New York Part One

On the way home from the airport, we stopped at Christina's house, so that we could see Jimmy's mom, Nona, and Aunt Claudia first, before we went home to Mom and Dad's.

And it was amazing to see them meet Izaac for the first time. They were all so happy to see both Izaac and Lexi and it was very touching. Lexi and Izaac did pretty good too at not being too shy. 

It was fun to be back in Jimmy's home for a little bit too because it always brings back so many memories.

We hugged, talked, and of course had some pasta!

Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures there! We left most of the bags inside the car because we knew we weren't staying too long and of course my camera was left in there. 

Anyways, after about an hour or so we said goodbyes and took off to our final destination! I think we were all grateful for this, after the long day of traveling. 

It definitely felt amazing to walk inside and just be "home". To me it will always be that. I still don't feel like a guest there. It's still a place that is just a home to me. And I love that.

Our kids were SUPER excited to get there too! Mom had all these toys out and both kids were seriously over elated. I think they instantly felt at home too. It was nice to just sit and stay put for the night.

We watched the kids play, talked, and dad of course took out his guitar and played. 

That night was the only night it took some time for Izaac to go to sleep. He took almost a whole 2 hours. Poor boy. But, we just kept putting him down and eventually he realized, this is my new bed. And he never cried again when we put him down, just like at home, which I still am so so grateful for!! =)

 The next day we stayed home for the morning.

Mom got out the play dough (which we actually have never done with Lex before) and Lexi was ecstatic!

Then for lunch Jimmy and I went to Adams and brought stuff home for everyone. 

We both were excited to be out just us and were so excited to see New York style food so we...well bought enough stuff for the week. 

We got deli sandwiches, wings, penne ala vodka, bakery goodies, and meatballs.

It was fantastic. 

Afterwards, the kids were due for a bath.

We hung around at home for a little bit longer, just playing and relaxing.

Some things obviously don't change the matter where you go =)

And then the squirrel that grandma "trained" gave us a visit!

The weather was actually not too cold! Woo hoo!

Racing to the mail box!

Later for dinner, we headed up to Christina's house. Lots of people were meeting up there for pizza to see the kids.

Jimmy's dad, Debbie, Crystal, Amanda, Nona, Aunt Claudia, Uncle George, and Jake

At first when we walked in the door, both kids freaked out. It was loud and there were a lot of unfamiliar faces so I think it was just a tad bit overwhelming.
At one point when I finally sat down with Lexi, she actually snuggled in to me, put her hand on her belly button and literally just closed her eyes for a little while. Poor girl.

But after some help and effort from her Aunt Amanda, she slowly started to warm up and by the end of the night, she was jumpin and running all around.

Izaac did pretty good after the first 5 minutes or so. He's a lot better with people he doesn't know. And he loved the dogs!  

Both kids definitely got their fair share of sugar that night, but it was really so awesome to see everyone just not want to let them go!

It really was such a wonderful feeling to see so many people just oooh and ahh at your children.
Everyone made us feel so welcomed and loved.

We had a great time!

And both kids fell sound asleep on the way back to Poughkeepsie!

The next morning we played with bouncy balloons.

And mom and Lexi painted.
Grandma and Lexi have such a great relationship and I love it!

 And then Amanda, Nona, and Christina came to Mom and Dad's to see the kids.

This was really fun because the kids were a little bit more free to show them their real personalities as they got to play on the floor and with their toys.

Again, it was so fun to watch everyone not take an eye off either kid. They were just so happy to be with them!

I love that nona would get down on the floor to play! She is the best!

And Jimmy taught Amanda Settlers!

We had a lot of fun! And we got Longobardi's Pizza!

 I really can't even express my love for NY pizza.

I took this picture later that afternoon and even though it's not really in focus because they are moving, I just love it. 

These three just mean the world to me!

We played lots of games later that afternoon/night, including Shang Hi, so that was awesome! 

And we just played/hung around some more! 

Oh, and it was Izaac's last night of being zero years old! 

Could he be any more adorable??! 

That's it for part one!