Go Blue Devils

The Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps were practicing at a school about an hour from us so I packed up the kids and took them to rehearsal on Thursday morning. Not sure that they knew what they were watching but it was nice to show them something that was once a big part of my life. Jodi and I then went to a show in PA later that night where the Blue Devils won - continuing their undefeated season. Unfortunately the following night they lost to the Cavaliers. This week is DCI Championships so it should be interesting!

Nicolas WALKS!!!

I think we deemed it official last Thursday but I haven't been able to get any good footage. He's cheating a bit in the video but eventually I'll get something good without him attacking the camera or Anais naked in the background. Tonight he took 4 steps by himself laughing all the while.

Dress up

The girls have recently discovered my closet. I knew there was a reason I was holding onto all the clothes I used to wear before I carried 29 lbs of baby in my belly - 12.6 at once thank you very much.

The boys at home

1/2 the pack in NorCal

Shawn and the girls flew to SFO and spent 10 days with Shawn's parents in Walnut Creek. The girls got some quality time with Papa and Ghio playing in their garden. They have a new gazebo which became Ellen's Castle. They also spent time with their cousins, Callie and Addie, swimming and having tea. I spent the time at home with Jenny and the boys - working more hours then I care to admit and getting a taste of life with 1/2 a pack.

Family Reunion

For my father's 70th birthday last November, he asked that we all come and visit him in Midway, Kentucky. The week of July 4th seemed to be the best time for everyone so we all converged on this rather sleepy town. It was wonderful to be together, meet 6-week old Judah and introduce the twins to their cousins, aunts and uncles.

Family

More family

Road Trip

To get to Kentucky and with 7 people in total, we decided driving was the best way to travel. After taking 2 hours, with a trip back to our house and gas and potty stop, to actually get out of town we were officially on the road by 10am. 75 miles or so out of town, Nicolas had a "blow-out" so pulling over on the side of I-95, we changed his diaper and clothes, wiped the car seat down and helped Anais go potty in the ditch. After this it was "relatively" smooth sailing. We stopped for lunch, snacks and dinner and arrived at our hotel at about 10pm. The trip back was fine considering Nicolas had undiagnosed ear infections in both ears. Holiday traffic was pretty rough and things got frustrating at dinner when we stopped at an Applebees in Maryland and the kids had meltdown after meltdown. Could have been much worse, right?

Cousins

The kids had lots of fun spending time together. Ellen, Raina and Anais are close in age and very much enjoyed their time together.

A Gentle Steed

We went to the Kentucky Horse Park while in the Bluegrass State and saw many interesting horse breeds and even some famous names. We saw the infamous Cigar who is living out his last years in the "Hall of Champions". He earned $10 million with a 15 consecutive winning streak from 94-96 - 2nd only to Citation's 16 wins from 48-50. A former pre-teen horse fanatic, I really enjoyed the day.

Old-School

My dad lives in an old elementary school that has been converted into apartments. There are a couple old pieces of playground equipment in the back including this literally old-school slide. Remember the days when a slide like this was set on a blacktop playground behind your elementary school, with the metal heating up to well over 100 degrees and you knew at least one kid who fell off and broke an arm or leg. Before padded, well shaded playgrounds where at least one parent is spotting their 4 year old as she patiently waits her turn and cautiously goes down the 6 foot plastic slide. When the thought of a school's liability coverage never crossed a parents mind. So retro!

Intro to Camping

We went to a friend's house to celebrate the "Great American Backyard Campout" last weekend. While we didn't actually camp, we did roast marshmallows, make s'mores, and the kids played in the tent. A reporter from the local paper came and Nicolas made it to print. Check out the story and photos. If you look closely at the photo on the right you'll see Anais and Dylan inside the tent. It was a very enjoyable evening with lots of kids running around discovering fireflies and enjoying camping treats. Thanks for having us!!!