Confederate States of America

For Gracie's birthday this year, we spent the weekend in Richmond, and one of our activities was to spend a few hours at the CSofA Cemetery. Let me add my disclaimer that I am NOT Southern, nor will I ever pay homage to the Confederate flag, and although the CSA had a good idea in the whole 'state law' vs. 'federal law', the entire red-neck nation has since removed any positive connotation to the main principals behind the Confederate States of America. And on that note.... the cemetery was beautiful. It was very cool to see the tombstones from the battles around here, and to see the big names immortilized. To get an idea about how 'proud' the south is of the good old confederate soldiers, there is a monument with the following inscribed on it:

"Fate denied them victory, but gave them a glorious immortality".

Hey Kris - figure out what this one is all about: there was a spot on the map that just said "Black Dog". We got there, and yep - there was a life sized black iron dog. With no marker or explanation.

Thanksgiving 2008

This was the year for our friend Jennifer to host Thanksgiving in Pennsylvania. As expected, the food and family were all wonderful. Along with the 5 of us, she also hosted her mom and dad (separated), her brother and her aunt Shelley.

During our stay there, Jen was nice enough to take a family picture of us, since all we ever seem to do is get pictures of the kids :)

All in all, it was a nice trip, and I was very thankful to have friends and family around me, and VERY thankful that I didn't have to cook or clean :)

Halloween 2008

Well, Halloween came and went, and all 3 kids were (surprisingly) very good. Doni was a little skeleton (can't you see how he's nothing but skin and bones?), Rudy was Superman again, and Gracie was a vampire princess again. I have a standing rule that since costumes are so stinkin expensive, the kids have to wear them for 2 years. Next year will be all new for the kids. Can't wait to see what they choose :)

Flu Shots

Yesterday, we took all 3 kids to get thier flu shots (John and I already had ours for the season). Naturally, we expected Rudy to have a hard time with it. And we weren't kidding. Gracie got the first shot. She whippered and said "ouch", but was fine a few seconds later. Then Doni went. He didn't complain at all, except he didn't want to lay down. During Doni's shot, Rudy starts backing towards the exam room door, crying in a paniced voice that he wanted to 'run away'. I turn around in time to see the door swinging open, and Rudy is no where to be found. The boy ran out of the exam room, through the office, and out the front door into the parking lot. He was NOT going to get a shot. So, we restrained him and he got his shot, and he was fine a minute later. All the while, Doni is staring at him like "what the heck is your problem, bro?". I feel bad for the kids getting thier shots, but Rudy cracks me up.

Also, Rudy and Gracie weighed/measured them selves: Rudy has grown 2 inches since June, and Gracie is 5'4" and weighs 120 pounds. The kids have all grown like tomatoes this year (my dentist once said kids grown like tomatoes - in the warmest months). I'm so happy seeing them look and feel so healthy!!

State Fair 2008

This past weekend we took the kids to the State Fair ~ Rudy always looks forward to riding the "dragon" roller coaster, I always look forward to seeing (yes, and smelling) the animals, and Gracie likes to hear the loud music. This was the year of Rudy being a daredevil. He rode the kid coaster a few times, racing for the front car, and standing up in his seat. Then he wanted something bigger and faster, so he rode the Himalayan. Once again, hanging out of his seat and trying to stand up. The best part was how 'tall' he stood up when he was measured in order to get on the ride. I think he stretched every vertebrae he had in order to get on the big boy ride. Time for him to visit Aunt Heather and go to Cedar Point!!

Virginia Beach

Ahhh.... I love the beach. You wouldn't guess it, as I don't like the water, and I don't like the hot sun. But it's so peaceful - especially when we always try to go after labor day, when it's still warm, but the tourists have mostly left town. Rudy was a 'little brave', and actually got his whole body wet. Gracie as always, was a fish - she loves the water. And Doni loved the water one day, and didn't love it the next. But, like all kids, he loved the sand.

I'm an AUNT!!!!

Well, it's the closest I'll ever get to being an aunt, as I'm an only child. One of my best friends (Yasmin) had her baby on August 28th. Her name is Celine, and she's absolutely perfect. I never knew how amazing it is to instantly love someone you're not related to. Being an aunt is the greatest thing ever!! Here's Mark with his little angel.
And of course, Yasmin had a perfect labor and delivery, and she was so gorgeous when I saw her in the hospital. I'm leaving her alone for a few weeks as she's inundated with family, but I know I'll have my time soon :)