Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Last One Standing

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- It has finally come to this. I am, once again, living life officially by myself. No more family around. It's just me. (On the count of three... pooooooor Andreaaaa) Life is a funny thing. I moved here to be closer to my siblings. And now... they've done it... they've all moved away and left me in their dust. (Britt leaves next month!).

Amy has been my sidekick for the last two years. As much of a pain in the butt sisters can be to each other sometimes (and we know it) I don't think I'll ever miss anyone more than I'm going to miss her.
I'll be honest, it took awhile to adjust having family nearby again after I had lived away from them for so long. I had been flying solo for several years, and I just got used to it. It was just me, and I loved the independence. But now I've gotten used to having them around again, and I prefer it that way. I may have shed a tear or two when the little Maizer packed her bags and left. There'll be no more baseball games, no more random shopping trips (maybe that's a good thing), and no more Abe therapy. I'm going to miss this kid. She's become one of my best friends. And I guess that's the way it ought to be.

Thanks John for the fantastic photography :)

I officially hand over my duties of watching out for her to this guy... and I wish him luck (lots of it)! :) He's a lucky guy to get a girl as magnificent as Amy.


Monday, April 5, 2010

Trip to Sweden: Check!

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - I feel like I just left for Sweden yesterday, and yet I've already returned. Vacations are never long enough. But I had a great time! It was a fun trip, filled with lots of time with a cute, energetic nephew...

Good company... (yes, that is Michael "superman style" in his stroller. Hey, the kid needs some diversity to stay happy.)

Old buildings in the oldest city in Sweden... Sigtuna.

More time with a cute kid...

Good food (yes, that is a Belgium waffle covered in chocolate and whipped cream, and yes, it was amazing)

More time with a cute, rambunctious kid...

...and great views all over a spectacular city!

And finally... a little video for your viewing pleasure, illustrating one of the innovative ways Rob and Lorena have found to keep Michael happy... you've got to love this kid!

Why is it that vacations always seem to
go by too quickly? Who wants to go on the next one?

Thanks Rob and Lorena for a great week!