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Paradise

We made it of Paradise, literally and figuratively, as we arrived at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. It’s a quick 35 minute flight from Fort Lauderdale, so it’s great way to escape into the island life without traveling too far. Moreover, the beaches, the water and the snorkeling are ridiculous here.

It’s been almost 20 years since I’ve been here last. Needless to say it looks way different. There’s been a lot of development here in the last twenty years. All of us were on the same flight, which was great. JK shared his limo with us, so we were able to easily make it from the airport to the hotel.

Paradise Island is incredibly gorgeous. The water is beyond beautiful and the grounds of Atlantis are impeccably kept. My boys were dying to hit Aquaventure and the beach. We spent four hours in the sun, sand and pools before heading up to get ready for dinner.

All around Atlantis there are amazing aquariums teaming with wildlife. We can see the ray tank, the shark tank, sea turtle tank and the sawfish tank from our room. While we waited for a table at dinner tonight, we ventured outside to look at the baby sea turtles. These precious babies are beyond adorable.

Dinner was amazing. We ate a family style restaurant that serves barbecue. If you ever find yourself at Atlantis, do yourself a favor and try Virgil’s Mac and Cheese. It’s amazeballs. Of course good food and good drinks help (would also recommend the watermelon margarita,) but a good dinner is made by the company in which you eat.

Tonight it was fun reconnecting in person with all of the Kennedy clan. We had a blast tonight at dinner and hanging out in the suite afterward. Now it’s time for be because we’ve simply exhausted ourselves.

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T-Minus One Day

It’s t-minus one day until spring break starts and we head to the Bahamas. I haven’t been to Nassau in over 20 years, so it will be fun to be back. I’m sure the scenery will evoke many great memories from my first Bahamas trip. Moreover, it will be a great time for us all to decompress after all the stress of the last month.

It will be curious to see how badly the boys can provoke each other during our short flight and drive to the Atlantis resort. Goalielocks has been to Atlantis before and had a wonderful time. This will be the first time there for both the hubby and the Mayor.

Unfortunately, the hubby isn’t gonna be able to stay for our entire trip, but he’ll at least get some time away from home. Sadly, Jake won’t be able to make it all due to his schedule. Meanwhile, tomorrow I’m headed to my dear friend CO’s for a night of Lilly Pulitzer dress and birthday celebration. One simply can’t go to the Bahamas without a few amazing Lilly dresses. (I know what you’re thinking and you’re right, my logic here is airtight!)

Tonight we’re relaxing at home catching up on season 2 of Victoria. Our younger boys are spending their evening with Uncle Jon at the Panthers game. Last I checked the Panthers were winning and I’m sure the bots as enjoying the all you eat option in the Corona Club. I’m off to pack for our trip, wishing everyone an amazeballs Friday!

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Captivating

There’s something absolutely captivating about waves as they break and roll on shore. We sat for hours yesterday on a beautiful veranda overlooking Fort Lauderdale Beach. The palm trees, the beautiful blue sky and tropical waters reminded me of how lucky we are to live here (especially in March.)

The beautiful thing about the ocean is it reminds you of how big and beautiful the world really is. It’s an easy place to find peace both from within and externally. Sadly, we get to the beach quite infrequently due to our crazy schedule. Vitamin Sea, as they say, does the body, mind and spirit a whole lot of good. The sun, on the other hand, burnt me to a crisp.

Needless to say, I’m really looking forward to our beach vacation this coming week. I cannot wait to enjoy the beautiful waters of the Bahamas. Our boys, who love being on the water are convinced we need a 30+ foot sailboat. Apparently, the sun got to them. In all likelihood, they probably confused our bank account with someone who’s kids don’t play hockey.

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Sunday Funday

After months of endless hockey weekends, it was a Sunday funday for us down in Fort Lauderdale. We started our day off with a mimosa filled breakfast at the Pelican Grand. It was absolutely delicious and you couldn’t find a better view if you tried. We had several mimosas and killed a bottle of prosecco.

Post breakfast the kids headed to the beach and we polished off the wine and paid the bill. The Pelican Grand has an awesome veranda with super nice chairs where you can face the ocean and continue to drink. After breakfast, I switched to water since my stomach is still not super fantastic. The view is absolutely incredible.

One of my friends lives near the Pelican Grand, so she decides to walk over with her puppy. In anticipation of meeting WL, I headed down to the beach to see what he kids were doing. Fortunately, there were no rip currents at our beach and good waves for the kids to play in. Frankly, the water is too cold to swim in, but I might be spoiled.

Goalielocks and I started to meander down the beach in anticipation of meeting up with WL & E. I should say that the weather was absolutely amazing today. We met up with WL & E, which was fun. My boys loved meeting both of them, but especially that precious puppy E.

Afterwards we headed back to the resort, I went back to my seat while the kids headed to the lazy river. The resort has a great pool and lazy river. All of our kids, had a blast in the lazy river while we hung out on the veranda. Honestly, it was the perfect way to spend first Sunday after hockey season.

We finished out our day in Lauderdale by heading back to the marina, so the kids could fish. Unfortunately, there was no bait. This didn’t, however, stop the boys. They started catching their own bait, cutting it up and rigging their poles. We watched from the comfort of RL’s awesome sailboat. Now we’re back home, a bit burnt, and tired, but feeling relaxed and happy after a wonderful day.

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Sleepy Saturday night

It was a welcomed and overdue sleepy Saturday for the first time since August. We did nothing today, but relax, grocery shop and put a dent in the laundry. It couldn’t have been a better day for it as the afternoon and evening hours were cool and rainy.

The Mayor and Hubby went down to Fort Lauderdale to fish and hangout on our friends’ sailboat. It’s a tough life. I wasn’t feeling 100% and desperately needed to get the grocery shopping and laundry done, so I stayed North. Not to worry, however, as I’ll be headed down that way tomorrow morning to collect the Mayor and enjoy a nice brunch.

Goalielocks and I hit up Kohl’s before hitting up the aquarium store. We picked up a new led light for the coral tank. Of course, it would have been foolish to think I could get out of there with just the light. We picked up another snail and a coral frag. Suddenly, we have a real nano coral tank going on. Goalielocks has done a phenomenal job setting up and managing the tank.

While Goalielocks worked to acclimate our tank’s new inhabitants, the Mayor was busy fishing up a storm in Lauderdale. After fishing they enjoyed a nice dinner inclusive of mermaids, king crab and stone crab. Meanwhile back home, we enjoyed a tasty frozen pizza. Based on the pictures and videos, it would appear he and his buddies are having an amazing time. We’re heading to bed early since we’ll be losing an hour of sleep tonight and we’re heading to an early brunch in Fort Lauderdale. Have a wonderful evening!

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It’s Over

After countless dollars spent, countless miles travelled and more fun than one could possibly imagine it’s over. It’s a strange feeling after the final handshake. It’s one of sadness, relief, pride and exhaustion.

After months and months of hard-work, both boys seasons ended this morning at the hands of the Jr. Everblades. On the West Coast, it was obvious early on that this would be our last game. We just didn’t have the puck luck we needed and got no favorable bounces.

These boys worked incredibly hard this weekend and I couldn’t have been prouder. While Goalielocks was dressed, he didn’t play this weekend. He wanted to be dressed, but truly it was too early to return. It’s not worth the risk of compounding his concussion with another. Nevertheless, it was important for him to be there to support his team. It wasn’t the best season for him, so I was incredibly proud of his commitment to his squad and to being there for them.

Meanwhile on the East Coast, the Mayor’s team had a 2-1 lead going into the third. Some bad luck and horrifically bad calls swung the momentum the other way. Ultimately, the JEB peewee squad emerged victorious eliminating our squad from the tourney. The kids had a phenomenal weekend and played incredibly well together.

The drive home from the West coast was uneventful and traffic was flowing nicely on Alligator Alley. No sooner had I gotten home, when we had to leave for the Mayor’s end of season party. After being gone all weekend, I was hesitant to go, but I’m glad I did.

We had a fabulous time at J&J’s tonight with the team. I’m so glad I decided to go instead of doing laundry and grocery shopping! The Mayor’s team this year will go down as one of our favorites. The kids, coaches and families were absolutely fantastic. Now it’s on the spring hockey, which starts tomorrow… Although we’ll be giving Goalielocks the week off to ensure he’s fully recovered before hitting the ice.

As for me, I’m relaxing in the wonderful silky fabric that is my yoga silk. It’s an incredible place to relax, center and wind down before heading to bed. After an insane weekend, I’m heading to bed early tonight.

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Made It Home

We made it home from Boston and I couldn’t be more grateful. Yesterday it looked like we were going to be in Bean Town thru Thursday! If I’m being honest, even though I was stoked he was cleared to fly, I was still very nervous.

This anxiety of course carried into both flights, but the first one especially. I could see him wincing in pain as we took off from Boston. At that point, he finally acquiesced and took a Tylenol. Meanwhile, I was a mess the whole flight.

I’m incredibly grateful to the great Delta flight attendants that brokered a seat swap, so I could sit next to him. In addition, to the seat swap, they gave him free earbuds and some nice treats from first class. They also checked on him quite regularly. I’m so thankful for them!

We made it home and he’s fast asleep. As expected, the flight made his headache somewhat worse. Fortunately, it seems the nausea has improved. He’s hoping to get back to school tomorrow, but it will really depend on how he’s feeling in the morning.

Expectedly, we’re both completely exhausted physically, emotionally and mentally. I haven’t quite processed the last 48 hours fully, but I’m sure in the coming days I’ll work through it. Plus, now I’m back home so I can go in my yoga silk and unwind. Thanks for all the support and your continued prayers and well wishes.

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Hazards Of Hockey

Oh the hazards of hockey. For us hockey parents we’re acutely aware of these hazards, but for the uninitiated it can be a bit scary. There are, of course, several different types of hazards ranging from financial to physical. It definitely takes a little bit of courage and craziness to be a hockey parent.

Unfortunately, today we were again reminded of the hazards of hockey. Late in the third period, Goalielocks was plowed into by one of their players. I’ve seen a lot of collisions in the crease, but this one was especially nasty. I knew immediately his game was over and probably his tournament.

Both boys were having trouble sitting up, so Coach P was supporting Goalielocks, while the ref supported the other player. From my vantage point, I could tell both players were completely out of it. Consequently, the coaches helped both players off the ice to the bench.

Once on the bench, they decided to send Goalielocks off as he was dizzy. When he got off the ice, he was out of it. Even though he was out of it, he was disappointed his game was over. Fortunately, he passed the baseline concussion tests. His pupils looked good, he knew where he was, where he’s from and the day of the week, so I was encouraged.

Post-game the coach at Merrimack College gave the boys a tour of their facilities. Our boys, Goalielocks included, really enjoyed the tour. Meanwhile, the parents appreciated how the coach explained the academic requirements for a division one athlete. Hopefully, this will motivate our boys to focus on their studies.

As we left the rink, I had planned to take a wait and see approach to the head injury. However, after our trip to Chic Fil-A, I knew I’d have to get him checked out. He placed his order, I paid and then ran to the restroom while they made our food. When I got back to the counter, he asked me if I had ordered the drink. He had completely forgotten that he ordered himself a Dr. Pepper.

Consequently, we ended up in an urgent care center. Goalielocks was reticent to go as he didn’t want to be told he couldn’t play. In the end, it was, as I thought, a minor concussion. He’ll be out for at least a week, but we’ll need to follow up with his pediatrician once back in Florida. He’s pretty bummed as he played well this morning and was looking forward to his next game.

Nonetheless, it could have been much worse given the severity of the collision. So tonight instead of heading to the rink, we’re chilling in the room enjoying our room service.

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New England Weekend

We left balmy, beautiful South Florida for a New England weekend full of hockey. After yesterday’s events this is the perfect distraction for our boys. Fortunately, we had several of Goalielocks’ teammates on our flight into Boston.

I seem to remember the flight being shorter, but it seemed quite long. Consequently, I made good use of my time by watching Bad Moms 2 and Loving Vincent. Bad Moms 2 wasn’t nearly as good as the first one, but it was still funny.

On the other hand, Loving Vincent was absolutely masterful. It tells the story of the aftermath of Van Gogh’s life and death via the characters in his paintings through the paintings. Not only does it tell the story brilliantly, but it does so by animating his paintings in glorious fashion. I was completely transfixed on the film and can’t recommend it ugly enough.

Unfortunately, once we landed in Boston the hard work started for me. There’s a lot of freaking traffic from Boston all the way to New Hampshire! Whiskey tango foxtrot! We spent an hour and a half driving from the airport to the hotel. We’re entirely and completely exhausted!

Before settling in for the night we enjoyed a great dinner at the Pig’s Tail. We split poutine and eggplant with our friends. For the main course, we enjoyed flat iron steak and pizza. Now we’re off the bed as we are beyond tired.

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Hockey Weekend in Georgia

My Mayor and the Hubby got back today from their magical hockey weekend in Georgia. While I usually go on the out of state tournaments, since I’m going to Boston this week, I had to pass up on the trip.  Fortunately, it was a great opportunity for the Hubby and My Mayor to spend some quality time together.  And by quality time I do mean a 9.5 hour commute each way.  At least, they had Coach P and the Mayor’s teammate Nino to keep them company on the drive.

The actual tournament was outdoors on the University of Georgia campus in Athen, Georgia.  Yes you read that right it was an outdoor tournament in Athens, GA.  The rink itself is covered with a roof, but is otherwise in the elements.  I watched some of the games via Facebook live when it didn’t conflict with Goalielocks’ game.

Fortunately, I was able to catch the entirety of their Saturday night game via Facebook live.  Well sort of….  Unfortunately, the fog was unbelievably thick.  You couldn’t see anything outside of the neutral zone.  In fact, I’m not even sure that there were goalies out there.   As I watched the game unfold my imagination was running wild with the silliest ideas one could conjure.   The fog was so thick aliens or swamp monster could have kidnapped either goalie and nobody would have been the wiser.

Truly, it was an incredible sight.  Since they don’t check at peewee, the risk for injury was small.  If it was Goalielocks’ team in a hitting league, the game would not have gone forward.  It simply would have been too dangerous.   Amazingly, the fog made for some incredibly cool photos, which I’ll share here.

I just asked the Mayor was his favorite part of the trip was, aside from their visit to a strip club, and his response was priceless.  He responded “I don’t remember yet what my favorite part was.”  As soon as he remember his favorite parts of the trip, I’ll certainly share them with you. Meanwhile, the Hubby’s favorite part was seeing the state of Georgia, exploring Athens and the UGA campus.

Tonight’s song performed by one of Athens, Georgia’s own R.E.M is “Man On The Moon.”

Conjure