Two birthday parties, and one big move

August was a month to be remembered here in Rockville. The biggest news is that the Zoll Family will be relocating - to Singapore! It's quite a move for everyone, and it's happening very fast as well. The NGO that I work for, Conservation International (CI), has asked me to serve as the Director of Corporate Relations at the new CI Singapore office. Amy and I got the news while on a 5-year anniversary trip to New York.

Here I am, relaying the news to Aunt Sarah from Central Park:



And here Amy and I are, relaxing after a long day of walking about, digesting the news (Columbus Circle).



Ida Jane has been very enthusiastic about the move, although some toys and furniture have suddenly departed. The move has allowed her to be, shall we say, adventurous.



When we came back from New York, we had the first of the aforementioned two birthday parties with Nana and Papa. Unfortunately, Ida Jane is on a "Happy Birthday To You" strike right now, so no movies of that song.



There are pictures of cake eating, of course, but from the less-tearful member of the family. Harper will never cry when cake is involved.



Ida Jane did love the beautiful umbrella that she got from Nana and Papa, which will come very much in handy in the tropics.



Later that week we had a tearful farewell to Ms. Addison and Brandon, our day-care providers who treated Ida Jane and Harper like their own kids. We will definitely miss them.





I did say two birthday parties, didn't I? The second birthday party a week later, for Ida Jane's friends. It was a nice turnout! There was Leo, Annie, Quincy, June, and Rocket:



The diner was hopping - Samuel, Fia, and Avery were enjoying themselves.



Fia was resplendent in a Princess outfit that Harper loved, including "Rella" shoes (Harper is obsessed with all things Cinderella at the moment).



Harper does love our next-door neighbors very much, and we will be lucky if we have any who are half as nice as the Smiths in Singapore.



And we also love Auntie Becca. Read to us!



Finally, Ida Jane was pleased as punch when her potty progress finally landed her at "Build-A-Bear" today. She was very proud of Mia. Can you tell?



Wish us luck as we pack our bags! More to come before we go, of course (departure date is looking to be end of October/early November). And, if you know of anyone looking for a house in the DC area, you can point them our way. :)