House Photos

I am in love....with my husband and my new camera.

My birthday fell during the pack/move, so my sweet husband told me that when the move was over and everything settled he would buy me the SLR camera I have longed for.  I can take a decent photo, but all I have ever had is a point-and-shoot.  So last night I became the proud owner of a Canon EOS Rebel T3, complete with standard zoom lens (18-55mm) and telephoto (75-300mm), bag & big memory card.  I have lots of reading ahead of me, but am so excited.

My first subjects, of course, were the animals that were right in front of me.  Then photos of the house that my mom has been anxious to see.



Living Room from Kitchen



Office - new bookshelves and desk



Looking into the kitchen from the living room

Happy Birthday Laney-Bug

She is sweet, dramatic, dingy, sensitive, naughty, thoughtful, helpful, exaggerated, beautiful, strong, crazy, loving...she is 6.

Brass, brass & more brass

Did I mention that ALL the fixtures, knobs, handles, fans, EVERYTHING in this new fabulous house is BRASS?!?
First job (before the moving truck even arrived) was replacing all the knobs in the kitchen.  All 64 of them.  Other than basic updating, I love this house.  My favorite of the 5 that we have owned.

The kids love the pond and the koi.

 

New York with my Bosom Buddies

How is it possible that I forgot to post about my most amazing trip...

Mom's New York Getaway 2011 

(Actually, I have been waiting to get some of the better photos from Stacy's camera, but these will have to do for now.)

So many fun things...beginning with the train trip I have always wanted to do.  We drove to DC and took the train from there.  I couldn't help but think about my papa who spent most of his adult life riding the train around the country. 

Once in NY we checked into the amazing Hilton Garden Inn on 8th in Times Square.  Then began the walking, and we walked A LOT.  I forgot to bring pedometers but we estimate 10+ miles a day.  Of course, we also had to experience the subway and taxis.  We ate some great food, but even better drinks.  I think there was even one day with 3 cupcake stops. 

We paid tribute at Ground Zero, saw the city from the top of the Empire State Building, saw the lights of Times Square at night and a (very late night) comedy show.  Said a prayer, lit a candle, (shed a tear) in St. Patrick's Cathedral.  Wandered Central Park and had cocktails at noon at The Boathouse.  Took in a Broadway show and (love) visited the Met.  Many bucket list items were achieved on this trip.

 

 

 

I am so glad I had the opportunity to do this before we moved - the timing was perfect.  Thank you, my bosom buddy travel mates...and the husbands who held down the fort at home.

Sandbridge 2011

Wow, where to begin???  Maybe with recent vacations, since it appears my blogging has been on vacation...

 

We just spent a fun week at Virginia Beach with Tom, Marla, Luke, Michelle & the kids.  We had a really nice time.  The kids loved going to the beach - since we never do that here...I am usually pool-only.  They all loved riding the boogie boards in, and actually got pretty good at it. 

The kids had a great time with their cousins and they all got along wonderfully. 

While we were there we sold the house, which is a huge relief (and unexpected money in our pocket).  We ate tons of seafood, buckets of icecream, and a few cases of beer.  We have taken some great vacations with Tom & Marla while we have lived in Virginia.  Places that we may not have gone if it weren't for them coming out every year.  Thanks Tom & Marla, we know it is expensive and long travel days.

Prior to going to the beach, Eric had been in Bloomington for his first official week on the new job.  So the kids were very excited to have a whole week with daddy at the beach.  Conveniently, our first day there was Father's Day.  He is the best dad - my kids are very lucky.  Happy Father's Day honey, we love you.