Monday, July 16, 2012

Lazy, Girly Summer Days...

I cannot believe that nearly one month has passed since my last post!  I think the lazy days of summer have really taken a toll on me.  Gone are the routines of school days - waking up early, preparing lunches and snacks, dropping off and picking up the girls at school, homework schedules and early bedtimes.  The lack of routine has given way to a more relaxed state of being and slower-paced days at our house, resulting in less blog posts for me.  Please excuse me, after all, it IS summer vacation.

So, what have I been up to lately?  Well, Nuno was away for a few days last week; at a fishing trade show in Florida.  It was the first time he had ever flown anywhere without us. We knew we would miss him terribly, so the girls and I tried to keep ourselves busy every day... 



We made personal pan pizzas for dinner



We had a picnic lunch at the park



...and some fun afterwards.  Whee!



One day, we even went for afternoon tea together!



After five days of girly fun, we were so ready to have him back!



AND everybody knows that only daddy can make a bow and arrow for his girls and teach them to shoot it!  (Annabel is pretending to be Merida, from the new Disney movie, Brave)


Summer in our garden...


This huge sunflower is growing in our backyard. 
I think it was one of the chipmunks who buried a sunflower seed there. 



These pretty pansies were planted in the late spring by Annabel. 
They are multiplying and looking so beautiful!



This photo was taken this afternoon.  Henrietta is cooling off in the shade; under the
 hydrangea bush; next to the petunias.


For dinner tonight, pesto rice was on the menu!  I used basil leaves from our herb garden and
pulsed them with fresh grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts and extra virgin olive oil.  Yummy!




Of course, summer would not be summer without BBQ.  Nuno grilled this delicious and tender
strip loin steak for our dinner.


It has been a very dry, hot and humid summer so far.  We've been enjoying the hot days as much as we can; sneaking into the house (air conditioned) for some relief when necessary.  I'm sorry to say that the summer is halfway through.  It's funny because I seem to find that I never have enough "summer" to do everything I want to do.  Although I must say, I AM looking forward to fall, one of the prettiest seasons of all!  How are you spending your summer?  Hope you're enjoying the weather and making the most of the season!  Enjoy the rest of the week!  xo











12 comments:

  1. I first wanted to thank you for your post on my blog...I really appreciate it!! I am SO TICKLED that you girls had some girly fun!!!

    I know you missed Nuno terribly; he is such a wonderful partner and husband; that truly makes a difference...

    But I'm tickled that you girls did some fun stuff while he was away and then were so happy to have him back home as well....

    A lovely post...
    My favorites:
    * Henrietta in the shade
    * Matching tops on the girls
    * Going out for tea together....and the beautiful smiles!!

    Love from CO,

    Joann
    XOXO

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    1. Thanks for your comments, dear Joann! We had fun, but it's nice to have him back again! xoxo

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  2. Looks like it was a fun week, I should have stayed home :)

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    1. We did have fun! You weren't physically there with us, but were always there in spirit. Love you!

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  3. Even if summer is too short for you, you've crammed it full of delights like a crowded closet filled with sparkly evening wear. Here summer has just begun--June is always cold and not 'til mid-July does it seem to be summer (if 72 is summer) and then it won't be really hot possibly until September, despite all the very disorienting back to school ads. At least you live in a magical kingdom where there are little girls, tea parties, and real seasons. I'm worried about Annabel tho--she seems to be sprouting up. How many inches has she grown? Soon she will towering over you. I hope she will be merciful.

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    1. Thank you, Nancy! Do you mean Annabel or Anita? Anita's almost as tall as I am. It's inevitable...it's going to happen...any day now! xo

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  4. Rosinda, I so enjoyed reading this post. As a teacher, I always tried to savor every day of summer, especially when my two were still at home. It looks like you all are really making the most of it. I live your lovely sunflower photo. Susan

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment! Hope you are enjoying your summer so far! Take care. xo

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  5. Stopping by to tell you how much I enjoyed your post, dear Rosinda! Ah, lovely summer...a time when life slows down, time to sit and dream or have a picnic or a lovely tea!! I am so glad it is warm and you all can savor each moment!! I take good weather for granted and you always are so in tune with the seasons. Sending you all a big hug and wishes to pack in more fun!! Love, Sherry xoxo

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving us all a big hug! It's always so nice hearing from you! Enjoy the rest of your summer! Love and hugs...xoxo

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  6. Gee, I'm really behind on my blog reading. Enjoyed this one with the girls and all your pretty flowers. Wow, that is a big sunflower. Loved seeing sweet Henrietta too and your steak dinner and pesto rice look so delicious. Sending a big hug. xoxo
    p.s. your pictures are so sharp and color is beautiful.

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  7. That photo of you and the girls having tea is so adorable! But you all look the same age! Precious, and Happy Anniversary! xoxo

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