The Table

It seems like years that I've been hunting for the precise table to fit into our dining room. It really has been years actually. I've scoured Craigslist, stopped at yard sales and barn sales, winced in jealousy when others mentioned their farmhouse table scores. But my turn has finally come. I'd come across a gentleman in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania who handcrafts his tables. His advertisement had come up several times on Craigslist. It was time to call him. The price was right, but was the table?



After all, I'd really looked at quite a few tables, and none of them were just quite right. Who's to say this would be the one? Joe and I decided to head out on Wednesday to meet with the guy and see the table.



As we walked into his house, and we wandered past his kitchen, it came into view. There it was. It was instantly that I knew. This was my table...the table I'd been looking for all this time. The one I wouldn't settle for anything less...I'd finally found it! There was no discussion to be had. I think Joe knew just by looking at me that I'd found what I'd been looking for all this time! Reclaimed barnwood, knicks and knots, carefully polished..dents, natural variation..rough hue...



We couldn't haul it home in Joe's wagon, but we knew we could arrange for my Father In Law to help. Of course, he was more than willing to oblige. This morning, Joe got up early to head out to Pennsylvania. I could hardly wait! It was coming home! It seemed like forever, but finally, they burst through the door, table in truck!



As they brought in our new table, I could hardly wait to just sit near it. Patrick was due for lunch, so I knew my chance was coming.



I've spent the better part of the day sitting near it, imagining its future. I can see Patrick doing his homework at it, playing many games, crafts, you name it! It's the heart of all family gatherings we have here. I imagine how amazing it will look at Christmas all decorated. It's part of our lives now and I can't wait to see it weather and host many great things!

The Zoo!

What small child doesn't love animals? Yesterday, we picked up Uncle Mike and headed off to the zoo.



I was so excited to finally take Patrick with us. Every year, we take our team at school to the zoo, so I had become a seasoned veteran. The summer proved to be different. Many of them were lazy and sleeping.



Every chance we got, we showed Patrick the active animals. He seemed to be enamored by what he did see! He also got to ride the carousel! It took him a minute to figure it all out, but once he did, he was a total pro!



Of course, Joe was there to help us "Monkey" around as well!



Perhaps we'll pick a cooler day to head back in August some time!

Some Eastern Twin Cities

"Let's go to New Hope sometime this week!" Joe announced. I simply replied, "How bout this afternoon?"

So we were off. After all, it's summer, and we are taking full advantage of the adventures and places we may go! A beautiful afternoon, we headed out after Patrick's morning nap. We parked in Lambertville, knowing parking is always easier on the Jersey side. Afterall, the walk across the bridge is always pleasant, but not before stopping to feed the ducks!





Knowing many of the stores don't have room, muchless allow, for strollers, we popped P in the Ergo and headed across the river. Lunch was our goal. A late afternoon lunch. I was thinking Lulu's, Joe had other things in mind.



Wildflowers! Oh how we love Wildflowers, but somehow, the thought of bringing a baby into the quaint space of this romantic little joint didn't really feel right. Something about the lunch hour changed all of this.



Fondue and sandwiches! Really, it was the perfect lunch! Luckily, we got in just in time!


After that, we headed out and wandered around, not before topping off the afternoon with homemade ice cream at Gerenser's on the river. Really, just a wonderful day!

Wet




I've always been inclined to love water. I'd like to instill this in my child as well. This summer, we joined the local private pool. It's been a lot of fun so far! Patrick seems to like the water, but he can't last nearly as long as I can in it! None the less, we've also got a little pool for him to get wet in on the deck. He loves playing with the hose and as you can see, he is really enjoying himself!