CARS...John and Jacob went to see the movie CARS today at the matinee. They both LOVED it! Jacob said it was his all time favorite movie. His favorite car was the red race car because it was FAST! They had a big time. They did popcorn and cokes and the whole thing and then afterwards went to Marianna's for gyros. All together, a big time at the Elliott abode!

Small Victories...Julia and I went to Toddler Time at the library today. We had a GREAT time! She did not throw one fit until the very end because she didn't want to leave. She even took her glue to Miss Donna and put her balls back in the bag like she was supposed to. In fact, she was one of the best behaved kids today. I was so proud! We did arts and crafts with a nice lady Bernadette and her daughter, Victoria. They are from Poland. Then she and I rode the bus back home (which she loves) and then we walked in to the bagel shop for lunch. Since we are regulars, Julia walks in and announces to the guys and the entire shop "Hi GUYS!" The men working the counter are from San Salvadore and they often give Julia free mini bagels. It was very cute! A good day!

Quite A Day...Today I found myself sitting at Starbucks reading a book and looking out the windowing while I drank a Green Tea Non Fat Latte (never even heard of it until today...ha!) And this was after spending an hour working out at the rec center. I felt like I was playing hooky. I didn't even know what to do with myself. Then I wandered down to the library to return a book and enroll Jacob in a one night arts and crafts class that is making Father's Day gifts. I am one lucky girl! John and I are taking turns watching kids so we can each go to the gym 3-4 days per week. I am determined to lose the rest of this baby fat. Since Julia is now almost 3 yrs old, I am finding it harder and harder to blame it on having kids. Ha! Guess it is time to take matters into my own hands!

Rubba-Dub-Dub...I now have a brand new full size washer and dryer. It is fabulous! John did a GREAT job getting it and getting it installed. Not an easy project. Yea! And as it is another rainy day here, I'll be catching up on laundry.

Closing, Sweet, Closing...Well, as of yesterday we closed on the farm. Yea! It is all done and the check is in the mail, so to speak. Now we can relax and really enjoy our life here in NY. We are now just renters!

Beachcombers...We had such a nice evening last night. After dinner when it was dark, we all walked down to get an italian ice and then walked down to the beach. It had been raining all afternoon so it was cool and dark and the waves were high and loud. They had put the lifeguard stands up on big piles of sand so we'd climb the pile and play king of the mountain. The kids were racing up and down the beach in the wet sand and there was no one else out there. It was really relaxing. We could hear planes going by but couldn't see them because of the clouds and could see a few ships out in the distance with all their lights. That was the only break in the rain because it rained again all night.

John had to go back to work early this morning but it is only a 2 day trip so he'll be home tomorrow night. We are having a washer and dryer delivered in Monday so that'll be so exciting not to have to lug laundry down to the laundromat anymore. I didn't mind doing the laundry but lugging it back and forth was a pain.

StoryTime Part Deux...Well, Jacob and Julia (and mom) went back again this week for Story time and Toddler time at the library. They have such a great program. Unfortunately, Julia had to be excused 3 times in the first 10 minutes of Storytime. We had MAJOR meetings in the bathroom. After that, all I had to do was mention going back to the restroom and she shaped up. Toddler time was fun, too, except I got a kink in my back holding Julia when she wasn't ready to stop singing and dancing and the group was moving on...Her teacher, Miss Donna, assures me that this too shall pass and just keep with it. She said many of the other students in the class had attended with older siblings so they knew the drill already but had been wild things when they were younger.

Good news...supposedly, we will be closing on the farm on Monday. Keep your fingers crossed! That will be a big relief!