Oh Hanukkah, WHOAH Hanukkah

Hanukkah was a big deal this year! Not only did Zach ask to light the candles each night (he is still asking a week later), and enjoy opening his presents, we attended 5 Hanukkah parties. First we went to Temple Bat Yahm and enjoyed lighting an outdoor menorah, singing songs with our friend Shayne and family, dancing and eating latkes. Zach also enjoyed doing somersaults down the aisle leading to the bima.






Then, we were off to Aunt Laurie's and Uncle Larrys for the best latkes and chocolate cake we have ever had. Zach had a great time especially with Uncle Larry!






Sunday, we went to watch the Eagles kick some butt at Eric and Leah's.




I was fortunate enough to volunteer in Zach's class at his JCC Chanukah party! These kids are so funny! The have been together since they were 5 months old and have become such good friends.





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Zach, Ari and London
Finally, we ended the festivities at Ari and Ben's (from preschool) House. Sepi and Michael made homemade pizza and ice cream. Marisa, Michael, Ryan and his new little brother Benjamin were also there. Although I don't have any pictures other than a goofy family pic to show how much fun the boys had that night, you will have to take my word for it - I have never seen them have so much fun. We ended the night with Zach and Ryan breaking in the bathroom and brushing their teeth with Ari and and Ben's stuff!



Happy Chanukah, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!
Love, The Shaynes

Zach has some BIG news to share - Please listen

And just in case you didn't him hear him correctly, he also put in in writing!


Expected to Arrive June 28, 2010!
Yep, that means we're into the 2nd Trimester already! We're ready to go and very excited!

So Thankful

This Thanksgiving meant something different to me than in prior years. Let's face it, I have had a lot of time on my hands to reflect. But I realized this year, I am thankful for so many things.
1. I am thankful this year is over. As many of you know, it hasn't been the easiest year for our family and I am looking forward to the light at the end of the tunnel.
2. I am thankful my husband is the nicest guy in the entire world. He never once lost faith in me or all my unsuccessful interviews. He always thought something was wrong with them - never me. ha ha
3. I am thankful I was laid off! Sure, I was mortified and sad to leave my friends at Green Street but I recently spent the last 7 months with my baby - who is really a big boy now! He tested me, pulled my hair and fought naps but we got to have breakfast together every day, and watch movies on the couch and spend hours at the park. I will remember the last seven months as some of the best I ever had.
4. I am thankful for my amazing parents and brother who give Zach so much love he doesn't know what to do with it. It is amazing to see how much he loves you back.
5. I am thankful for my networks and HR colleagues. They have been amazing, supportive, fun, and wonderful to be around. I have met so many great people and attended a plethora of events - I never had time to do that.
6. I am thankful for my mother-in-law who has always remained optimistic of Josh, Zach and me.
7. I am thankful we (meaning Josh and I) have finally learned the value of money. We have saved and skimped and paid off debt and realized we were spending way outside of our means - never again!
8. Finally, (here is the kicker by the way) I am thankful that I just accepted a new job as a Human Resources Executive Team Leader at Target! It is the best opportunity that has come my way and makes all the hard work worth it. My good friend Michelle referred me and after a month a half, 4 interviews and several pros and cons lists, I accepted this afternoon.

We know things are going to get crazy again but we think we work better together under crazy. It would be really nice to stay home full time but it is just not in the cards at the moment. Thank you all for your love and support this year. We hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving. We celebrated with family at cousin Lauren and Phil's beautiful new home in San Diego. We also found out they are expecting their first baby in June. Needless to say, everyone had a great time and is thrilled for them.

Happy Birthday Josh - Thanks for nothing Eagles

Last weekend we celebrated Josh's 32nd birthday -- woosh! We are definitely starting to get up there. We had a mellow dinner at one of Josh's favorite's Red Robin, had icecream cake from Baskin Robbins and then headed down to San Diego for the Eagles vs. Chargers game on Sunday. When we first arrived, we met our friends Sumer and Troy at a very cute family owned restauarant called Pernicanos. Then we got up bright and early for a tailgate that started at 8:00 am with over 2000 Eagles fans. If you think that sounds like a lot, there were at least 15,000 Eagles fans in the stands - some sections a sea of green. It was pretty incredible. They managed to bury themselves pretty deep before coming alive in the 4th Quarter. They might of even finished the Chargers off if they didn't let 27 seconds slide off the clock before calling their final timeout. Yes, I was sober driver for the day so I got to pay special attention to the Eagles slow deterioration. My boyfriend McNabb had a record day though and it was fun seeing him up close - we had great seats; club level at the 20 yard line!!!









Josh even ran into a good friend Jason that he hasn't seen since high school!

And although I know you are all dying to read about Josh and I, I will just throw in a picture or two of Zach since he is the real star of the show!




Very excited about trying out new underwear!

Arrrrrr

We thought Zach might have been too young to go out for Halloween. We were wrong. He loved it. We went to a party and then we went trick or treating. Here are some pics.











Lastly, Zach has gone poop on the potty everyday now for the past two weeks. So, it seems that he's on his way to be potty trained. But, we kind of liked when he was dumping in his diapers because now we have to find a toilet everywhere we go. And, once we find a toilet, he does not like the one we find. What do we do now?

Sunday Funday

Well not Sunday Funday we're all used to BUT it was Sunday and we did have a ton of fun. We started by heading down to San Diego for my good friend Ronna's wedding shower . We're very smart about traveling now and whenever possible, we try to get a suite which allows all of us a much better nights sleep. Josh does all the packing usually and he does an amazing job! He never forgets anything, except this time - he forgot the air mattress for Zach, ear plugs, a toothbrush and boxers .. kinda big things to forget - but we both thought it was really funny! Off the shower with my girlfriends on Saturday night which is always lots of fun. We never get tired of telling the same old funny stories that seem to make us laugh harder as the years go by. Ronna looked stunning I can't wait to celebrate her wedding with her in two weeks! YAY RONNA!!



On Sunday, we went to Sea World. We saw "Shampoo", polar bears, dolphins and sea lions. The polar bear was Zach's favorite. The best part was when no one was paying attention and this giant beast grazed right next to the window we were sitting near. Zach almost fell off the ledge. "Shampoo" was fun too except we think Zach was confused. He was silent ... mute...stunned! Maybe scared. He didnt say a word during the show, but he did talk about it the rest of the day.