Jungle Jim's

After visiting Kevin at work, I need to pick up a couple of items from the store. Kevin suggested going to Jungle Jim's. What Kevin did not explain about the store is that it is HUGE and AMAZING beyond words. This store has a monorail, plant nursery, gourmet gift store, international market, mega wine cellar, pre-made foods, Amish baked goods, farmers market, post office, restaurant, Starbucks, this list could go on as much a the store did, an it did for miles. I am not exaggerating. This store is a field trip. There was something new around each corner like talking corn, swinging soup cans, a singing Elvis monkey, waterfalls with animals, and wonderful Amish pastries. (Holden was in treat heaven!)
I am so excited about our new discovery! Next time, I will go with a plan, it is too big not too. I think we were in shock. To go from thinking we were just going to the grocery store to this amusement like atmosphere was quiet overwhelming but as Holden would say, "it was awesome!"

Baby & Lovey

The boys best friends are Holden's Baby and Rylan's Lovey. Friday we went to visit Kevin's new office. Seeing that I am directionally challenged, even with the navigation in the car, I thought it might be a good idea to bring friends along for the ride. This was the view from my mirror. Aren't they so much alike? Both chewing on their best friends. True love!

Tours...

Bags are unpacked and we are somewhat settled at the apartment, it is time to have a little fun! We started what I like to call "the tours". Each week we are going to try new parks and new churches, hence "the tours". First park, Pine Hill Lake Park. It was a hit! Not to mention a beautiful park. This park has a beautiful fishing pond, ducks, paved walking/running trails, nature trail (Holden called the enchanted forest), a huge play set, water feature for the summer, I could go on and on. It was beautiful!

The second park, Corwin Nixon Park. As we drove up I noticed a sign that said the age group for this park was ages 5-12. But we were already here so it did not stop us. This one was different too. Rock walls, rope climbing, slides, walking/running trails. Not really gear for the boys but they had fun.

If you are wonder why the boy are wearing long sleeves and pants...the temperature at the beginning of the week was 50! Thankfully, it warmed up at the end of the week!

Next weeks agenda Cottell Park and Heritage Oak Park.

Holden is 4!

We finally made it to Ohio on Saturday,a week ago. As timing would have it, Sunday, the following day, was Holden's birthday. Instead of baking cookies or cupcakes, I opted for the easy way out and purchased them instead. However, I did decorate them for an added personal touch (so I at least did something). Holden was surprised and thrilled with all of his surprises and treats. Hard to believe that 4 years ago our lives changed forever. Happy Birthday, baby boy!

Birthday Celebrations and Goodbyes

Our closing went surprisingly smooth on Thursday. We decided to stay the night and celebrate the boys birthday and visit with Kevin's family before hitting the road. Sadako made a smash cake for Rylan, as you can see both Rylan and Holden enjoyed the sweet treat. Then the boys opened gifts and played with Aunt Jen Jen, Dad-Daddy and Grammy.

Friday morning, the cars were packed and there was not a dry eye in the house as we set off for our new home. We did detour and stopped in Chattanooga to visit the Tennessee Aquarium, we have to have a little fun after all the mess of moving!

Rylan's First Steps

Before we left Atlanta Rylan took his first steps! It was extremely difficult trying to capture this moment but here is what I got. My little baby is becoming a toddler-watch out world!

The Big Day, Moving Day!

The big day was upon us...moving day! With Kevin's job relocation, our move was a full pack and unpack of the house. However, one of the chores that the movers will not do is unload or move items from an attic, in fear that someone would fall through the ceiling. Well, that is just what happened, Kevin tripped and fell through the ceiling! I wish I was joking but as you can see from the picture I am not!

Thankfully, I have our handyman Pedro on speed-dial. (That is who Kevin is talking to in the picture) He was able to come on Monday morning and patch the ceiling so that it is as good as new.

Along with the mess of the hole in the ceiling, the movers packed the house. Which was another disaster with boxes and stuff everywhere.

But as you can see, they took great care of packing everything so that it makes it to Ohio safe and sound! Even though it is going to storage.

And just to add to the stress of the move, falling through the ceiling, and whatever else could happen, we do not have a house in Ohio yet! We pulled our offer on Thursday after the inspection report revealed several major problems. Now, out to look at houses again. I have been trying to remind myself, as I go back out looking at houses, that you make a house is a home by the memories that you share there. I just hope we find something I like in the process:)

As we embark on our new chapter, we have to say goodbye to our first home! To think 6 years ago we moved in as newlyweds and now we are moving out as a family of 4. (and tons of stuff too!) So much has changed! Along with so many great memories. However, I am certain we will share many more as we begin our lives in Ohio.

We are traveling back on Friday to Ohio, so keep your fingers crossed that nothing else goes wrong! At this point it is just comical! (Or at least that is how I am trying to look at everything right now!)

Daytripping

What better way to procrastinate the dreaded organization of the move? Take a day trip to Greenville, South Carolina. The boys I packed up this morning and head to see our cousin Wesley for the day. Besides going to see Wesley before we move, we wanted to see his new store he opened last week, Roots "An Urban Gardener's Oasis" . I must say, it was fabulous! (As to be expected) Wesley has such a talent! He can make something extraordinary out of something so simple. The concept around Roots is to offer home and garden accents, houseplants, houseplant arrangements and gifts. He is going to offer workshops and design sessions for interior and exterior plantscaping. Gosh if I lived closer I would have to attend since for some reason the "green thumb gene" seemed to skip me! So if you are ever in Greenville area drop by and shop or if you just want to learn more visit www.rootsofgreenville.com

After checking out the store Holden decided it was time to eat at none other than "Happy Meal". Unfortunately, McDonald's was just down the street and was spotted as we drove by! Wesley was a good sport and joined us. The boys just love him! We went back to finish shopping (I bought a great door accent for the new house) and visiting before his interview with Skirt Magazine.

We all had a great visit and I am so glad that I put off "the move stuff" for another day to see and support Wes. We wish him all the best in this new endeavor! I know he will do wonderful.

Am I Really Getting Old?

A little background behind the quote of the day...I went to stretch my back and it popped.
Holden looked at me and said, "How did you do that?"
I asked, "How did I do what?"
Holden responded, "squeak, how come your body squeaks?"


Hmm, that makes a girl feel old! When a 3 almost 4 year old asks why does mommy's body squeak! The things that this boy will say always amazes me but most of all makes me laugh.

Painting with Pudding

I borrowed an idea from Jon and Kate plus Eight, painting with pudding. The boys had a blast paint, eating and getting messy! I think Rylan almost had more fun than Holden eating and playing with the pudding! Who would have thought this would be so much fun? I must say this will be a family activity for years to come.After we finished painting it was time to spray off. We enjoyed playing in the water for the remainder of the afternoon. I just love summer fun days!