Off the grid

The Gergi have just returned from 6 days in Martha's Vineyard. While you always wish for a longer vacation, I'm happy to say the Vineyard worked it's magic and rejuvenated us in that time. Since the girls had this week off from school, it seemed like the perfect time to go. However, it was hard (for me) not to have had a day off since April! In the years past, we typically would make it up to MV at least 4 times between Memorial Day and Labor Day for long weekends. As the kids are getting older, we're realizing that may transition to one or two longer visits. 

The Vineyard is a special place. It's an island, and it can be a challenge to get there but once there, you truly feel like you are off the grid. Add to that, our family house is on Chappaquiddick, the small island off the main island. There is lots of privacy - it's quiet, serene and just beautiful. In addition, we do not get great phone service, so we are forced to disconnect a bit. I honestly didn't know anything about MV before working at Vineyard Vines, and then dating Brian. All these small little towns, that are unique and charming in their own way, make up this very beautiful little island. 

If you've never been, I've pulled some photos for you to see what it's like. Here is a map of the island:

This is the "ferry" that we have to take from the main island, over to Chappaquiddick. There aren't any restaurants, stores, etc. on Chappy. So, for coffee, restaurants, shopping and the grocery, you have to take this ferry to and from!

                   This is a picture I took of the Edgartown Harbor while I was waiting for the ferry. 

Our private beach, just a short walk from the house on Chappy:

The view from the docks in town

Some beautiful pictures of Edgartown:

After two crazy flights with the little ones earlier this year, and then an interesting experience with Brian and I traveling separately with one child over the 4th, I'm happy to say this was a big improvement :) We had a fairly easy drive up on Tuesday, and our ferry ride was a breeze. Today, was a bit busier and more frazzled, but still the girls did great - phew. I'm hoping we might be over that hump. In between those two outings, was so much fun. We crammed a lot into every day, but still managed to squeeze in naps and decent bedtimes. The first day we went to the beach, the second day we spent at the fair, then Brian had a golf outing, and I had some mommy time, we had a great date night, a birthday celebration and one night we went out with friends. It was a blast!! Oh, and I should mention that Madelyn came down with Strep the day  before we left, and Anna developed it while we're gone - never a dull moment, right? ;) Oh well, some medicine and a little rest and we still made the best of it. 

Here is a picture of the girls from last year and Anna's first visit to the beach:

This year, they had SO much fun entertaining each other and playing non-stop

Pics from the fair: (M wasn't into any of the rides, but she was obsessed with the slide!)

Breakfast on the pier watching the boats and people fishing:

A (little blurry) night out with friends :)

Perfect beach day! (and "day" = the 2.5 hours we lasted)

Birthday celebrations for Mommy

Cloudy afternoon fishing adventure:

 Her first time fishing, and she caught one!

I am so thankful for this time together as a family. Our little unit is my world, and getting to just be with them, is so special. I cherish that time, and I'm already looking forward to the next trip! Hope you had a great weekend, soaking up the last bit of summer!

turn, turn, turn

Although there are still plenty of weeks left to the summer, with the girls last day of school tomorrow, it definitely feels like the end of the season. I've had this Byrds song in my head all day

To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven...

 

We found our school 3 years ago on fairly short notice. We didn't have the opportunity to look at 4+ schools before comparing everything and making a decision. However, it was the first big decision in parenthood that we came to very quickly, by following our instincts. From our first visit to the school, we felt comfortable. Then, from Madelyn's first few months there, we patted ourselves on the back, because we were very confident and pleased with our decision. Tomorrow, we'll pick the girls up from their school for the last time, and I'm an emotional wreck.

 

Since, I started my new job in April, we've had a difficult time making it to school by their closing time for pick ups. We are very lucky that my mom and sister, help out a ton. But 2 years after moving south from Fairfield, to avoid spending hours in commuter traffic, we were faced with it again. My old job was very close to the school, so even though we'd moved and I'd changed jobs once, the school was conveniently located. Now, I was back to driving at least 45 mins to 1 hour at the end of the day just to pick up her, before getting Anna. I leave work at 4:30pm, and we typically get home around 6pm.

 

I think I was the first to bring up moving the girls to schools in town... but we quickly got overwhelmed at the idea of researching new schools, and ultimately making that big change, so we didn't discuss it further. Then after a few tough weeks of commuting and being late for pick ups, we talked about it again. I agreed to take on all the research and the tours and see what was out there. In our area, there are not very many options of full day programs. To us, and for our family, a full day program is the best. I did my homework, we found 2 new schools... and then we just waited because we couldn't bite the bullet.

 

Then, I sat at work and (literally) bawled my eyes out, as I wrote to the school and said that the girls wouldn't be returning in the fall. They were great, and I'm sure it happens all the time... but it was certainly a big deal to us. Madelyn has spent 45 hours a week, for the last 3 years with her friends and all of her teachers at her beloved school. At such a young, vulnerable age, that's significant. Also, for our little sweetheart who is emotional, sensitive, caring and shy, it's a big deal. She's raved about school and is happy and giggly, every single day. The amount of gratitude I have for the school, the teachers, and her friends for taking care of my baby while I work full time, is immeasurable.

 

We've tried very hard to speak positively about the school change, and create excitement about the move. We've visited the new schools and made a few new friends, but I'm still terrified. Just yesterday, Madelyn collapsed in my arms, crying because she didn't want to leave her school and go to a new school. I could feel her sadness, and I immediately teared up. I pray that we've made the right decision, and that this change will be a good one for us. My hope is that it'll allow for more time together in the mornings and evenings, and a little less stress for Mom and Dad. Most importantly, I hope my sweet girl makes new friends, has fun while learning and continues to be happy and giggly, each night when we get home. Truthfully, if I can't spend my days with my kiddos, then the next best thing, has to be really great :)

In between tomorrow's last day, and the first day at their new schools, is our V A C A T I O N! I cannot wait and it feels like perfect timing! The coming weeks might be a bit of a challenge as we transition, but I think I'll just keep singing this song, and reminding myself - "And a time to every purpose, under heaven..."