Friday I'm in Love: The First Week of July

Hi, internet! I've missed you. I've been doing all this real life stuff - this is my birthday and anniversary week, plus the 4th of July. And the big kids had their first swim meet, too. So, this week I'm loving real life. . .

We went to Rocca, my favorite restaurant, for my and my dad's birthday.

We went to the park.

The team won their swim meet, but I don't know how the kids did. They had fun, though.

We went to my hometown 4th of July parade.

We went on a hike.

Ironflower did not want to come - she had the strength of will to pout the entire time.

I learned it's hard to capture fireworks with an iPhone.

This is the best one that does not have Hot Guy's head in it. 

Back Home?

Everyone keeps asking me how great it is to have moved back home. After seventeen years (granted, four of them were college, but still) I have returned to New Jersey. And I'm not sure great is the word I would use.

I love my new house. I love being close to my parents (well, so far :) ). I love that I can walk everywhere now, or hop on a train into the city. I love that I can get good pizza, real bagels and deli food easily. But.

I don't really know anyone here anymore. I don't like that the Daily Show doesn't come on until eleven. Other moms don't seem very friendly (everyone I have talked to in the park or the neighborhood has been male or childless). I have to bring six different things to get my driver's license.

I like it here, but it doesn't feel like home. For years it's been the place I grew up, the place I visited at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I know it probably won't take all that long to feel at home here- certainly it will take less time for me than for my Kansas native husband. But's it's not great, and it's not home. Not yet.