Back from the (Computer) Dead

It turns out that it is really tricky to update one's blog when one's computer suddenly goes into cardiac arrest without warning. It is also tricky to work, stay on top of emails, etc. etc. etc. - wow, you don't realize how dependent you are on these darn things until they go kaput and you feel like your right arm has been amputated. Anyway, we are back up and running, having said goodbye to our PC and hello to a brand new shiny iMac.

So...now I can finally tell you all about our fun trip to Noni and Papi's last weekend. I made my very first 5ish hour solo road trip with the boys, and it was...dare I say...easy? It was scarily simple, how well the three of us traveled together. I think back to when Adam was born, and we felt like we needed a 2:1 adult-to-child ratio to make the trip down to Connecticut for Thanksgiving. Over time, we felt more and more comfortable with a 1:1 ratio for that trip, and now finally, I am living proof that 1:2 is just fine. We survived! Heck, by the end of the trip, the boys were even asking to listen to "Mommy's music". (Note to self and other mommies: Hearing your 4- and 2-year old singing along to Lady Gaga is not nearly as cute as hearing them sing along to Old McDonald. And yes, I do love Lady Gaga. "Mommy's music" also appears to prompt some interesting lines of questioning...) But I digress. We had a great time visiting Noni and Papi, who kept us fed and busy all weekend long.

It started with a sunset sail on Saturday evening, the boys' first time out on Papi's boat. They loved helping Papi steer the ship,

hiding out in the cabin, spotting boats, barges, and lighthouses, and having a picnic dinner.

With cherries for dessert.

On Sunday, I got to spend the day in NYC catching up with some friends while Papi took kid-duty. To ensure that he got nice long naps out of the boys, he carted them off to the beach / playground for a morning of sun, sand, and exercise.

And nap they did. They needed their rest - when I returned that afternoon, I found that Papi had put the boys to work in a full-scale clean-out of our car. Now every time we get in the car, Ethan reminds me that we need to keep the car clean and put everything back in "its spot" - hmmm, I wonder if there were some lessons taught during vacuuming?

As always, it was such a treat for me to take a break from being the one taking care of everyone and instead get a little taken care of myself. The extra hands, always willing (who am I kidding, begging) to pitch in and feed/read to/bathe/chase/entertain/hug my boys, allowed me to actually sit for a minute and admire the gorgeous views from the deck, to catch up with old friends without tiny voices constantly interrupting, and to witness the wonderful bonds between grandparents and grandchildren continue to grow and strengthen. Thanks Mom and Dad - we'll be back again soon!