Our weekend was spent sitting in front of the TV mesmorized by the Olympics from the opening ceremonies to the Michael Phelps letdown to the women's volleyball domination over Korea to the unbelievably twisted men's cycling race and everything in between.
For me, the Olympics is a time to watch amazing athletes compete for something more than just the win. The pride of their country riding on their backs. The team component not otherwise found in many individual sports. The spirit of our world coming together, putting our differences aside, and being part of something so touching for athletes and fans alike.
The purpose of various countries hosting is to allow them the opportunity to show the world about their history, their culture, and their glory. I loved how London showcased all that has made it the United Kingdom/Great Britain from the four corners: Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England, as well as the various periods that the country endured to make it the posh place that it is today. From the rich history as an agricultural nation to the industrial, war plagued nation to the arts & literature aspect of Shakespeare/JK Rowlings/Mary Poppins that has enlightened all of the world's imagination to the unparalleled musical talent of the UK. Plus let's not forget the Queen floating in via plane thanks to Bond, James Bond (seriously what a neat stunt for her majesty).
The march of nations was amazing as the upbeat tempo kept the athletes hopping at a great pace to make for a more pleasant watch from our couch :) And the lighting of the torch was genius. Starting with the steamy Beckham arriving a la boat followed by 5 time Gold Medalist Olympian Steve Redgrave and lit by 7 aspiring, young Olympians sponsored by former British greats. The use of GB's youth throughout the entire ceremony was beyond moving as it recentered and humbled our focus to the future and remembering to inspire those who look up to us. And in grand finale fashion, Sir Paul McCartney rocked the crowd with tears in his eyes.
If you missed the opening ceremony, do yourself a favor and check it out. Keep an open mind and tap into your inner child recalling what the "Games" are all about.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
Date Night: Gavin DeGraw Concert
If Music Mondays are any indication of how much I heart music, then you all know that a good tune brings a smile to my face. And I've always been a fan of a good concert. There is something about live music that makes my heart beat and my soul soar. It doesn't hurt that Groupon was offering 4 tickets for $80 to Gavin DeGraw at Rye's Playland.
So we decided to make a date night out of it...easing back into the swing of things post vacation! We headed down south and east to Rye which is situated right on the beach in Westchester County. It has a serene and soothing feel plus an adorable downtown area. Playland is an amusement park with boardwalk restaurants, roller coaster rides, and water slides that happens to double as a lawn-type concert venue. All tickets are GA so we decided to bring our REI camp couch to sit in. **Preggos and sitting on the grass do not make for a good combo I imagine** And they allow you to bring your own food 'picnic-style' which made for a nice little Chipotle treat for us.
We really enjoyed the evening complete with cool weather, fabulous music, sweet snuggles, and great people watching. We shared several laughs at the surrounding concert go-ers who were either teeny-boppers singing along to all of Gavin's new lyrics or old foggies dancing moves that had us in hysterics. Ahhh to be young again and to make a list of things NOT to do as we age.
One thing is for sure, some things have definitely changed since becoming pregnant when it comes to concert hopping...
Then:
Now:
So we decided to make a date night out of it...easing back into the swing of things post vacation! We headed down south and east to Rye which is situated right on the beach in Westchester County. It has a serene and soothing feel plus an adorable downtown area. Playland is an amusement park with boardwalk restaurants, roller coaster rides, and water slides that happens to double as a lawn-type concert venue. All tickets are GA so we decided to bring our REI camp couch to sit in. **Preggos and sitting on the grass do not make for a good combo I imagine** And they allow you to bring your own food 'picnic-style' which made for a nice little Chipotle treat for us.
We really enjoyed the evening complete with cool weather, fabulous music, sweet snuggles, and great people watching. We shared several laughs at the surrounding concert go-ers who were either teeny-boppers singing along to all of Gavin's new lyrics or old foggies dancing moves that had us in hysterics. Ahhh to be young again and to make a list of things NOT to do as we age.
One thing is for sure, some things have definitely changed since becoming pregnant when it comes to concert hopping...
Then:
 |
| 2009: Music Fest in San Fran |
 |
| 2008: Kenny Chesney in Atlanta |
 |
| 2007: Memphis in May |
 |
| 2007: Memphis in May |
 |
| 2008: Tim McGraw & Keith Urban in Chicago |
Now:
 |
| sitting, not standing |
 |
| eating, not drinking |
 |
| far back, not crowd surfing ;) |
Thursday, July 26, 2012
The Collins Family Olympics: Greenbrier 2012
In the spirit of the Olympic games and the nature of The Greenbrier, we decided to have our own little family competition while vacationing. Opening ceremonies kicked off on Tuesday evening when Amanda & Shane arrived. We were all sitting on the front porch in our Collins Family Olympic shirts with the "torch" lit and ready to roll.
Dad, the President of our Olympic committee, made the itinerary and official uniforms for the week's events. Each night our uniforms for the following day were laid out on our beds with the schedule of events. Competing in 3 divisions, men-women-couples, the compeition was fierce.
Day One:
Croquet
Bowling
Day Two:
Laser Tag
Day Four:
Shuffle Board
Dad, the President of our Olympic committee, made the itinerary and official uniforms for the week's events. Each night our uniforms for the following day were laid out on our beds with the schedule of events. Competing in 3 divisions, men-women-couples, the compeition was fierce.
Day One:
Croquet
- Women: Kendahl "Ken Dogg" DeZarn
- Men: Ryan "Rhino" Thompson
- Couples: 3 way tie between the Thompsons, the DeZarns, and the Wm S Collins duos
Bowling
- Women: Sandy "Sammy" Collins
- Men: Ryan "Rhino" Thompson
- Couples: The Emperor & Sammy
Day Two:
Laser Tag
- Women: Kendahl "Ken Dogg" DeZarn & Yours Truly
- Men: Peter "P-Diddy" DeZarn & Ryan "Rhino" Thompson
- Couples: The Thompsons & The DeZarns
Day Three:
Golf Skills
- Women: Yours Truly
- Men: Ryan "Rhino" Thompson
- Couples: The Thompsons
Day Four:
Shuffle Board
- Women: Sandy "Sammy" Collins
- Men: Kevin "Daddy-O" Collins
- Couples: The Emperor & Sammy
And the medalists...
- Women:
- Gold: Amanda" A Man Duh" Collins
- Silver: Sandy "Sammy" Collins
- Bronze: Kendahl "Ken Dogg" DeZarn
- Men:
- Gold: Kevin "Daddy-O" Collins
- Silver: Ryan "Rhino" Thompson
- Bronze: Shane "Shaneen" Collins
- Couples
- Gold: The Emperor & Sammy
- Silver: The Thompsons
- Bronze: The Wm S Collins
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
The Greenbrier: America's Resort
Nestled in the mountains of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia is an all American resort perfect for family vacation. In every single way. Anything and everything you could possible dream of is a reality here.
My parents had visited The Greenbrier several times for business and had been itching to do a family trip here. After a few years of attempting to coordinate schedules, we finally made it happen. A short 8 hour drive through 6 states and we arrived on Sunday afternoon to kick off the vaca, our last without a baby!
Our cottage, equipped with 4 separate bedrooms & baths, a kitchen, family room, front & back porches, fits the family of 12 like a glove. Privacy for each couple is key for nap-taking, prepping for the Olympic events, and romantic activity. The kitchen provides easy breakfast and lunch opportunities as well as snacking...especially for the kiddos. And the living room creates lots of laughs, game playing, and memories for a lifetime.
The grounds are stunning with mountainous views, gorgeous decor & architecture, 5 star facilities (from tennis courts to golf courses to croquet lawns to bowling alleys to indoor & outdoor pools to first class spa). Activities cover a broad range from shuffleboard to hiking to skeet shooting to biking to horseback riding to carriage rides to laser tag. Let's not forget the casino as well as the plethora of shops and delicious restaurants. And perhaps the most exquisite part of the entire place is the good ole' Southern hospitality and service of the all-star staff.
We could not have asked for a better vacation with our family and last pre-parenting hoorah. Just the right amount of fitness, relaxation, laughs, and bonding. Definitely looking forward to making The Greenbrier a regular vaca spot for our ever-growing family!
My parents had visited The Greenbrier several times for business and had been itching to do a family trip here. After a few years of attempting to coordinate schedules, we finally made it happen. A short 8 hour drive through 6 states and we arrived on Sunday afternoon to kick off the vaca, our last without a baby!
 |
| don't mind the ghetto-ness that took place on the way to GB |
Our cottage, equipped with 4 separate bedrooms & baths, a kitchen, family room, front & back porches, fits the family of 12 like a glove. Privacy for each couple is key for nap-taking, prepping for the Olympic events, and romantic activity. The kitchen provides easy breakfast and lunch opportunities as well as snacking...especially for the kiddos. And the living room creates lots of laughs, game playing, and memories for a lifetime.
The grounds are stunning with mountainous views, gorgeous decor & architecture, 5 star facilities (from tennis courts to golf courses to croquet lawns to bowling alleys to indoor & outdoor pools to first class spa). Activities cover a broad range from shuffleboard to hiking to skeet shooting to biking to horseback riding to carriage rides to laser tag. Let's not forget the casino as well as the plethora of shops and delicious restaurants. And perhaps the most exquisite part of the entire place is the good ole' Southern hospitality and service of the all-star staff.
We could not have asked for a better vacation with our family and last pre-parenting hoorah. Just the right amount of fitness, relaxation, laughs, and bonding. Definitely looking forward to making The Greenbrier a regular vaca spot for our ever-growing family!
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