Thanksgiving 2010

We made the journey back home for Thanksgiving driving with the girls and of course Foxy.  The dog always adds a new element to road trips.  Just when you think you have down the habits of your kids when traveling they grow into a new stage.  The trip overall went well, but the most challenging of the two was definitely M.  I. just loved all being together for that long, where M. was over the harness on her car seat at hour 8.  That poses a bit of a problem when the trip was 12 hours long.  We enjoyed time with family and even had time etched out for a family 5K and family photo.  Although all the family could not make an appearance, the pictures turned out well.  We were able to meet to two babies in the family for the first time as well.  We attempted to be some of the crazies out shopping Thursday night, but quickly realized we were not that crazy.  The line was wrapped around the entire Toys-R-Us building 4 abreast with two news vans and security guards manning the front door.   We enjoyed a quiet shopping trip the following Friday afternoon while the girls napped.  Gingerbread houses were decorated at Grandmas house after all the turkey was long gone.  Our bellies were filled with gumdrops by the time we were finished.  It was tricky hiding the gifts we got the girls for the journey back to the East Coast but it was successful.

A New Year

We are so excited to be here back in the DC area. It was a great adventure before and it is continuing now. Having two children and a dog this time has made it feel a little bit different, but not much. I think that since we already imagined ourselves with kids when we lived here before it is not that odd to be here now with them. My oldest loves the city so far. She shouts when we cross the Potomac "wawa!!!!" She says "coool" to the city landscape and enjoys the outings we have been on so far. We have been to Old Town, the National Botanical Gardens, the National Harbor, Target (like a billion times), the library, and many walks on the trail outside our house. She insists on holding the leash to walk Foxy. Our latest was a visit to the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center with another family and their little girl. We are heading to the National Zoo to see the "Zoolights" with the same family tonight. A lot of our friends out here have little girls as well which has been priceless. I generally don't make NY Resolutions, but this year it's a given. I will lose this baby weight! I have embarked on a 5K training path as well as engaging in P90X with my husband in the evenings. He too is losing his sympathy baby weight with the P90X training and is preparing for the 5 Borough NYC ride in May with a friend. My oldest will be potty trained and my second will begin to sleep fully through the night. We look forward to what the future has for our careers as well in 2010. A new year in our city- the adventures are endless. We look forward to family and friends visiting this great city!