Thanksgiving Gobble Jog

The boys ran Marietta's Thanksgiving Gobble Jog 5K this morning.... Rob's first timed race.

Even more impressive? We girls rolled out of bed bright and early to hit Starbucks first be at the finish line in time. It was a tremendous effort, but we're committed like that.

My goal was to snap a pic of the boys crossing the finish line together - but Rob bolted ahead of Dana to make sure he'd "beat" his dad. Rob is on the far right in the red shirt, Dana is behind him in a long sleeved white shirt. I wish the picture was better. (It doesn't help that I'm a sucktastic photographer.)

Notice Rob's time? 27:55. Dana came in at 27:56. Hey - faster is faster.

It was a proud morning for Dad! The boys had a blast running together and decided it will be an annual tradition.

We're all home now ready to settle into our traditions. I suggested eating out this year, but the kids nearly revolted. They wanted mom's home cooking, so I must oblige. We'll do dessert later this evening at John and Gail's house.

Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Minn-uh-soh-tah, Dontchaknow

Life marches on. Sometimes it's harder than others. I'm grateful for the joy (and levity) my children provide.

Enjoy.

Our Boys

Our boys have been busy this spring with their love for all things.... well, mostly sports.

Dana realized his lifelong dream by running the Boston marathon in April. He's had some trouble with his knee, but a little physical therapy and A LOT of determination saw him to the end....


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In the name of "charity", Dana won a visit to TNT's NBA Half Time show at a silent auction for Junior Achievement.

(Want one more preposition? With Charles Barkley. You're welcome.)

His motivation is yet to be determined, but memories were made.


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This boy loves lacrosse.


And hiking the mountain with a fellow "dude"....


But when he's worn out, there's a softer side to him.

Awwwww, yeah.

That's my boy.

Theirs and Ours Vacations

The kids really wanted to go to Disney with the rest of the world for Spring Break.

Mama wasn't havin' it.

Good thing those kids have grandparents willing to take them.


And a daddy willing to take Mama to Mexico.

(Jose Luis took care of Mama all week while daddy worked. Grrr.)

Fun was had by all. (Except for daddy who literally had to work around the clock. Thanks for that, AMSTERDAM.)

Special thanks to Nana and Papa, daddy and of course........... Jose Luis.

Birthday Week

Kayley Turns 14 - 3/18/09

Sleepover with gal pals, Nikki and Alyssa. Pedicures, Chinese food and a shopping blitz were the celebratory elements of choice.Daddy pulled rank and got Kayley her first laptop.

Nonny and Bapaw came for the weekend to celebrate!

Rob fishing with Bapaw in the neighborhood pond. Count 'em - SIX - sunnies with his new Bapaw-designed (Zebco) fishing reel. How cool is that??

Rob Turns 10 - 3/22/09

Stars & Strikes BD party - with cosmic bowling, lazer tag and the arcade. Rob with buddies Stuart and Jonathan. Not pictured: Royce, Owen and David.

Mommy "finessed" Daddy into bending the "2 Pet Limit" to FOUR - with newest addition, Delilah, a Winter White Russian hamster.
(Delilah was a "bad girl" from the Bible - who CUT. HER. BELOVED'S. HAIR.)

When we asked if he really wanted to have a hamster who could very well betray him and cut his (beloved) hair, it didn't really seem to have an impact...............

He's in LUV.

Dana and Ked Remain 25 and 24

Are we seriously old enough to have kids this old?

I didn't think so..........

What Happens While We're Gone

Dana had a black-tie charitable event to make an appearance at on Saturday night.

While we both would have MUCH preferred to stay in, sometimes stuff like this just comes with the territory.

Having my hair done was fun. Buying a dress I'll likely never wear again? Not so much.

And Dana now owns a tux. Sheesh.

At least we didn't have to pay for a babysitter. Photobooth occupied our kids quite nicely.

Enjoy the free comedy. (And don't forget that you get what you paid for!)

Weapons of Mass Entertainment

My baby child combined all of his Christmas money to get two Air Soft guns.

Who can I blame thank?