Friday, August 28, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
What else is new?
So, you're probably wondering what else we did with our summer since our big trip only lasted about three weeks. I've been wondering the same thing myself. Monday is the official end of summer for me. I go back to work full time, and the kiddos arrive on Wednesday. As usual, the summer has absolutely flown by! Here's some of what we've been doing:
1. Pest Control: We have termites. They are the slow-eating kind, so we're hoping that they haven't done too much real damage to our house. We've been cleaning out our storage room, where they've been hanging out, so that we can have someone get in there and spray. It's a total pain, and has taken up way too much of my precious summer!
2. Childcare Hunt: Jeff is planning to add more days to his work schedule, and that means we need daycare for Marley. This has been super depressing for me - I can't tell you how many times I've threatened to quit my job this week! Although many tears were shed in the process, I'm pretty sure we've found a place we love. We brought Marley there for a visit and he had a blast running around with the other kids. We're still working out the schedule, but right now it looks like he will start in October and go three days a week. I think this will be really good for him. *Sniff* At least that's what I keep telling myself!
3. Auntie Sarah's Visit: The only reason I was able to stay somewhat sane during the search for childcare was that my amazing sister was here. She watched Marley while I made phone calls. She came along to check places out with me. And most importantly, she gave me lots of hugs while I sobbed in despair! It was hard to let her go, especially because Mars was getting so used to having her around. Luckily, we're planning a family get-together in October, so we won't have to wait too long to see her again!
4. No Longer a Teen: Most importantly this summer, Mars turned 20 months old! He is growing up so fast right before our very eyes. Here's a little of what Marley is like at 20 month old:
*Wears 18-24 month clothing.
*Loves to accessorize (hats, shoes, glasses, jewelry)
*Knows some of his ABC's, and tries really hard to sing along with the alphabet song.
*Knows some of his numbers - he surprised us by counting to six today! Correctly!
*Can recognize a stop sign and a stop light, and likes to point them out to us while we're driving.
*Can correctly identify crows, pigeons, and sea gulls (and can imitate corresponding sounds)
*Can speak in four word sentences (yesterday he said, "I spy dirty clothes." Great.).
*Loves to play "I Spy".
*Can jump with both feet (only about an inch off the ground, but is very proud of himself nonetheless).
*Can build a tower seven blocks high before the urge to knock it down overcomes him.
*Is no longer breastfeeding as of the end of July (his choice, not mine).
*Is very good with a spoon.
*Sleeps in his crib, which is sidecaring our bed.
*Is still wearing cloth diapers.
*Uses mostly spoken words rather than sign language any more. (He still loves Signing Time, though and we are always trying to learn new signs).
*Can go up the stairs and down the slide all by himself at the park.
*Favorite foods include: broccoli, edamame (soy beans), peaches, pizza, strawberries, Pirate's Booty, yogurt, chicken, french fries, and spaghetti.
*Loves to sing, dance, read, play with cars, swim, go to the beach, and play at the park.
*Amazes us daily with all his new accomplishments!
1. Pest Control: We have termites. They are the slow-eating kind, so we're hoping that they haven't done too much real damage to our house. We've been cleaning out our storage room, where they've been hanging out, so that we can have someone get in there and spray. It's a total pain, and has taken up way too much of my precious summer!
2. Childcare Hunt: Jeff is planning to add more days to his work schedule, and that means we need daycare for Marley. This has been super depressing for me - I can't tell you how many times I've threatened to quit my job this week! Although many tears were shed in the process, I'm pretty sure we've found a place we love. We brought Marley there for a visit and he had a blast running around with the other kids. We're still working out the schedule, but right now it looks like he will start in October and go three days a week. I think this will be really good for him. *Sniff* At least that's what I keep telling myself!
3. Auntie Sarah's Visit: The only reason I was able to stay somewhat sane during the search for childcare was that my amazing sister was here. She watched Marley while I made phone calls. She came along to check places out with me. And most importantly, she gave me lots of hugs while I sobbed in despair! It was hard to let her go, especially because Mars was getting so used to having her around. Luckily, we're planning a family get-together in October, so we won't have to wait too long to see her again!
4. No Longer a Teen: Most importantly this summer, Mars turned 20 months old! He is growing up so fast right before our very eyes. Here's a little of what Marley is like at 20 month old:
*Wears 18-24 month clothing.
*Loves to accessorize (hats, shoes, glasses, jewelry)
*Knows some of his ABC's, and tries really hard to sing along with the alphabet song.
*Knows some of his numbers - he surprised us by counting to six today! Correctly!
*Can recognize a stop sign and a stop light, and likes to point them out to us while we're driving.
*Can correctly identify crows, pigeons, and sea gulls (and can imitate corresponding sounds)
*Can speak in four word sentences (yesterday he said, "I spy dirty clothes." Great.).
*Loves to play "I Spy".
*Can jump with both feet (only about an inch off the ground, but is very proud of himself nonetheless).
*Can build a tower seven blocks high before the urge to knock it down overcomes him.
*Is no longer breastfeeding as of the end of July (his choice, not mine).
*Is very good with a spoon.
*Sleeps in his crib, which is sidecaring our bed.
*Is still wearing cloth diapers.
*Uses mostly spoken words rather than sign language any more. (He still loves Signing Time, though and we are always trying to learn new signs).
*Can go up the stairs and down the slide all by himself at the park.
*Favorite foods include: broccoli, edamame (soy beans), peaches, pizza, strawberries, Pirate's Booty, yogurt, chicken, french fries, and spaghetti.
*Loves to sing, dance, read, play with cars, swim, go to the beach, and play at the park.
*Amazes us daily with all his new accomplishments!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Part III: The Cote d'Azur
This was the part of our trip where we planned on relaxing, eating, and playing at the beach. The vacation, within the vacation, if you will. We stayed in Villefranche-sur-Mer, at the same hotel Jeff and I stayed at on our honeymoon. Here's the view from our balcony.
And the waterfront promenade where we frequented an excellent gelateria.
We ate at this restaurant twice during our stay. The children who lived nearby came out to play and gave Jada and Marley balloons.
We walked around, shopped, and ate in Eze. It was just a short bus ride from Villefranche.
Jeff and I decided to walk down the sea-view trail (about a 45 minute hike). Marley kept busy by pointing out all the things he could see (boat, sky). Poor kid couldn't see much back there.
Another day, Jeff and I hiked along the Cap d'Ail trail. Marley pretty much slept the whole time. We stayed in a hostel here the very first time we visited France in 1999. Walking along this trail and seeing the hostel brought back lots of fond memories.
And of course, we had to go into Nice. We visited a lovely park overlooking the city (complete with jugglers). We walked through old Nice and I was reminded how much I really enjoy that part of the city.
It was a wonderful five days on the coast, followed by a hellish journey home. And here we are! Thanks for bearing with me though my v-e-r-y drawn out recap of our trip!
And the waterfront promenade where we frequented an excellent gelateria.
We ate at this restaurant twice during our stay. The children who lived nearby came out to play and gave Jada and Marley balloons.
We walked around, shopped, and ate in Eze. It was just a short bus ride from Villefranche.
Jeff and I decided to walk down the sea-view trail (about a 45 minute hike). Marley kept busy by pointing out all the things he could see (boat, sky). Poor kid couldn't see much back there.
Another day, Jeff and I hiked along the Cap d'Ail trail. Marley pretty much slept the whole time. We stayed in a hostel here the very first time we visited France in 1999. Walking along this trail and seeing the hostel brought back lots of fond memories.
And of course, we had to go into Nice. We visited a lovely park overlooking the city (complete with jugglers). We walked through old Nice and I was reminded how much I really enjoy that part of the city.
It was a wonderful five days on the coast, followed by a hellish journey home. And here we are! Thanks for bearing with me though my v-e-r-y drawn out recap of our trip!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Part II: London and Paris
First, by special request, a photo showing my (and Marley's) entire outfits - including shoes:) Bonus: You get to see the back of Kristina's dress up close!
So, the day after the wedding, we left Cornwall and headed to London by train. We arrived in the late afternoon, ate dinner and then met up at the hotel with Tanya, Troy, and Jada (who had spent the first part of their trip in Brighton). The next day Jeff was really sick (we think food poisoning - Ick!*) so he hung around the hotel while the rest of us headed out for a boat ride along the Thames. You've already seen the photo of Mars with Big Ben in the background:) After the ride, we headed out in search of some children's museums. First up was the Natural History Museum. It would have been better for a little bit older kids, although on the plus side, it was free! Fine by me since Marley slept the entire time.
Here's Jada looking perplexed (and a little frightened) by the "womb room" - complete with a heart beat and a giant fetus! I thought it was cool.
After the NHM, we made our way over to the Science Museum. Since it was getting late, we headed straight to "The Garden", the very cool interactive exhibit for kids under 5. Marley and Jada loved touching all the different textures, making all sorts of sounds, crawling in various nooks and crannies, looking in the fun mirrors, and building towers with huge foam blocks.
But, by far, the most popular thing to do at "The Garden" was explore the water works. I highly recommend the Science Museum, if you ever find yourself in London with little kids - and it's free!
The next morning we took the Eurostar (the "Chunnel Train") to Paris. We didn't go to museums or even really try and see a lot of sites. We mostly just wandered around and enjoyed being in Paris.
The day we arrived was Bastille Day, so there was a celebratory mood in the air and we got to see fireworks.
We didn't actually go up the Eiffel Tower, but we were okay with that.
We loved our hotel, and its location. Jeff and I even got to go on a child-free date on the last night. (The weather was crazy that night! We were seated outside, but it suddenly started to hail, so we had to go in. Then the power went out! We eventually got our food, and the storm was over by the time we left.) Three nights was definitely not enough time in Paris. Oh well, looks like we'll have to go back!
Stay tuned for our final vacation episode, Part III: The Cote d'Azur.
*Jeff did eventually feel better and visited the British Museum. So, London wasn't a total loss for him.
So, the day after the wedding, we left Cornwall and headed to London by train. We arrived in the late afternoon, ate dinner and then met up at the hotel with Tanya, Troy, and Jada (who had spent the first part of their trip in Brighton). The next day Jeff was really sick (we think food poisoning - Ick!*) so he hung around the hotel while the rest of us headed out for a boat ride along the Thames. You've already seen the photo of Mars with Big Ben in the background:) After the ride, we headed out in search of some children's museums. First up was the Natural History Museum. It would have been better for a little bit older kids, although on the plus side, it was free! Fine by me since Marley slept the entire time.
Here's Jada looking perplexed (and a little frightened) by the "womb room" - complete with a heart beat and a giant fetus! I thought it was cool.
After the NHM, we made our way over to the Science Museum. Since it was getting late, we headed straight to "The Garden", the very cool interactive exhibit for kids under 5. Marley and Jada loved touching all the different textures, making all sorts of sounds, crawling in various nooks and crannies, looking in the fun mirrors, and building towers with huge foam blocks.
But, by far, the most popular thing to do at "The Garden" was explore the water works. I highly recommend the Science Museum, if you ever find yourself in London with little kids - and it's free!
The next morning we took the Eurostar (the "Chunnel Train") to Paris. We didn't go to museums or even really try and see a lot of sites. We mostly just wandered around and enjoyed being in Paris.
The day we arrived was Bastille Day, so there was a celebratory mood in the air and we got to see fireworks.
We didn't actually go up the Eiffel Tower, but we were okay with that.
We loved our hotel, and its location. Jeff and I even got to go on a child-free date on the last night. (The weather was crazy that night! We were seated outside, but it suddenly started to hail, so we had to go in. Then the power went out! We eventually got our food, and the storm was over by the time we left.) Three nights was definitely not enough time in Paris. Oh well, looks like we'll have to go back!
Stay tuned for our final vacation episode, Part III: The Cote d'Azur.
*Jeff did eventually feel better and visited the British Museum. So, London wasn't a total loss for him.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Part I: Reading, Cornwall, and The Wedding
Our first night in England we stayed at Adam and Kristina's house in Reading. We were only there for about a day and a half, and we really wish we could have had more time. We walked on the river trail, which is only about a block from their house, and found a really cool playground for Marley to run around at.
Kristina and Adam's mid-nineteenth century home was really comfortable, and super cute!
When we left Reading, we headed to Wadbridge in Cornwall for three nights. The adorable Brookdale B&B, where we stayed, was just a few minutes walk from Adam's parents' house.
The Full English Breakfast was served hot just for us every morning. Yum!
One of the days we went surfing at Polzeath Beach. Well, not "real" surfing. Most of us were just boogie-boarding, and some of us were just floating around in the waves:)
Jeff and I took turns squeezing into wet suits and playing on the beach with Mars. Here's everyone getting ready for the "cold" water (it was warm compared to Puget Sound).
We hiked along a gorgeous trail that went along the coast. It was so pretty that Jeff and Marley even came back the next day to do more hiking while I was at the wedding rehearsal.
On the day of the wedding, we headed to the lovely Rose-in-Vale Hotel. It did drizzle a bit during the ceremony, but most of the guests were prepared. The ceremony was at 12:30 pm, and the reception didn't end until around midnight, so it was really nice to have our room right there. Jeff even took Mars up for his nap after the ceremony. Everyone told us how "smart" Marley looked in his dress clothes:)
The bride was lovely, and the groom handsome. We ate, drank, danced, and had tons of fun. Boy was it a long day!
Stay tuned for Part II: London and Paris!
Kristina and Adam's mid-nineteenth century home was really comfortable, and super cute!
When we left Reading, we headed to Wadbridge in Cornwall for three nights. The adorable Brookdale B&B, where we stayed, was just a few minutes walk from Adam's parents' house.
The Full English Breakfast was served hot just for us every morning. Yum!
One of the days we went surfing at Polzeath Beach. Well, not "real" surfing. Most of us were just boogie-boarding, and some of us were just floating around in the waves:)
Jeff and I took turns squeezing into wet suits and playing on the beach with Mars. Here's everyone getting ready for the "cold" water (it was warm compared to Puget Sound).
We hiked along a gorgeous trail that went along the coast. It was so pretty that Jeff and Marley even came back the next day to do more hiking while I was at the wedding rehearsal.
On the day of the wedding, we headed to the lovely Rose-in-Vale Hotel. It did drizzle a bit during the ceremony, but most of the guests were prepared. The ceremony was at 12:30 pm, and the reception didn't end until around midnight, so it was really nice to have our room right there. Jeff even took Mars up for his nap after the ceremony. Everyone told us how "smart" Marley looked in his dress clothes:)
The bride was lovely, and the groom handsome. We ate, drank, danced, and had tons of fun. Boy was it a long day!
Stay tuned for Part II: London and Paris!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Home, Sweet Home
Wednesday morning at around 10:30, we checked out of our hotel in Villefranche and boarded the train into Nice. We then hopped on a bus to the Nice airport, where we caught a plane to London's Heathrow Airport. From there, we hopped on another bus that took us to Gatwick Airport, where we caught a shuttle that put us at our hotel around 8pm. Phew! We grabbed a quick dinner and went to bed.
The next morning (yesterday) we woke up early to catch the 7am shuttle back to Gatwick, so we could catch a 8.5 hour flight to Charlotte, NC, where we had a long 4 hour layover! Yuck! After we finally boarded our plane for Seattle, they informed us that the runway was closed due to an incoming storm. So we sat on the plane, at the gate, for another 45 minutes before takeoff. We arrived in Seattle, after a 5.5 hour flight from Charlotte, just after 9pm (which I think is 6am Nice time).
Our luggage took forever to come out - but finally did, thank goodness. Liz picked us up at the airport in Seattle. Thanks, Liz! We said goodbye to our travel companions. Thanks, Tanya, Troy, and Jada! And we curled up in our very own bed sometime around midnight.
We have tons of stories and photos, which I will share soon - when I can muster up the energy. In the meantime, here's an adorable Marley picture to tide you over:)
The next morning (yesterday) we woke up early to catch the 7am shuttle back to Gatwick, so we could catch a 8.5 hour flight to Charlotte, NC, where we had a long 4 hour layover! Yuck! After we finally boarded our plane for Seattle, they informed us that the runway was closed due to an incoming storm. So we sat on the plane, at the gate, for another 45 minutes before takeoff. We arrived in Seattle, after a 5.5 hour flight from Charlotte, just after 9pm (which I think is 6am Nice time).
Our luggage took forever to come out - but finally did, thank goodness. Liz picked us up at the airport in Seattle. Thanks, Liz! We said goodbye to our travel companions. Thanks, Tanya, Troy, and Jada! And we curled up in our very own bed sometime around midnight.
We have tons of stories and photos, which I will share soon - when I can muster up the energy. In the meantime, here's an adorable Marley picture to tide you over:)
Sunday, July 5, 2009
And we're off! (Almost)
Our bags are packed (mostly), the house is tidied (somewhat), our travel arrangements have been made (for the most part), and we're ready to go! (more or less). Bright and early tomorrow morning we get on a plane bound for London. Okay, technically we get on a plane bound for Philadelphia first. We're looking forward to this, most likely our last, flight with Mars as a free "lap baby". Actually, I'm not exactly looking forward to the whole flying part of it (read: dreading), but I'm very excited to be going on vacation.
I may or may not be able to update the blog while we are away. So, here's our itinerary for those who would like to imagine where we are on any given day.
July 6: Leave home at 6am courtesy of our good friend, Liz (Thanks, Liz!); Depart SeaTac Airport at 8:40 am
July 7: Arrive at London Gatwick Airport at 6:55am; Hop on a train to Reading, UK to stay at Kristina and Adam's house
July 8: Hop on a train to Bodmin, Cornwall, UK; Pick up our rental car and drive to Wadebridge, Cornwall, UK to stay at the charming Brooksdale B&B
July 9: Enjoy a day at the beach with Kristina and friends; stay at the Brooksdale
July 10: Attend a garden party at Adam's parents' house; stay at the Brooksdale
July 11: Kristina and Adam's Wedding at the Rose-in-Vale hotel in St. Agnes, Cornwall, UK; stay at the Rose-in-Vale
July 12: Return the rental car and hop on a train to London; Meet up with Tanya, Troy, and Jada; stay at the Ramada
July 13: See London; Stay at the Ramada
July 14: Take the Chunnel to Paris; Stay at the Hotel de Seine
July 15: See Paris; Hotel de Seine
July 16: More Paris; Hotel de Seine
July 17: Take the train to Nice; stay at the Hotel Provencal in Villefranche (where Jeff and I stayed on our honeymoon)
July 17 - 21: Sit on the beach; stay at the Hotel Provencal
July 22: Fly to London; Stay at the Holiday Inn near the airport
July 23: Fly back to Seattle, arriving at 9pm (Liz?)
Whew! Wish us luck!
I may or may not be able to update the blog while we are away. So, here's our itinerary for those who would like to imagine where we are on any given day.
July 6: Leave home at 6am courtesy of our good friend, Liz (Thanks, Liz!); Depart SeaTac Airport at 8:40 am
July 7: Arrive at London Gatwick Airport at 6:55am; Hop on a train to Reading, UK to stay at Kristina and Adam's house
July 8: Hop on a train to Bodmin, Cornwall, UK; Pick up our rental car and drive to Wadebridge, Cornwall, UK to stay at the charming Brooksdale B&B
July 9: Enjoy a day at the beach with Kristina and friends; stay at the Brooksdale
July 10: Attend a garden party at Adam's parents' house; stay at the Brooksdale
July 11: Kristina and Adam's Wedding at the Rose-in-Vale hotel in St. Agnes, Cornwall, UK; stay at the Rose-in-Vale
July 12: Return the rental car and hop on a train to London; Meet up with Tanya, Troy, and Jada; stay at the Ramada
July 13: See London; Stay at the Ramada
July 14: Take the Chunnel to Paris; Stay at the Hotel de Seine
July 15: See Paris; Hotel de Seine
July 16: More Paris; Hotel de Seine
July 17: Take the train to Nice; stay at the Hotel Provencal in Villefranche (where Jeff and I stayed on our honeymoon)
July 17 - 21: Sit on the beach; stay at the Hotel Provencal
July 22: Fly to London; Stay at the Holiday Inn near the airport
July 23: Fly back to Seattle, arriving at 9pm (Liz?)
Whew! Wish us luck!
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