Life has been really busy since coming back from Asia. Packing, moving, graduating from medical school, wrapping up preschool, welcoming Naty (our au pair from Colombia), and more. We are adjusting really well. Jeff is settling into his commute, we're settling into the new house. I am so grateful that I have been off since the end of March. Really great that to spend so much time with my family. Ends June 15 :(
Took my boy out for lunch date before getting his hair cut. It grows like a weed!
Last swings at our old house. We were all pretty sad to move. Talked a lot about it, Fin struggled the first week or so. Our new house is so much better for him though-two kids his age next door and across the street. It's really great. He hasn't mentioned the old house in awhile. Jeff and I love the neighborhood-quiet street, nice neighbors, our house is wonderful. Feels pretty good.
Enjoying Spring.
Fin being a rockstar at the dentist. Big lesson learned this day: He had a choice of a toy or gum and for some reason he got beguiled by the gum. When we left, he asked if we could go back in and get a toy, he changed his mind. I explained that no we only got one thing (he already had chewed the gum). Tears and cuddles followed. Choices are tough, sweetheart.
Auntie Vi helped out and watched Mac so I could get some packing done.
Last bikeride to DQ with Benjamin. Fin misses/ed Benjamin the most about our old house. These two had a lot of fun together.
Moving day! We decided to let Fin ride in the moving truck with Dada. They had snacks, jammed out to music, overall had a blast! Jeff was sick the two days we moved AND our stuff didnt all fit in our truck! We got to Rochester and then I rented another truck drove it up to St Anthony, loaded it up (with the help of our friends and neighbors), and drove back to Rochester. I was SO tired.
Moving IN day! Magnolia in bloom!
We stayed at a hotel for the first three nights because we were painting (fumes) and it was easier with the boys. The place we stayed had a cool slide/kiddie pool-Bonus!
Fin "helping" Kevin paint.
Unpacking break! The Atlanta Crew came to MN to see Caroline sing her senior showcase. It was so nice to see Barb/CJ (close) and Elaine/Mike (far). It was also great seeing Caroline sing. Fin loved it! He sat for the entire hour listening to pop, opera, etc. Before the concert started Fin said, "Do you think she'll sing Home on the Range?" Giggles all around.
Mike and Elaine came to visit us at our house the next day. So nice of them to make the trek to see us!
CJ, Fin, Me Mac, Caroline, Barbara.
Old swing up in new yard! Batman flies!
First night sleeping in new house. Fin got to pick a color for ONE wall in his room. He wanted yellow and pointed to a color at Home Depot. I pulled it out and read the color: Hawaiian Pineapple! Hilarious because this kid is CUCKOO for pineapple juice. So perfect.
House from across the street.
Mac in his new room! He remains the happiest baby. Smiles, giggles, chat so much! He is ridiculous! It's truly infectious. He's on the verge of walking. Love this little guy. Has slept through the night once but usually is only up one to two times so not too bad.
First Bath in new house.
Fin scraped both his knees biking that day-said face!
After preschool one day we hit up the Science Museum. He built this and then said to me, "Look Mama, I made a pelvis!' LOL! Also, he said to me a couple months ago, "Mama, I wish Mac's name was Bruce." WHAT?! Ok...So funny.
Fin and his BFF, Miriam. Our neighbors, the Daires, have three daughters, one who is 1 month older than Fin. Fin and Miriam are inseparable and it was obvious pretty quickly that they would be. There is an intense amount of love going on between these too. They told each other that they are Best Friends and that they will be Forever. I hear them playing and they both like to talk a lot so they're a great fit. They also say things like, "That's a really good idea!" to each other. Adorable. So happy Fin found a great buddy so fast.
Neighborhood Children's House has a yearly Mother's Day Tea. It did not disappoint. We received invitations and when we arrived Fintan escorted us to be seated. Nana was able to make it!
So dapper.
Then they all sang us songs: Edelweiss. Not. A. Dry. Eye. In. The. House. Changed the lyric to "Bless my mommy forever" seriously. It was precious.
Fortunately they followed up with an upbeat song. Uffda. I think I cried for the rest of the day!
Serving us cucumber sandwiches and cookies and chocolate covered strawberries! It was so lovely.
Me and my guy.
Oh yeah, and then I graduate from medical school. So wild that it's done!
Woo woo!
Homies and baby Mac.
TONS of people there!
Drs Goyal and Dahl!
Mama and her boys.
Drs Dahl!
Even grandma made it down for my graduation! So glad she came!!!!
Haley, Me, and Kelsey-yay sisters!
The family. So grateful for this crew.
And so thankful for this lady. So much love.
Was able to be a chaperone two days for Fin's preschool. Pretty fun! He was SO happy to have Mama there and I was happy to be there. Again, nice to have this time with the kids and Jeff.
Nolan and Fin wearing their SCUBA gear, building a tower.
Playing solo (the shark is eating something).
Our new ice cream spot in Rochester: Flapdoodles! It's a bit rich and will definitely be a treat but Fin was happy to know they have ice cream here too :)
Breakfast for Dada's Birthday: Mac's!
Happy Birthday to this guy! Lucky boys to have such an amazing, involved, present, loving Dad and I'm so luck to have such a supportive, loving, energetic husband.
Playing with his friends in the basement: Miriam, Fintan (Batman), Griffin (Cptn America), and Rudy! It was really quiet so I went downstairs and they were playing "Tea Ceremony".
Brothers.
Graduating from preschool. Singing "You Got A Friend In Me". Really sweet.
Dog Pile!
Nataly (Naty) is going to live with us for the next year. She came May 21st. So happy to have her here! She's wonderful! A little rough to start: she was homesick, we're all adjusting to each other, but overall not too bad. I'm also happy to have had so much time to be here and helping her adjust! She is incredibly sweet and Fin loves her already.
Reading with this blond haired guy.
Decided to head up north so the family could meet Naty and so she could see more of Minnesota. It was fun playing tourist in Duluth and at the cabin.
On the Lift Bridge!
First time feeling sand on her feet! She's from Bogota-no beaches there! She asked as we were walking in the Canal, "Does is get much colder than this?" I just put my arm around her and shook my head. Oh Man, so much colder.
Silly times in Canal Park, Duluth with Haley, Fin, and Naty!
Portland Malt Shop! Nom nom nom.
Fin helping Grandpa split wood!
Casting off the dock.
I fish without pants on. It's cool.
Boat ride! It was chilly but we made the best of it!
Mac's first boat ride. He did wonderfully! Just rolled with it. I mentioned he's chatty. He says "Bwah bwah bwah bwah bwah bwah" and Da da da da da da" A LOT. Hilarious. Love hearing it.
Auntie Haley and Fin.
Boat ride! This kid makes everyone smile. What an awesome kid.
Naty and Haley coloring on a cool lake day!
Getting stoked for smores!
We went out to watch the sunset in the kayaks. Hard to see but the speck on the tree, midway up on the bare branch, is a bald eagle!
Kayak-crew
Fin was non-stop on this trip. So happy to be outside and around family.
Fin and his Cousin Delia really hit it off. They had a blast together! Wish we lived closer! Mac and Lucia also got along...as well as two babies can. I still think it's crazy that Jesse and I have kids the same ages!
Tim, Haley's boyfriend, brought up his jet-ski. it was freezing but the wetsuits helped-even Fin got a ride! Tim is a super trustworthy guy so I new Fin would be ok but oh man my heart raced a bit. Fintan loved it :)
Woo-hoo!
Mac eating French Toast made from Great-Grandma's homemade bread! He obviously loves it!
June 2, Jeff and I marked 10 years together. Crazy where we are now.
Can't wait to see where the next 10 years take it. Here's to another 10 years of health, happiness, and love.
