Fresh memories from the US trip

We just got back from a wonderful 2 week trip to the US.  I had to go to a conference in Washington DC and Scott was able to come along using some vacation days and also getting lured into his Arlington, VA office for some work hours while Henry explored around the office.  We were super happy that Bob and Phyllis and Scott’s younger brother Seth visited for the first few days we were in DC.  On the weekend when all (but Grant who we missed) were in town, we were able to meet up with some of the extended Merrill family for a trip to the Zoo.  (“We” here includes everyone BUT me who had to be at the conference all weekend. Bummer.)  We tacked on a few extra days to go take the train down to visit my sister and her family during which time my dad drove up to join us. We’re so happy and appreciative that all the family made the effort to see us during our brief trip back.  With memories of being with them and of seeing a few friends, we can’t seem to stop talking about all the fun we had.  One tidbit of Henry info – in the middle of the trip he figured out how to stand up on his own!  We’re just waiting until the day when he decides to start running.

Grandma Phyllis immediately dove in to enjoying Henry's favorite activity with him and seemed to have just as much fun herself. 

Grandpa Bob was nice enough to share his ipad with the little guy, at least for a few minutes.

 

Henry in his first shopping cart experience. Wow, still no hair.

The day after we arrived I went to Baltimore while Bob, Phyllis, Scott and Henry wandered around the Museum of Natural History and the monument area.  I put a bunch of extra photos in this series because I think it's hilarious that Henry was passed out through most of the 8 mile long adventure. He serves as their little gnome.

 

Totally mezmerized

Seth arrived

Scott's favorite photo because he thinks it captures one of Henry's expressions so well.

The zoo adventure with the big clan

Gazing at the animals

 

Bonding with Henry

Henry loved spending time in the Ergo and Uncle Seth was willing to shoulder the weight most of the time - even during lunch. I think they really bonded...

Where's Henry?

All too soon we were off to Williamsburg VA.  We used to see my sister and her family once a month if not more so I've been going through withdrawal ever since we moved to Dhaka. We made the most of our 2 day visit including a night out at a Old town Williamsburg Tavern.

The flight route we took required us to take a 18 hour layover in Singapore. At first we were frustrated by this but then we realized that it could be a nice break to the long haul. Plus, it fell on my birthday and what better way to spend a 29th birthday than strolling on the beach and eating good Asian food.  Although we knew about this part of the trip well before we departed Dhaka we failed to pack any swim suits or flip flops.  This was especially odd because my motto when traveling is to always pack a camera and swim suit no matter where or for how long you are traveling.  Oh well, if you can believe it, we were still able to have fun.

I don't know how far out Henry would have wanted to go if only we had swim suits - or at least shorts - on.  I would have gotten my pants wet if I didn't have to wear them on a flight to Dhaka in a few hours.

 

By the time we got swim stuff Henry was a bit tired. We still managed a little time in the amazing hotel pool.

For the dedicated few of you who made it to the end of the entry, we're moving this week!  After hearing we would have to leave our apartment by the end of April we worked hard all March to secure something before we went on our trip.  We had everything organized to a sublet for the summer and then move to a more permanent apartment in August.  The day before we left for the US both apartments fell through!!  There was nothing we could do but try to forget about the fact that we would have to vacate our apartment 7 days after we returned but had no where to go.  Amazingly, a few days before we were set to leave the US we found out that the apartment one floor below us was opening up May 1st. PHEW. Same layout, same location - but a bit cooler because we won't be the top floor apartment.  I'm sure we'll have fun stories from the move....

For all of you sending letters and packages :), our address is basically the same except with a "5B"  instead of "6B" but honestly, you could still use the old address and we'd receive it.

Here we come Grand US of A

 We're heading to the US in just a few hours!  We still have to pack, although I'll admit we've made piles of most of what we'll bring. It's too short of a trip but at least we'll be able to see our parents and some siblings in the week and a half we'll be State-side.  We're so excited!!Life has been chugging along this last week and a half or so.  Henry has quite a few more tricks up his sleeves now.  On Saturday he started clapping which, for some reason, was that golden milestone I was on the edge of my seat to see him hit. He gets such a thrill out clapping; quite a few times I find him sitting there giggling at his hands slapping together.  He's also figured out the thrill of opening and closing things.  On that note, he's become so much more independent.  Now he's content playing by himself throwing and retrieving balls, putting balls inside bottles and closing them up and then feeling so proud when he can get the ball back out of the bottle, running in circles bouncing off the U shaped couch we have, and always trying to catch us off guard so he can sneak into the kitchen and flip over Guinness's water bowl.

With his growing independence comes more fun at the playground.  Now that Scott taught him how to go down the slide hands out head first, Henry will charge right up the playground to the slide, squat down, put his hands out and go. The other day he didn't care (or didn't take the time to assess with all the fun he was having) that someone had made a sand box out of the bottom of the slide.  He still charged face first and as you can see, enjoyed the discovery.

One of the family's in the playgroup that I sometimes go to is moving back to Australia.  This weekend we had a party for her at a coffee shop another family in the group just opened (after 2 years of working towards this goal) that roasts their own beans and serves pastries made by the mom who is a trained pastry chef!  We were sad to say bye to Kym, Jamie, Stella, and baby Toby.   Here's a fun fact, about two months ago Henry lost his status as the youngest baby in the group when a few of the moms returned with babies. There are now 6 baby boys under the age of 4 months!

 On a final note, Henry and Guinness have become the best of friends.  Henry has decided that he is really helpful when he puts Guinness's bone or toy in Guinness's mouth.  I don't think Henry has grasped yet that it might not be so nice to take those things out of Guinness's mouth in order to enjoy giving them back.  Luckily Guinness is chill and let's Henry do as he pleases.  Note to self: don't let Henry assume other dogs are as complacent as the G.