North Carolina | Oh hey, Kitty Hawk

We are moving in a week and a half, but decided to squeeze in a little last minute family vacation to the ocean. The boys were absolutely angels in the car (Bruno chewing his toes for the first time—a "mom dream" of mine finally realized). As we crossed our first bridge, Sebastian announced, "We got here!" Oh these little munchkins... I can't get enough. You guys, they were so good, that even though they were both awake for the entire 4 hours, I got to read aloud to Cody for part of the drive. And since I know you're dying to know what we're reading.... here it is. We've decided "comedy memoirs" are our thing. It's the slightly (slightly!) more intellectual version of comedy tv, so what's not to love?

And now, our first hour in Kitty Hawk: Bruno is terrified of the ocean, Sebastian can't get enough of it.

Husband | Olympian in his own right

It may not seem very super to most that Cody spent the majority of our time in Hillsdale snuggled on the couch with one of our babies, but oh let me tell you, he deserves a medal. I can see it now: "Superdads," the newest Olympic sport. To qualify for the event, dads must display exceptional selflessness, mad diaper changing and baby chasing skills, as well as magic heartbeats. All weekend, Cody was shooing me out of the house to spend time with my long lost friends. He knew how desperately I needed that time and those people, so when I said, "Cody, I'm so sorry you've been on constant baby duty while I've been out with friends," he said, "Mary, it's vacation!" To which I responded, "Yes, but it's your vacation, too!" And then he goes and says the most attractive thing a man can say, I think: "Mary... spending time with my sons is a vacation."

Oh yes he did.

Give this boy the gold.

Pike Place Market, Seattle

Cody is enjoying the added warmth from the Ergo Baby.

The fam on one of the prettiest corners.

Drinking a caramel macchiato from the original Starbucks!

We went back to Pike Place Market today, so I snapped a few shots. Unfortunately my camera battery died, which almost never happens. Oh today of all days...

Although I can't claim to have seen much of Seattle, I think the market might be my favorite place. The Polish Pottery Place, the dried flower bouquet stand that stretches on forever, a shop with Pacific Northwest Native American Art, and of course, fisherman sweaters, seagulls flying overhead, and the spectacular ocean view, are just a few of my favorite things. I love the atmosphere of the market, and the jokes workers at the produce stand throw around. Q. How much does a pirate pay for an ear of corn?*

I am most certainly enjoying the mix of art, sea-life, bluegrass, temperate weather, and mountain terrain that Seattle offers. Have you visited? Where are you vacationing next?

*A. A buccaneer!

Home | Missing the big snowstorm

Call me crazy, but I'm slightly depressed that I'm still visiting my family, while my husband and our friends are about to enjoy a huge blizzard. Here in W we are getting, joy of all joys, ice and freezing rain. I'm just hoping we'll be able to get back up to H according to schedule!

Well friends, don't have too much fun without us.

Nevertheless, we are having a great time. Lots of sleeping and lounging for me, as I have had a bad case of the flu for 3 days now, and lots of Grandma time, waltzing around the kitchen with Uncle I, and napping in a bean bag chair for Seb. Oh, and someone got his first 2 teeth!

P.S. Then: Pregnant in Paris, Twins in Paris. Now: Babies in Paris

Home | The Parent Trap

 
I have watched The Parent Trap 3 times in the last 3 days. Yes, it's true. I hardly ever watch movies, but Cody has been gone visiting graduate schools, so Seb and I have been on a vacation of sorts. Hehe... I think he likes it, too. It put him to sleep last night!

Why do I love this movie? Because they meet boys named Wilfred, they eat Fig Newtons, Maureen O'Hara is breathtaking, they carry hard suitcases (why did we ever move to duffles? How dumb.), and because the Grandpa is awesome—especially when he manipulates Maureen O'Hara into refreshing her wardrobe and hair before visiting her ex.

So, in an effort to share my love for this film, I've compiled a few things for you.

- Have you seen Design Sponge's Living in the Parent Trap? I love it.

-Also, I'm completely taken with the California Ranch house in the movie. I love little cottages and cozy furniture, but if I ever got the chance to live in a place like this, I would probably faint.

-My Parent Trap picks: plaid shirt, checked shirt, dress, sweater skirt, red lipstick, bench, pendleton throw.

-Buy it.

I hope you're inspired to pop this movie in at the earliest opportunity and that you fall in love with it either for the first time, or all over again.