Where to Begin?!

Has anyone else noticed my long-gone absence? I am sort of expecting a revolt from my blog viewership, wondering if I'll gain any comments back after a 10-day stint away from this little hobby of mine that keeps me sane and writing and documenting and picture-posting and updating all of our friends and family, near and far. Did I say 'and' enough? And.... We're off!! Let the post begin!

Here is Gabe in front of a life-size Blue Whale at the Museum of Natural History, his first time at the awesome, interesting, educational, fun and sensory-peaking museum (and mine, too). It brought back memories of my parents taking me to Carnegie Science Center and the Pittsburgh Museums and school field trips galore. I forgot how exciting it was to see big dinosaur bones and whole skeletons offering that rare-seen glimpse into the past. I remember "excavating" Knoxville Elementary's playground for bones in 3rd grade and bringing home enormous rocks in my backpack, dropping them on the front porch in front of my mom, exclaiming, "I dug up dinosaur bones today!" Her excitement at these huge rocks lasted only a few weeks before she made me carry them off the porch and out into the woods. It was really exciting to see Gabe's amazement, and I think when he is a bit older than 3 1/2, he will love it even more. 

At this juncture of museum-going, there was a bone on display for us to touch and feel and marvel at the size and weight. Gabe decided to try to "ride" it. 

After Daddy finished up at The View, he came over to meet us just in time for Gabe to poop out from the afternoon's excursion in the African Mammal section.

Anna didn't do much at the museum except look as adorable as ever and watch Gabe run around everywhere, "Ohh"-ing and "Ahh"-ing. 

We were super excited to have Abuela, Abuelo Rafa (no picture can be found documenting his presence, unfortunately) and Monica spend the week with us. It was an insanely busy work week, and I spent a few of their days here plugging away at the hugest assignment ever while they helped hold down the fort and I clung to my saner side (barely). The assignment is a career changer, and when it is published on Thursday I can let the world (or, my faithful blog followers) see it. So far, it is receiving a great reception and to keep from appearing too prideful I'll move on... (But will post the link on Thursday, so stay tuned!!) If it makes any haters happy, I gained 5 pounds sitting on my behind, stressing out and writing... writing... writing... Oh, and eating Girl Scout cookies. Tisk, tisk!

Since I turned it in to my editor on Sunday, life has been a little quieter and we want family to come back!! The weather has been FREEZING, but we are staying good and bundled up. Tomorrow, I go on New York television (!!!) to talk about my article and until then, I'll be thinking of what to wear!! Any suggestions besides a big paper bag?