The road trip to Upstate New York.

The car is loaded, the kids are excited and we are headed for Upstate New York. The ride along the west edge of the Hudson River offers the final views of NYC, before we head into the lush countryside and forests.

[Hudson River]

We make a quick stop for lunch and to let the kids stretch out before finishing the four-hour journey to Oneonta.

[Andre catching a movie on the ride]

[brothers]

I jump out of the car at my mom’s house and she is shocked, confused and overjoyed that I have reappeared. She was under the impression that I was somewhere in the Midwest and had no idea I was making the trip back. She is very excited that we all be together for the long weekend at the new house.

We spend the rest of the day with the kids while they enjoy the luxuries of a lawn to play on and lots of attention. Climbing trees, playing with toys and running around instigates a lot of laughter for all of us.

[teaching Andre how to climb trees]

[Andre and Angie driving their fancy car]

After a trip to grocery store, we make our way to the new house to see the nearly completed renovation. It’s very exciting to see how everything turned out and the big unveiling is very impressive. The concrete counter tops look great and all of the final details cohere nicely. My mom and stepdad are both very satisfied with how everything turned out and are happy to have everyone around for the inaugural weekend.  

My brother’s friend Mo and his girlfriend Maria from NYC join us in the evening and we all hang out and watch Angie perform her impressively well-rehearsed dance moves. She is adorable and very happy to be the source of entertainment. The first night in the new house is a big success.