Adam and Lisa Head East - Part One

It has come to my attention that I have not really been fulfilling my duties as a blogger - I am going to slowly correct this. I'll try and not wait too long in between my blogs - sorry Marc and Liz.


Onward to what this blog is truly about - the east coast trip. The trip was simply amazing - very different from our Disney trip last year. Both were great trips but so different from the other. The biggest difference is that we drove! I'm so glad we did because we needed a car desperately everywhere we went. The long drive was a trip in itself - it was just Adam and I - alone. We were able to talk and joke around and get a lot of time together since we don't get any in the summers.

The first stop on our trip was Albany, New York. We got in late and we got lost - but this is when Adam and I realized that we work well together. We didn't get mad or frustrated with each other (well not a lot), we just pulled over and worked together to figure out where we were. Our hotel was awful - smelled like puke and I clearly couldn't get that out of my head. It was cheap and I guess it was ok for a night. The area was pretty nice though - near the college and a lot of shopping areas.

The next morning, after checkout, we made our way to Cape Cod. The drive wasn't too bad, a little over four hours but once we got onto the Cape we got into some traffic - by accident. After we were done with the traffic we realized that our map quest directions were off - a lot and we went in search of our hotel on Main Street in Yarmouth - this isn't as easy as it sounds. I think we passed by the same hotel about six times! We were able to laugh about it though and it was another experience we had together.

Once we got to our hotel Adam freaked out - there were no cars there. I was the calm one in this situation and I went in and asked for an early check- in, which they really had no problem giving us.

Once we got unpacked we were out and about seeing what Yarmouth had to offer us. We picked out some parks we wanted to visit before leaving and we headed to one that we thought sounded super cool. It was a huge marsh that kind of spilled into the Atlantic ocean. There was this enormous dock that was over the marsh that went to the end - we loved this place. It was so incredibly pretty - we were able to see lots of marine life here too. All around, it was an awesome place to start our vacation.

That night we were in search of a nice restaurant and we found it at The Yarmouth House - such an elegant place and we were all dressed up! After that we went to the beach at sunset and saw some amazing colors in the sky and then did some shopping and got some ice cream.

It really was a perfect day but then again, everyday on vacation was.

The next morning Adam told me that we could go to the beach and get some sun! I was more then excited about this because I know that Adam really doesn't like to just sit and do nothing on a beach but he was going to do it for me.

We got to the beach, paid 15 dollars for parking and 20 dollars for food and I started not liking the beach! BUT then we got on the sand, saw the water and relaxed - it was perfect.

It was nice to relax before our next drive to Gloucester but of course, Adam was able to stay sitting for about 30 minutes and he was off wondering around the water and watching the fisherman.

Next time, Gloucester and New York City!!

Highs and Lows

Let me just say, what a weekend.

This weekend had a lot of highs and lows but it balanced itself out pretty well. Friday I was able to take Dana (I use to babysit) out to lunch and catch up on all her 11 year old gossip. It was great - again, felt old not knowing the new slag. Other then that, Friday was a very normal day - lots of reading in the sun. Spending some QT with J-Bird as well, this makes any weekend better.

Saturday was a different story. This past week a very good family friend died. He was my dad's best friend for many years. They coached soccer together and my brothers were close with his sons. He has cancer for many years and unfortunately, it took him away from us last week.

The funeral was beyond sad. I haven't been to a funeral in many years so I didn't fully remember what to expect but I was happy that his turn out was so good. That's why it's nice being a coach and educator - you touch many people's lives.

After the funeral my brother dropped me off and went to his championship baseball game. Whoever won this game was going to be the overall winner. My brother is a very athletic guy and is always playing sports. He's also a physical therapist so he needs to be careful when he plays because he works with his hands.

I'm getting ready to go to Troy to meet Adam when I get a call from my mom. She tells me that Derek has been taken to the ER due to a dislocated shoulder. I guess when he was playing second base the guy slide into him - hard. There is a doctor on his team but wasn't able to pop it back in so Derek had to go in.

Adam and I watched Julia while Cat went to the hospital. We had a lot of fun with her and while we were walking to the park, out of no where, Julia says - I love Adam. It was the cutest thing in the world!

Derek and Cat get back and I have to say, I have NEVER seen my brother so out of it. Jewels was a nervous wreck - she hasn't seen her daddy like that. He was put to sleep so they could pop it back into place and he was still under it a little bit when he got home. Poor guy - I feel pretty bad for him.

Eventually Adam and I made it to Troy and had some dinner and caught up with his mom. Although our plans deviated a bit, we were still together and we still had a good time.

On Sunday was Adam's cousin's graduation party. His cousin lives in Florida so Grandpa sent him out here and threw him a bash. It was SO much fun and the weather could not have been better.

Adam and I haven't been able to go to any family functions this summer since he's been away so it was really nice to be able to catch up with everyone.

I took a lot of pictures of the little kiddies all day and played a lot of corn hole! We didn't end up getting back until after 11 and I was sad to see the day go by so fast.

Now, Adam is back up north but only for a short while. We go on our trip is T Minus 11 days!!

Get Ready

I will update my blog later in the day or tomorrow but get ready cause it’s a douzey.

It includes a funeral, a graduation party and a family member rushed to the ER.

How Did I get to be an Adult?

When did this happen and how do I make it stop?

Last night it dawned on me, I'm old. Not old, but old in the sense that I'm considered an adult. I'm sure I've been considered this for a long time now but not until last night did it really dawn on me.

First, let me tell you the back story.

When I was about 14 or 15 years old, I started baby-sitting for a family on a very regular basis. When I say regular I mean I babysat five days a week after school with the occasionally Saturday thrown in there (for game night that is). The oldest boy was 3 years old and the twins (one boy and one girl) were 11 months. I babysat them all through my high school days and the summers of my college ones.

I literally became a member of their family and continue to go to birthdays and events to see them. Well I haven't seen Kyle, the oldest, in some time and I knew that the new Harry Potter movie was coming out so I sent him a quick email. Kyle and I have gone to every single one of the Harry Potter movies together so really, there was no one I would have rather seen it with. There was not a question in my mind that he would want to go to this movie with me.

Then I realized …

He is now a 13 year old boy, almost 14. Would it still be "cool" to see it with me? The opening of Harry Potter came and went and I still didn't receive a call from him. I was sad but I understood. That's when it started to dawn on me that I was getting older. I might not be the "cool" person to hang out with anymore.

But, I received a call a few days later. When I checked my voice mail I thought it was one of my guy friends - the voice was so deep. But I still heard him, Kyle the thirteen year old, calling to ask me if I would like to see the Harry Potter movie with him.

I was just elated that he still wanted to see this movie with me - and the best part - he seemed excited too. SO, we made the date.

So back to today, I realized that I am older but I am also that much wiser, which means I am that much more fun. Now I am able to help these kids - going through their teenage years can be tough and not every kid wants to explain and talk to their parents. I get to be a part of their lives again, not like I ever wasn't.

I am still, to this day, getting calls/texts/emails from each one of the kids. They make me feel special and I honestly hope that this bond doesn't end. But from the looks of it, it seems to only be getting stronger.

I am getting older but, to be honest, it's not that bad.

PS - I'm receiving text messages from the girl as I write this. :)

A Birthday Princess, Two Cakes and A WHOLE Lot of Fun

I feel blessed for many things in my life, but the one that seems to always be a constant blessing, is my niece, Julia.

I feel very lucky that I am extremely close to my family. My brother, sister-in-law and niece live literally three miles away from my house and this allows me to see them very often.

That being said, this past Sunday was Julia's second birthday party and it couldn’t have gone better.

I could be bias, but I am pretty sure that Julia is just about the cutest girl on this planet. Look at her with her sweet dress and fabulous tiara - dressed to perfection. That's my girl!

I felt like that day went by in the blink of an eye, but that could be because my face was planted behind a camera for half of it. I can't believe how fast this wee one is growing up. It honestly seems like just yesterday my parents and I were driving the long way to Grand Rapids to be there for the birth and now she's two!

The party was perfection in every way - the guests, the food, the presents and the cake. We had wonderful weather and even better company. I honestly have to step back once and awhile and pinch myself because, this is my life. This erratic, loving, caring family belongs to me. Adam also made it out for Julia's party and he is a member of my family through and through. He was the most helpful, loving boyfriend I could have wanted that day. Even though my family was asking for his help (more then once or twice) he didn't even think of complaining and saying no. He enjoyed himself. That means the world to me.

Back to the party! Julia didn't take a nap all day so you could tell she was keeping herself awake with sugar and pop (hey, it's her birthday and her auntie can give her whatever she wants). She was a trooper the whole day - elated that everyone (about 26 people) were there for her, and only her. She opened her presents with grace and went to every person individually and thanked them - SO cute! She loved being sung too but had NO time for cake and ice cream. She loved the present that Dikran and I got her and that was all she had eyes for when her daddy was trying to put her to bed.

Bed was a dream on her daddy's part and soon after he put her inside, Jewels was strolling outside to where we were - a smile on her face. She got her way.
It was getting late and it was time to go home for the Ornekian family but I left that house looking back at a smiling, loving, friendly little girl. She had the time of her life and although the terrible twos are starting, I wouldn't change anything about her - she is perfect.

What's in a Name?

I usually don't like writing a blog without some sort of picture to go along side it but I haven't uploaded any of Julia's birthday party images so this one is just going to have to go without.

I will update about Julia's birthday party later, but this post had a greater meaning. I want, no I NEED, a new blog name. Lisa's Blog is so last April and I need something to spice it up. Something creative. I wanted to do something just about photography, but as you can see, that's not just what this blog is about.

I read a few of my friends blogs and looked at the names of them and although I might not understand what some of them mean, at least it's something more then a name.

Hmmmmm. This is going to take some thinking.

Photography on a Sunday with Friends

On Sunday two of my friends and I went to Mill Race in Northville, MI to practice taking pictures. Roy, one of my friends, had the most amazing camera and really, is a seasoned pro and he graciously helped Jenna and me with questions about photography.

I have always been interested in a subject and more specifically, people. Now, I do enjoy landscapes such as rolling mountains and sunsets, but there is just something about capturing expressions that just blows me away.

Roy, Jenna and I went around Mill Race picking out different backgrounds, layouts and poses for our photos. It was a really good mix of people with differing opinions and many great ideas. The best thing about photography is that it is so creative in both processes - the actual photo taking and then post editing. You can honestly do any and everything.

The three of us acted not only as the photographers, but also the models. Here are some of my top favorite shots of the day - so far. I say so far because I spent three hours editing these four photos and decided that was enough for the day.

Hope you enjoy … there will be more to come!