  75 people, two machines - one working accurately, 11:00 PM, one missing wallet (poor student lost it on the bus transfer over to the subway) - it's was a whirlwind.  We got all the passes purchased, handed out and headed for the trek through the subway to the hotel - tons of luggage in tow.  These 11th graders were troopers.  We stay at Residence Inn Tudor Wharf, and this Marriott chain could not be more accommodating and wonderful to our group.  Without going through each event, blow by blow, I'll focus on the daily highlights.  Monday was the best - beautiful spring day in Boston.  We started off with the Boston Duck Tours.  I loved starting off this way because it's seeing the city as a whole - land and water.  Some of the kids even got the opportunity to drive the boat.  After the ducks, we went to the Massachusetts State House for a tour but because there was a House budget meeting, we weren't able to see everything.  We lunched close to Harvard and ate at Tasty Burger and then toured the campus.

After Harvard, we toured Fenway Park and ate dinner at the Prudential Center.  Matt, Karson, and I crashed at The Cheesecake Factory - we put in around 9 miles of walking that day. Whew!

Karson writing down all her activities for the trip.  When you are out of school for an "enhancement activity," especially for an extended period, you are asked to keep documentation.

We decided to do some adjusting to our Tuesday plans because of the weather - 100% chance of rain (and it was accurate).  We went to the JFK Museum that morning, then headed over to Copley Square to eat and visit Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library.  We were going to visit MIT and Boston University but because our group was so large, we couldn't secure tour guides for either (however, we still wanted to make a visit to the campuses).  We decided to take the kids to the Bunker Hill Monument and Museum and alter plans in hopes the weather would be more cooperative on Wednesday. I was completely water-logged by the time we trekked up to Bunker Hill, and I had NO intention of climbing up 294 steps to the top (and back down) - been there, done that, lesson learned.  Karson did it like a boss AND in clunky rain boots.  No wobbly legs or nothing.  Oh to be young again!  We decided to take the kids back to the hotel for a quick clothing change before heading to Improv Boston (that evening).  We made a quick trip to the Holocaust Memorial Walking Tour and to Faneiul Hall for dinner before Improv. The kids loved it and some even got to actively participate (we filled up the entire room) - Karson said it was her favorite part of the trip.  Nice!

Unfortunately, the rain did not hold off on Wednesday.  Two days of solid rain - round two!  We started the day at Boston Commons for The Freedom Trail tour.  This was actually the highlight of my trip.  I thought our guide Jeremiah Poope was fascinating.  In fact, I wrote the company and encouraged them to give him a RAISE - he's deserving, and they don't want to lose talent like that!  I wish I could recount every story he told, but there was simply too much information for me to retain.  Bottom line - he was the best storyteller ever and kept us captivated.  One of my favorite story's is here - not sure if it's true but I loved it!  We returned to Faneiul Hall for lunch and ate at Dick's Last Resort and did a little shopping at Poope's favorite store Newbury Comics where I got Isaac another fidget spinner and Bob's Burger's pillowcase.  After lunch, we took the kids over to MIT to look at their campus and visit the bookstore.  The weather was awful so that didn't last long before we headed to the Old North Church, where Paul Revere lit those two lanterns in the steeple to send a warning signal about the movements of the British army.  The last time I was in Boston with Matt we didn't do the "behind the scenes tour" so I was super excited about seeing the tower and the crypt underneath the church.  The tower/bell-ringing chamber, super cool!  The crypt, sort of a bummer.  I'm not sure what I expected - skeletons, bodies, caskets, tombs, I don't know, but it was super quick - we did a circular lap and popped right back out.  Nothing "crypt-like" about it - they need to talk with Alfred Hitchcock or something.  Post Old North Church was a visit at the famous Mike's Pastry.  Isaac had already asked for a chocolate chip cannoli.  Lugging a cannoli all over Boston IN THE RAIN is not an easy task, but I wanted my boy to have one.  We headed over to the Boston Fine Arts Museum afterwards where I basically collapsed into a comfy chair.  I was zapped - did I mentioned we walked around 35 miles over three days time?  I felt like I'd been hit by a Mac Truck - think I'd taken around six Advil.  I loved the art museum the last time and wished I had the energy to walk through again - just wasn't in me.  Thankfully some of the Juniors adopted my child and she walked through the exhibits with them.  We went back over to Copley Square for dinner (where I had to rescue a few of our guys at Wendy's from a persistent peddler) and then headed back to the hotel.

Thursday was fast and furious with a quick trip to Boston University and the USS Constitution before heading to the airport.  Of course, it wasn't until we got on the subway (on our way to the ship) that I realized I'd left Isaac's cannoli in the fridge of our hotel room.  Matt called them and they got it for us - again, best hotel ever. We were able to collect it when we returned back to the hotel to grab all 1,000 pieces of luggage and carry-on bags.

We made it back home around 8:00 PM and collected our boys who were eager to see us.  Isaac had a big night graduating from 212 Academy.  If our flight had been just a little earlier, I might have been able to make his ceremony which was at South.

 

While I'm chatting about 212, I might as well say that TODAY Isaac's Shark Tank team took first place in the Shark Tank competition with their Aqua Bot creation.  Today was also his last day there =(.

I wish I could say that Isaac enjoyed every bite of that delicious, two day old cannoli that traveled all over Boston in the rain, on the subway, on the airplane, bus ride home, but I think he took one bite, maybe two the next morning when he requested it for breakfast.  SMH.

Matt hangs up his Boston hat this year and passes the torch or "lantern" to the next APUSH teacher.

(The next part of this blog is completely unrelated to Boston but worthwhile April Highlights)

 Easter porch pictures and egg hunt with the family.  Easter morning, I did the traditional "hunt for your basket game" but Miles got off track and started finding the wrong clues.  The entire process was busted up so I relented in just giving the kids their baskets.  They really just wanted LARGE hollow bunnies.

Are you really ever too old for an Egg Hunt?

 Karson got to hear RL Stine at the Soky Bookfest while Isaac stood in line for hours to meet him. #goosebumps

 Miles, back in action, on the golf course - he has a love/hate relationship with the sport.  One minute, he's ready to sell his clubs, the next, he's turning PRO.  Thus, the sport of golf!  AND, he's still a roller skate rat - he suckered us into taking him last Friday (even though we were completely pooped from the trip). 

Jump Air is still a fun place to take the kids.  Miles made plans to meet some of his buddies there one night, and the rest of the family wanted to go too. 

Ever Been to Paradise?

I have.  It's called Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun! I'm certain I have never been to a more beautiful place EVER, not sure one exists honestly.  My brother-in-law treated me (and the hubs) to an unforgettable 40th birthday trip - one I'll remember always.  It made turning 40 a little more bearable. It's been a long time since Matt and I have taken a trip sans kids or even been away from them for long periods.  Matt's parents booked a condo at Crystal Beach and left with the kids early (last) Saturday morning for Destin for Spring Break.  I'm one of those people that waits until the very last minute to pack.  For some reason, I like the pressure of getting it done immediately rather than spreading it out (which makes it stressful but worth it).  I got everything together Thursday/Friday night- all three kids duffles packed and got all my things gathered for our couples getaway. Once we got to the airport, early Saturday morning, the relaxation set in and I could exhale (finally -hah).  We arrived in Mexico around noon and took a 30-minute transfer ride to our PARADISE.  When we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted and taken by golf cart to our Preferred Guest lounge, given a cool towel, Champagne and our bags were taxied to our room #2616 while we got checked in at the concierge.  Paul and Shannon, Daniel and Lisa were there to welcome us too.  We had drinks and yummy appetizers in the lounge and then headed to our room to get changed.  Y'all, I have NEVER stayed in a room like this one - B-E-A-Utiful (as Bruce Almighty would say)! A king sized canopy bed, an in-suite two-person whirlpool tub, a fully stocked mini-fridge, lounge area, furnished porch and swim out access to our own private pool.  I say "private" but it's connected to about six rooms, two were occupied by P/S and D/L and I'm fairly sure we were the only ones who took advantage of the swim-out pool.  It was cozy and UH-mazing.


The stock photo doesn't do it justice at all!  Our suite had a Happy Birthday sash on the door and my very own chocolate cake - the royal treatment!  Since it was lunchtime, we were all hungry.  Matt and I got on our swim stuff and headed over to the pool restaurant area.  I was craving seafood (always do at the beach) so we went to Oceana/Seaside Grill to eat (I got a salad, shrimp tacos and noshed on tortilla chips with the freshest salsa/guacamole dip ever).  After lunch, we headed down to the beach (although the pool area was lovelier than anything I've seen). Bluest.water.ever!  People were kite surfing, the water was refreshing, and it was perfect.  It was also crazy to think 2,000 miles directly north of us that our children were playing on the beach and splashing around in the same gulf water.  Secrets Maroma employees 700 people, meaning there are approximately three servers per guest.  You never want for anything, even for a second - drinks, in a flash, nachos, here they are, whatever you like - exemplary service!  There was a gentleman circulating the beach and scheduling visits for the spa.  Me and my girls signed up for facials (that afternoon) and scheduled couples massages for Sunday.

We headed to the spa late afternoon (Saturday) for our Secrets Exclusive facials.  I love a good facial and Regina Webb Salon gives an Aveda one that feels wonderful.  Shannon relented to going (facials aren't her thang).  In fact, the last one she got was with me in Destin (a thousand years ago) at an Aveda Spa.  It was a treacherous adventure, with body scrubs and exfoliating and Shannon almost got decapitated when the mirrored glass/light above her head broke during her facial.  Jokingly, it wasn't a life or death situation, she simply isn't a fan of them but wanted to go with me and Lisa (and give it another shot).  The spa was gorgeous, like everything at Secrets.  Lisa and I were scolded immediately though for being 3 minutes late - I was a bit taken by that comment but we're on VACAY, come on 3 minutes and we're paying a small fortune for the facial - BACK OFF.  Shannon had arrived earlier and went back first and we followed.  The experience was the same but a little different than other facials I've had.  The one I get at Regina involves lots of creams and cleansing and warm towels.  This one didn't. It felt more like an exfoliating sort of facial - scrubs, hot steam being piped on your face, some cleansing - different but still relaxing.  Shannon's report:  I didn't like it, never again, no facials for me!  Hah.  We all laughed about the steam almost suffocating us and headed back to the pool to join the fellas who were watching the basketball finals in one of the bars.   

Saturday night dinner:  our crew wanted to go to the Italian Restaurant, Portofino, but the wait was entirely too long so we put in a reservation at the Mexican Restaurant, El Patio and got in rather quickly.  I'll admit this...I'm not a foodie.  I was still stuffed from lunch and at home, rarely eat more than one big meal per day.  El Patio wasn't real impressive, and the service seemed slow (even though the waiters/waitresses were incredibly friendly).  I ordered something with crab but wasn't a fan of the odd dish (never seen brown crab meat before). Oh, and they gave us some weird appetizer with grasshoppers in it.  Matt and I were exhausted from a long day of travel so we headed back to the room.

Sunday was breathtaking!  Had to pinch myself - places like Cancun make you do that!  We met our buddies for breakfast.  You have never seen a breakfast buffet - food for a mile and everything you can imagine was available.  Fresh squeezed OJ and coffee are served immediately.  After stuffing myself full of eggs, bacon and other goodies, I was in no shape to wear a swim suit =).  However, it's way to hot to stay in a cover up.

We took full advantage of our swim out suite and hung out in our private pool for a while.  Shannon and I decided to do some Zumba at the gazebo to get a little exercise.  We joined the others in the main pool a little later and did some water aerobics.  The guys had to go meet with our transportation people (which we'd forgotten to do the day before) to plan for our transfer back to the airport on Tuesday morning.  I lounged in the pool - literally feel like I stayed there most of the day.  Matt and I ordered a late room-service lunch because breakfast was so filling.  Sunday night was Mexican Fiesta night, so lots was planned for the evening out on the pool veranda.

 Did you see the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2?  I love the part where Maria and Voula are taking a picture together, and they look at each other and say "pull my neck back on the count of three."  I'm sort of wishing someone had yelled "suck your stomach in" for these poses - feel like I'm looking a little pregnant.  I'm not photogenic apparently because look at this picture....

What am I doing with that eagle?  Am I holding up its wing?  What a weirdo!  I need to go to some photo shoots and learn how to pose.

Maybe I should stick to posing behind wooden cut-outs?  I'm good with those.

We couldn't find Daniel for our Mexican Night group pose, so Lisa found a fill-in husband.

We also had to capture a photo with our favorite employee Moeme (pronounced Mimi).

 

Sunday night was FUN!  There were endless tables filled with every kind of Mexican dish imaginable.  We played games, ate until we popped, and enjoyed entertainment by a live mariachi band. I think we also saw a Poi Spinner/Comedian at the club (but can't remember if it was on Sunday or Monday?).  Meant to grab his card because he was entertaining.

Monday was our last full day in paradise. Breakfast was
phenomenal - there was even a saxophone player circulating the room and playing soft (reminded me of Kenny G).  We had our couples massages shortly after.  I've never done hydrotherapy as part of a massage, but that's an option.  We went a little early and took advantage of it - sauna, steam room, jets, etc.  It was refreshing.  Much like Shannon's disdain for facials, I'm not a huge of fan of massages unless they are by my favorite therapist Heather Foster (at Haute Fringe Salon in BG).  I've had a few different masseuse in my time, and Heather is the only one for me.  I'm not sure if it's sensitivity or what, but I feel like I've been beat up if someone else "works" on me.  This was no different.  I was super sore when I left =(.  That didn't stop me from enjoying my last day in Mexico.  We relaxed by the pool a majority of the day before cleaning up and heading for Himitsu for dinner. 

Me and my twin ready for some yummy hibachi!

 We capped the night off with a live-show (The Beatles) and to the club for some dancing before turning in.  (That evening) There was a Mexican Market (sort of like a craft vendor fair) in the outdoor hotel courtyard - jewelry, ceramics, toys, musical instruments, purses, etc.  I purchased a necklace and had already visited the hotel gift shop to pick up a magnet and souvenirs for the kids.
    Tuesday morning was a whirlwind, getting everything packed up, going through customs, and getting back home.  There was a bad storm in Orlando which pushed our flight back a smidge (not much).  We had a layover in Miami and got to Nashville sometime around 6 pm.

It was the perfect vacation!  Hopeful to have 40 more!