Monday, July 12, 2010

My 3 Babies

I miss my family to the hundredth degree. Who's bright idea was this anyway? Working in Richmond for 2 weeks just to keep the lights on and the mortgage paid. Next time I'm staying home with my family. Paying bills is overrated. Daddy loves you guys. See you soon.



Monday, July 5, 2010

Forrest Gump Pt II

On father's day weekend, I ran my first organized run: The CHKD 8k Run / 2 Mile Walk. Given that this was V's bright idea for us to start running this year, I'm not sure how I ended up on the 8k Run side while she was lined up for the 2 mile walk (scratching my head). I'll have to get back to you on that one once I figure it out. As for the results... 46 minutes. 57 seconds. And 5 days of wondering when my legs would stop throbbing. But somehow I'd still classify it as fun. They did a great job of making it not just a run, but an all-morning family friendly event. Nice atmosphere. Even the kids (including Aurie) came pretty darn close to enjoying themselves... and that's saying a lot given the 6 am wakeup call.

This is the best smile you're gonna get this early in the morning.


I'm ready. Let's do this!

Hold on. Let me get these hamstrings warmed up.



Are we there yet?



Saturday, July 3, 2010

The Barber Shop

... Well, If you would stay still for more than half a second it wouldn't hurt so much! Put your head down.


Oh no you didn't...!


Be quiet boy and let me get your sideburns. Hold this comb. You lucky I don't carve my initials in the back. Your total is 10 dollars. And that's before the tip, if you know what I mean.

Chef GirlArDee


For about 3 weeks we've been a family of 5, and I'm not sure if anyone has enjoyed Aurie's time in Virginia more than Justin and Jasmine (especially Jasmine) as they have loved their new big sister to pieces. And in truth, she has loved them right back... even though, if you ask her, she'll pretend not to absolutely adore the constant harassment from the two little munchkins.

And she wouldn't be a teenager if the fun we had while she was here wasn't balanced with a little bit of frustration, a sprinkle of punishment, and the occasional difficult conversation. But you know, those are the things that made the good times on the other end of the spectrum so worthwhile. To make a long story short, I think every last one of us got more from this visit that we could've anticipated. It was like one of those sappy movies where everybody goes into a situation with a bit of reluctance, not knowing what to expect; and at the end they all leave teary-eyed and ready to plan the reunion. In that respect I guess you can call us the Breakfast Club. And with her departure right around the corner, I feel like I'm losing one of my own kids. I would've never guessed that I would be this sad to see her go: Our 14-year-old sour-patch-kid loving, 40-minute shower taking, late sleeping, binge eating, animal loving maniac. But it was great while it lasted. And we'll definitely see you soon.

For now, here are some photos from yesterday's family adventure: Cooking lessons with Aunt JeNesa and Chef GirlArDee. A nice reminder that, no matter how old your kids get, the joy of sharing in these types of milestones will live on forever. Bon a petit.