It's Been A While

Stephen said I would eventually slow down in my blog-posting when it was no longer a novelty. I didn't want to believe him. Alas, he was correct. Not because I have lost interest, but because there isn't enough time in the day. I'll be better. I promise.

So, since the last post, much has happened.
Timmy and Simoni moved to Florida. We are sad to see them go, but they seem quite happy with their new life living near the beach and enjoying the sun. We can't wait to visit them.

Eli (and Hamma) went kayaking for the first time. On a random Monday (or Tuesday?) evening this month, Stephen hoisted the kayaks on the truck and we all drove to one of the Reston lakes to enjoy some time in the water. It was a beautiful evening. It was peaceful, relaxing, and we were close to nature. Some of us got even closer - Michelle and Eli flipped their kayak and ended up in the lake. Luckily, our very brave 2-year-old was undeterred and immediately got back in the kayak for more. (See array of pictures.)


Amber and Desi visited us during the whirl-wind trip to the DC-Baltimore-Annapolis area for a Rascal Flats concert. Always good to see them! I introduced them to Baja Fresh. They, too, are now fans.

Last week, we spent a relaxing weekend in Harrisburg, PA, with the Siders. It was a rough visit -hanging out at the pool at their country club. Nevermind the illegal kayaking and the run in the boys had with the local water conservation authority. Just remember: always wear your life jacket, register your kayaks, and DON'T take 14 cans of beer with you ... at least not all of the same brand, if you are going to claim that you picked them up along the way ...

Summers are always full of adventure.

We are looking forward to visiting the Barnharts this coming weekend at Smith Mountain Lake and seeing G-ma and G-pa (and the rest of the Vereb clan) at Hershey Park in a couple of weeks.
More posts and pictures to come.

Almost Out of Gas

Just a few more hours of this fiscal fast and I'm runnin' on empty. Literally. The you-need-gas light is illuminated and I may have enough gas to get to a gas station tomorrow morning.
Other than that little hiccup, I'd say this was a success. In fact, not only did we not spend any cash, we made money by taking Stephen's swimming trunks back to the store. We prematurely rewarded ourselves by going to Costal Flats for an early dinner yesterday (after the victorious merchandise return) on gift cards. (That doesn't count, right?)
Now we're on our way to a lake in Reston for last minute weekend activity. Again, I'll promise pictures and videos at a later date.

Another Two Days To Go

It's been a couple of busy weeks. Last weekend Timmy and Simoni drove to Florida. We found out they were moving the previous week ... it all happened so fast. Simoni has relocated permanently, and Timmy is following the last weekend in July. We sure are going to miss them, especially Eli. I have pictures and video, and will try to post this weekend. This week we started the fiscal fast and we have two LONG days to go. It's been difficult, but an eye-opening experience. I was ready to give up on day one - getting pants hemmed and in dire need of a pedicure. In some ways it makes you plan ahead and think about the amount of unnecessary spending, but in other ways I've found it to be counter-productive because I'm just compiling of list of things to do for next week when I am allow to spend money. Oh yeah, I've also become quite good at getting co-workers to pay for me and telling them "I'll get you next week ..." The challenge will be this weekend.

Fiscal Fasting

My good friend, Tania, writes a shopping blog for the Washington Post. Recently she wrote about living a frugal life, and why it is hard for Americans to live within their means. Great topic. Good tips. But, she recently challenged all her family and friends to go on a week-long fiscal fast - go 7 days without spending a dime. She will be experimenting with her own fiscal fast beginning July 7 and has asked for volunteers. We've decided to give it a go. Stephen said, "Sounds like fun!" I'm not so sure ... better stock up on the diapers. We'll let you know how it goes.

Country Feedback

I've heard through the grapevine that my blog post on Saturday regarding the Leesburg Beerfest was disappointingly critical. Initially, I thought ... whatever. Reflecting, however, I have changed my mind. (Not flip-flopping, actually changing my mind.) It wasn't as bad as I reported. It was hot. The music was just so-so. But, we were with our friends and that is the most important thing. Honestly, put us in a cardboard box and we would make the best of it. So, I apologize for my quick judgement. If we our friends were to go back, we would go with.

Backyard Fun

Good news. It was not user error. It just takes a infinitely long time to download some videos. Especially on our home computer. Here is the recent video that Stephen shot of Eli and the sprinkler.

Trial and Error

Technical difficulties ... I can't post the recent home videos. Frustrating.
But, here is a blast from the past. One of Eli's first swimming lessons. I think she is 5 months old. That dates this as May 2006. Enjoy. Maybe I'll be able to figure it out ...