Newest Addition to the Family

Yes, we now have a piano in our dinning room. A 100-buck-Craig's-List-found-slightly-out-of-tune-but-all-the-keys-work piano. It's awesome and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to plunk around on it whenever I want. It makes me appreciate all of those piano lessons as a kid. (Thanks, Mom and Dad!)

Independence and Kloders!

Due to last minute vacation rescheduling, we ended up staying in Philadelphia for the 4th of July. A day at the beach (including a fun dinner with David and Jess!), a few projects around the house and lots of lazing about together made for a fun extended weekend of vacation time.

Due to all the rain, we enjoyed our picnic dinner under a big umbrella before the official Philadelphia fireworks over the Art Museum:

Once Joshua came back from California, we finished up the flower boxes and were able to plant our tomatoes and some climbing plants just in time for Kate and Neal to visit us from Pittsburgh. It was SO MUCH FUN having them stay with us. I feel so blessed to have a bunch of close friends who are so well-rounded, funny and entertaining. Moreover, Kate and Neal are the easiest guest ever that we were teasing that we should write them a thank you note after they left.

It was nice to break in the backyard with them ... and shoot off some fireworks in the street in front of our house, too.

Then on Saturday, we had some close family and friends over for a big brunch to celebrate Kate's graduation from her pediatric residency program and Joshua's promotion. We really appreciate all the support we have in our lives. Joshua and Padre really seemed to enjoy the espressos Matt made for everyone.

File Under: Why Not

Our attempt at making Joshua's face like an anchor while transitioning between a full beard and clean-shaven:





(Ha ha ha ... I can't believe we count as adults!)

While Joshua was in California for a work conference and his grandfather's funeral, I have had a busy week and a half.

Mid-work week I was able to go camping and kayaking on the Delaware River at the Delaware Water Gap. Since the company where I am interning (DVRPC) works on transportation and environmental projects in the area, they make an investment in staff development to do some field work (or, in this case, field enjoyment) in the counties where the mapping and analysis is performed. I had the opportunity to share a double kayak with Victoria, the undergraduate intern who has been teaching me everything she knows about cartography -- which is a lot! I would be lost without her and feel like I should be paying her tuition for all that she is teaching me. Good thing Victoria and I share a desk and I'm a quick learner because otherwise this internship might have been a bust. Anyway, the camping and kayaking trip was great and the scenery was beautiful.



On Saturday, I was able to attend the wedding of two close friends -- Robin and Bobby (known to us as Bobbin!). They used to live one floor below us when we were in an apartment on 4th Street in Philly. Greatest guys ever. Bobby has recently become my running partner and Robin often hooks us up with tickets to opera performances or tips regarding good theater events.

Their wedding was beautiful and I cried for most of the service. The reception was a delight -- they have TONS of physical theater actor friends who were the greatest/most interesting dancers. Too fun to watch. I had a difficult time dancing because I was laughing so hard. I felt very honored that we were invited to their wedding because it was evident that they attract really great people.

I love this picture of their cake-cutting! Side note: A few weeks ago, we had them over for dinner directly after they had their cake-tasting, so we had the opportunity to eat 10+ of the wedding cupcake's trial versions. Yum!


This week I also managed to make large flower boxes for the backyard. They are painted Superman blue to match with the orange wall. Awesome. (Photos coming soon....)

Update

Three weeks ago, Joshua few out to California to see his ailing grandfather. Sadly, this past weekend Joshua's grandfather passed away. Fortunately, Joshua just happens to be in California for work and will be able to attend the service with his family on Monday.

Please keep the Chisholms, Smarkers, and Fujimotos in your prayers.

Full

Our recent weekends have been full of sailing races, circus classes, trips to see grandparents and assorted family members (LA and NYC), dinner parties to make job connections, a graduation parties, a christening and tons of flying around the country for work. We have been camera-free for most of these occations, so we don't have many photos to show for all our running around the place.

Joshua did have 15 seconds of down time and enjoyed a nap with Shanti.


And here we are at Flicker Francis' christening ....

Subtle? What's that?!

In an attempt to paint the cinder block walls in our backyard a calming neutral color, we ended up with this:
Yup, that's blinding orange. Awesome.

Joshua in action

One of the draw-backs of Joshua's position is his ridiculous hours. Currently he is working well beyond sane hours. As a director, this may pick up even more. I've come to realize that my dedication to the surrounding communities entails giving up a "normal" home life (whatever that means) with my husband. We make sure we spend time together and Joshua is good about taking care of himself -- i.e. he can now bench press more than his own weight without a spot! -- however, I have to admit that it is draining at times.

But then I see pictures like the ones above -- Joshua meeting with community members -- and I realize that it is awesome work that he has the opportunity to do. And it makes me excited to finish school and get out there to help the cause.

Obviously, I'm super proud of how talented (and handsome) my husband is.