Happy Birthday Rocky...

Did you know that goldfish can live between 10-30 years? This is a little known fact that I wish that I had known 3 years ago when Abe picked out our pet goldfish, Rocky. We let Abe pick any fish that he wanted from Walmart (we guided him to the $1.94 kind) and a small one gallon filter tank. When we asked Abe what we should name the fish, he proclaimed "rock" (one of his few words and in reference to the small ones on the bottom of the tank as well as one from outside that made it in the aquarium decor) and thus we added Rocky to our family.

I was not a proponent of fish tank, so Steve agreed that he would take care of the it's maintenance. Now that Abe is old enough to understand the idea of caring for a pet, this is Abe's new responsibility. He makes sure that he is fed before he eats and lets me know when the water is not clean enough.

We have yet to decide what we are going to do with out beloved goldfish when we move. If it were up to Steve, we would smuggle him into our baggage and if it were up to me, he would meet the fish in the ocean on a direct route out through the plumbing in our house.

Today's Project

Today was absolutely beautiful outside! The hot and humid summer weather finally let up just enough to allow us to refinish our patio. We refinished the 20 year old concrete with epoxy garage floor paint. We are really excited about the result.

BEFORE:


AFTER:

The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

On Thursday, I took the kids downtown to get a glimpse of the sights and to the Air and Space Museum. There is no better museum to take a 12 and 3 year old. Old planes, rockets, astronaut suits and plenty of other exhibits to keep everyone busy for hours. Abe and Arne really loved it. As some of you have visited recently might remember, I had taken a long needed break from this museum because we would go EVERYTIME that we would have visitors. There are so many historical sights in DC and Northern Virginia that it seem silly to take guests to the same sights over and over (minus the monuments, as they are a must-see). It was nice to go back. I had forgotten how many interesting exhibits there are and since they recently closed the American History Museum for renovation, they moved the most interesting exhibits right next door to the A&S. It took on new life this time... it may have been my own 3-year-old's interest. And for those of you who will visit before we leave, I will gladly take you back.

A Pirate's Duel

My little brother Arne came to visit us for a couple of days this weekend from Ottawa Canada. He is such a wonderful boy. He was polite, kind and extremely helpful. Abe immediately took to him. They were wrestling within hours and spent most of the first night "Battling". They found edges from a picture frame that turned into swords (it seems that just about everything in our house has been turned into one type of weapon or another) and began dashing around the housing making pirate calls. The next thing that I know, Abe runs to me wearing Arne's motorcycle cap. It was hysterical! I think that they really enjoyed each others' company. It is too bad that we live so far away. Arne really is a great kid. We miss him already!

Mitt Romney '08

I just can't help but feel better about the state of the nation when I listen to Mitt Romney talk about the issues. Is it my shared opinion on the importance of family values? I would like to say that it has nothing to do with our religion, as he is accomplished, prepared and charismatic. It is hard to tell. The historic Straw Poll in Ames, Iowa is on Saturday. If my own life was not so busy at the moment, I might even consider helping in the campaign effort. In my opinion, I don't think that any other candidate is even a close second...

Bathroom Conversion: Part One

PERMITS

As we prepare to move overseas, there are many decisions to be made. Currently, one of the largest decisions is whether we should sell or rent our condo. The list of pro and cons goes on and on. We have all but come to the conclusion that we are going to sell it. If this were a place large enough for us to eventually return to, we would keep it. With a growing family 1242 sq ft just is not enough.

On June 1st, a pipe burst in our house and we have spent the past 2.5 months trying to get it back together. Now we are moved back in and are an afternoons worth of work away from finishing the bathroom. Here is what it looked like before the damage:

Unfortunately for my sanity, we are always thinking of ways to increase our property value. And... what better way to do that than add an additional bathroom? As you can see, there are already two door and a half wall that extends between the bath and the existing vanity. Here are our proposed plans:

We are now in the process of obtaining permits, which we tried to do on our own and quickly realized that it would be nearly impossible. Now we have these drawings (including many more) from and architect who regularly works with the permit office. To do this remodel, it will require a mechanical permit for the venting system (required to bring it to current building code), plumbing permit, electrical permit, and a building permit for the 4' extension of the already existing wall.

They say it will all be worth it in the end... but for now it just feels overwhelming. We'll keep you posted!

The joy of hotel living...

The joy of hotel living...
Originally uploaded by CaptureMyMemories

So it have been 7 weeks today since a pipe in our house burst. I was on vacation and Steve was traveling for work. He came home for the weekend to find our house covered by an inch of water. Who knew that after 7 weeks it still would not be finished.

So here I am, I woke up this morning with hope that today would be the final day of rennovation. They are schedule to be done in 70 minutes and there are still days worth of work. How does this happen? Don't you think that after haviing drywalled hundreds, maybe thousands of walls, they would know how long it takes? In the meantime, they will all go back to their homes tonight and enjoy their weekend, while we are once again in the hotel. :(

Abe and Peyton have been CHAMPS! I am not sure that they are convinced that they will ever get their beds and toys back, but here is to hoping that it is all over soon...

Saturday Lunch at Pei Wei

Steve at Pei Wei
Originally uploaded by CaptureMyMemories

We love Pei Wei! For the past couple of months, we we have gone nearly every Saturday afternoon. It was our special treat when Steve was home.

It is perfect for families! You can enjoy fantastic food from P.F. Chang's and yet refill your own drinks. No waiters, just busboys. Each dish comes out as it is ready, so the kids don't have to wait for everyone to get their food.

Also, there is more backround noise than most other restaurants, so we don't have to worry as much about our children being too loud for the couple sitting next to us. It is all about the right environment. For the kids, there are "Fun Chops" and unlimited fortune cookies and orange slices.

According to Steve, there are few dishes better than the Kung Pao (add Bean Spruts, minus Snap Peas). He gets the same thing every single time! For me, I like to add a little variety, but I always come back to the Pad Thai as my default.

Our doors are always open (for a few more months in DC), so come and enjoy some Cool Lettuce Wraps with us!

And so we begin...

We have started this blog in an attempt to stay more connected to our family and friends. The next few years will take us around the world to expected (and surely unexpected) destinations! We are highly anticipating the change and time for growth, but will surely miss our "normal" life in the States.