Holy Guacamole

Did you know? Nathan LOVES Guacamole! I thought I would get a sour face out of him when I gave him the spoon to try it but he ate it up and signed for "more". And more and more. He's got a spice palate just like his mama. He's also enjoying watermelon. Truck sent us home from NY with a big watermelon we are all enjoying. Thanks Truck!

Our NY trip went well and fast, as usual. We were very busy seeing grandparents and great grandparents! We also got to meet Liza & Danny's little one, CC. What a cutie. And so tiny at only six weeks or so. Oh how fast they grow! We also got to congratulate Christine Roberts who is tying the knot this year. And of course Tim & Jen! They told us last week they too are getting hitched. Another Jen Kepler. Can the world handle two?! We got to give hugs to parents-to-be Greg and Danielle too. There are many babies and weddings happening in the family. We are so blessed to have so much to celebrate.

Other events in NY: a Mets game (with a long rain delay - cool to see Citi Field Though). Dinner with the family including the Martins (see Nathan walking across the table). Seeing my Arbonne friend Christie who was visiting NY for the first time from MO.

The event we planned this particular trip around was a birthday party. Though my Dad turned 60 in January, we decided to throw him a surprise now. One word: Clueless. The excuse for the tent, food, drink and extra chores on his part was a party for his niece's graduation. Seeing as he was only expecting a bunch of teenage girls, and it wasn't his party, Dad was hard to keep track of. My Dad is a wanderer. He is off to the store, then the dump, then someone's house, then at the river. You never know where he's going to be. Try surprising a guy like that! When it came down to the time when people were arriving and gathering in the living room, it was only a few minutes after Dad finally got home and was forced to take a shower. When he came down stairs all clean and ready for someone else's party he didn't immediately get that it was all actually for him. His brother from Colorado emerged from the crowd, we sang happy birthday and it all started to click. Gotcha! Tons of family was there, the food was great and the weather behaved.

Nathan had a ball running around the yard during the party. He was filthy at the end of the day, exhausted and simply didn't want to miss a thing. It's hard to be the center of attention all day long! As you know, he loves to dance. So when Uncle Matt got his Sax out and played for everyone, Nathan got right out there in front of him and danced his little heart out. He's too cute. I'll have to get that video from my Dad to show you all (the Flip video camera is awesome!). The two complimented each other and were perfect family entertainment.

Since we are just hanging out all day, we also had some friends come by. Geraldine and Keiran brought little Liam by (4 months old -the dimples on that kid!). Joanne was ready to steal him away. He was very happy in her arms. Kristin and Eric brought Aiden over (1 year old - Nathan and Aiden would get along very well I think). Later in the day Mario came over too. This was like a play date for Leo - those two could cause some trouble!

I was sad to leave the day after the party. It was a beautiful day, the Martin's pool was open and everyone was just hanging around. Oh how I would have loved to chill by the pool! Next time perhaps. There will be many next times this year as there are many good things to go back and celebrate. I could really use a high-speed train going up the East Coast, or a hover car, or better yet, a teleporting device. Somebody, let me know when we can appear there in the blink of an eye. I just want to have both NY and NC at once!

As much as I hate to leave, it is also wonderful to be home. Monday was a day of catch up but also relaxing since it was a holiday. Nathan and I went to the pool for the first time this year. He loved it! This week has flown by and now we are looking at a weekend of possible productivity. I'm thinking about hanging the rest of our pictures and tackling another bigger project (clearing the yard or painting the bathroom?), as well as plans for the rest of summer. A beach trip or two is in order and we are both itching to get to Vegas soon. So much we want to do. In the meantime, we are here and waiting for visitors. Leo and I were just saying how even though this place feels more complete everyday, we really need our friends and family over to make it feel like home. I guess a party is in order. Reservations at the Trendler Palace are available. Call now for details.