Foreward- in order for me to locate this entry with greater ease- I am changing the publication date to match the date that I have summarized. In truth- this post was written 2/21/22 as part of my ongoing efforts to switch to a digital format for story telling.
Y2K-
In the months (or maybe it was years-I had a new baby-it's all really a blur in terms of what was going on outside of my own little bubble) the world was all a flutter about leaving the 90s and heading into a new century. Computers would shut down, the world which has come to rely so heavily on technology would come crashing to a halt.
Yeah...none of that really happened...
But what did happen?
Well- we continued to adjust to life as a family of 4-
with Thing 2 making a debut in mid 1999
Hubby and I would still try to take time for ourselves...
be it in the snow..
(sidebar-I'm pretty sure this was the last time I went skiing)
or in the sunshine that is Miami
Joining up with college classmates for an ROTC reunion...
and checking out the family market-that Dom's family once owned
(side bar: this was the only time I believe we would leave the kids home
while we traveled until they were old enough to be on their own.)
I am forever grateful for this angel
who encouraged us to leave the Things in her care..
She took the secret to her grave- but I'm pretty sure
that Bully Boy took first steps while we were gone...
as Thing 2 was just a little too proficient that first time
we watched the steps taken just days after our return-
A good mom knows that moms want to be the first to see those steps-
Judy was a wise one that I miss dearly!
Besides mastering the task of walking- This Thing mastered
the art of posing for pictures- be it with Spring flowers...
or wearing of the green...
From Grandma to 
to Great-grandma
From an "Auntie" close to home...
to great-aunties back in Wisconsin...
Ok- sometimes you reach your saturation point and nod off for a snooze...
You clearly are someONE with a cheerful disposition!
SPEAKING OF THINGS-
what about Thing 1
This one hit the mean streets of Park View...
With a little technical support from his Pit Crew- Dom
With his continued work on his autism, motor-planning and sequencing didn't come naturally-hence the duct-tape on the pedals. VOILA-problem solved...
No matter the challenges- we love seeing this little fella take on the role of
BIG BROTHER with kindness and compassion...
Sharing his finds at the annual Easter Egg Hunt.
to letting his brother hog the popcorn bowl..
Well, maybe not always kind-when he blamed the Baby for the question of
Who Tooted?
MAKING FRIENDS
The Things made new friends...
With a trip to Leavenworth Kansas to meet the Halls
Dom and Larry enjoyed getting a chance to catch up-or geek out--
with these two its one in the same...
Another trip back East...
taking the time to catch up with former co-workers at Primus Clinic...
connecting with a college mentor...
Thing 1 helps The Colonel navigate the complexities of the remote
while Thing 2 manages to bring out the kid in the colonel...
Childhood friends exchange parenting tips-with Heidi expecting her first one "any day now"
and connecting a co-worker now friend-
We would also use this trip to coordinate the sale of our townhome in VA-
putting the final stamp on ending the chapter of our lives in NoVA
CONNECTING WITH EXTENDED FAMILY
We knew that when we decided to live in "neutral" territory (with neither Martha's family nor Dom's within a 2 state minimum), if we want the Things to know their extended family- we'd need to take on some travel.
And take it on we did..
The cousins connect while cruising the mighty Mississippi...
And on the plaid couch where cousins have
connected for 2 generations now..
Grandpa Richard was kind enough to host
a family and friends gathering at the Granum Farm...
Giving us all a chance to catch up..
Share hugs
and exchange stories..
While taking time to swing in the hammock
and go for a spin in the tractor..
(Thing 1 wasn't too sure about this farm adventure..)
Westward Bound
We heard Grandpa needed some computer tech support...so of course
Thing 1 was ready to assist..
Nah- Dom was fortunate to work for a company that had their home office
not far from his folks-
Ever the multi-tasker-we joined Dom while he worked
to catch up with the California Changs..
Thrilled to discover an Arthur exhibit at the San Jose Children's museum
and affordable amusements at Happy Hollow
while finding time to spend with Dom's siblings.
All in all...it was a year to remember...
Thanks for joining us on this ride..
