Mel's Box of Chocolates

The weekend came. And the weekend went. Why is it the weeks can take so long and the weekends are over before they seem to begin? It was a good weekend though. Kicked it off with a date night Friday night with some friends we haven't seen in way too long. It was nice to have an adult night out.  Although I barely said two words to my husband as I caught up with my girlfriend. Good times! Saturday started bright and early with a swim meet that was an hour away and started at 8am. Not fun. Thankfully Zoe spent a night with a friend on Friday so only Dylan and I had to get up and get out. The swim meet was a success as Dylan knocked off time on all of his swims.  He swam his first IM of the season where he has to swim 25meters of each stroke.  I was able to video this race which was the first I've gotten this season. He ended up shaving over 6 seconds off his seed time and came in 4th out of 6.  His butterfly is his hardest swim and it was funny because you c...

Over the weekend we left the beach and ran away to the mountains to enjoy some skiing at RoundTop . We headed over Friday after school so we didn't have to drive so far so early in the morning and would be nice and refreshed for skiing.  The kids were up and at 'em early Saturday morning and after a big breakfast we were on our way. The kids became pretty quiet when they saw the ski slopes for the first time. Considering they were born and raised at the beach, those mountains were quite intimidating. After going through our stations to pick up the boots, skis, and poles about forever later we were out in the snow.  The kiddos and I had lessons scheduled, but we had about 45 minutes to play in the Discovery area.  Dylan and Zoe seemed to be natural on skis, making their way down the bunny slope without any problem.  They enjoyed riding the magic carpet ride back to the top of the hill and doing it again and again.  By the time it was lesson time they looked...

One of the perks to becoming a 4th grader is that students can join band, which Dylan couldn't wait to do.  Since I never played an instrument, learned to read music, and to be honest should only probably sing in the shower, this band thing was totally new to me. Dylan was ecstatic though when he brought home his French Horn and although it's been quite the struggle to get him to practice regularly, his band teacher says he is a natural with the instrument. Last month, he participated in the winter concert at school, his first of what I'm thinking, is going to be many band concerts. I could tell you the story about how he failed to tell me that he needed a dress shirt with a tie, and how I panicked trying to figure out how to find a shirt in two hours while trying to teach my class.  I could mention how I even considering stealing one off my own students back or how my mom saved the day by stopping at the store to buy him a new shirt and tie, but let's just focus o...

Think social media is a fad? Well think again. SUBSCRIBE to never miss a piece of chocolate Be Sweet, Follow Mel on Twitter

Look what Zoe can do!! We have been riding bikes a lot this summer, especially after we got our new Schwinn bikes and I got that uber-comfy seat.  We have ridden to parks, the beach, the library, and all around town.  Zoe, though, was still sporting the training wheels the whole time and it made for pretty slow riding.  The boys would often ride ahead while we girls caught up in time.   We thought perhaps getting rid of the training wheels may speed her up some so the other night we talked her into letting us take them off.  Within minutes she was up and riding.  Gotta credit her dance and gymnastics with the awesome balance.  Turning made her nervous and we had a few crashes trying to master it, but before the evening was through she was riding up and down our street, turning successfully.   The next day we tackled starting off.  Zoe had it in her head that she couldn't get going  by herself and needed us to give her ...

One of the highlights of our spring break vacation was watching the shuttle launch from Kennedy Space Center.  Monday morning {4-5-10} we got up before the crack of dawn to head to the beach to see what we could see.   The kids and I huddled together on the cold sand waiting for the launch. Finally, the sky lit up as the shuttle made its way to outer space. If you listen carefully you can hear a fellow shuttle observer say "GO USA", and I have to say that you definitely felt pride for your country standing there watching such an amazing event happen before your eyes.  It was awesome. After watching the light disappear in the sky we jumped back in the car to go find some breakfast.  The excitement of the morning was a bit much for Zoe! There are only four more launches scheduled before we say goodbye to our space program.  Sad. But, I'm glad that my family got to experience a launch from that close of a range.   Memory created! ...

SUBSCRIBE to never miss a piece of chocolate Be Sweet, Follow Mel on Twitter

This week I decided to try something new and vlog about my progress with the Walk-It Challenge this week. Enjoy! So what did you think? Do me a favor and leave me a comment letting me know if you like the vlog or prefer the post? Is it clear enough? Too long? Any vlogging suggestions will be much appreciated. Oh and don't forget to share your walking/running/exercising goals for this week! Subscribe in a reader Follow me on Twitter

Listen carefully when Santa repeats what my son asks for. What do you think? Do I have an incredibly thoughtful son or do you think he was bribed by daddy? Subscribe in a reader Follow me on Twitter

As you enjoy the parades, barbecues, and fireworks with all your friends and family don't forget to take a minute to remember those who have fought and are still fighting to bring us this special day!! GOD BLESS THE U S A A big thanks to my little brother and all the other men and women in the armed forces for making this day possible!!

Happy Memorial Day!! My brother is a Marine and fought in Iraq. He was injured on his second trip and came home with a purple heart. He is one of the lucky ones though as he has fully recovered. There were many who never even got to come home!! As you enjoy today, don't forget to take a moment to say a silent prayer for those who have served our country and for those who are still fighting for it today. Freedom is NOT free, but rather is gift from all of those who have given so much. All Gave Some, and Some Gave All