Belated Father's Day

I just realized that I completely forgot about Father's Day. It's probably because I didn't get to spend it with my boys . . . they were in Sumter. But I am very happy that Mark and Finn got to spend the day together, with Bop Bop too. Finn is such a lucky little boy. He has a wonderful daddy who loves spending time with him, showing him new things and explaining how things work--like lights, the periodic table and why the sky is blue. One of my favorite sounds is when Mark comes home from work and no matter where Finn is, he comes running and screamingat the top of his lungs Dada, Dada. Or sometimes Maaaark. We love you Mark and thanks for taking such good care of us and being such a wonderful father.

Notice of Infraction

Last week I had to pay my dues as a new resident of DC by visiting the DMV, not once, but twice in two days. I had to wait in one line to get a number only to wait in another line. And let me tell you, the lovely employees of the DMV take their jobs very seriously. No cell phones, no food or drink, no standing, no loitering, etc. etc. The first trip to get my license was a breeze, relatively speaking. I had all of the appropriate documentation and most importantly no Finn. Because I can't think of anything less appealing than spending a couple of hours at the local DMV for an active toddler, for the toddler and the other people in line.

The second trip to the DMV was because I had already gotten one parking ticket and couldn't really afford too many more. Mark was gone to South Carolina to take another load of furniture that wouldn't fit, so I was forced to take the Finnster. I knew I was in trouble when we ran out of snacks and juice before we were half-way through the first line. It was safe to say that I think the entire room burst into applause when our number was finally called, more than 2 hours later.  At one point during our wait, as Finn was running laps around the room, being his usual loud self and trying to hide in the vacant offices, the head security officer tells Finn that he will have to revoke his license for speeding and reckless driving. If only. 

When I finally got to speak to the "customer service" representative, he told me there was no such thing as a temporary parking permit. I wanted to reach across the desk and claw his eyes out. Better yet, I should have just left Finn in his cubicle and walked out. He finally relented, either out of sheer pity or the intense desire to get us out of his space. It was only a temporary parking permit (which means yet another day at the DMV to get a permanent one). I am only telling you this because I know all of you have similar stories. A nightmare experience at the DMV is a universal part of life.

Finn didn't need a permit for his ride and he has a prime parking spot. What a lucky guy!

Moving Day, Part II

Moving stinks, whether you are moving down the street or across the country. You spend way too much time in limbo, nap schedules disrupted, no place to sit and eat, unreliable movers, anxious dogs, nervous kid and 95% of your stuff in storage or in boxes. You end up throwing away a lot of things that you can't be bothered (or don't have room) to pack. Only to arrive at your new home desperate for those few items that you left behind. Such has been our life for the past few weeks. 

Hmmm, who packed this box?

We've moved quite a bit, but this move was the most difficult logistically yet somehow it went very smoothly. We went from a big (but old) house in the suburbs with plenty of parking, to a small townhouse in a big city with zero parking for my car, much less for a gigantic moving truck. Our saving grace, was my friend Alisha, who not only put us up for a night, but kept Finn ALL DAY LONG, while I was at the house in DC helping the movers and Mark was at the house in NJ cleaning up and packing the last few things. I could not have done it without her help. Finn didn't even notice anything was going on. He was too busy doing having fun with Alisha and Sam, feeding ducks, hanging at the library and playground. Alisha is one brave lady! Here are a few pictures from their day of fun. 

Click here to view these pictures larger

After a couple of days spent packing, unpacking and moving, we all took a much needed break at the pool. That was Finn's favorite part!  I have lots more to share from our new perch in DC, so stay tuned.

The REAL real Housewives of New Jersey

Unlike the NJ housewives on Bravo's tv show (in case you haven't seen it, total guilty pleasure), the real housewives of NJ that I know are funny, smart, talented, beautiful, creative and wonderful. For the past three years I have had the pleasure of being friends with three of the most amazing women (who also happen to live in New Jersey). We've shared stories, laughs, a few tears and many bottles of wine. Aileen, Heidi and Nadia (+families)--I am eternally grateful for your friendships and I will miss each of you dearly.

I guess this will be the last time I write from New Jersey. The movers are "supposed" to be here tomorrow to load the rest of our stuff and take it to DC. Who knows whether or not that will actually happen. At some point this weekend, we will make it to DC.

Besides our wonderful friends, the thing I will miss most about NJ is the tax-free shopping on shoes and clothes, which I think should become a national rule. On the other hand, I will not miss the Turnpike or the inability to make left-handed turns. 

Moving Day, Part I

Since we are downsizing considerably from a house in the 'burbs to one in the city, we loaded up a U-haul with about 75% of our stuff to store in South Carolina.

So, some of you may remember last summer when I said that moving with an eight month old was extremely difficult . . . well that was a cakewalk compared to moving with a toddler. Who insisted on "helping" with every box and piece of furniture. He must have walked up and down the ramp onto the truck 100 times. And when that got old, he drove his car up and down the ramp. Obviously, it took us a little longer to get the truck packed. But we did it, with time to spare.

Then my wonderfully brave husband agreed to take our son with him in the U-haul on a 10+ hour drive down to South Carolina. Did I say brave? Maybe I meant insane? They were quite the pair sitting up in the front cab of the massive truck. But it was necessary, because I needed to start packing the rest of our stuff. And I got a lot done. Thanks, Mark! Finn wants to know when the next boys trip will be?

"Helping" 

The Pilot and Co-Pilot (hint, pilot is not the one behind the wheel)

On the road again

Washington, DC Here We Come!

Our future DC residence. Toddler included. CD player, not included.

Five Years Together . . . Already?

On June 12, Mark and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. As I learned from People magazine, we share our anniversary date with Jon and Kate Gosselin  of Jon and Kate +8 fame. Thank goodness we have fared better than they have. Then again, we don't have the paparazzi or two sets of multiples to deal with. 

I really can't believe it has already been five years. It seems like yesterday we were loading up a U-haul preparing for our first move together to Philadelphia. Five years later, we're still loading U-hauls, but we have come a long way baby! I love you, Mark.

I was trying to find a recent picture of just the two of us . . .  but I can't seem to find any. But I managed to find a couple of pictures, pre-Finn. Which explains my makeup and semi-fixed hair. 

Brotherly Love

Before we headed to the beach, we were able to sneak in a quick side trip to Atlanta to visit our friends Kriya and Wade. Kriya graciously kept Finn while I spent a much-needed afternoon at the salon (hey, blondes do have more fun!). Then we all went to the park for a concert and lots of playing in the dirt, and mud since it had just rained. Now that the boys are older, it is so much fun watching them run around a play together. Finn can even say "Waaaaade!" After the park, we put the boys to bed and Kriya and I had a fun mom's night out. The next morning, we cheered Wade on at his swimming lesson and then headed to the pool to celebrate. It was a short trip, but we had a blast. We love you guys--thanks for having us. I swiped these pictures from Kriya's blog. 

Finn goes for a spin in Wade's convertible

The bromance continues

Disclaimer: If you are a regular reader, you know we have a tendency to dress the boys in matching outfits and take lots of pictures (exhibit A, exhibit B). 

At first, it was by accident, now it is just one big running joke. For example:

**Matching PJs:  Accident

Matching monogrammed ponchos: not so much

Wade loves the pool!

Here are more pictures from our visit. PS, don't be afraid of Beau's spandex . . . he's training for a triathlon.

Making a Splash at the Beach

We went on the first, of what I hope will be many, family vacations to the beach at Seaside, FL. We had a wonderful time. Finn loved splashing in the ocean, catching waves, going on bicycle rides, digging in the sand, eating the sand, rolling in the sand, rubbing sand on anyone in sight . . . you get the idea, pretty much anything to do with sand. This was our first trip to the beach where he was old enough to really enjoy it and it was so incredible getting to experience his excitement. I had forgotten how much fun it could be to actually play at the beach--since I usually read books and work on my tan.  Seaside was a great place to visit too--very family-oriented, which means when Finn was being extremely loud or throwing a fit on the sidewalk, there were many other kids also being loud and throwing fits. We fit right in! 

It was great being with my family, not just because of the extra babysitters, although that was nice, but because we enjoyed spending time together. Here are some photos from our trip. Now when are we going back?