On Cottages, New Love and Being Grateful

The Reds and I have just returned from a Lake Erie cottage, having spent the week being spoiled rotten by friends-who-are-like-family.

I left my camera there, which is sad because I got some truly amazing shots of the boys in the pool. They're still awake upstairs, which is also sad, because I am exhausted, but I am glad to be home, so am pretending not to notice.

We had the time of our lives: eating, laughing, swimming, drinking, repeat.

To sum up:

Dear Inventor of Water-Wings,

God bless you, you-who-are-clearly-a-parent. The Reds had a blast, hurling themselves into the deep end, learning to hold their breath underwater and proudly sporting their brand-new goggles and flutter boards. I enjoyed paddling about without a flailing bodies climbing onto to my head in a panic.

Happy Paddling,
A Grateful Mother


Dear Smirnoff,

Bought coolers for the first time in 20 years a long time. Was delighted to find "Blueberry Lemonade Vodka" coolers. 

Was not AS delighted to drink one.

Perhaps you might consider renaming the drink, "Blueberry Muffin Mix-Mosquito Repellent-Purple 'Thrills' Gum", for that is exactly how it tasted.

Sincerely,
"Pina Colada Vodka Mudshake" Lover


Dear Baileys,

You know how much I  love you. But I have also found myself spending a great deal of time with "Pina Colada Vodka Mudshakes." I wish I could say I feel guilty, but they're far too yummy for that.

I hope you're OK with that.

Love,
Me

Dear Matthew and Luke,

Thank you for not fighting (much), for surviving 10 hours of driving cheerfully and without peeing in your car seat (Luke). Thanks for great manners, snuggles at dawn, laughing so hard, swimming so happily and for at least trying new foods (Matthew). You make me very proud.

Every day, you bring me great joy. Thank you, especially, for that.

Love,
Mummy


Dear Telfords,

You are wonderful, wonderful friends and consummate hosts. Thanks for great food, awesome drinks, soft beds, Fruit Loops for my gobsmacked "Mummy-only-let's-us-have-Cheerios" kids and for letting me sleep in EVERY morning.

Thank you for sage advice, chatting until dawn, not freaking out when my son (who-shall-remain-nameless-but-might-be-called-Luke) peed on the brand-new couch and for making each moment relaxing and easy.

Love,
Belly and the Reds