Growing Up Savvy Posts

It turns out time really does fly when you’re having fun but new experiences make our weekends feel like they’re longer than they are. Don’t believe me? Read the science of it all here.

We spent Memorial Day Weekend riding many rides at Hershey Park. We were last in Hershey in late December 2015 when Eliza was far too little to appreciate the magic of what Sophia lovingly calls “Chocolate Town”. The end of May seemed like a great time to go and a long weekend provided just enough time to recuperate from all the rides and the fun there.

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Moments

Life

Life’s been hectic around these parts lately. We rang in mother’s day at home, filled with home-made cinnamon buns, hand-made crafts, and a viewing of The Light Princess at the Arden. There was also playground time, more crafting, and generally a day organized for me by Sophia and Eliza. This is the first year both the girls are cognizant of the holiday and wanted to spend every single moment of it with me. The pictures, as few as there are, are forthcoming. Until then… a deeper glance into our recent vacation.

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Cookery Dessert Flavors Life Moments Sophia Cooks

Moments

I’ve been watching The Great British Baking Show. As a result, I’ve been in a bit of a baking craze and made these cinnamon buns and now the carrot cupcakes with maple cream cheese buttercream. I had great helpers.

Both Eliza and Sophia were great pipers much to my surprise. I like baking with the girls as it provides a welcome reprieve from their typical play. They get to be creative and we learn about science (e.g., what does baking soda do in a batter and what is the difference between baking soda and baking powder). Besides that, we visited Bartram’s Garden which was just lovely. The weather was beautiful and the girls enjoyed exploring. It is difficult to believe that such peace and solitude can be found in the city.

Cookery Culinary Adventures Delicious Dessert Eliza Cooks Flavors Life Moments Sophia Cooks

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Food For Thought

Moments

Just three days ago I was sitting under a 300-year old nispero tree in a former Carmelite monastery on a hot and starry night. Dreaming. The former monastery is now a beautiful hotel saved from the wrecking ball in the nick of time and thoughtfully restored with antiques sourced from Spain. This was our ground base for a week as we toured Puerto Rico over Sophia’s spring break.

This was our second time in Puerto Rico and we were so very enchanted by the first, albeit brief, visit that we vowed to come back as soon as possible. In this case, as soon as possible meant three and a half years (and another baby) later. For many, Puerto Rico is a springboard for more exotic destinations or cruises. However, the island, which happens to be a U.S. territory, deserves quite a bit of attention. Besides having glorious weather, it is also architecturally striking and has just about the friendliest locals. I am forever impressed how much of its own language, culture, and customs this sizable island has retained.

Although San Juan was our base, we spent a bit of time exploring the rest of the island including Arecibo and Luquillo.

The girls, much to the delight of my sister and brother-in-law, are huge history enthusiasts; Sophia and Eliza couldn’t get enough of El MorroSan Cristobal, all the scenery, and kite flying.

The local cuisine was delicious and, I am happy to admit, sampled by everyone in our family. Mofongo was a surprising favorite and the local guava flavors are going to be difficult to get out of my mind.

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Here is some nitty gritty about our trip: Flights by this and this hotel, here for a day at the beach, a little lighthouse, and delicious eats here, here, here, here, and here.

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