Friday, August 31, 2012

Lake Martin 2012...Part 2

Back to the lake!  This time, we brought the folks out to spend some time with us, along with Tommy & Barbara Carroll.  Papa loves that hat and we love taking pictures of him with it on.  Fishing was the main activity on our return trip to the lake.  Zach caught some really big ones!  Olivia loved to take care of the fish after they were caught.
Tommy and Dad worked to repair some items while they were visiting.  Ah, how nice it is to have them around to help out.  New mulch, cut trees, repaired walls.  
My little fishermen
Jen, Mom and Barbara
Serious discussions and hunting for fish
Barbara and I got a little exercise on the canoe.  I love this canoe...and our boat:-)
Jen, Dad and Mom
Kobe took to Tommy and decided he was the best bet to sit with on the boat.
Meanwhile, Dad decided to ride the innertube.....as it was ON the boat.  Funny guy! I think he took a nap on the way home.
The crew
Man, we had a good time together.  I finally made them go on a boat ride before they left, and I can never hide my smile while on the water.
Zach's first BIG catch...look at that monster fish!
Cowabunga!  It's time for some dock jumping and swimming.
After mom and dad left, the Plummer's arrived.  Look how everyone has grown.  They are so happy to see each other.  Brady & Parker.  I was nursing Pink Eye, Olivia as well and then Liz ended up with a severe stomach virus and left a bit early.  Luckily, no one else suffered our ailments.  SO LUCKY!
The Aqua Lily again....all week long
Amy & Liz relaxing on the dock 'of the cove'
So happy to see my girlfriends....may this always be a yearly tradition.  Five years and counting.
This year, since everyone has grown up so much, they kids can take the canoe out by themselves.  Wow, they are growing up!
Jen and Dave...in our happy place!
Look at these cuties!  So happy to be together.
Clare and Jen...I'm happy they love the lake!
And now the show will begin!  Crazy boys and Zach finally rode it.
Our last day at the lake 2012.  The Plummer's helped us bring it to an end.  We floated in the 'deep' cove and swam, dove, cannon balled to celebrate.  Kobe even got in on the action.
At the boat ramp to pack her up.  This may be the last time our Cobalt sees Lake Martin....you never know.

On the road to Atlanta to drop off a rental car and head North for the winter.
The Atlanta skyline never gets old...
A set of new tires for the trailer in North Carolina helped up hurry the trip up.
We are officially back in New Jersey!!  Yay.  Diane's pool was nice and welcoming, so we spent a few of our last days of summer at her house.
A little car wash, a little candy and a 'Crap'ichno!  Happy Kids.
Tom fell in love with the bunny.
Luke, Tom and the kids
Nothing wrong with a little hot tub action:-)

























Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Pebble Beach, CA and Jaguar Playboy Party

My annual work trip with Dave to Pebble Beach, CA was not a typical one this year.  Jaguar's presence last year was nothing like this year.  They threw the party of all parties....with Playboy as a co-host.  I love to go to Pebble to take a little break from our summer break and....kids:-)  I didn't get much of a break this time around.  Not complaining one bit, though...  I got a workout, hot tub time and a massage, but as soon as the festivities started, it was no holds barred.
Friday night's party was at a beautiful home overlooking Carmel-by-the-Sea and the ocean.  Celebrities included Christina Hendricks, Wyclef Jean, Billy Duff from the Cult, Adrien Brody, and Adam Corolla.  It was a grand party with three playboy playmates and Cooper Hefner representing Playboy (he's only 20).  We partied until the house closed, then moved to our hotel lobby until 3 am.  Whew, what a night.  The playmates are a lot of fun and extremely nice.  I love the picture with me and Christina....very shy lady.
Dave and I had our driver (L.A.P.D off duty officer) drives us for some quiet shopping the next day.  We needed time to regroup.  Carmel-by-the-Sea and sushi for lunch helped jump start us.
Dinner for Journalist the following night....tired, but hanging in there.  Prior, Jaguar L.A. dealer hosted a beach Happy Hour.  Beautiful sunset happy hour in the sand with tiki huts.
Sunday at the actual Concours.  The theme this year was Maharaja automobiles...with a swan motif.  Very interesting.  Mr. Tata attended this year.  Above, Andy Goss receiving an award.
Walking the course.....
Dave flew back to New Jersey, I flew back to Atlanta and ah, was the Atlanta skyline a sight for sore eyes.  I never get tired of this view.  I flew in at night, had to wait on a emergency on the plane...lady was taken off, then witnessed a car accident on my way to Amy Plummer's house.  I was ready for bed, but also ready to see Amy.  Pink eye took over as I slept.  I had to visit a Doc in the Box in Villa Rica to get the Pink Eye and swollen lymph node under control.  Everyone was safe except for Olivia...she touched the iPad before I could clean it.  Poor thing.  Regardless, it was nice to see some of my Atlanta chicks on my brief stint in Atlanta.  I popped in to see lots of neighbors too.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Atlanta & Lake Martin 2012...Part 1

Our summer was truly blessed by being able to "come South for the Summer".  We have traveled all over, lands near and far so far this summer, but this....this trip to Atlanta and eventually to Lake Martin, our home away from home, was what we were all looking forward to.  We took off from Wyckoff, NJ on August 2nd, arriving on August 3rd to Karen and Mike's house in Suwannee.  Kobe made the trip with us and, after leaving him most of the summer, there was no way he was missing out on the LAKE!  All in all, the drive, all by myself as Dave had to work, was easy.  The scenery alone helped me along and I my body clock was still on Pacific time.  I could have made it in one day, but decided to stop over outside of Charlotte because Kobe probably needed a break.  The kids did summer school work, watched movies (thank you new Range Rover) and played a bit.  I packed a cooler with healthy treats, so we had to stop very little...just for gas and restroom breaks :-)  It was hard to settle the kids after we got to the 'motel' room, one that would accept dogs.  The kids were wired.  I was tired.  Not a good mix.  I promised to let them watch the Olympics if they could calm down, but no, that did not happen.  I could have used a glass of wine after that one!  The next morning, we were up and out!  On our way to see Gavin!  Yippee!
Lucky for us, Uncle Mike and Karen were more than ready to see us too.  It was time to party!  We spent the evening by the pool, catching up, kids making a mess, doing what they do best :-)  We were having so much fun, we forgot about dinner - that's a big surprise if you know the White sisters.  

Of course, no visit is complete without some blood.  Gavin and Zach helped us out in that area.  A Hot Wheel to the head, split open, blood all over him and a nice big goose egg with a scar to boot, and that is how it is done.  
We spent Friday - Sunday at The Smith's and took off for Smyrna to meet up with the McCurry's and make our way to Lake Martin.  I was introduced to Ebony & Ivory BBQ in Smyrna.  Oh, I'm so glad I was....mmmm!  

We took Garrett & Christina with us, as Michelle had just returned from Thailand and was a bit jet lagged.  The old neighborhood kids were so happy to be together once again.  They fall right back into it, don't they?!  And look, our BOAT!  I've missed you so much.  Many good times have been had on this beauty. 

Oakridge Estate's gang 2012
Olivia and the girls found the rich, beautiful Alabama red clay.  And what did they do? Well, many pots and pieces of art were made over the next couple of days.  The clay somehow made it's way to the dock....feet print all the way, and what a mess!

Amy Orrico let us borrow her raft, so off we went with kids laughing all the way.  I rode it several times myself...will get to that later.  These kids loved it, but Olivia and Zach wouldn't try it one time.  They really missed out, because it was FUN!
The kids and I saw a double rainbow on our way back from Tiger Town (and a quick trip to Dollar General for a toy).  As Olivia bought a fake rat, the clerk said, "girl, you weird!"  Ah, welcome back to Alabama.
My master fishermen/women were back at it in full force this August.  I believe this was the first catch. The subsequent ones were the big daddy catfish.   Zach doesn't mess around with his fishing.  I love the smiles on their faces....  Guess who else had a smile on his face?  Our dear Kobe was his true, free spirited self at the lake.  He was in the water much more, explored and slept to his heart's content.  What a good boy, especially after enduring all the "love" from the McCurry girls.  That's a lot of love:-)
Happy Birthday to Michelle!  She made it to the lake in time to celebrate her birthday.  Jill, Michelle and I had the best day hanging out at the Ridge Beach Club, sipping margaritas and watching our happy kiddos play.  It was truly a wonderful day with friends.  Plus, the boat didn't break down this time... ha.
These boys felt they had to pee off of the dock...together.  They are pretty impressed with themselves.  Even Jake.  The girls, eh, not impressed so much!
Happy Birthday, Michelle
Our big kids taking the canoe by themselves this year.  My, how everyone has grown up.  Memories we will cherish.  Jenna, Christina and Carly

After Jill headed home, Michelle and her kids stayed for a couple of days.  The culmination was a skinny dipping party, in broad daylight.  Mind you, only the kids participated.  It was hilarious seeing these soon to be 9 year, 7 year, 5 and 3 year olds streaking, swimming, laughing!  They had a blast, but we had to tone it down when other kids came the next week.
The Aqua Lily Pad was such a hit!  We borrowed it from The Schorr's and I was afraid we wouldn't give it back!  Love, love, love that thing!
Gavin, Karen and Mike arrive and we are full force into our party time.  
Dave sent this photo from Chile!  He had a commercial shoot early August and was in full on snow while we were lazing away in the warm Alabama heat.  He even sent a picture of a fox who watched them film most of the day.  Pretty cool ride to work on a snow cat!  
Alas, Daddy was allowed to join us.  He flew from Chile to Atlanta and drove to Lake Martin.  We were oh, so happy to see him.  He was jet lagged and in need of a shave, but hey, who needs to shave at the lake?!
Let the festivities begin!!  Karen, Mike, Gavin and Dave were all on hand Saturday for some prime time lake reunion.  It's funny how the adults slip right back in to routine as well.  We spent the afternoon floating with The Schorr's by our dock, drinking chatting and wiling the day away.  It's an easy thing to do on Lake Martin.  Kaci, Abbie and Jim joined us Sunday.  We all went out to one of our favorite beaches and low and behold, The Orrico's boated to meet up with us.  What a crazy afternoon!  
Kaci and Jen - our annual date :-)
Gavin, Zach and Olivia picked up glass on the beach for some great clean up of one of our favorite beaches.  Thanks, guys.
J
Jen and Amy....before said inner tubing incident.  Amy always brings the 'Bug Juice'.
The innertube we borrowed from Amy.  Of course we had to ride it and of course, after 15 minutes of heckling Dave, he finally threw me off.  Gavin didn't feel sorry for me.  Unfortunately, I got a bit of water smashed into my ear and sinus and a week later ended up with severe pink and an infected lymph node.  Ugh.  Lesson learn....and I mean it this time.
Beautiful Abbie enjoying her stay at the lake
Campfire with Dave and Kaci
Zach's first catch of the summer lake trip....just wait, they get bigger.
Finally!  Our driveway that we planned to get a year ago is going in.  It looks beautiful and we are so proud to have it....I do not miss the weeds and gully!
After we oversaw the driveway, the kids and I headed back to Mimi & Papa's in Georgia.  Dave was back in New Jersey.  I was leaving later in the week for Pebble Beach, CA Concours 'de Elegance to meet Dave.  Fortunately, I had a couple of days to drop in to see people back in Georgia.  We spent one day with Carla, Barry and the kids.  Kobe and their dogs did not get along, getting into a fight at one point..ugh.  But, Zach and Olivia had a fabulous time messing around Barry's Carrolton house.  The pool was mostly repaired, the four-wheelers were ready to go and I almost thought Zach wasn't going home with me.  He loves anything that goes and I think this was his first experience to go on his own.  He's 7 years old and had free reign on the four-wheelers and lots of land to ride.  Yay Zach!

Heath didn't have much to do with anyone, but he softened up a bit to give me a kiss...only for the camera - ha!  Cutie pie!
Olivia and MacKenzie
Connell and Zach - iPad, of course!
Olivia, the "dog whisperer" with Dixie
Zach didn't last long as the rider....he wanted to be the driver.
Barry with the smoker....yes, we had lots and lots of good food as always.
I had a fabulous day with Carla, so much so, she had to retire before dinner :-)
On my way to the airport, I had time to see some friends.  Laura.... I mean, Liz, was my first stop.  I couldn't resist getting a quick picture with this lovely, little sassafras.  She wouldn't have much to do with me, but I still got a squeeze in.   
The girls at the pool, Allyson, Liz, and the gang.  Flying out to California in a couple of hours and ready for some fun.