Memorial Day

Wow, I just noticed it has been almost a week since I have posted anything. We have been busy this last week and it has flown by. Ben was working nights so we have been trying to let him sleep during the day by going to the sprinklers, the park, Sam's club...you name it. Also, my friend Silvia had a BBQ on Saturday night and it reminded me of all the BBQ's people have in Denver. There was always a BBQ going, but it particularly reminded me of my friend Janet's end of season tennis BBQ's because this was all tennis people too. I am so glad I play tennis because with all of our moving around it has always opened up a wonderful group of people for me to get to know. Thank you Silvia for including us! Oh and her sweet son, Justin, let Nora play the freaky, I mean calming game on their play station and I could actually have some adult conversation.

We also were lucky enough to get to spend some time with my Aunt Carol at the lake this weekend. It was so nice!

October Road

Now I have to admit that my taste in tv shows isn't always stellar, but can they please quit cancelling all of my favorite shows. Ed, Third Watch, What about Brian, and October Road are a few that come quickly to mind. So if they cancel your show then how do you know who the father of Hannah Jane's baby is? Ugh! Now if a series comes to an end and they tie up all the loose ends and Ross and Rachel end up together, than that is fine.

I am also sad about Oprah's Big Give and the Newlyweds shows too. This happens at such a rough time with American Idol being over and all. Here is a link to see if any of your favorites got the ax too. http://tv.yahoo.com/slideshow/261/photos/1

Cutie Girls

Here are some recent photos of the girls doing fun things or just plain lookin' cute!

Hevin's Birthday Party

Sprinklers at Wanamaker Park

Playing in the sprinker at Miranda's

Having Mina over for dinner

Why McDonald's will never go out of business

The other day the girls took a late nap and I was trying to think of something to do to get the girls worn out so they would go to bed that night. At about 5:45 pm Nora started to stir on the couch, but wasn't ready to get up. I heard Morgan wake up and went upstairs to get her. When I brought her back downstairs I asked her "Do you want to go to McDonald's for dinner?" then Nora (from her sleeping state on the couch) jumped of the couch and yelled "I do! I do!!!". So we did. And it was great fun until Nora realized the boy toy in the happy meal was a car and all she got was a silly little purse (which she loved until then).

Gulches Off Road Park

So this past weekend Ben had some extra time off before he started the next phase of training. I have been running crazy for about a month and didn't feel like traveling, so I suggested he take a guys trip to the four wheeling park - Gulches. I really am not cut out for this sort of thing. I almost puked just watching the videos.

Painted wall

So I have been planning to paint a wall in our living room since we moved in. We moved in July 3rd, I bought the paint in early December and in March I managed to paint it...then it has taken since I wrote this post in March to take a picture of the wall for your viewing pleasure.

Anyway, my Mom was in town visiting and took the girls on a sleepover to the lake to visit my Aunt Carol. I was able to paint the wall, paint a curio, paint a light fixture and rehang it. Then Ben and I worked on changing out some outdated light fixtures around the house. It looks so much better! Now we get to enjoy it for a whole 6 months before moving again...we dream of someday having a house that we can decorate to our liking, not what we think the new buyer will like. I guess by then we will be pretty good at doing all the fixing up!

Before

After

Pickin' Strawberries

What a wonderfully fun and American day we had today! My friend Mary and her daughter, Hannah, invited us to go strawberry picking at Boone Farm today (actually Mary just wants me to make her a pie). To my recollection I have never done this before. It was so fun watching the girls search for the perfect red strawberries. Some of them were a little smushed by the time Morgan got them off the vine, but I'm sure the strawberry pie won't mind.

After we had our fill of strawberries, mud, and jump castles we headed up the road to Cosmo's Cosmic Hot Dog stand. We loaded up on dogs, fresh cut fries, and frozen custard. Mmmmmmm. It was wonderful fun!

Morgan, Nora, & Hannah

My sweet friend Mary

Flashback Friday: Grandma Fran

Well last weekend we all piled in the car and headed for the sunshine state to attend my Grandmother's memorial service. My Uncle Jim did the service and it was very nice. It was nice to get spend some time with family, it is too bad that it seems this type of thing is what always brings us together. Maybe that is why the funeral is a celebration of a person's life. It pulls everyone back together even if only for a day. It also reminds me to be thankful that my parents are still with me and they are getting to know our children.

So here is a flashback photo of a strong, beautiful woman that I loved.

P.S. I know we were related because I have her gambling gene...and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Visit from Grandma Sal

We were fortunate to have Ben's Grandma visit us from April 15-26. It was supposed to be until the 25th, but we got an extra day due to some flight scheduling issues. Grandma Sal is soooo funny and an absolute joy to have around. She is always willing to help, in fact I finally gave in and let her dust. Then she made us a super yummy strawberry rhubarb pie.

We stayed busy while she was here, but I still feel like she didn't get to see everything here in town. She said she wanted to see her friend Mike and say she has been to Charleston. So I guess that means it was a good trip.

Grandma Sal also talked my Mom into coming out for a few days while she was here. So one morning I put them in the VW and programmed the GPS and they headed out to go antiquing. Well apparently I put the GPS in a hard to see spot and when Mom tried to move it she navigated them straight back home. The did eventually make it to the antique shops and bought a few treasures. After that we went to Sticky Fingers to meet up with my friend Kristen and her family that were visiting from up North. It was great to catch up and the kids are soooo cute!

On Grandma's last night here we headed to the beach to show her where we got married on Folly Beach. Then we went to Bowen's Island to sample the best fried shrimp in town. The next day she got to enjoy the fine cuisine of the Waffle House then headed for home.

Please come back soon Grandma!

P.S. Mike if you are reading this please show it to Grandma Sal.

Grandma Sal coloring with Nora

At the Angel Oak Tree

On the carriage tour

At Gilligan's with her friend Mike

Pedro

Ben and Nora

Having tea

Nora and Grandma at Fort Moultrie

The Carney's and Morgan

Grandma Katie

At Folly Beach