Ice Cream with Lola

Day 105 (4.15.10) - We made it to NJ really late last night. We had a lazy day, just hanging at Lola's house, trying to get adjusted to east coast time. Joey was so excited to see my parents, Ruby is a little more skeptial. As if he doesn't love my mom enough, she took us out for ice cream this evening. It was a beautiful warm night. Joey never really got his own ice cream cone until today and he was really excited about it. He ate the whole thing and has been asking my mom to take him out for ice cream for every meal since. Look how happy they both are. It's good to be home.

Bye Bye California

Day 104 (4.14.10) - After 7.5 years, I'm leaving California and another chapter of my life is closing. I am excited to go back home but also really sad to leave all the wonderful friends we have made. When I first came out here Nick and I drove my Honda Civic and all I brought was whatever we could fit in the back of the car. Now, not only are we married and bringing back an entire house full of stuff but we are also bringing back 2 extra people! It was a LONG day of traveling. The kids were ok considering the long day they had but it was a LOT of work for me. Good thing we don't have to go back. The movers come tomorrow and Nick will be leaving this weekend for one more drive across the country. Here is Joey at the airport waiting to board the plane. He looks concerned to say the least. He has no idea of all the changes that are in store.

Beach Break Cafe

Day 103 (4.13.10) - Of course the pictures from our last few days in California is all food pictures. I'm sure my pictures of my first few weeks in NJ will also have food pictures. Out of all the places to eat in California the place we will miss the most is Beach Break Cafe in Oceanside. Nick and I have been going there for years and they have basically watched our family grow. We've gone there pretty much every single weekend we were home for the last 4 or 5 years. The place is a small family owned business with with great food and great service. I have a bunch of different favorite meals that I like to rotate between - pictured here is mango pecan french toast with a side of bacon. Nick gets the same thing every.single.week - the a Mexican egg torta with coffee cak. Joey usually gets the Micky Mouse pancakes.

In N Out

Day 102 (4.12.10) - There are some things you can't get in NJ and In N Out is one of them! We had a busy day today. We dropped off Nick's car to get shipped and on the way home we saw an In N Out truck pass us by. I picked some up to get our fix before we leave. If you haven't had it - you have to try it next time you're out west! Here's Nick with our 2 double doubles, fries and neapolitan shakes. After we had our burgers we started packing. Yes, that is correct, we are moving in 2 days and we JUST STARTED packing today!

Goodbye Again

Day 101 (4.11.10) - Nothing says goodbye to a 2 year old like cupcakes. We had another going away party today - this time a kid friendly one at the park. Nick and I were moving a bit slow from our good time last night but the kids had fun. More tears were shed as we said good bye to more friends. In the last 7 years I've been here Nick and I have really made some wonderful friends....and seeing Joey at the park today with his friends- so has he.

My Little Thrill Seeker

Day 100 (4.10.10) - We had a busy, wonderful, fantastic day today. We had a delicious breakfast at Pipes, spent the morning at the beach, one of my best friends/gay boyfriend Torr came in from San Fransisco, we ALL took a nap (Nick, Joey, Ruby, Torr and I), then we partied it up at O'Sullivans for our going away party. So, as you can imagine, I have a billion pictures from today. Lot's of fun times! I had so many great going away party pictures but I had to post this one from the beach this morning. Ruby is such a crazy thrill seeker and loves to be tossed around. She puts her hands over her mouth, curls her toes under and just squeals in delight until her daddy tosses her up again.

Unemployed

Day 99 (4.9.10) - Today was the last day of work for both Nick and I. Since we gave our notice 2 weeks ago, the time has just flown by. A few tears were shed (afterall, I was at my job for 7 + years, Nick at his for 3) but overall it was a good day. Our good friend/former neighbor Mike came over this evening for a visit and a few beers. Here's to being unemployed. Nick starts his new job in NYC in 2 weeks. As for me? Joey and Ruby are my new employers for the time being. I am going to enjoy my time as a mom for now.

Looking for a Snack?

Day 98 (4.8.10) - I went to pour Joey a cup of juice and left the fridge open for just a second and turned around to find Ruby IN the fridge. Maybe she was hungry and looking for a snack? The girl is into everything. Excuse the lack of food in the fridge - I've been trying not to buy anything to clean out our fridge before we move next week!

Joey and mom

Day 97 (4.7.10) - Just a quick self portrait/snapshot of Joey and I for today.

Jamba Juice

Day 96 (4.6.10) - Every day I've been trying to get something they don't have in NJ. I don't think they hvae Jamba Juice in NJ...do they? Ruby got her first taste today and she was hooked! Joey loves it too. He usually finishes his drink then proceeds to drink mine. Between both kids today I hardly got any at all. Look at the look of concentration on her face!