We started out in Queens visiting Nicole and Darrell. Nicole treated us to a lovely dinner on the waterfront and a visit to a great park along the East River. Unfortunately we left our camera at home, so we weren't able to take any pictures. After a hearty breakfast prepared by Darrell the next morning, we headed to Long Island to hang out, watch Michaela, do a little painting and just have a nice time. Again, no camera, but we did borrow one from Lexi, who posted some pictures on her blog. As usual, we were thoroughly entertained by the Long Island crew and had a great visit.
Next stop - Aruba. Jeff drove us to LaGuardia in the wee hours of the morning to catch our flight. Carly and Tiffany arranged for us to fly first class with them - not a bad way to travel! We finally got a new camera after driving a hard bargain at a little store in Orangestad a few days after our arrival, so here's a few snippets about our trip.
It it rains in Aruba, it's only for 5 to 10 minutes. Here's a double rainbow we spotted from our balcony after a rare and brief rain shower.
A favorite place to hang out - under the palapa on the beach.
Our hotel sponsored an "Iron Chef" contest - and with our competitive natures, we had to enter. We ended up with two teams - Carly, Jen, Anne and Jim versus Tiffany and Barb.
Tiffany and Barb working furiously on their entry - the must use ingredient - cheese.
Jen showcases her team's entry - An island twist on a caprese salad.
Tom ignores the cooking chaos around him.
Here's a photo op as we await the elevator with our fabulous entries.
Anne and Carly hold their breath - awaiting the judges decision.
Team Carly, Anne, Jim and Jen take first place, beating Team Tiff and Barb - by 2 points! (Did we mention we were the only entries?)
A theme of the week was - who could catch a fish for dinner? Tiffany and Tom orchestrated the last opportunity - a fishing excursion on Friday afternoon.
Here's our intrepid fisherpeople waiting to sail(with the Captain's girlfriend.)
What? No fish yet and you'll be another hour and a half?
More mojitoes!
Did you spot the boat?
Catch anything? (Ask Carly and Jen about the trigger fish!)
Island Wild Life
Want ketchup with that fry?
Back in New York, the activity was heating up for Michaela's 3rd birthday party.
The birthday girl blows up a balloon to help decorate.
Here she is in her lovely "princess" dress.
Jeff, Lexi and Princess Michaela
Michaela hanging out with Granddad in her new tent
After another fun-filled visit with the Long Island gang, we headed home, only to have Jim turn around a few days later to travel to Watkins Glen for his first ever Nascar race.
The Watkins Glen race has been an annual event with Dennis Kurtz and Jeff for many years - and Jim had a great time. Would you believe he's actually started watching Nascar races on TV?
What a summer!
