Tween.

For those of you unfamiliar with the definition of a tween, it refers to the brief period of time between the ages of 9 and 13 (at which point one becomes an official teen).  We didn't make such distinctions when I fell into this category (three thousand moons ago), but it truly is a remarkable time. You're not quite a kid, and not yet an adolescent. You still like a lot of the toys you grew fond of during childhood, but you're also doing crazy stuff like taking ballroom dancing at school where you have to (eek!) touch a girl's hand (and you kinda think she's not all that icky). You still need your parents' help with a lot of things but you also think you know way more about cool music than they do and you're surprised that yes, in fact, your mom does know what Gangnam Style means.

Long story short, I love this little gentleman-in-the-making. I've always believed he was amazing and it's a privilege to watch him morph from little boy into young man.  

(And yes Cavan, mommy is crying tears of joy again.)

Ten Bucks If You Pick Out the Class Clown.

All jokes aside, I've known most of these kids since Kindergarten and have seen them mature and become little ladies and gentlemen. I'm amazed and impressed with their intelligence, kindness and individual talents. Cavan thinks its funny that I cry at school presentations but one day that little whippersnapper will understand the miracle of watching a child grow. (Mom, you can wipe that smug grin off your face now. I stand corrected!)

xx

WANTED: For International Naughtiness.

If you spot one of these two wily rascals please contact your local authorities immediately. Be forewarned: they are extremely charming, crafty and skilled in the art of persuasion.  We're told they're attempting to obtain passports (hence the photos), leading law enforcement to believe they intend to expand their crime syndicate. If you come into contact with them please do not attempt to take matters into your own hands. Their knowledge of naughtiness knows no bounds.

Note: the one on the right is especially dangerous.

Three little monkeys splashin' in a tub.

What do you get when you put six cousins together in one house? EXTREME CHAOS! Three boys (Cavan, Donny and Beau) and three girls (Rowan, Aurelia and Lulu) all met for the first time this week. They became fast friends and wasted no time making a big mess of Grandma's new house in Delaware. And despite the fact that her home exploded into near ruin and was littered with trucks, doll furniture, Barbie shoes, lincoln logs, baby dolls, plastic monsters, random game pieces and yogurt, the smile (miraculously) never left her face.

Now, lets see if we're ever invited back.

Happy Holidays!

Lincoln Center Here We Come.

It was a big night Saturday night. Lulu's first trip to see a real live ballet. The Nutcracker! Mommy meant to buy tickets to the Saturday afternoon matinee but - oops! - got tickets for the 8pm show by mistake. Since they were non-refundable (and not cheap!) we had to cross our fingers and hope for the best. Lulu loved it and powered through, only falling asleep during the last ten minutes. Cavan was less enthused, but very patient. He was more excited about his coat and tie. After an epic cab ride home (holiday traffic - yuck) we all fell into bed and dreamt of toy soldiers and sugar plum fairies. Another element officially added to the McHale family NYC Christmas tradition.

Happy, happy holidays!

And then, there's this guy.

Pat Brunner, my awesome brother-in-law, is officially my hero and a true inspiration.  He has mobilized a relief effort from his home in Delaware, raising money, collecting supplies, enlisting the aid of his community and commandeering a massive truck which he'll use to haul much needed necessities and supplies to Staten Island later this week, because, he says, "Its tough to be down here and know that so many people are struggling with this just a short distance up the road."

We need more people like Pat. It's remarkable how alone and sometimes forgotten you feel in a situation like this. I've never experienced it before. But I've discovered that a little empathy goes a long way. And I will resolve to remember that when the news fades to the next big headline, there are real people, still there, still struggling, still surviving. Still in need of empathy and love.

So three cheers for Pat Brunner, and others like him, who are lending a hand, pitching in, and simply caring. Couldn't be more proud to call this guy family!

xx

Hurricane Sandy.

City officials warned that this would be different from Hurricane Irene. And they weren't lying.  Just as we were getting comfortable in our misguided belief that Sandy was crying wolf, a neighbor looked up from the bingo game we were playing and noticed several inches of water streaming down the avenue out our living room window.  In the time it took us to get down four flights of stairs the water had risen to several feet.  And it didn't stop there.  Soon cars were completely submerged and car alarms blared in unison until they were drowned out altogether.

In the midst of the the chaos of rushing water, the Con Edison power plant a few blocks north exploded into two massive fire balls and then a frightening hissing turned to darkness. This is when our real Hurricane Sandy experience truly began.

Today we're enjoying DAY 8 without heat, hot water or gas to cook with.  Although we did get electricity back a few days ago it's really only served to illuminate - more clearly - how unbelievably cold we are.  

Our local supermarket has been destroyed.  As have our laundromat and countless other small and beloved business in the neighborhood.  The devastation from this storm is massive and heartbreaking.  We could have never imagined anything like this.  And the funny thing is that we were situated in "Zone B," an area that was not deemed necessary for evacuation.  Pretty sure next time we'll evacuate ourselves to Grandma's house, thank you very much.

We've had exciting adventures between Sandy's arrival and now.  There was that time we took a $40 cab more than a hundred blocks for a $6 gallon of gas because every other gas station was empty and shuttered. Or the time we had to scurry out of our building into the cold because a gas leak was discovered. And oh, the hysterical discovery that non-perishables aren't so yummy when you can't warm them!  And ATM's don't dispense money when they're lacking power or have been emptied. (Kind of a downer when the businesses who were able to re-open are cash only.)

And sadly, we are the lucky ones.  Parts of Queens and New Jersey and nearly all of Staten Island are a pile of rubble and ruin.  Stories of families - none of them with flood insurance - left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.  And stories of children who were swept out of their mother's arms only to be found in a swamp three days later.  Or the father and son, ages 55 and 20, found dead in their basement locked in an embrace.  When compared to these accounts we have nothing to complain about. 

Still, there have been some bright spots and humorous moments.  For instance, we discovered that it is possible to make spaghetti on the grill! It has also been solidified that we have the best neighbors in the world. And we know with certainty that when the chips are down New Yorkers band together like nobody's business.  But then, we've seen that before.

So if this post is a bit more of a downer than normal, its simply because, this sucks.  It's sad, disheartening, challenging, emotionally draining, and....cold.  (Did I mention that already?)  But every day there is light at the end of the tunnel and we have complete and utter faith that, this too, shall pass.  We have each other.  All of us unharmed.  A bit unhinged perhaps, but safe.  And we are stronger as a family for the experience. And while Lulu has taken to drawing pictures of water and telling her dolls that she hopes the storm doesn't get us, both kids have been remarkable in their strength, good humor and blissful ignorance of the true scope of this tragedy.

Looking forward to the weeks ahead and hoping for a sunnier outlook. It'll come. But until then, its CHIN UP, McHales.

Thank you, Grandma.

Caught on video!  Indisputable evidence (captured by a sneaky Grandma) that mommy and daddy desperately needed a vacation.  Many, many thanks to Grandma for braving Hurricane CavieLu while we shamelessly basked in the sunshine.  We owe you big time!

xx

Our Big Fat Mexican Honeymoon.

Yes, honeymoon.  You see, right after we got married we discovered a little Lulu was brewing.  Thus plans for a honeymoon were postponed. For three years!  So when our friends Michael and Gina announced they were getting married in Mexico we decided to kill two birds with one stone.  Celebrate the union of our pals, and grab a few days for the honeymoon that never was.  The wedding festivities took place on the quaint and charming island of Isla Mujeres, near Cancun.

The island isn't very big and is easily travelled by golf cart.  Or, if you're a local you may choose to pile the entire family on one moped.  No joke. Windy roads lead you to gorgeous and vast expanses of beach, or to a town center with narrow roads and tightly packed tiendas, cafes, and homes.

Or you may happen upon an above ground cemetery filled with brightly colored, wildy textured graves and elaborate mausoleums festooned with bright plastic flowers and offerings to loved ones.  The feeling of the place was less sombre, more celebratory.  We think the Mexicans have it right.  Celebrate the life, rather than mourning the loss.   

All of a loved one's favorite worldy pleasures are offered and replenished at the site.  It appears that even the dearly departed need their calcium.

After two fun-filled days on Isla Mujeres it was time to get back on the ferry and head to our honeymoon destination about an hour south of Cancun, just north of Playa del Carmen.  As we travelled across the water, the weather in the distance looked ominous.  As we neared land we were pelted by raindrops and had to surrender and abandon the ferry's roofdeck.

But things have a magical way of changing quickly in Mexico and by the time we reached the hotel, the weather was as gorgeous as anyone could hope for.  Our room was situated on a beautiful lagoon and after a quick check-in we were ushered there by boat.

Winding our way to our room we learned a lot.  Namely that the entire place was smack in the middle of a nature preserve.  We were told that swimming in the lagoon was forbidden.  We were shown one of the reasons why.  Look closely, that's a crocodile.  One of about 100 we were told live and hunt in the preserve.  No swimming in the lagoon, you say?  Noted.

We arrived at our room and found refreshments waiting.  Ay, que bueno!  Let the fiesta commence!

The view from our room was spectacular.  We had two fantastic perches to watch the wildlife from.  An oversized lounge chair and a warm plunge pool just next to it.  And for two people who live submerged a constant cacophony of buses, fire trucks, cars, horns, people, and general bustle, the utter peace and sounds found only in nature brought on instant relaxation.  No people.  Just us and the turtles and fish.  And about 25 different species of birds.  

Like this guy, for instance.  It was like having the nature channel on 24 hours a day.  Only 100 times better.  And as much as we could have very happily stayed put on our perch, there was still more to see.  So we grabbed some bikes from the front desk and headed for the beach club where we found an awesome infinity pool and miles of pristine sand and turquoise water.

Yes, please!

Oh!  Don't mind if I do.  Gracias!

With no complaints whatsoever about the view out over our toes, we settled in for some hardcore relaxing, with rigorous activities including reading books, dozing, swimming, and munching on delicious ceviche, shrimp tacos and fresh guacamole.  And of course, enjoying our hands-down favorite beverage of the trip.  The "Fresh and Spicy."  Que refresco!

I became certified in lounging.

And Greg took his skincare very seriously.  We applied (and reapplied) sunscreen regularly and liberally.  Sometimes too liberally.  (Have you met my husband the mime?)

Chocolates and a very sweet message were waiting for us when we returned to our room after a wonderful day.  Yes, this honeymoon was definitely worth waiting for.

We were sad to say goodbye to all of the beautiful things that had so welcomed and warmed us.  The people, the greenery, the wildlife, the water.  All of it combined to make this an unforgettable chapter in our lives.  

Relaxed, happy and missing the kids, we were ready to return to the sounds of "Mom, Mom, Mom...MOM!" (Oh, and did I mention there's now a trumpet in the house?)

Adios, Mexico.  Until we meet again...te quiero mucho. xx

Happy Birthday to Lu!

Shhhh.  The festivities may have happened a day early this year (thanks to mommy and daddy's crack of dawn flight the day of her actual birthday), but the birthday girl was none the wiser.  She was still every inch the princess worthy of a jeweled and gaudy, I mean, glamorous, crown.

Dinner (pizza, of course) was a mere formality and one step closer to the prize.  A very pink birthday cake with (go figure) a ballerina on it. Sugar Sweet Sunshine is the absolute go-to for all our sweet and celebratory confections, and, as usual, they didn't disappoint.  Yum!

Three candles were extinguished, and the cake...slowly...disappeared.

This will likely be the last year that Lulu is actually, genuinely surprised that she got gifts.  She'd have been happy with just the cake and decorations.  But there was more!  Including a new tutu, an Angelina Ballerina doll, games, and lots of other (mostly ballet-related) things.

She was a very happy birthday girl indeed.  That is, until bedtime.  A massive sugar high, coupled with over stimulation brought on by hoards of pink presents makes it somewhat difficult to wind down.  Understandable, of course.  Lets just say it looks like three is going to be a very good year.

We love you Lulu! xx

First Day of School: Lulu Edition

Today, at last, was Lulu's hotly anticipated first day of school.  After years of watching her big brother trot off to school, she's been dying to throw her pink polka dot backpack over her shoulder and get the show on the road.  She met up with her pal Julien (who is the little brother of Cavan's good friend Henry) and the two of them stood patiently as we snapped a few pics.  Once inside there were no tears, no anxiety, no pleas for mom and dad to stay.  She placed her shoes and bag in her cubby and went to straight in the classroom to play.  It's hard to believe that as Cavan begins his 5th grade year, Lulu takes her first step on the same path he did so many years ago.  Here we go!

xx

First Day of School: Cavan Edition

Last Thursday Cavan had his first day of 5th grade.  FIFTH!  I still can't believe he's ten years old and that this year will be his last in "Lower School."  Gone are the days of tears and separation anxiety on the first day.  By now he knows the drill.  He has friends and close bonds with kids he's known and been on this journey with for years.  He loves his teacher.  And his best friend is in his class - again - this year.  He's in a new afterschool program this year and will enjoy exciting classes such as skateboarding, swimming, guitar, and improvisational comedy.  And of course, he'll continue on with baseball and basketball.  We're all looking forward to this new year and watching the slow but steady march of our ten year old toward adulthood.

xx

Rockway Beach

These are the final days of summer.  The countdown to the first day of school is on.  Daddy took the day off for a mini beach adventure with the kids.  45 minutes by train and a two block walk to the beach.  Quick, easy and fun.  Just like summer.

xx

Happy Birthday Cavan Shane!

Cavan Shane Miller on the afternoon of 8/21/2002

Happy birthday to my sweet baby boy.  You were born on this day TEN years ago and I have loved watching you grow into a kind, intelligent and beautiful young man.  Although you're officially a "tween," you will forever be my baby.  I love you, I love you, I love you.

xx Mommy

Kids Room Version 4.0

It's that time of year.  Summer is coming to an end and we look ahead to the new school year.  Cavan will be in 5th grade and Lulu will go to Cavan's preschool alma mater My Little Village.  To get the year off to a good start we decided a little room makeover was in order.  The kids got bunk beds (which they've been dying to have!) and a new work station for homework.

Lulu immediately got to work and Cavan declared that he is "looking forward to homework."  (We'll see how long that lasts!)

It's been so small feat getting these two out of their jungle gym/castle/bunk beds since they arrived on Saturday.  And best of all....they've been sleeping later in the morning which makes this new piece of furniture worth every penny as far as mom and dad are concerned.

xx

Dog tired.

Running on the beach will do that to you.  Just ask these two.

Food for thought.

Maybe the settlers were on to something.

(Rainy day Southampton adventures.  Museum day.)

Rainy day beach adventures.

When the weather doesn't cooperate we go exploring.  This day we drove out to Montauk and set off in search of a great, low key place to eat (fish tacos, fried shrimp, you know the drill).  We found it.

Its funny what a few crispy crustaceans will do to improve everyone's disposition.  And then, when everyone was full and happy we stumbled upon....

A gem of a little seafaring vessel to occupy our dreams during a nice afternoon nap.  Sweet dreams are made of this indeed!

Marina food.

Cove Cafe, Southampton.  Decidedly not your average fish shack.  The place isn't fancy but man-o-man is the food good.  Feast your eyes on this lobster roll gorgeousness.  It's a requirement that we visit whenever we're in town.

Summer in Southampton.

It's a little place we like to call heaven.  Family. Pristine, quiet beaches. Puppy dogs running in the sand.  It's our summertime getaway and whether the skies are sunny or not we love it all the same. 

The morning routine is simple (most pleasures are).   Step 1: grab coffee and bagels at the cheese shop a block from the house.  Step 2: Pile into the best of all beach mobiles...the legendary and beloved "bus."  Step 3: unload all family creatures (kids, dogs...you get the picture). 

Step 4:  kick off your flip flops and traverse the path to......

Paradise.

xx

Playing hooky.

With our babysitter still out of town, one of us had to stay home from work and hang with the ladybug. Since Daddy always has "Mondays with Lu" he needed to get to the office so it was Mommy's turn to call in "sick" (good thing I'm the employee and the boss!).

We started the day with a trip to Lulu's dance class where I got to observe the progress Lulu has been making with her ballet.  Such a lovely pointe!  After class we decided a little lunch was in order so we headed to a nabe fave - Peels - for some "spa eggs."  Very ladies who lunch!

My fabulous lunch companion.

After lunch we headed to the plant store to shop for a few beauties to repot on the rooftop garden.  On the way home, we agreed that a pitstop for popsicles was just the thing.  Once home, we threw on our bathing suits and headed straight for the roof to enjoy our frozen treats.  Lulu was especially fond of hers.  (What happened to the dainty, ladylike girl I had lunch with?)

Popsicle monster.

After some gardening (and hosing off popsicle goo) it was time for some books and a nap (Mommies like naps too, by the way).  

If you have to play hooky, this is the way to do it.

xx

Our little songbird.

We're quite fond of Lulu's rendition of this oldie but goodie.  Who knew there were diners in the sky?

A good season for the Cardinals

Although they didn't win the championship, they did make it to the playoffs and made a valiant effort throughout the entire season.

Good job Cardinals!