If you like Pina Coladas...

On Saturday, Tom and I abandoned both kids and went to a cookout hosted by my boss and friends, Sharon and Mike. Tom's brother took Michael to a baseball game, complete with clinic and autograph signing, and Grandma took Brady, who ended up having a fever all day that only went down with Tylenol. He was still a cheery little guy and ate well, so we're not sure what came over him for the weekend, but since he was with Grandma we weren't too worried.

Tom and I headed out, ready for an hour trip onto the Cape, which turned into a two-and-a-half hour trip due to a seven mile back-up on the bridge. Luckily, we steered off the highway and went back roads for awhile, actually having a pleasant ride down. We zipped through towns on a glorious bright day, which made the ride much easier to take. Needless to say, when we arrived at their house on the water, we were ready for some appetizers and drinks.

The nine of us sat on the deck, overlooking the ocean and taking advantage of the warm summer breeze. Their yard was a plush green carpet, upon which I immediately kicked off my shoes and pounced on as I made my way to the over sized hammock that was resting near their dock. Three of the other women quickly joined me and it became a game of who was going to stay on.

Two people went out on the Jet Skis and we followed them out into the open water on Mike's boat. I am not a big fan of boats, but I was fine scooting out into the open shore and riding fast. Then Mike stopped the boat and we floated in the water for awhile; here is where I noticed my sea legs starting to cave in! I held my own and suggested heading back in. After a few ribs and another fast ride, we got back to the house where I gleefully jumped ship.

Our dinner was fabulous: steak kabobs, grilled chicken, potatoes, sweet corn, Caesar salad; and dessert was no less delicious - chocolate cake and strawberry cheesecake. The day was wonderful and even with the long ride in, it didn't really take away from our relaxing mode.

Tom and I don't always remember to take the time to go out on our own - and every time we do we say, "We've got to do this again!" Michael had a fabulous time spending the day with his uncle and Brady likes the attention from anyone, so it's nobody's fault but our own that we don't plan more days like this. However, with two kids and work and doctor appointments and just life in general, it's hard to remember to slow down now and then. That's always the lesson, though, isn't it? Slow down, smell the roses; take time for yourself; yadda yadda yadda. I'll try to remember as soon as I get one more thing done...