Slackers - Wow! Has it really been a week since I've written? From three posts on July 1st to nothing for a week! I wouldn't say it's because we're too busy. While it's never exactly quiet around here before 8PM, there hasn't been as much going on, especially with Claire and Abigail doing their big midwest tour. It's been two weeks without the girls in the house with one week left to go.
Girls - It's been a bit unusual having them gone. Sure, we don't hear them bickering with each other, but we also don't have the help that they contribute. Abby is usually invaluable in keeping the boys (especially Timothy) out of the street and can often lead the boys in their playtime when they're indoors. We've had a bit of overcast, rainy weather the past few days which has caused a bit of premature cabin fever. Claire and Abby also both contribute in little household chores that we now do ourselves.
Indianapolis - Today my dad drives down to pick them up from their week in Indianapolis. All reports are that they had good time with the Chinni's (Michelle's sister and family). They had such a good time that they extended their stay a couple of days. They'll finish up their midwest tour with a few last days in River Grove before returning to NH on the 20th.
Spiderman - I asked Michelle if she would mind if I went out with my friend, Will, one night during the girls' absence. Tonight he and I are planning to see Spiderman 2. I've been looking forward to seeing it ever since I saw the trailer several months ago. It just looked so visually stunning I didn't want to wait for its DVD release. Wouldn't it be awesome to see on an IMAX screen?!
Stove - On Friday the wood pellet stove insert gets installed into the fireplace. I know it's just a stove, but I'm a bit excited. We've talked about getting one of these since last September. It'll be nice to see the glow of the hearth and feel the warmth without having to baby sit it every 20 minutes with stirring and adding new logs. It's amazing how you can pour in 50 pounds of wood pellets, have it burn continuously for a day or two, and in the end have half a cup of ashes left over.
Dressers - After the boys' bunk beds were delivered last week it was striking how mismatched their dressers were. The beds have a light oak finish. The dressers are extremely dark. Last weekend we drove into Nashua's mall district on the south end of town. I played with the boys at Roby park while Michelle hit a few furniture stores. Along the way she would periodically 'walkie-talkie' me with her findings. It was pretty cool. Once she settled down on a few models, she came back to the park, picked us up, and we took a brief trip to the see her final choices. We selected a pair of dressers with light finishes made of solid birch. We pick them up this Saturday. While the dressers cost more than the bunk beds, I'm sure the boys won't find them nearly as exciting. It's like trying to play with the sweater you got for Christmas.