Thursday, February 28, 2008

Favorite Things


These are a few pictures from our photoshoot today. It is a beautiful day here, meaning it is less than 70 degrees out! We were hanging out with all the windows open enjoying the fresh air.




Family Ho!

Tomorrow we set out on the first of many family road trips. We are very excited. Those of you who don't know the torture that I went through as a young child let me enlighten you:

From the time I was...oh I don't know....BORN, my brothers and I were subjected to what we liked to call "endless driving" road trips with the family. They were conducted on weekends, holidays, vacations and any other time the parents could steal us away. We were woken up at the crack of dawn to renditions of "Revely, Revely, all hands on deck," by my Dad (a flash back to his Navy days). We were informed to dress for any occasion, which meant we would probably encounter snow on a logging road in the middle of the summer! My mom packed lunches, pimento cheese for them and peanut butter and jelly for us, snacks, and a soda (only because it was a special occasion). We would all pile in the Volkswagen van like Gypsies and off we went. We were always treated to another bout of singing by my father, Willy Nelson's, "On the Road Again." We drove to lakes, parks, national parks, rivers, streams, oceans, you name it, we went there. On our way we were usually banned from using any electronic devices, like Walkmans (oh ya I'm talking cassette tapes!), because we were instructed to look at the scenery, which there was plenty of on a twelve hour road trip through the back roads of Washington. We kicked, poked and generally tortured each other in the back seats most of the way, then got bored and played some driving games. When we finally arrived at our destination, we would eat our picnic lunch, take in more scenery, go to any and every museum in town and always hit few gift shops. I have been to museums for railroads, battles, Indian art, Chiefs, hot springs, transportation, trees, wildlife and other miscellaneous things and have the cheesy gift shop t-shirt to prove it! When we were good and educated and exhausted we would all pile back in the car and head home.

The reason I tell you this story is not to complain like I did for 18 years. Instead, it is to admit finally, that I believe the family road trip was an essential part of my upbringing. I believe that it kept me out of trouble, helped me bond with my family, learn about things I never would have learned about otherwise, and learn why our family was the envy of other kids in town. We may have looked completely insane but, we were together, communicating, exploring and refreshing ourselves for the week to come. We were not all sitting inside in front of the TV.

I also tell you this to let you know that our family, Paul, Sam and I are not in fact crazy. Well, maybe a little, but instead we are committed. To each other, to bringing up Sam in a healthy, happy, adventurous family. We are excited for many "endless driving" adventures, hopefully we won't be grounded by gas prices, but hey we all make sacrifices for things that are important! I'm quite sure that Sam and if we are so blessed, future siblings, will kick and scream their way out the door at the crack of dawn just like we did and poke and antagonize each other along the way, yawning all the way through museums but, will also someday thank us like I am thanking my parents now for the road trips and memories they created.

Thanks Mom and Dad. I love you!

Will post pictures from the inaugural road trip on Monday! Until then.....happy travels! And as Paul says, "Family Ho!"

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

The Boys




Sunday, February 24, 2008


Today we ventured to the Sidewalk Art Festival in Lake Worth. Josh and Sara had an amazing square again this year. Paul has participated before though, we would love to do an original piece as a family someday. It was extremely hot but, as usual we enjoyed seeing all the talented "chalkers." This however, was one of the unexplained pieces we came across. We were left asking ourselves, "So, even punk street kids can be good parents?" Hmm... what do you think?

Saturday, February 23, 2008



Our little Sammy had his first shots on Wednesday, two in one leg and one in the other. He was very tough and only cried a little but, the rest of the day was a little rough, hence the "zoned out" look in the picture. So, we did what any sensible family would do, came home, put on our pj's, took a nap and then ordered out a pizza for dinner!




Monday, February 18, 2008

Reality Check

Dear Waitress,

I thought I was starting to look good again and thought all my dedication to working out was paying off, especially in the tummy area. Thank you for not forgetting to mention as I left the restaurant, that you had noticed my "pooch" and to congratulate me on my pregnancy. But, most of all thank you for proving me wrong, I will continue my quest to loose my "pooch."

Love,

Very recently new mother who was taught manners by her parents and to never assume someone is pregnant when you "aren't quite sure."

Sunday, February 17, 2008

#214 and his #1 fan

Paul did his first race yesterday since Sam's arrival. Apparently lack of sleep has had no effect on his running, he finished 4th overall with a time of 19 minutes 24 seconds for a 5k. Maybe it is the newest member of his fan club?

Friday, February 15, 2008


Sam and I took Paul out for a romantic burrito Valentines Day lunch at our favorite lunch spot, Chipotle. It was Sam's first visit.....he is a big fan, ate the whole darn burrito himself!

Confessions of a new parent.

Yesterday I confessed to Paul that after feeding Sam I walked out to my car, parked in front of our house, and realized after I got in, that my shirt was still pulled up over my chest....lucky for the neighbors I had a tank top on underneath and nothing was 'on display'.

Sure I had finally lost my mind and that Paul would agree, he reciprocated by telling me that while at work, he stepped out of his office to use the restroom located at the end of the common corridor of his building and started to unbutton and unzip his pants as if he had already entered the stall!

The sad part about all of this is that Sam actually slept for eight hours the preceding night! Maybe we just got too much sleep? I think we will both try to keep our clothes on from now on!

Thursday, February 14, 2008


Monday, February 11, 2008

Uncle Dan and Garlic Fest

Paul & Sam checking out the crap....oops I mean crafts!
The boys taking a lunch break


Dan is in town and we all went down to Delray Beach for Garlic Fest yesterday. Yes, we all stunk when we got home, with the exception of Sam who did not partake. We ate garlic ice cream, garlic pizza and garlic bread, listened to some music and soaked up a little sun. Sam is very much enjoying all the attention from Uncle Dan and so is Kitty!

Friday, February 8, 2008

I love, love, love this little boy!


blowing kisses.....