Back to back but all is well

Graham is now six!

Graham had a birthday party with his almost birthday twin with a few friends at Stonefire Pizza - these were the party favors

We got to go into Graham's classroom and read a book to the class (he chose Ferdinand) and answer the kids questions about Graham - so cute and fun!

Graham loves Red Pandas and Nana delivered with this year's birthday cake!

Jason and I are refreshed (even though he worked hard, too) from our jaunt to Jamaica

All inclusive is crazy nice - no need to carry money, even tips - at least here - were prohibited and the bottomless fruity drinks are incredible

Jason squeezed in windsurfing and we snorkeled at lunch one day (we could see the hangar from the resort!) and stand-up paddle boarded 3 mornings - 1st time - it was great

We never reserved one of these but how relaxing, right?

Swim-up bar complete with underwater stools 

Our room was in the main building (below the red awning) overlooking the pool and we could even see the ocean.  This is from my post of a queen-size poster lounge bed - so luxurious.  The whole thing was like a dream.

Estelle is almost two and is breaking out of so many shells!  Talking, personality, sense of humor, physical feats…

And below are two fish items - fresh fish tacos - one of Jason's very favorite.  He's continuously honing ingredients and sauces - such an artistic connoisseur.  

Second fish is salmon with an orzo concoction - spinach and green onions and of course a trusty, crusty baguette from Breadsmith!

Then thirdly is a smoothie with - don't choke - spinach, wheat germ, flaxseed meal - and the full fat orange cream yogurt and banana make the taste!  I'm reading a book that believes fully in animal fats versus vegetable and processed fats - even olive oil to cook with - the heat changes it's makeup and isn't great for our innards.  Cold pressed, unheated olive oil IS great though.  Very provocative, interesting book with a lot of research and science for eating heart healthy from Mary (my m-i-l, thank you!).

Went to a Love and Logic conference last Saturday with Jim Fay.  Quite inspiring and wonderful.  I had a lot of takeaways and tips for raising kids - Lord knows I need all the help I can get!  The philosophy is establishing/'locking-in' empathy and taking anger/yelling out of those situations when we naturally feel the need to; and instead, speaking calmly - that kids will mirror how we act/speak.  He said that not only kids, but we all are starved for empathy.

Peace and love to you!