Miles between friends.

I am forever thankful for the miles that DO NOT separate friends.  In moments you can be together via phone, text, or FB, but in hours you can get in a car and lug your crew from NoVa to CT - which Megan made seem SEAMLESS.  When I first got to know Megan I learned that one of her best friends lives in AVON, CT.  One more reason why Megan is awesome - she knows great folks!!  So on Monday she got in the car with Nolan and Kallen and drove 8 hours to get to us.

Here is Drew looking out the window Monday morning after I told him Nony was in a car headed to visit us.  Patience my dear boy.  I must admit, their reunion Tuesday morning was priceless but Megan and I were so excited to see each other too there is no video tape documentation.

But we did catch a little ladies night out on Monday at Wilson's pub.  Rocking place on a Monday night.  While we enjoyed catching up and getting to know each other (for Molly and I)  Molly's husband seamlessly parented 4 kids and taught Kallen how to ride a 2 wheeler!! Megan - further evidence you need to visit more often.

Tuesday morning we found a festive lake beach in CT in hopes of Whooing our beach girl Megan to live in CT.  We were the first family to roll up.  Nolan and Drew grabbed 2 rocks to throw in the water and were instantly reprimanded by the lifeguard (and later the police officer)  no throwing rocks----it might be a long day....

We hosted a yummy family dinner that night at our house with Megan and her boys as well as Molly and her family which we genuinely enjoyed.  We are thankful for new friends, but surely Molly and I agree, the next time we link up without Megan actually present will feel a bit odd....  But love the links friends can make.

In further efforts to Whoo Megan we hosted a tremendous mussel bake on Wednesday night

See all those pots boiling??  many many pounds of mussels in them!

The biggest bonus was hosting the Griffins in our new home.  I feel they have been truly integral in our leap of faith in the career and life.  Thank you for your mentor-ship and friendship.  They are one of my folks closest friends and I am also fortunate to call them friends as well (although I still call them Mr and Mrs G - and as far as I know we are no longer 'willed' to them).  

It felt so good to host them in our HOME.  (even thought I must admit - they did all the work prepping the mussels, corn, etc...!)

Love this photo of these beautiful ladies knowing all the years and now miles between them.  Their visits are now very treasured. 

I love believing in where these 2 ladies are headed.  I hope we continue to challenge each other.

and now to the kids - dog door or kid door, whatever.

Kid table!! (notice the lack of mussels - hmm wonder why?)

Yup, that's why!!  Chris LOVED them all and was HAPPY to 'dig in'

After his time at the kid table Nick asked if he could join us at the Adult table - sure buddy!

Funniest photo of the night - Nolan riding the smallest skateboard ever.

Gotta give the kid credit for trying

Hmmm - whats in there??  Is it another Shane QT?

Onto another great Leadbetter/Wilt day at the Carlson's - first question we must ask, who's head is bigger than this flower....

I agree Nolan - Shane wins - now do you 2 need a beer??

We had great night together of just enjoying each other's company and starting to believe Megan was really moving across the street.  

However Friday morning reality struck and they had to head home to VA while we packed for Maine.  We pulled out our calendars and made plans to do this again - I truly loved the wonderful easy life of having such wonderful friends in our home.  I never wanted them to leave.  I am excited to watch Megan grow through her pre-school Hearts and Minds - This year as she is starting her own LLC and giving her nurturing gift to 12 little ones for 4 days a week.  I wish Drew was spending his mornings with her talents, warmth and heart.  Thankfully they will always be in our hearts!

Date Night

 Living so close to my folks you would think date night means they are babysitting!! 

Wrong - well at least not tonight - During our move in a sweet 21 year old college girl introduced herself.  It took me 5 seconds to write down her cell # and file it away.  Thank you Farrah for teaching me to out- source!!

So my folks, Christopher and I got to enjoy a wonderful business dinner out as we got to meet one of my father's most treasured business relationships.

And she likes lobster too - I think I am gonna like her!

It was such a wonderful kidless classy evening at an Italian Restaurant in Hartford.  

Wine, Lobster, Processo.  

I am so proud of the business that my father built with my mom's support, I am proud of the relationship and mentor ship my husband will have as well as his desire to make life better for himself and his family.  After meeting Greg and Ginni - I am excited for the folks we get to work along side.

I am truly thankful for this adventure.  

It really just feels good.

Anything out of place?

Argh - one of the things that is SO frustrating but funny while you move - Things get put somewhere as you are feverishly emptying a box and weeks later you realize they are still there!!  Notice anything unnecessary in the living room??

Unless I am really doing some HOME cooking - no need to have the flour in there right??

How about this photo?  Honestly its amazing we can find the tools half the time - they just blend in with the decor!

Are we getting settled?

Yup - step by step rooms are taking shape - Here is Drew's room for one!  I love how the animal prints have been up in TX, VA and now CT - who knew they would last so long - (not to mention, 2 hot years in the Texas attic!!)

Boxes ready for another home!!

Are exploring our area and were super excited to figure out how close we are to the Farmington River - The boys LOVE tossing rocks into the river.

And a little nature pee

Lets make it work

We were able to spend the night with Aunt Stosh and enjoy life with them.  Its a busy dinner table with 6 kids and 2 moms!  My sister plays traditional Italian music through Pandora to help 'lighten' the dinner stress. 

BRILLIANT!  

I plan to continue that tradition!!

The next day was RAINY - but a picnic in honor of 'First Responders'  Stosh's good friend Jamie is a Veterinary Doctor and often cares for the Police dogs - My sister thought Nick would enjoy it - YUP

Sponge Bob made an odd appearance.

Ah, the police dogs - can you see Nick brought his police dog along too?

Too stinkin cute.

a little HUMMVEE action too

I gotta say, IT POURED almost the hole time we were there.  The kids wore trash bags (all we had in the car) as ponchos. 

During significant downpours we ran for shelter - but we were able to see the police dogs sniff out their trained substances.  The kids didn't mind the rain too much - but here is proof there was A LOT!

Thanks Stosh for your ability to just roll with it =) It was a great weekend with you - rain or shine!

Who loves Tom Brady?

Nick does!!

My sister sent us the Patriots training schedule a few weeks back.  We stuck it on the calendar for last Saturday the 26 of July hoping we would feel settled enough to pack bags for an over night.  Turns out Saturday morning we headed north to MA for training camp while Chris and his sister Liz headed south to MD for Wyland's 40th birthday party.  Lots of traveling in different directions!

In the meantime - lets go find Tom

Nick loved 'taking in' everything Patriots.  But he would admit - he was a little shocked at how many OTHER folks also love Tom Brady.

Training camp here we come.

Shane and I got a few extra shout outs from Tom's Alma Mater 

Nick was the first one to pick out Tom in the Red Jersey

Practice is over and now Tom is out autographing.  I took Nick and Shane in an effort to get a bit closer.

I had Shane on my shoulders when I took this photo - Can you 'see' the #12 - I am crushed I didn't get his good looking face!!  Fresh off of practice.

Now time to make the kiddos train a bit - in the inflatable obstacle course crew!

Toss the regulation sized football into the dounut hole?!  No problem says Nick - guess what - he does it on the FIRST try.  Everyone was shocked, Patriots, you watching??

A little face painting to finish off the perfect day

Shane too - Stosh's girls got butterflies or something along the girly girl line.  The boys were shocked!!  Ha!

At about 4:30 Saturday afternoon, Liz and Chris arrived at the party.  Love this photo of them all together!

First Night on the deck!

After 1 week of total choas it was time to dust it off and host dinner in thanks for all my folks have helped with.  I LOVED hosting THEM.

I can't say that everything is organized or unpacked, but we did manage to find the Champagne glasses.  Cheers are in order. This is the beginning of such an amazing chapter in our lives.  I love having a closer relationship with my family and I it warms my heart to have my children and my husband have a closer relationship with my family.  They are amazing people and I look forward to all growing together.

After dinner was over the boys dressed up (yes, the dress up box was also unpacked) and put on a performance for us.   I am convinced their performance was inspired by Eve and Anna as we watched them perform to a wonderful choreographed dance that Diane is teaching them.  This one wasn't nearly as polished, but I know Diane would be proud!

When was the last time that Superman and our Army soldier danced together? 

Drew's antics on the back yard slide. 

It was a true pleasure sitting on the deck with a glass of wine and my family. 

Already love this place for all the right reasons.