Wordless Wednesday

Part-Time Contributor Kelly

First Day of School

My Wedding

My 7 year old nephew is obsessed with my wedding. Trouble is...I'm not getting married. I don't even have a boyfriend. He has just decided that it's time for me to get married and have kids. He worries a lot about it. In fact, here are a couple of  tidbits that I've heard from him in the last few days:

Brennan: "Auntie Laura, when you get married what will we have to call your husband?"
Me: "I don't know bud. I guess you'd call him Uncle whatever."
Brennan: "Oh. Okay"

And today:

Brennan: "Auntie Laura, when you get married don't invite us."
Me: "Why not?"
Brennan: "Because kids probably aren't allowed at the place. But if they are, I'm going to bring Terrance and Sweet Terrance (his stuffed animals). I'll go to Build A Bear and get them tuxedos to wear.


So there you have it. Apparently I'm getting married. And I'll have a couple of stuffed turtles as guests. I'm so glad he has everything planned out for me.

Grampy Jokes

My dad must have learned some new cool jokes this weekend, you know, from one of his super old cool friends. This friend must have gotten them from a joke book for four year olds.

When he told them, he was laughing so hard that he could barely get them out. I kid you not.

Here they are:

• What did the mountain climber name his son? 
• Cliff
• What did the hamburger chef name his daughter?
• Patty
• What did the lawyer name his daughter?
• Sue
• Why do fluorescent lights hum?
• Because they don't know the words. 

Clearly he needs some new hobbies. 

Maui Jim Sunglasses: A Review

I got my first pair of Maui Jim sunglasses recently. I have to say...they're FABULOUS! If being in love with your sunglasses is wrong, then I don't want to be right. 

Since I work for an optometrist I know the importance of wearing a good sunglass. You want something that blocks out the UV rays that can damage your eyes. Prolonged, unprotected exposure can cause premature cataracts and macular degeneration. Not fun. 




Here's what MJ has to say about their lenses:


The difference is impossible to miss. Put on a pair of Maui Jims and, instantly, glare is gone. UV that can damage eyes, gone. The world's true colors come shining through like never before. Bolder. Richer. Crisper. With more contrast and clarity. That's patented, color-infused PolarizedPlus2 Lens Technology at work in an optically correct, distortion-free lens. 

The pair that I have are called Baby Beach. They come in gold, silver and black. I chose gold because it matches my hair (they didn't have grey, that might have matched better). I've had other people try them on and they literally look good on everyone. Young and old. My 74 year old father and my 7 year old nephew both look great in them. 

"Are they expensive?" you ask. Why yes, they are.  "Are they worth it?" you ask. Hell, yes. They're worth every penny. Sunglasses are not just a fashion statement, they're also protecting your eyes. Plus, lots of people see you in them, so you want to look cool. 

Here are some friends and family that tried on the Baby Beach. I had a hard time getting them back from some of them.  

So stop wearing those $4 sunglasses from CVS and invest in a good pair of sunglasses. You totally deserve it! 

Mahalo

Disclosure: My wicked awesome Maui rep gave me a pair of Baby Beach. After I begged. And pleaded. All opinions are 100% my own. My opinions can't be bought yo.  

Happy Birthday Brennan!

In honor of my nephews 7th birthday today, I give you The Letter:

Dear Brennan,

I find it impossible to believe that you're seven years old today. Where did the time go? It seems like this was just yesterday:

We were all surprised when you were born with red hair. It's a good thing Mom and Dad gave you Grampy's name for your middle name. He was a redhead too (when he had hair!).

You're an inquisitive child, often asking Mom or Dad a math question when you first wake up in the morning, "Mom, what's 100 plus 100 minus 10?" This is before they even opens their eyes.

You like being outside with the kids but you prefer being inside and playing by yourself. You're very happy with some quality alone time.

Sometimes you have trouble listening and following the rules. It often gets you in hot water at home.

You're completely fearless in some things and cautious in others.

You are an amazing sharer, often giving the other person the bigger half. Even if it's chocolate.

Speaking of chocolate, it's your very favorite thing. You're the only 7 year old that I know who prefers dark chocolate.

You're a very picky eater, though you love fruit and veggies. No protein for you, not even peanut butter.

Making people laugh is something you do well. You often get Harry in fits of giggles.

Your mom is your favorite person in the whole wide world.

Here are a few more of your likes and dislikes at the ripe old age of seven:

You like:

• Reading
• Video/computer games
• Annoying your sister
• Your dogs
• Turtles
• Harry
• Swimming
• Broccoli 
• All of your stuffed animals

You dislike:

• Homework
• Brushing your teeth
• Band-aids
• Bedtime 

You unabashedly hold my hand in public places. 

You often put other peoples happiness in front of your own. It melts my heart a little when I see it. 

Since you graced us with your presence seven years ago, nothing has been the same. You've brought our family joy, laughter, frustration, worry and lots of love. It's an honor for me to spend time with you and watch you grow. You're an outstanding child and I love you more than I could ever express. You make me proud to be your Auntie Laura. 

Happy Birthday Bud. 

xo,

Auntie Laura 

Sky Zone: A Review

Last week I took my niece and nephews to an indoor trampoline park called Sky Zone. It was a day that was really hot, so I was looking for something to do inside.

I made a reservation online for a time in the afternoon. I had my sister (their mom) fill out the waiver online. Everything was all set when we got there.

When we arrived they asked us our shoe size and gave us these special shoes for jumping. Snazzy!

When we got on the court there was a long net separating the area with the adults/bigs kids from the little kids.

 There were three "court monitors" who made sure everyone followed the rules and stayed safe.

The prices are reasonable. To jump for 30 minutes is just $8. Jumping for an hour will cost you $12. The kids had a great time! I was a little apprehensive to get out there and jump myself. Most of the other adults just sat at the tables and watched their kids. It took me a few minutes to get the courage to get out there. I was afraid of all the jiggling that would occur. There was a little jiggling going on, but I embraced it as I jumped my heart out. I had a blast!

We went to the Sky Zone in Boston. It was actually in Hyde Park. It was very easy to get to. The facility was clean and organized and the employees were very nice and helpful. I would highly recommend going for a fun outing.

There is a completely separate jumping area for toddlers under 40 inches and an area for dodge ball. 

If you go, remember to bring:

• Socks!
• Camera (They have lockers to hold your personal items. Most cost 50 cents)
• Water

Have a blast!

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 

Cooking with Loopy: Berries in a Bowl

I brought this to a couple of cookout/parties this weekend. I got so many ooohhh's and aaahhh's that I thought I'd share the recipe with you.

1. Get in your car and drive to the store 
2. Buy a bunch of different kinds of berries
3. Drive home
4. Wash berries
5. Put them in a bowl
6. Cut strawberries and arrange in an eye-pleasing way around the edge of the bowl
7. Bring to cookout/party
8. Sit back and soak in all the praise you're sure to receive

Enjoy!