A different 4th of July

It was a childless fourth of July for us this year. Well, not completely but almost....
With Alex in Delaware until the 24th, we tried a new experiment: Ryan and Lucas at Grandma's and Grandpa's for one week together. Ryan has been in Chico for almost 2 weeks now and I have to say he is doing extremely well and seems to be very happy. So, last week-end Greg and I went to Chico with Lucas and came back on Sunday night with only the two of us. If Lucas was going to enjoy his time up there, we were going to pick up both kids this coming Saturday at the family pic-nic. If things did not work out we would have met for the 4th of July and took Lucas back home. Well, he seemed to be doing fine Monday and Tuesday, so Greg and I got to enjoy some peace and quiet in our house as well as some adult dining out. On Tuesday night we even hosted a poker game and it was lots of fun. Then yesterday, the weather was beautiful and hot, and after checking on the kids, we decided to go to the beach in Halfmoon Bay. For once it was great to just lie down and soak in the sun without having to run around with the kids. How peaceful!!! We got back to Menlo Park, took showers and went out for dinner (indian-chinese fusion). It was a little eerie to be dining out during a National holiday: no many people out, or restaurants open, way too unusual. Anyway, when we got home after dinner, and while we were getting ready to watch a movie, we got the phone call from Chico. Lucas was not doing too well, grandma's words were " inconsolable". That did it for me, I did not have to wait a minute longer, next thing I know Greg and I are in the car on our way to Vacaville to meet Grandpa who was going to bring our precious package back (Ryan was happy to stay and we will pick him up Saturday as from plans). It was late, we were tired and gt back home at 1AM. For how fantastic it has been to be alone with Greg and spend some quality time together, hugging Lucas and laying him to sleep in the bed that has been empty for the past few days was... priceless!

Saturday Morning

It was a long week. So glad it is Saturday. At work I managed to send out a development plan and I have given the other proposal to the editor, so the bulk of the work is done. Next week we just have to format all the individual parts and submit it. Feeling relieved about that. At home, let's see Alex is gone to the beach and won't be back until sometime around July 24. Called him once and he was already ignoring me because of the excitement. I guess that is the way it is supposed to be! Yesterday was Ryan's last day at Applebee preschool and today is going to Chico for one week. We are going next week-end. Today we are taking it easy. Ryan is enjoying a movie, Lucas goes from room to room playing. I love the relaxed atmosphere of a non-working day and even more the feeling that summer is here and the days are long and full of promises.

LA DONNA CANNONE

One of my favorite songs of all times

Writing

I am writing a big proposal that is taking all my time. I should be out of the woods toward the middle of next week. I will be back then.

DONE!!!

We have a kitchen and we are using it!!!
I am so ecstatic about this. I totally love my new kitchen and all the space we have added to the the house. It has been a long 5 months, but it was definitely worth it. Last week-end I have stayed up until 1AM every night moving stuff back in the new cabinets and slowly emptying the boxes that for the past few months were everywhere in the house.
The difference is huge! I still can't get over the amount of space that it is now available in the old living area. We have moved things around and

created a library where the old dining room was and the kids love the new area with all the books. We still have to find a carpet and few more things to complete the area, but that is actually fun for me!