Easter Fashion Flashback

I participated in Suzanne and Amy's Vintage Halloween Linky last year, so I was excited to hear about their Easter Fashion Flashback.  This is just the kind of thing I need to occupy my mind this week.  I asked my mom to dig up some old photos, and I know my dad helped too.  It may even motivate them to label their albums by year- or at least put them on a shelf where my mom can reach them.


Anyway, I remember always having an awesome dress for Easter, and my sister looked like a real doll.  

Easter 1985. And I look so much like JD here!

Easter 1986. I vaguely remember the thing on my wrist was a stuffed animal that doubled as a bracelet.  It was neon and went awesome with my dress, shawl, and purse.

Easter 1988

Please check out Suzanne and Amy's posts and all the other blogs that link up!

40 Things To Do With a Toddler on Long Island

It will be beach weather before I know it, and that is when I am happiest to live on Long Island.  And besides the gorgeous beaches, Long Island is full of so many awesome outdoor activities and hidden gems.  Even on rainy days, there are dozens of things to do with toddlers.  I hope the following list gives you every reason you need to come visit me.  And if you already live on LI, let me know if I missed anything!

1. Go camping on the beach. (We love Smith Point Park)
2. Play make believe at Once Upon a Treetop.
3. Enjoy the Long Island Aquarium (especially the butterfly exhibit)
4. Hit the BEACH! (Bonus tips 1 & 2)
5. You can't go wrong with the Long Island Children's Museum.
6. We can't wait for Eisenhower Park's "Let All the Children Play" inclusive playground to officially open.
7. Bounce & climb at Safari Adventure.
8. LI is famous for its stunning golf courses, but don't forget Mini Golf!
9. Eat at a diner.
10. Visit the Big Duck.
11. Root for the home team at a Long Island Ducks game
12. Picnic & enjoy live music at a winery (Most are totally kid & pet friendly!)
13. Sit under the stars at the summer series of free concerts (Many are on the beach.)
14. Shop till you drop at Roosevelt Field Mall (one of many on LI, but one of the best in the country)
15. Explore the Cradle of Aviation Museum.
16. Ride the antique Greenport Carousel.
17. Visit with the animals at the Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo.
18. Get wet at the Splish Splash water park.
19. Take in the view from the Montauk Point Lighthouse.
20. Stroll through a state park or two.
21. Get a great deal at the Tanger Outlets in Riverhead or Deer Park.
22. Get back to nature at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge.
23. There are huge Street Fairs & Festivals every weekend.
24. Find a shady spot at Old Westbury Gardens.
25. Go for a ride at Deep Hollow Ranch. (It's the nation's oldest cattle ranch. You can take trail rides on the beach!)
26. Take a break thanks to Hampton Kids. (activities, drop-in care, & family fun center)
27. Run off some energy at a soccer class with Shooting Stars Sports at Fundamental Sports Training. (shameless plug for our family business)
28. The Railroad Museum sometimes hosts Thomas the Train events.
29. Pick your own peaches, berries, or apples.
30. One of our favorites is the Animal Farm Petting Zoo.
31. Step back in time at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration.
32. Try to visit the Children's Museum of the East End on a weekday when it is less crowded.
33. Nassau County Firefighters Museum is small but great for fire truck fans.
34. Watch the horses at Belmont Raceway.
35. Dance at the Shinnecock Pow Wow.
36. See the singing animals at White Post Farm.
37. Watch some surfers.
38. Take a playground tour.
39. Go fishing.
40. Check out a local Children's Theater.

(I left off the art museums and science centers that may be of interest to older kids, but let me know if you need ideas.)

I Fell in Love with Savannah

I was feeling nervous and guilty about leaving my boys to take a trip that was all about me, but after a couple days of catching up on sleep, I knew it was just what I needed.  Sadly, by the time I got used to taking the stairs (when you travel with a double stroller, it's all about finding the elevators) (and damn, Savannah is full of steep stairs), it was time to come home.

right outside my hotel...

SO MUCH candy

Everybody talked about THE BOOK.  I'm so glad I knew about what was going on.  Yes, I toured The House.  I stood in The Room.  In front of The Desk.  

I enjoyed sitting in the squares and reading.

I felt like I was in a painting.

In case you didn't already think I'm a big dork, I stood where Forest Gump sat.

Right before I left for the airport, I sat here to read and listen to this cute boy sing & play guitar.  He was awesome.

My boys had so much fun with my parents, JD was sad for a couple days because he missed them.  I think it will become an annual event.  A few days of spoiling and building their relationship with their grandparents plus a refreshed mama is a win for everybody!