7.17.2008

Just Checking In... And Then We're Off Yet Again

It has been nothing short of chaotic since our arrival on the East Coast. After boarding the dog at a kennel in Washington, DC, and dropping off a majority of our bags at another State Department Agent's home, we packed up the kids and the car (this time an SUV) and made our way up to our friend's rented beach house in New Jersey. The ride was relatively painless, albeit expensive (the tolls cost about $20), and around 5:30 pm we were met by our dear friends, who were also our neighbors, from our last two posts in both Oman and Israel. The kids were greeted with tons of hugs and kisses and quickly ushered into the house to cause havoc and mayhem as only five best friends could.

We spent the evening catching up, noshing, chasing kids, drinking a few cocktails, and taking a lovely 9 pm stroll to the beach, about a mile from their home. It was still so warm out, the kids all walked in their bathing suits. After an ice cream and quick bath, we put the girls down in the same room; two to a bed. In theory it was a fabulous idea, though the execution left quite a bit to be desired. The girls were so giddy to see each other again that little sleep was had, and they didn't crash out until close to midnight.

After an early morning visit from two very sleepy girls, we all got up, got ready, and left the house for a morning at the beach, followed up by an afternoon at the boardwalk. We ran the kids around until they were so pooped that they were asking to take naps. With a quick change, and many hugs and kisses good-bye, we bid our adieus and headed on the road again to our next destination... Darien, Connecticut.

Another almost $20 in tolls over interstates and bridges, we made the quick jaunt to stay for the next two nights with Matthew's family's very close friend, the wonderfully hospitable Englishman, Mr. P., who says words like slobberchops and drinks warm beer. A truly amazing host, Mr. P took the time to read through my post about items we sent in our consumables shipment and then went to the stores to have enough goodies in his house upon our arrival. He went so far as to have Puffins cereal for the girls and Frappuccino's for me!

We spent the afternoon today in Matt's old stomping ground with Marie and her two children, one of Matt's closest girlfriends from high school in Stamford. The girls had an absolute blast from the minute we walked in... there were all different kinds of toys for them to play with. They played inside, they played outside, they got pooped out (and so did I). I was quite overheated and exhausted, still not quite acclimated to the minor time change. We left before dinner, and after a nibble at a pizza place in Darien, we had the kids in bed by 7:30 pm, just in time for some much needed rest!

Tomorrow we're packing up our bags and heading onto my cousins house in Westchester County, our last accommodations for the weekend. We have another packed few days too... we're taking the girls on the train into New York City tomorrow, their first trip there, where we'll be meeting more of Matt's friends. Then we're heading back to the 'burbs for dinner at my cousin's house. Saturday we have lunch with Matt's great aunt and uncle, tons of cousins, and his brother, followed up by a late afternoon play date with another one of Matt's close girlfriends and her family. We conclude the festivities on Sunday morning with a trip to a bagel shop, a stop at Starbucks, and the long drive back down to Washington, D.C. for our final week in the States.

Try to keep up with us... we're fitting a heck of a lot into a short amount of time!



Sheridan, Riley, Kit, and Gabby together again ... ~ ... Attempting to go to sleep



The kids hanging in the sand at the Beach Club ~ The adults all in need of a SERIOUS shower



Matt and the girls hanging out at Marie's with her kids Rose and Michael ~ A Family photo!

17 comments:

Clare Anzoleaga said...

This is the ultimate "Make hay while the sun shines." I love how you mention getting a bagel before heading back. I'd do the same thing! :)

Unknown said...

You wear me out girl! But I guess you can sleep on the way to INDIA..
I hope you will keep surprising us with posts when you can... I'm gonna miss hearing about all of your adventures! & could y'all be a CUTER family?

Mom24 said...

Wow! You really know how to seize the day! Good for you. It sounds like so much fun. Again, your girls sound terribly resilient! Mr. P. sounds like an incredible friend, what a kind thing for him to do. I'm glad you're having a great time. What wonderful memories you're storing up.

Have a fabulous time in NY. I'm so jealous! You know, they have an American Girl place there...just kidding. Hope the girls keep holding up and you have a great time.

Unknown said...

Hi Jill! I have given you a blog award! Please stop by my blog to accept Congrats! I love your blog. These pics are great and I am so jealous of your travels! Be safe! Until next time, Amorette

Tara R. said...

Your family is adorable! You packed a lot of adventures into the time you had back in the States. Great memories. Have a great trip and look forward to reading about your new India home.

Suzanne said...

You need to get to India just to have some rest. I need a nap just reading this itinerary.

- Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife

mary s. said...

You guys are SO cute! What a whirlwind of fun. I'd love to have a tenth of your energy (and...um...I'm not even a MOM yet)!!

Looking forward to your next update! :)

Tenakim said...

I didn't expect a new post from you! Where are you finding the time to blog?

Kelly said...

I'm tired just reading about all your travels!! It sounds like you guys have had a great time; hope your second week goes well also.

Anonymous said...

Well, I know it is exciting to be going somewhere new, but it can also be so tiresome especially with kids. Can't wait to hear about your opinions of India.

Jen said...

Wow, what a whirl wind. Isn't great when kids ask for a nap. I just love it and it makes me laugh.
Matt sure has a lot of "girlfriends." What's up with that? :)

Great post and happy travels.

Unknown said...

Ok, your family is GORGEOUS! I'm glad you guys are having a great time visiting friends--it's fun to hop around like that, isn't it? Tiring, yes, but well worth it (I think it's the best way to really spend time with people.)

You seem to be traveling somewhat of a similar route that we used to in college...my husband & I went to school on LI, spent lots of time in the city & Queens w/his family. We were from NH so we'd drive home from NY on holidays, etc. through Connecticut, Mass, etc. Never been to NJ though.

Sorry this comment is so long, but enjoy the rest of your time here before the big move! :)

~Christy
Heavy n the Caffeine

Mrs4444 said...

Well, you've packed enough activities in here for some American's entire summers! :) Making the most of your final days here; I'm glad the kids are keeping up :) You sure have a beautiful family... Thanks for the update!

Eve Grey said...

Oh my, that made me a bit frazzled just reading that! You would regret NOT doing these visits though if you didn't. Nice to have so many friends and loved ones isn't it?

Simple Answer said...

So glad you are having such a good time!

Robin said...

This post cracked me up. I live in Israel (permanently) and our trips back to the States always have that same madcap adventure feel to them. We even used to go back to the same neck of the woods your in (not quite, but very near), but my parents have since retired and moved so its New England for us next month. I'll have a frappucino for you.

Rach (Mommy Learns to Blog) said...

Seriously. I've had an insane few days and can't find the time for a proper blog post. You have amazed me by not only doing a gazillion and one things each day, but finding the time to blog about them, pics and all! Impressive, my friend. Do you sleep? Seriously, one of my dearest friends moved from the East to West Coast 6 years ago, and when she comes home for a visit, she has to jam pack as much as she can into a short period. Exhausting, but totally worth it. How can you not? Looks like you are having a blast at each stop, and you've got the memories posted here forever! Glad you're having such a great time. And what a wonderful and thoughtful friend Mr. P is!!!

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