Good News!

We found a house! In about 15 hours after arriving to Maryland, no less! God sometimes works in speedy ways. It was the first house we looked at, and it filled out most of our criteria. Most importantly, it is about 7 miles from Michael's work, and along a quiet road, so commuting will be easy (D.C. area traffic can be really bad!). There is a big, fenced in backyard for the boys to play in. The poor landlords had also planted some flowers on the property... not knowing that I don't have a green thumb - it's more like a thumb of death. All in all, it's a very nice, quiet neighborhood, and our house is in a cul-de-sac.


Home sweet home! Well, for the next 2-3 years anyway. :)


Braiden already seemed to feel at home, even in the empty house. He had fun with his truck and Pooh car and fought it every time we needed to leave.

We signed a contract yesterday, but our household goods shipment won't arrive until Friday. We're staying at the hotel for one more night and are planning on "camping in" tomorrow night, so we can be ready when the movers show up Friday morning. We'll be without internet until Monday, so goodbye for now!

"Are We There Yet?"

To be fair, he didn't really ask, although he may have thought it a few times.

The answer is: Yes, yes, yes! After about 2,900 miles, we arrived in Maryland tonight and got settled into our hotel. The house hunt starts tomorrow.

The boys did so well in the car. Braiden kept busy with books, cars, and DVD's, and Noah slept and... well, looked around. He did have some toys to play with too. Both were very content, all in all, amazing travelers! Braiden is coming down with a cold now, which is unusual, as he has only been sick twice in his life, with very mild colds.

Yesterday brought a very nice surprise: I called my friend Bess (she just moved from San Diego to the east coast as well) from the road as we were driving through Memphis, and they happened to be in Memphis as well! We met them for lunch, and Braiden got to play with his buddy Ellie Claire. Seeing them was like a little piece of home!


We tried to get them to pose...

Pitstop in Texas

We had planned a day's rest in Texas with Michael's cousin and her family. Well, as we were turning onto their street on Sunday evening, the brake warning light came on. Soo... it is Wednesday, and here we still are, waiting for word on when it might be done.

Braiden has had such a great time with Isabella, who is just a few months younger. They have been doing a great job sharing toys and playing together. We've all enjoyed the visit, even though we are anxious to get back on the road and start the house hunt in Maryland. Our hope is to be back on the road tomorrow morning. We shall see!

There are lots of pictures of the kiddos, but naturally, we can't download them from the camera without the cord that is in the car. Along with my cell phone charger. And other semi- necessary items. :)

Thanks Sherry & gang, for being so gracious about our extended visit. We've had a wonderful time!

Are You Kidding Me?!

Meet Buzz Lightyear. Barber Ampelio went to town on him. Seriously, is this what a barber thinks when you ask for "a little boy haircut"?


Daddy, Braiden, and Mr. Ampelio at the barber shop yesterday.


But I suppose this is what you get when you take your toddler to the barber at the Marine Corps base...

We had a great last get-together with our playgroup friends yesterday. They made us a beautiful scrapbook! Thanks everyone for coming out, but mostly, thanks for all the memories and friendships we have made. We miss you already!




Toddler mayhem!

Moving update: After 11 hours, 2 stops, and 600 miles, we are in Deming, New Mexico, for the night. The boys did so well in the car the entire day.

Oh, I almost forgot! On Thursday, Noah learned to roll over from his back to tummy. Way to go, little man! He is an official rolie polie olie now.

BIG Truck!

A little boy's dream come true: a giant truck parked right in front of his own house!

The movers were terrific. They let Braiden get up in the front seat and explore the back of the truck. The driver even offered to take him for a spin around the block, but daddy and mommy declined. :)

Now it really echoes in our house!

Quick Update from Boxville

Boxes, boxes, everywhere! Movers came today, and after packing for 8 hours, our house looks quite a bit different. The boys and I were gone most of the day (our last playgroup, so sad!) as Michael stayed home with the movers. One of our cars was also picked up by a big car carrier truck... whoa! That was one of the highlights of Braiden's day! Tomorrow morning everything is being loaded up onto the truck, and Operation Clean House starts. Braiden seemed to take all the changes in stride, although he did wonder where all of his little cars had disappeared to...




Braiden enjoying the box towers.

Wow, lots of things have been going on. Michael's Dad came to visit from Friday to Monday, which was great. We are so glad you made it to San Diego, Grandpa - come and see us in Maryland soon!



Grandpa and Noah.



We spent Saturday on Coronado, having lunch on the water and playing on the beach! Braiden became more and more daring with each wave. First he wanted nothing to do with the water, but alas, by the time we were done, he was soaking wet and covered in sand. What fun!

I had a wonderful Mother's Day. Michael and both boys had gave me cards and even made a very special photo book for me. The day was extra special, as we had Noah's dedication at our church as well. We'll hopefully have pictures to share soon. It was very small scale, but meaningful, as we dedicated Noah to the Lord with nine other families. It was done by the same pastor who dedicated Braiden.

And then on Monday night, mommy got to go out to dinner with my friends! Seven of us went to Outback, had a yummy dinner and stayed out chatting past my usual bed time. What a treat! We are very sad to be leaving San Diego, but thankfully the busyness of the last few days keeps the mind off it. :) We will spend a couple more days here and then head towards the east coast.

Lizard!

What happens when your wife sees a lizard run from the garage into the living room?


This is what happens.


The offender.

Michael has made fun of me mercilessly all weekend. I really, really, didn't like having a lizard, however small and harmless (as it was pointed out to me a few times) in our house. So we get the lizard out, and then a light bulb goes off in my head. I rush back outside and ask Michael to pick the lizard up again, as I take a picture. He was a little bit puzzled: earlier I was pretty much shaking and shrieking to keep the thing away from me... and then get close to take a photo.

What can I say? I knew it would make for a great blog post.

Basket Cases

Braiden climbed in the laundry basket and then padded his side - he wanted Noah in there with him! There's nothing better than seeing the brothers enjoying each other.






Click here to see an old video of Braiden having fun with another basket.

The Tale of the Boy Who Wanted to Go Bye-Bye

Braiden: The other day, I really wanted to go bye-bye and go ride in the car. I kept asking and asking, but mama and daddy just kept saying no. So I came up with another plan.


First I took mama's socks off and put some shoes on her. Can't go bye-bye without shoes, you know.


Then I pulled daddy's socks off and got some shoes on him.


Then I waved goodbye, just in case they didn't get the message...


And then I blew kisses (that's what I do now every time I go bye-bye). I mean, that's gotta do it, right?!


No?! Are you kidding me?! I do all that work and you still say no?? Who cares if it's 7:30pm and bath time... What a let down.

Legoland

We all went to Legoland on Saturday. It was crazy, crazy, crazy. It was a hot day, and the park was overcrowded. Braiden still managed to have a good time - his favorite was "Water Works", a play area with lots of water involved. :)


Daddy took Braiden on a helicopter ride!


While Daddy waited in line for the helicopter ride, Braiden played in the nearby play area. He is sitting on the floor of the car, since his feet wouldn't reach the pedals from the seat. :)


Exploring a giant Lego fire truck.


"Hot!" This is the sign Braiden has made up for "hot". The face is always included in the sign!


Daddy and the boys at Miniland USA.


Water! This was just a little taste of what awaited up ahead...


Oh man! Good thing we had packed up his swim trunks!




Braiden must have spent about an hour at the Water Works. It was the best part!

Noah Is 5 Months Old!

Our big little guy is 5 months old! Noah seems to be growing by leaps and bounds. He has been in 6-12 month clothes for weeks now. He is very strong too, as I discovered when he needed to get a few shots at his 4 month check-up. :)

Noah loves to stand, and the exersaucer is his favorite. He is very alert and watches us like a hawk. He's still such a happy, content little man (as long he isn't tired or hungry, of course). He is quite a talker as well! He loves playing with his baby toys and taggie blanket.

He is also sleeping much better (YAY! says mama). Most nights he will sleep through the night and has started taking longer naps as well. I try to time at least one of his naps around Braiden's nap time, and so far it has worked.

We haven't started solids with him yet, but if you ask Noah, he'd be more than ready. He doesn't watch us eat anymore... he watches the food. Just in the past few days, he has really started sucking on his fingers. Sometimes the thumb, but usually it is his middle and index finger - exactly what Braiden used to do!


Happy Noah.


His excited face!


The links are his favorite toy.


Action shot!


Goofy little guy.


I love my toes!


He still fits in the swing... barely.