COME FULL CIRCLE

Birthday revisited

2011-01-14T13:28:00.000-05:00

Our little girl celebrated another birthday last weekend. I can't believe the little baby in the picture frame is the very same girl staring back at us with those beautiful bright big brown eyes. We still can't believe how lucky we are to be parents to two great beautiful children.

Ava showing how old she is now.

Sebastian was such a great big brother. He didn't complain when Ava got birthday presents so close after Christmas. We didn't get any pictures of Sebastian on the ice because he was skating so well and I don't think Michael could catch him with the lens.

Our Christmas Story 2010

2011-01-14T13:04:00.000-05:00

The annual letters to Santa. Sebastian helped Ava write her letter :-)

Ava helping Mom Mom decorate her tree by making sure some of the ornaments made it to the back of the tree.

We got into the holiday spirit by driving through a state park to look at the holiday light displays.

Michael's company holiday party. The theme was 50's, 60's and 70's night. Some people came decked out to their era.

And then you have folks who got dressed up (Michael with his coworkers and spouses).

I was trying to get into the picture with Dean Martin ;-)

Ava made her first ginger bread house with Aunt Janet.

I originally didn't want to put up our Christmas tree this year since we were traveling to PA three weekends in a row. Sebastian expressed his disappointment and I caved in to the "guilts."

Our first fire in the fireplace. We had a gas fireplace in our old house in PA so we finally get to enjoy a wood burning fireplace after 9 years.

On the way back to Mom Mom's and Pop Pop's for the holidays. Ava held onto her giant Princess teapot the entire car ride. She got it at her gift exchange at school.

Christmas eve.

Santa's helper?

You can see the feet from the other helper. I snapped this shot right when Jacco moved and this was the result. I call him the canine ghost of Christmas past.

The kids waiting very patiently on Christmas morning. Pop Pop and Jacco went out for their EARLY morning walk. We went to bed when it was dark and got up when it was dark.

Christmas Part 2 - at Grandmom's house. Ava's first spa kit.

Christmas dinner at Uncle Mike's and Aunt Carol's house. The Grandmothers catching up.

Christmas Part 3 - back at the townhouse after Christmas weekend in PA.

Look Mom....Santa left us stockings!

Michael's Dad came to visit during the week between Christmas and New Years. We spent a day in Washington DC to see the Spy museum and Chinatown.

Mom...there are strange people sleeping on our sofa! ;-)

A New Year

2011-01-14T11:08:00.001-05:00

Yes, we are still alive. We survived the holidays and welcomed the new year just relaxing with family members. Michael's Dad, Brother and brother's girlfriend visited with us and helped us ring in the new year in our townhouse. Sebastian only lasted until 11 p.m. and Ava was out by 8 p.m.

The "Why's"

2010-12-17T15:05:00.000-05:00

We got another dusting of snow on Thursday so the schools had a two hour delay on Friday morning. Ava walked into the bathroom while I was applying my make up. This was the face that was staring back at me for 20 minutes.

Ava is at that age where everything and anything is questionable. Her favorite question is "WHY?" One of her questions this morning was why I was putting makeup on with an eye "broom" (instead of brush). It's funny, but true....why do they call it a brush when it doesn't look like a brush at all. It does look like a miniature broom ;-)

Ava asked why she sees three Ava's :-)

Santa Baby!

2010-12-15T14:28:00.001-05:00

On Sunday morning we took the kids out to breakfast before visiting Santa at the mall. This has become our family tradition for the past three years. Although this year, I didn't want to put up a Christmas tree in the townhouse because we would only be home for one weekend in December. But Sebastian begged us to put one up. Here is Ava posing in front of the tree.

Here is Michael giving Sebastian a lecture on setting an "example" and being a big brother. Sebastian was scaring Ava by telling that Santa was really a monster in disguise. She didn't need any encouragement. She's already terrified of the Easter Bunny, Frosty the Snowman and the Red Robin (restaurant mascot)?

Here is Ava clinging on to Daddy for dear life.

I was laughing as I took this picture. This was the Santa line behind us. Sebastian was already complaining he was BORED five minutes into waiting in line to see Santa. All the kids were pre-occupied with phones, iPads, eBooks, video games, etc. Sebastian was begging me for my iPhone. If he's not busy for five minutes, he gets "bored". I guess GI Joe's and action figures are not on his wish list since they require "imagination"!

The Santa visit went well as long as big brother was sitting beside her. Sebastian carried Ava to "make up" for the Santa scare earlier.

Ava tried on this hat to humor her Mommy.

Alive and Well

2010-12-15T13:32:00.000-05:00

Yes, we are still alive! We moved into the townhouse rental in October and have been adjusting to new work schedule and school schedules. Last weekend was the best weekend ever. We went out on Friday night and looked at the holiday lights after dinner. On Saturday Sebastian went to a birthday party and sleepover and Ava went over to a friend's house while Michael and I got to dress up and attend his company holiday party. On Sunday we got to decorate the tree and watch A Christmas Story with the kids on our brand new sectional. We even got our first snow covering on Sunday night. Now if I can get through the rest of the holiday season.....

Birds of a feather?

2010-09-25T22:00:00.000-04:00

I think Ava and Marley have been hanging around together too long. ;-D

(Tooth) Fairy tales

2010-09-25T21:24:00.000-04:00

Notice anything different? Sebastian lost two of his baby teeth this past week. You can hardly notice the gaps on the upper row because his adult teeth have crowded out the baby teeth.

The first time he lost his tooth, he came into our room at 2:30 a.m. to let us know. Michael was barely awake so I tucked Sebastian back in bed. I took some money out of my purse and put it on my nightstand along with the tooth. I was going to put the money under the pillow before we got up in the morning. Luckily, Ava came in around 5:30 a.m. looking for her blankie and I remembered to fulfill the Tooth Fairy duty.

Later in the day, Sebastian brought up the Tooth Fairy while he was doing his homework. He said he didn't think there was such thing as a Tooth Fairy. I asked him how he came to that conclusion or why he was thinking about it. He said he was awake this morning and he was pretending to be asleep. He felt a hand go under his pillow. I asked him to describe what the Tooth Fairy was wearing and he said he couldn't see because his eyes were closed. But he could tell it was probably Mommy or Daddy. He said the Tooth Fairy was wearing pajamas. I think he's unto me :-(

Michael had a funny story to tell me after the kids went to bed. He said he almost forgot to put money under the pillow so when he went to make Sebastian's bed, he noticed that Sebastian hadn't checked yet. Michael pulled up the pillow and slipped the money under. He noticed that I had already put some money there and took back his money. In the nick of time too because Sebastian came into the room. Boy, wouldn't Sebastian have been surprised if there was double the amount left by the Tooth Fairy. Sebastian told me that his friend got a whole quarter for his tooth.

Sebastian came into our room at 6:30 a.m. this morning to tell us his second tooth came out. The Tooth Fairy has to make another appearance tonight. We'll see how things go in the morning ;-D I think the Tooth Fairy theory is going to be blown out of the water (from a nine year old standpoint anyway).

Another celebration

2010-09-17T15:48:00.000-04:00

We went to a spanish tapas restaurant for my birthday over the summer. Sebastian was spending the week with his Mom Mom and Pop Pop. Poor Ava had to endure two hours of wine and several mini courses. But she was a trooper ;-)

Mommy and Ava moment. Ava had something in her mouth and wasn't sure if she liked it or not.

Hmmm...this isn't so bad, I think.

All right, enough with the pictures...what's that on your plate?

One of the many tapa plates.

Ava not afraid to try anything.

I mean everything!

Mmmmm, Mommy's favorite....lamb chops.

Yes, please!

Doing the mid-dinner stretch to make more room?

July showers

2010-09-17T15:33:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while we would take a break from the swimming pool and go over to the water fountains at the outdoor mall.

Don't ask me what she's doing. I think she thought it was hilarious to spank her own hiney.

Family Festival Day

2010-09-17T15:18:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe the company picnic/festival was July 20th. It feels like it was soo long ago.

This was a shot of our reflections outside Michael's office building. Of course for Ava, it was like a moth to a flame.

My little man not too old yet for face paint.

It was hot out that day so it definitely called for water ice!

On our way back home. After walking around for an hour and a half, I don't know how he had the energy to jump around on the sidewalk. It was really hot (you can see Ava's cheeks all pink below).

Hard head

2010-09-17T13:43:00.000-04:00

Yep, this pretty much summarizes how Sebastian plays with Ava. Except this time, Sebastian wasn't around and Ava was missing him. Ha ha....just kidding!

Happy and healthy

2010-09-17T13:38:00.000-04:00

This was during Sebastian's 9 year check up with the new Pediatrician in July. I don't know why I get so gushy looking at this picture. I guess because I caught a glimpse of his baby-ness. It makes me sad that he won't have this baby face for much longer.

I don't remember why Ava made the reactions but aren't they so expressive? ;-)

Swirly Girly

2010-09-17T13:16:00.000-04:00

Seriously, don't get in the way of a girl and her lollipop. My eyes would be all cross eyed if I had to stare at a lollipop that close and for that long :-P

She's a live wire!

2010-09-16T15:10:00.002-04:00

This morning I told myself that I have to sit down and take time to update my blog. Ava's personality has bloomed over the summer and she's definitely coming into her own. Ava has been in such a good mood this week, both in the morning and after daycare. She says the darnest things and I wish I could only remember half of them.

Senario 1: I wanted to put two piggy tails in Ava's hair today. Sometimes I loop her hair under the rubber bands so that her hair is off her neck and face (like in the pic below). She told me that she didn't want "balloons" in her hair. I never made reference to balloons before and I asked her who called them balloons? She replied, "Ava does."

Scenario 2: Sebastian was packing his backpack for school and he asked his Dad where the lunchbox was. Michael had given him lunch money to buy lunch in the cafeteria. Sebastian put the money is his pocket and had already forgotten about it. So Michael asked Sebastian (sarcastically), "what do you use that's on top of your head?" Ava was drawing on the table and just when you think she's not paying attention, she answers, "BRAIN."

Scenario 3: Ava has taken on her Daddy's sense of humor and funny sayings. Every morning when I get her strapped into the carseat, she'll say, "Thank you.....Come Agaaain!" Another of her favorite sayings is "Nice job Einstein!" That was Daddy's phrase whenever somebody dropped something. Now Ava calls everyone Einstein, LOL!

Scenario 4: Ava has recently discovered the difference between sexes. Even though she has taken hundred's of baths with her brother in the past, the question never came up. It's been a couple months since they have taken a bath together. Yesterday, Ava was inquisitive about her Daddy's "parts" and proceeded to point it out. Since Sebastian was our first child, we never had to worry about this question (not quite like Ava's questioning). Of course Daddy told her it wasn't nice to point and she concluded that Daddy just had an "accident" and it was perfectly acceptable. Hey, accidents happen!

Visiting day (post date 6-4-10)

2010-07-22T10:31:00.000-04:00

On the last day of moving week, we went to Grandmom's dental lab to have lunch and visit the new lab building.

Packing Days x 3 (post date 6-3-10)

2010-07-22T10:23:00.001-04:00

Ava and I drove down to PA to get ready for the movers. Michael and Sebastian had to stay in MD for work and school. These had to be the three hottest days in June. I turned off the AC because the doors were always open.

Ava entertaining herself until it was time to go over to Mom Mom's house.

I hope that's cold tea your'e making Ava.

We didn't have much to eat in the house so Ava had to improvise.

I don't know who Ava is calling but I hope she's calling for delivery.

The family room.

Upstair's hallway, outside Sebastian's room.

Ava's room.

Sebastian's room

Doesn't Ava look like she's the "over see'r?"

I tell you something...moving and packing is hard work. I think the guys have one of the hardest and unappreciated jobs. They really worked their butts off for three days.

See you all soon~~

Girl's day out (post date 6-1-10)

2010-07-22T09:57:00.000-04:00

Long distance friends reunited again.

Mary demonstrating her Princess makeup application.

Ava getting Princess pose tips from Mary before the photo shoot.

Ava serving play gourmet cookies.

Awwww....is it time to go already?

Pre-moving day (post date 5-30-10)

2010-07-22T00:24:00.000-04:00

My brother and brother-in-law came over to take some of the large house items we couldn't take with us when we relocate.

Ava wonders why our stuff is going on Uncle Mike's truck.

Ava helping out.

Date night (5-29-10)

2010-07-22T00:19:00.001-04:00

A funny story...Michael and I had the luxury of a "date night" thanks to both grandparents. We went to one of our favorite BYOB restaurants. We usually sit down and Michael goes over to the wine store a block away to pick up a bottle of vino. Since we've been living in MD for a few months, we were unaware that our favorite wine store had closed in PA. So here we are sitting outside without any wine ;-( Our waitress over hears our conversation and woes about the lack of wine and said that the store owner next door often times has wine bottles. A few minutes later, the store owner comes out to speak with someone she knows at the next table. Michael goes over and asks if she has any wine and she goes back to the store and comes out with the larger size wine bottle. She said to cork up the rest of the unused bottle and return it to her. We offer her some money for saving us and she said to return the favor next time we are in town by dropping off a bottle of wine. We told her that we live out of state now and she took our offer. I thought it was a sweet ending to a great night ;-)

We even got free entertainment during dinner. This college age kid was sitting on the porch rail and there was some drinking involved. We were betting each other to see if the guy would fall off the porch. (he didn't)

Date night (5-29-10)

2010-07-22T00:18:00.000-04:00

We even got free entertainment during dinner. This college age kid was sitting on the porch rail and there was some drinking involved. We were betting if the guy would fall off the porch. (he didn't)

A few of my favorite things (post May pics)

2010-07-22T00:07:00.003-04:00

Yep, Ava enjoying some of life's simple pleasures.

Guess who has Mommy's iPhone?

Turtle Dilemna (post date 5-26-10)

2010-07-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

I found this turtle in the bushes, what should I do with him?

Gee, I dunno Sebastian...paint him like an easter egg? (don't worry, the turtle was eventually released)

The Adventurist (post date 5-23-10)

2010-07-21T23:56:00.000-04:00

Sebastian wanted to try the Hurricane Simulator in the mall. Ava lasted about 10 seconds in the tunnel and bailed out.

Safe in Mom Mom's arms.

Dorothy....I want to go home!

Play food anyone? (post date 5-23-10)

2010-07-21T23:51:00.000-04:00

Future chefs?

Hmmm...almost looks too good to eat.

White Lie (post date 5-20-10)

2010-07-21T23:45:00.002-04:00

I told Ava I can tell when she "fibs" because her tongue turns blue.

She insisted on looking in the mirror for "proof." I know it was mean but it provided 10 minutes of entertainment ;-P

White Lie (post date 5-20-10)

2010-07-21T23:45:00.000-04:00

I told Ava I can tell when she "fibs" because her tongue turns blue.

She insisted on looking in the mirror for "proof." I know it was mean but it provide 10 minutes of entertainment ;-P

Cat cradle (post date 5-22-10)

2010-07-21T23:40:00.000-04:00

Mom Mom and practicing their cat cradle skills. I remember playing that game when I was young and new it gets passed on to the next generation.

Friends (post date 5-20-10)

2010-07-21T23:30:00.000-04:00

Ali and Ava playing in the backyard.

Mom and Janet have been friends for almost 30 years.

Sebastian giving out back rubs.

Spring Recorder Recital (post date 5-20-10)

2010-07-21T23:20:00.000-04:00

Mom Mom and Pop Pop came for another visit. They arrived just in time for Sebastian's recorder recital. Sebastian got to announce his group. The groups were broken out by beginners and adanced. He was part of the beginner's group.

First visit (post date 5-19-10)

2010-07-21T23:12:00.000-04:00

Sebastian had a dentist check up visit and this was Ava's first dentist visit. I scheduled their appointments together so Ava wouldn't be as scared.

Ava clinging to Sebastian in the waiting room.

Sebastian trying to make Ava smile.

Aaacck.....I'm not going to open my mouth!

Still not convinced...

But I get to wear these cool glasses.

Big brother comforting Ava.

Just a little tears.

What? I don't get a lollipop?

Sebastian carrying Ava out of the office.

Much happier now that she's outside.

Duck, duck, goose? (post date 5-16-10)

2010-07-21T22:57:00.000-04:00

The kids found a family of geese and decided to start a game of "duck, duck, goose"

What do you mean we are not playing fairly?

Awwww, come on....don't be a spoiled sport.

Pick on someone your own size!

My little corn ball!

Ava's personality coming out :-D

Duck, duck, goose? (post date 5-16-10)

2010-07-21T22:54:00.000-04:00

The kids found a family of geese and decided to start a game of "duck, duck, goose"

What do you mean we are not playing fairly?

Awwww, come on....don't be a spoiled sport.

Pick on someone your own size!

My little corn ball!

Playground cuteness (post date 5-16-10)

2010-07-21T22:44:00.002-04:00

Being cute...

Okay, maybe Mommy takes too many pictures when kids just want to

play. Talk about being upstaged!! :-O

Playground cuteness (post date 5-16-10)

2010-07-21T22:43:00.002-04:00

Being cute...

Talk about being upstaged!! Okay, maybe Mommy takes too many pictures when kids just want to

play ;-)

2010-07-21T22:42:00.000-04:00

Being cute...

Talk about being upstaged!! Okay, maybe Mommy takes too many pictures when kids just want to

play ;-)

Favorite pasttimes (post date 5-15-10)

2010-07-21T22:35:00.000-04:00

Every Saturday, there is a live band in the shopping mall center square.

Ava and Sebastian watching the band warm up.

Sebastian asked one of the band member for an autograph.

The band member asked Sebastian for his autograph in case Sebastian becomes "famous" one day.

Sebastian thought that was pretty cool.

Waiting for dinner.

This is an example of Ava's "forced" smiles. Still cute :-)

Here she's doing it again (eyes squinting).

Watching geese fighting after dinner. They can get pretty vicious. The one goose was trying to drown the other goose.

This is what they were fighting about...can't say I blame them :-P

Favorite pasttimes (post date 5-15-10)

2010-07-21T22:33:00.000-04:00

Every Saturday, there is a live band in the shopping mall center square.

Ava and Sebastian watching the band warm up.

Sebastian asked one of the band member for an autograph.

The band member asked Sebastian for his autograph in case Sebastian becomes "famous" one day.

Sebastian thought that was pretty cool.

Waiting for dinner.

This is an example of Ava's "forced" smiles. Still cute :-)

Watching geese fighting after dinner. They can get pretty vicious. The one goose was trying to drown the other goose.

This is what they were fighting about...can't say I blame them :-P

Cool art (post date 5-15-10)

2010-07-21T22:16:00.000-04:00

Cool art and statement...thought it was cool.

Simple pleasures (post date 5-15-10)

2010-07-21T22:14:00.000-04:00

Ava must have had butterflies in her belly based on the giant smile on her face :-D

Yes, a family that plays together, stays together (no matter how old you are) ;-P

Sebastian giving Daddy a big push.

New home? (post date 5-19-10)

2010-07-21T22:05:00.000-04:00

Here are pictures of a house we are interested in. It has the perfect combination of what we were both looking for. I got the closet space and walk out basement and Michael got the type of neighborhood he wanted with mature trees all around.

Love the trees in the middle of the cul-de-sac.

View of front yard.

Kids posing next to the giant rodadendrum bush which was in full bloom.

New home? (post date 5-19-10)

2010-07-21T22:03:00.000-04:00

Love the trees in the middle of the cul-de-sac.

Kids posing next to the giant rodadendrum bush which was in full bloom.

Classmates (post date 5-12-10)

2010-07-21T21:48:00.000-04:00

Sebastian received letters from his classmates from PA. The students each wrote a letter to Sebastian so he received about 24 letters! The first letter is from his teacher. The second letter is from one of his classmates. The last two are Sebastian's letter response.

Small crop (post date 5-11-10)

2010-07-21T21:39:00.002-04:00

Our first sweet corn of the season. It was kind of early in the season.

I thought the corn was rather small. So I had Michael hold the corn up to show the actual size (of the corn). The corn was as wide as his head and he has a pretty big head (sorry honey).

Small crop (post date 5-11-10)

2010-07-21T21:39:00.000-04:00

Our first sweet corn of the season. It was kind of early in the season.

I thought the corn was rather small. So I had Michael hold the corn up to show the actual size (of the corn). The corn was as wide as his head and he has a pretty big head (sorry honey).

New Hobby (post date 5-9-10)

2010-07-21T21:32:00.000-04:00

One morning, Uncle Curtis took Sebastian out to fly kites. Curtis took this picture with his phone camera and sent it to me. I had to laugh because Sebastian was too excited to fly kites that he didn't bother getting dressed. If you look closely, you can see his PJ bottoms underneath his shorts. It was a chilly morning so he had layers on. :-D

Mother's Day dinner (post May pics)

2010-07-21T21:26:00.000-04:00

The mother's (and daughter) received a pink carnation at the door.

Sebastian holding Mommy's hand (my sweetheart).

Ava and Grandmom sharing ice cream.

The traditional Mother's day card.

Mommy got a new iPad

What, this isn't an iPhone?

Like Grandmom, like grand-daughter?

2010-07-21T20:58:00.000-04:00

Grandmom and Ava demonstrating how a purse should be carried.

Ava proudly showing off her purse.

Ava showing Uncle Curtis the goodies in her purse.

All done with the bookstore, on our way to the car.

Doggy Teaser (post date 5-8-10)

2010-07-21T20:00:00.003-04:00

Michael flying a kite at my brother's house. The shepherd's name is Baloo. Baloo saw the kite as a moving target :-)

Here is Michael trying to take the kite away from Baloo :-D

Back for round two.

Just Because (post date 5-6-10)

2010-07-21T19:54:00.000-04:00

This is what we saw one morning on the way to daycare. I thought it was cute because I had to do a double take to make sure who was the driver of the car. Usually I see dogs sitting on the passenger side, sticking their noses out of the cracked window.

We were at the Pancake house one morning and Sebastian was drawing a portrait of Mommy. Guess you couldn't guess I had a tail all this time huh?

Confinement (post 5-8-10)

2010-07-21T10:33:00.002-04:00

Poor Marley, he's been cooped up in the apartment since March. Every time we go to PA for a visit, he's left all alone in solitairy confinement.

He finally got a breather and got to sniff the back porch air.

Marley has a way of getting your attention when he wants it. He uses his front paw or both paws to tap your leg.

He's even relentless in the bathroom.

He spares no one, even Mom Mom can't ignore Marley.

Barbar Shop (post 5-2-10)

2010-07-21T09:12:00.001-04:00

What's so special about this barbor shop that I had to take pictures?

Well for starters...they have a popcorn machine.

They still provide good old fashion shaves for men.

And most importantly, Ava knows where they hide the "stash" (the lollipop drawer)!

Ava looks so funny...her head looks like a shrunken head underneath the giant apron.

Our first visitor

2010-05-02T23:27:00.002-04:00

Look who came for a visit? Yep, Mom Mom! Of course nothing ever changes...just because Mom Mom is here doesn't mean the kids stop tormenting each other. Sebastian's latest thing is giving something to Ava and then reclaiming it back a minute later. Ava's latest thing is tattle telling on her brother and screaming when she doesn't get what she wants.

In the photos below Sebastian "lends" Ava his razor scooter. He even lowers the handle bar to her height and then he rides off on the scooter (you can see Ava running after him). Then he thinks he's a circus clown riding on Ava's little tricycle. Now I know where my kids got it from (my older brother and I are eight years apart). :-P

Sebastian and Mom Mom playing Marjhong on the laptop.

Sebastian showing Mom Mom his new talent.

Ava patiently waiting for Mom Mom to finish her nap (and watching t.v.)

I even got Mom Mom to have lunch with me at my favorite Pho shop :-D

Another family reunion

2010-05-02T23:17:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we drove back to PA to check on the house and had another BBQ at my brother's house.

This is a characature of my nephew and his girlfriend.

Sebastian got to play with Elizabeth for a few hours. I hope they stay in touch. I miss that girl ;-)

Play ball

2010-05-02T23:11:00.000-04:00

Since this is baseball and softball season, Ava decided to learn the game.

Daddy showing Ava some pointers while Sebastian plays catcher and umpire.

Then Ava realized that T-ball was MUCH easier.

Ava tries out all the balls in the yard.

The peanut gallery?

Compassion

2010-05-02T22:56:00.003-04:00

This man has been on the same intersection every morning when I take Ava to daycare (see 2nd & 3rd picture). I call this intersection the "homeless alley" because there are about three homeless people walking the sidewalks on any given day. I don't know how long he's been out there but like clockwork, he's always there at the same time every day. I do have to laugh because this man has the biggest sign. He also gets to stand on the main intersection divider which is the prime spot where all the traffic is. All the other homeless people get the sidewalks. I think he's been walking the same intersection for quite a while because he's cleared a path where grass use to grow. I guess in a sense, he's the "king of the hill."

Everything tastes better outdoors

2010-05-02T22:40:00.000-04:00

Finally, after living in a high rise apartment for three weeks, there's a BBQ area in the new apartment complex. There's picnic tables and a grill right outside of our front door.

Michael bought a monkey for Ava when he traveled to North Carolina. I guess Ava wanted to bring the monkey to dinner.

I have no idea what song or dance she was doing but she kept on doing it even though I had the camera out. She usually stops!

Yay, Daddy is home!

Home away from home (again)

2010-05-02T22:28:00.000-04:00

We moved into the three bedroom apartment on the 18th. Michael missed the apartment in Bethesda because it reminded him of city living. I on the other hand like living on the second floor in the second apartment and being able to look out at trees and picnic benches.

YO....where's my beer woman?!

Oh Marley, you silly cat!

Yep, still sleeping in the same positions. Doesn't matter where we are.

Smiles

2010-05-02T22:13:00.001-04:00

We spent a LOT of time at playgrounds in April. Out of hundreds of pictures I take, I get a few candid shots that make me smile. The expressions on their faces just warm my heart. I'm glad I'll have these for our family albums one of these days. :-D

Shorts are hazardous

2010-05-02T21:56:00.000-04:00

Daddy and Ava were sitting on the front porch admiring the fresh landscaping and newly planted flower pots.

It was another warm morning and this was Ava's first pair of shorts she put on. She decided to go out on the sidewalk to skip and she took a tumble. I didn't actually see her fall but when she came running up to the porch, this was what I saw. I didn't know it was so serious.

Yep, two bloody scraped knees called for two batman band aids and lots of TLC from Daddy (ignore the iphone).

I still think she had the most adorable, pathetic face.

As you can see, she survived her trauma and braved her tricycle.

Sebastian bringing Mommy a handful of flowers.

Ava got the same idea. I didn't have the heart to tell the kids that the pretty yellow flowers were weeds (dandelions). ;-)

Mommy and Ava posing with our pretty flowers.

A day at the museum

2010-05-02T21:24:00.000-04:00

Another heavy picture blog because this trip was taken the first week in April. We decided to visit the National Air and Space museum during Easter break. We were in the first apartment in Bethesda and both kids were home from school for a week. The apartment was a high rise so I had to think of outdoor activities to keep our sanity.

The ride in the metro was like a sardine can because I forgot everyone was in town for the annual Cherry Blossoms. The trains were packed wall to wall.

This was Ava's view from the ground...she wasn't too happy.

Finally out of the train and tunnel.

I think we are here....and the museum is over there...

Sebastian got to fly a simulated airplane.

This look cracked me up. I think Ava was giving me this look because she had enough of the museum and wanted to go outside.

The best part of the trip. I had packed a picnic lunch and we sat out on the lawn at the National Mall.

The first really warm day and the vendors were out selling water ice

:-P

Ava getting a free ride and a twirl from her brother.

A really brief rest...

Another quick run.

One more pose before we head back to the metro.

Pirate Adventures - Part 1

2010-05-02T20:27:00.000-04:00

The next two posts will be picture heavy because we took the kids on a Pirate Adventure on Saturday in Annapolis. Little did we know, there was a birthday party going on. Luckily we had bought tickets in advance so we could get on the boat. I wanted to catch up before we got into May.

If the hat fits...wear it! (okay, I begged them to put the hats on)

Getting the kids in their pirate attire (to play the part).

The pirate costume wouldn't be complete without the theatrical effects.

Practicing the pirate expression.

Making sure the pirate look meets his standards.

While waiting for others to get their faces on, Sebastian creates sand art.

The pirates marching to their ship.

Ava getting help from some friendly pirates.

A pirate showing the kids how to make pirate faces.....hmmmmmm, can I bring this pirate home? (oh sorry, that's my pirate adventure)

Pirate Adventures - Part 2

2010-05-02T20:20:00.001-04:00

The pirate crew.

All hands on deck!

Covering their ears when the ship horn blows.

Learning the pirate language and gestures.

Kids looking out for a pirate invasion.

A lonely pirate trying to take over the ship.

Sebastian taking command of one of the water canons.

Fire away!

Defeated!

The treasure map.

Looking out for the treasure box.

"X" marks the spot for the treasure.

Retrieving the treasure box.

The kids taking their share of the treasures.

The pirates doing the pirate "limbo" to celebrate the recovery of the treasure box.

Hoisting up the pirate flag in victory. The bad pirate was defeated, treasure recovered.

Pirates drinking orage "grog" as another celebration.

Pirates falling asleep after consuming the grog ;-)

My favorite pirate!

Monique the Destroyer

2010-04-19T19:51:00.000-04:00

Shortly after we moved to the second apartment, we skyped with both Grandmom's. That evening, I put down a cup of coffee on the table and I tipped the cup over.....all over Michael's laptop!! Suffice to say, I FRIED the laptop. Not one of my proudest moments. The good news, Michael's laptop was two years old...the bad news, we had to buy a new laptop.

This was the expression on my face when the cup tipped over.

Mini Reunion

2010-04-13T13:20:00.000-04:00

After 25 years, I finally got a chance to meet up with one of my high school teachers. Through a mutual family friend, who happen to teach at the same school, we all met in MD this past weekend. This is my math teacher from 9th and 10th grade, Mr. Callaway. I have to say, it felt very weird to call him by his first name. It's like calling your parents by their first name. I felt like I was 15 years old again. ;-)

Ava outnumbered by twins.

Some things never change!

The Callaway's were able to revisit Jordan last December. They showed us a mini slideshow of their trip and I was able to capture some of the pictures on my digital camera. Sebastian didn't believe me when I told him that his Mom was there maaany years ago.

PETRA

I can't believe we took one of our treks (camp outs) to Petra in high school.

JERASH

This was the city that was given to Cleopatra from Napolean (I think?) We made several weekend visits to Jerash during our four year stay in Jordan.

The new school sign outside of ACS. I actually felt "homesick" when I saw the slide show.

The infamous art piece hanging over fireplace mantle. The first time Sebastian saw the painting, he came over to me and whispered in my ear, "Mommy, that picture is very inappropriate."

This past weekend was the second time Sebastian saw the same picture. He made a point to someone in the room not to look at the woman on the lower left side. Poor Sebastian...we found humor in his little embarrassment ;-)

Part time

2010-04-13T12:50:00.000-04:00

Sebastian....student by day, Starbuck coffee cup by night ;-P

Kid got your cat?

2010-04-13T12:06:00.000-04:00

Seriously, is that the most trusting cat you've ever seen? Poor Marley, both kids never leave him alone.

Post Easter morning breakfast pictures

2010-04-08T12:47:00.000-04:00

We had a late breakfast with Grandmom on Sunday morning because the kids spent the night with Mom Mom and Grandmom on Saturday night.

The Easter Bunny brought Ava her first laptop computer.

Doesn't she look serious? She said she was sending an email to Grandmom and Mom Mom ;-) Not kidding!

The kids konked out 10 minutes into the car ride. The nap didn't last very long though.

Post Easter weekend pics

2010-04-08T12:20:00.001-04:00

Okay, so I'm a week late with the Easter pictures. Between shuttling the kids to two schools, meeting with recruiters, job searching, shopping for groceries (almost daily) and playground/museum/movie excursions, who has time to sit around? :-P

My brother hosted Easter dinner this year. We asked for dinner on Saturday since we wanted to head back to MD on Sunday. My brother's house is like "Green Acres" because of all the pets they have plus some wildlife.

Ava is still unsure of the big dogs. Harley (the goldie) is so docile and totally harmless.

Petting Spaz the cat.

Ava keeping safe distance from Baloo.

This is the wildlife I was talking about. This was the first time I'd ever seen or heard about Turkey Vultures. I tried to blow up the picture but it was too blurry.

Ava hopping on the stones in the flower bed.

What is Easter without an Easter egg hunt?

Spaz looking at me as if he's saying, "Hey, I'm not an easter egg!"

My nephew would kill me if he knew I posted in picture on my blog. But hey, his girlfriend is the one who put the easter bunny ears on his head ;-) I can't believe I use to change his diapers! LOL

The Daddy lift.

One tired little girl leaving with all her "stash" ;-)

Thursday's Pick

2010-04-08T11:36:00.000-04:00

Why did I take pictures of gas station boards? Because I had to drive around to research the gas prices. You have to know which stations charge high and which charge low(er). Gas prices range from $3.09 to $2.74.

I stopped at the Shell station because they had the lowest price. I didn't have to go out of my way to find the cheapest gas station because there are practically two gas stations on every other block.

The gas station was like a parking lot. Cars were lined out to the street and blocking traffic. It was crazy! While I was waiting in line, one of the garage mechanics told me that it gets this way on Thursday's when they run their "special" (see ad banner below). That explained the mad house.

This was the mechanic who told me about the Thursday special. They had to have two other employees stand out there to direct traffic.

Here is my watch cat. He's totally clueless sometimes ;-) I think living in the apartment has messed up his senses. He doesn't greet us at the door like he did at the house. I think the city noise from the window distracts him.

It's almost Friday!

2010-04-08T11:12:00.000-04:00

We arrived 15 minutes early today at school so Sebastian had plenty of time to soak up some sun rays before class :-)

Ava's drop off this morning was the same as yesterday's drop off....she was not a happy camper. Sorry, no pictures of Miss Grumpy pants today. I didn't have any free hands!

Culinery Bliss

2010-04-07T14:10:00.003-04:00

After I dropped off the kids this morning, I asked one of the teachers if they knew where the closest Asian market was. If I haven't said it before, I'll probably say it a hundred times, but.....I LOVE my GPS!!! Honestly, I don't know how people survived before computers. I would be a hermit if I had to rely on a paper map. After today, this is my favorite grocery store!

I mean, get real....$1 for a container of strawberries? I got scolded for taking a picture in the store. I wish you could have seen all the fresh fruit, veggies and herbs. They had the very same herbs you use for the Vietnamese Pho soup! I was like a kid in a candy store.

This is my great finds for the day: Thai basil leaves, strawberries, mangos, pork buns and Longan fruit. I already purchased the Thai Basil and sweet chili sauce at the Giant grocery store yesterday! You can tell the Giant grocery chain is custom taylored for the diversified ethnicity in MD. They have their own international aisle.

Mmmmm, Longan fruit. Can I just tell you I can practically eat the whole bag in one sitting? I don't know where they imported the Longans from because the Longans you buy in the local markets overseas are usually larger in size. The ones I bought today were about the size of a giant olive. But they were still sweet and juicy! When you peel the outer shell, the inside kind of resembles a clear mushy brain.

Post Note: Sebastian tried the Longan fruit after school and he said it tasted like a cross between a white grape and a pear. So there you have it...a taste description/comparison! ;-D

I looked up the nutritional facts about this fruit and this is what I found. Hmmm....I'll try to remember this the next time I get bitten by a Snake!!

Medicinal Uses: The flesh of the fruit is administered as a stomachic, febrifuge and vermifuge, and is regarded as an antidote for poison. A decoction of the dried flesh is taken as a tonic and treatment for insomnia and neurasthenic neurosis. In both North and South Vietnam, the "eye" of the longan seed is pressed against a snakebite in the belief that it will absorb the venom.

The Longan fruit is related to the two fruits below. You can find these fruits in the Far East. I've eaten all the fruits and they definitely bring me back to my childhood!!

This is what was on the menu tonight: Thai Chicken Basil and Chili sauce AND a bottle of Pinot! Mmmmmmmmmm...the packaged sauce was surprisingly delicious. I rarely take chances with prepackaged sauce since I like to make my own sauce from scratch. But living in an apartment temporarily has the kitchen storage disadvantages.

Behind closed doors

2010-04-07T13:19:00.000-04:00

Every morning when we go down the elevators to get to the parking garage, the kids like to do a little tap dance performance in the elevator. I finally captured it on my camera. I call this video, "What goes on behind closed doors". At least it's free entertainment ;-)

Good things must come to an end

2010-04-07T13:13:00.000-04:00

Ava started her new daycare three days ago (on Monday). She did rather well on her first day. She only had one minor potty accident. She didn't have time to whine because she got distracted with the sandbox.

The second day Ava was a little clingy but Ms. Nesdeen was able to pull Ava off of me after she protested a little. Today, the third day? HO BOY....I think she's catching on that drop offs mean she has to spend a full day at the daycare. It took me 10 minutes to peel/pry Ava off. Her hands were so hot on my back that both of us started to sweat.

Sorry for showing my untanned skin but this is what Ava looked like when I stood up to leave. I had my hands to the side and she clung to me like a jungle gym.

Sebastian had a better drop off at his new elementary school this morning. He was a little worried he would forget where his classroom was. He hadn't seen the classroom in 11 days due to Easter/Spring break.

This is what our morning routine will be like the next 2 - 3 weeks until we move into the other apartment. The second apartment will be closer to both schools and the school bus will pick up/drop off Sebastian.

This is what they call the "kiss and ride" or "kiss and drop off". If you don't get into the driveway by 8:25 a.m., the drop off line is long.

The nervous smile.

It's off to the races.

And off he goes!!

My two monkeys

2010-04-01T22:43:00.000-04:00

It wasn't the kid's idea to climb the tree. The tree was so beautiful with all the blooms. Unfortunately, I ruined the pictures with the camera flash. At least I could see my little monkeys ;-)

Set backs

2010-04-01T22:27:00.000-04:00

Well, we've had two set backs in two days. The first one is that we have to stay in the two bedroom apartment for another 2-3 weeks. We were suppose to move into the three bedroom apartment on April 4th and found out the current tenant has extended their lease. So we might be able to move into another three bedroom on April 18th but there's no guarantee.

The second set back is we got a call from my Dad today. He has been checking out our house in between house showings and he discovered a pool of water by the furnace in the basement. We had planned to drive home on Saturday for Easter weekend but now I'm driving up Friday morning. Michael will drive up after work. I'm hoping to get a repairman at our house on Friday afternoon to access the damage. Wouldn't it be our luck that we would have to replace the whole furnace before selling the house? Arrrgh!

This was on the first day in the apartment. This is what our faces looked like when we found out about the furnace. The pictures below show Sebastian taking out the daily trash. Living in a high rise apartment building, you have to take the gabage to the "trash room". At the end of the hallway, there's a little room with recycing bins and a trash chute to throw your garbage down.

Kindred siblings?

2010-04-01T21:59:00.000-04:00

This was taken in front of the counter at Five Guys Burgers. The kids wanted to see how the burgers were made. Sebastian had to lift Ava up over the counter of course.

Lately, Ava has been grown more attached to Sebastian. I guess with all the moves and changes, she has bonded with her older brother. They share a bedroom at the apartment and every night she waits for Sebastian to come to bed before she rolls over and goes to sleep. Sebastian usually stays up 30 - 45 minutes later than Ava. I think it's cute and sweet, but like older brothers, they don't think it's endearing all the time. Trust me, I can vouch for that since I have an older brother! ;-)

Second phase

2010-04-01T21:46:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we drove back home to load up the car and bring back some more personal stuff to the apartment. I know Michael threatened to have a yard sale a couple times, but luckily he had a new job to concentrate on ;-)

Sebastian learning how to pour root beer in a frosted mug at Cracker Barrel.

Ava trying out the rocking chairs on the porch outside of Cracker Barrel.

While the family is away, the cat will play? Actually this was staged but doesn't he have that guilty look on his face? :-P

Night Life

2010-04-01T21:36:00.000-04:00

This is Ava's evening routine....bath tea time!

This is the guy's routine...checking out old SNL videos on youtube (see the city lights outside the window?)

This is Marley's routine...day and night. This is his lounge couch, can't you tell?

Follow your nose

2010-04-01T21:29:00.000-04:00

The apartment has a little courtyard in the back with tables, chairs, BBQ grill and Swimming Pool. The pool was closed of course but the trees were blooming in the courtyard. We stopped to smell the flowers.

Learner's permit

2010-04-01T21:14:00.000-04:00

This was taken at one of the local supermarkets. Sebastian was in his new school and we were running errands. I usually avoid the shopping carts connected to toy cars because they are so darn bulky and hard to maneuver around the aisles. But since Michael was willing to be the back seat driver, we entertained Ava's wishes.

From baby to little man

2010-04-01T21:08:00.000-04:00

Sebastian had to make a character mask for his final book report two weeks ago. Sometimes he still shows me that little boy inside. I wish it was more often but I'll take what I can.

I wanted a close up of his adult teeth coming in. We've been staring at his toothless smile for what seems like months now. I told him that will be the last time we'll see his baby gums.

From toothless smile to little man shades. Actually, Mom Mom left her sunglasses at our house and Sebastian had to pose with them.

Map analyzer

2010-03-28T22:40:00.001-04:00

While we were standing at the check out line in Safeway, Sebastian pulled out a state map to see if he could see where we were on the map. I didn't think my sense of direction was THAT bad. Even my iPhone has a GPS system. ;-)

Taste of city life

2010-03-28T22:35:00.000-04:00

The kids get to experience the real city life. We had to walk to the grocery story to get the second night's dinner. Of course since we had to carry the groceries back to the apartment, we had to minimize the shopping list.

Everybody had to carry something home, including Ava. Of course the lightest thing we had were eggs (daring huh?)

The popular grocery stores in MD are Safeway's and Giant's.

We saw a delivery truck outside the apartment building. We couldn't believe we hauled our own groceries home when we could have had it delivered!! Actually, we don't mind walking to the store every other day to get the next evening meal. It's great exercise and the kids get to experience the whole thing. We'll most likely do the same in the other apartment since there's a shopping center right across the street.

Hey, we have to take the elevator...it's 11 flights up!!

Arrival Day (post date: 3/24/10)

2010-03-28T22:24:00.000-04:00

Sebastian wanted to demonstrate how tired he was from the long car ride. We had to wait 30 minutes before they handed us the apartment keys. Apparently they hadn't received the signed lease agreement from the relocation company.

The kids reassuring Marley that he would be out of his prison very soon.

At least the baby doll didn't have to endure the cage during the car ride. The doll even got a free lift up to the apartment.

Ava also getting a free ride.

Welcome signs

2010-03-26T14:35:00.000-04:00

This is looking out of our front door. The hallway basically looks like a hotel. We are in a two bedroom aptmt on the 11th floor (which is the top floor). Outside of every aptmt door is a little shelf. People place something decorative on the shelves to personalize their entranceway.

A flamingo and a tea set. I wonder what that means? Does that mean the family is from Florida and they are English? Ava points out the flamingo every time we pass it.

This is my favorite.

I would put something on our shelf but we will only be here for seven more days. If I had to put something outside, maybe it would be something like this?

New school

2010-03-25T21:49:00.000-04:00

Sebastian getting on elevator this morning to go to his new school. He was extremely nervous and I had to torture him with my camera.

This is where the kids stay for the "before" and "after" school programs. We had originally signed Sebastian up at the Kindercare so he would be at the same location as Ava. But we changed after Sebastian requested to stay at school with his potential future friends/classmates. They have a program ran by the Bar-T. It's like a daycare program but it's located at the elementary school.

From being nervouse to being sociable. Sebastian saw a girl reading a Percy Jackson book so he went over to talk to her since he LOVES Percy Jackson. I'm so proud of that boy!! :-)

Sebastian standing in front of his classroom. His classmates were already lined up at the door. They had a "buddy" system for new kids and they would take him on a tour later in the day. When Sebastian came home this afternoon, he said the first day of school was GREAT!! I think this school will do wonders for him. The kids are at a much higher skill level and the school has multi nationalities. It really reminds me of the schools I attended overseas. I am so happy he will get this experience.

Home away from home

2010-03-25T21:33:00.000-04:00

This is our home for the next 11 days. We are staying in a two bedroom apartment and the kids have to share a room for the first time. This ought to be interesting.

Sebastian chilling out after a long car ride.

Why am I taking a picture of the closet? Because both closets in each of the bedrooms are bigger than the closets in the master bedroom in PA.....that's not fair! ;-)

This will be my office while I look for employment. Michael starts his new job on Monday and I will have the kids home for a week. I'll be job searching while Ava takes naps :-P

Mobile Kitty

2010-03-25T21:24:00.000-04:00

Marley was one unhappy kitty during the transport to MD. He must have screamed two hours straight. He calmed down after two hours and I would stick my fingers through the holes to pet him. But then he would start hollering again once I stopped petting him. Sheeesh...what a big baby!

Sebastian and Ava rode with Michael. I think I had the noisiest car because Ava took a nap in the other car and Sebastian played his video games or read books. I knew I got a rotten deal ;-P

Baby carrier

2010-03-25T21:15:00.000-04:00

I thought Ava was prepping the cat cage for Marley. But when I looked in, this is what I saw. I'm glad she's not my Mommy! Puts a whole new meaning to "portable baby" huh?

Sad farewell

2010-03-25T20:57:00.000-04:00

Elizabeth and her Mom were there to say farewell before we drove down to MD.

Elizabeth gave Sebastian a farewell present/gift bag.

The best present was a picture in a frame of the two of them. I am going to miss Elizabeth tremendously. She had become my second daughter. Hopefully the two kids can keep in touch via email and maybe she'll come visit us over the summer ;-P

Moving sale

2010-03-25T20:49:00.000-04:00

Ava's crib was taken apart and put in Michael's music room because Ava no longer needs the crib. We sold the crib to a friend so we didn't have to ship and store when we finally pack up the rest of the house.

This is where the bureau use to be in Ava's room.

The t.v. use to sit on top of the bureau. Now there's a huge empty spot where the crib use to be.

Ava's temporary big girl bed in the guest room. We will order new bedroom furniture when we move into our future permanent home.

Ava's last day

2010-03-25T20:34:00.001-04:00

Ava's last car ride to her daycare. She insisted on keeping her Dora backpack on in the carseat.

Miss Anna gave Ava a going away card. The card consisted of handprints of all of Ava's classmates as a signature.

One of Ava's classmates, Taylor.

Ms. Rhonda, the director, giving Ava a farewell hug. Ms. Rhonda has watched over both Sebastian and Ava.