Fathers' Day 2009

Honeymoon

Our long-awaited get-away has come and gone. We are so grateful to Weston’s mom for braving 5 whole days solo with the kids so that we could have a break. I honestly feel like I can’t thank her enough. She came to my rescue so that I could rest.

We headed down to Williamsburg and stayed at a Diamond Resort, complete with kitchen and private Jacuzzi, among many other amenities. We slept in every day, I got a full body massage, we played racquetball and miniature golf (both of which I think we are pretty evenly matched at. Not that he didn’t kill me at every match, but our scores stayed neck-and-neck a couple of times.)

On our last day we rented bikes and spent the day on two of the most rejuvenating bike rides, admiring the beautiful countryside. (It reminded me of one of the happiest days of my life, biking from Melk to Krems in Austria on my study abroad. I came back sore but feeling at least 10 years younger. Remember that, girls?)

The night before the bike ride, my heart sank when I checked the forecast for the following day. Rain and thunderstorms. I really did have my heart set on it, and we only had one day left of our trip. When we woke up the next morning, it was overcast but not actually raining. I checked the forecast again. Chance of thunderstorms were relatively low until 5pm. Though you wouldn’t think it to look at the sky.

Ps. I know I look dorky on my bike.

We went ahead with our plan, all the while hoping the rain would hold off until we were done. I figured it’s not that big a deal if we get sprinkled on. Miraculously, the rain did hold off long enough for us to cover all the territory we wanted to. We got the bikes back by 5:00 and the clouds started to let loose just as we were walking out of the bike shop.

I was really happy and grateful that we went ahead with our plan. What a bummer it would have been to have stayed home for no reason.

This photo is for all you Burnsies out there….well, at least those of you who might read this blog every now and then. We just had to document our encounter with Burns Lane.

Thanks, Weston, for a FANTASTIC vacation!

I had such a great time just being with you!

Grandma's Pics

Just before Weston's mom left, Weston downloaded the pictures she took with her camera onto our computer.

As I scrolled through the folder I was repeatedly left breathless by some of the fabulous facial expressions she caught....

...or just the beauty of a candid moment.

...or a lucky break with both boys smiling...

...and tender moments like this.

Is it that my kids are just super scrumptious, or do you think Margo has a secret knack for photography?

....and she also spiked their hair with styling products while we were gone.

just for fun.

Look At Me Now!

 I can sit up.

I like to sit up.

And I really like my Easter Dress.

Graduation Day

Weston Graduated with his MBA from the Carey Business School at Johns Hopkins University last night.  Did I really just say that in one sentence?  It seems kind of unfair to pretend that it can all be summed up so easily like that.  It has been a crazy busy two years and we are both looking forward to a little change of pace and relief from the constant burden of homework.

We had a really nice time at graduation with Gary and Ondalynn and their entire familial entourage.  Gary is my first cousin.  He and Ondalynn live approximately 45 minutes away and we love hanging out with them.  

We realized that fate had smiled upon us and that Gary and Weston would both be walking in the same graduation ceremony for Carey Business School.

Gary had a lot of family come into town for graduation.

We were joined by Denise and her parents, and also Lee and Brenda.

After the ceremony we all met up at Applebees for a little late-night celebratory dining.

Congrats, Weston!!!  I’m proud of you….

….and I really love you!

Ode To Grandmas

Dear Grandma Richards,

Here is only one example of the monumental projects I have been able to take on since you made such a significant and generous contribution to my train set.  This particular model is a re-creation of the city in Walter Wick’s book, I Spy Fantasy.  (pictured)

Thank you so much.  You’ve made it all possible.

Love, Peter

Dear Grandma Ricks,

I simply cannot wait for you to come!  I even made my first-ever calendar* today (with a little help from mom) so I can cross off the days until you get here.  And hopefully I will begin to conceptualize time, if ever-so-slightly, in terms of passing days, weeks, and months.  

*check out the number 2’s.

I’m also very much looking forward to Summer and am constantly asking my mom when Summer is going to be.

“Is it today?” 

Nope, not today.  It’s in June.

“Is it tomorrow?”

No.  June is after May.

“Oh….Well, is it today?”

So, now I am making a calendar for June and will mark the first day of Summer, and our trip to Idaho on an airplane!

Love,

Peter

Photos of Our Beautiful Baby

I've had a specific request for more pics of the baby.  

Denise, these are for you.

(ps. I feel like a DJ)

(pps. you better leave a comment...j/k)

These pics don't capture it very well, but her widest, most enthusiastic smile involves a vertical drop of the jaw.   Of course it's not quite as cute when we who have teeth try to imitate.

She is adored by all....just in case you can't tell by the pictures.

A little nervous?

Glow, little glow-worm.  Shimmer, shimmer.