Catskills!

We are sitting in Uncle Greg and Aunt Mary's house in the Catskills... lovin' life. :-)

Tori and I just spotted a mama deer and her beautiful baby fawn prancing through the grass outside the window. Birds are chirping, a cool breeze is blowing and our bellies are full of fresh berries.

Oh there's a beautiful blue bird!

We got up here around 7:30 and unpacked the car. Mary and Greg had the house open and welcoming. Uncle Greg entertained the kids with stories... some true and some "fiction" and Aunt Mary's job was to clarify which was which.

Greg has so many plans for the kids today... They include but are not limited to:

stream exploring

beaver dam viewing

baby hawk spying

lizard hunting

wildlife watching

tractor riding

berry picking

cookout

lightening bug catching

I gotta get moving!

On our way to the Catskills today!

We spent a beautifully sunny afternoon at the Pitt Zoo yesterday with Mary, Michael, and Stephen. Back at Buff and Mary's we had a relaxing dinner and visit with family. Eric and I pray our kids turn out as good as Matt, Michael, and Stephen... all good boys. Buff and Mary's parenting style is a great role models for us!

We drop Eric off at the airport this am. It will be a sad event of course.

I head to the Catskills with the kids for about a week. They may be a bit board but the quiet is much needed for this mommy. My Aunt Mary and Uncle Greg have a beautiful home they have generously opened to family and friends. When we lived in NY we were able to benefit from their generosity often but I have not been there for a while now. I am SSSSSOOOO looking forward to it! A good friend from our Fort Drum days is coming up for the day to join us. I look forward to seeing her again... it has been too long since our last visit! I also hear my uncle may be up there for a couple of days too... it will be nice to catch up with him in his happy place!!!

I am a little freaked out watching the news about the trains that collided outside D.C. The kids and I were just on that train last week when visiting D.C. from Veronica's. So sad for those in the crash.

I don't think I will have Internet at the cabin. So I will have to update this and check e-mail on our next stop. Thanks for trackin' me! Have a great week!

PA with PATERS!

After a picnic of PB&J & a little bit of clothes shopping on the way to pitt... we picked Daddy up at the airport! Always a joyous event! Eric has been working out down in the bayou so he is looking great! Nice and fit in his old man strength.

We headed for dinner and then to visit Mom at the hospital. Mom looks great and was adamant she will be discharging ASAP. Period. And Mom owns McKeesport as Lisa, my sister-in-law, says so she got her way.

Hotel and swimming... bed and up to visit with the Boyds who drove down from Erie to visit!

We visited Mom at the hospital first thing in the am. She was dressed and standing over the nurse at the nurse station asking yet again when her doctor would be coming in to discharge her. Mom humored me by letting me lecture her with my very best discharge planner lecture but in the end she and we knew she was going home no matter what her doctor planned on telling her during rounds.

The Boyds joined us at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. It was great to see Scott and the kids again. Such a nice family. Natalie and Tori are about the same age, as well as Aaron and Nicholas. Leah thinks she is around my age and is so mature for her young years. I whole-heartedly enjoy her company. After spending the good part of the day with us Eric headed back to Glassport where he made Mom a yummy dinner much to her joy. Scott and I had the kids in the pool when Eric and I switched out. I went to be with Mom until she was tucked in to her bed, happy to be home. The boys (Eric and Scott) kept me and the kids up way to late (LOL!).

The morning (Father's Day!!!) came too soon but we jumped in to the pool anyway, ate a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, had a pillow fight, and grabbed lunch before the Boyds headed back up to Erie to spend Father's Day with grandpa.

We were at Mom's home after lunch were I took a nap (:-)) and awoke to Buff, Mary, Matt, Michael, and Stephen playing with E, N, & T. They brought their cool bean bag toss (VERY high speed Pitt sports team themed!). I think I was the only one who tossed the poor bean bag over the neighbors fence. But Matt was my hero.

Buff and Mary made us all dinner, awesome! We enjoyed the down-time with family. Mom was so happy to have family milling about and relaxing in her home.

We headed back to Buff and Mary's where we spent the night and met Cloe, the newest addition to the family!

So now it's morning. Nicholas is still sleeping, Tori is playing with the cats and dog while watching TV, and Eric is visiting with Mom again before we head out to the zoo with Mary and the kids. I love to see the kids spending time with family!!! We miss that connection. The Pater's are good to let us interrupt normalcy when we breeze through town.

On the road again to PA

Dinner with Radhika was just what I needed! Nicholas, Tara and Tori were great friends fast of course. It was wonderful seeing Dr. Joglekar as well. Made me happy.
We are on our way to Pitt to pick up Eric & visit the Paters. Mom Pater is coming home after her heart surgery so we thought it would be a good time to visit.
So the kids are gonna see their Dad for Father's Day!

Day off. Extended.

We hung out at Veronica's Wednesday until she was able to take Tori to get her nails done... a special Aunt Veronica treat. After entertaining the whole salon in true Tori fashion we all went to Chili's for dinner and Dave and Buster's for Nicholas' special treat from Aunt Veronica. I think V and I are finally getting our hearing back and the kids may be coming off from the high of kiddie gambling! The kids did not get to bed until after 11:30! Such a wonderful day with Aunt Veronica for all of us.
So I had planned on heading in to Baltimore, MD today but I do not have the energy. It is a rainy day and I need to take a day off from adventures. I am washing clothes, reorganizing the suitcases, and figuring out what I need to do when and why. Oh and I plan on finishing up Veronica's garden today which makes me REAL happy. I think well in the garden. :-)
Plans for this afternoon: chillin' and Dinner with Radhika, Tara, and Dr. Joglekar! I can not wait to catch up. !!!

D.C.!

We got up as early as I could tolerate and headed in to D.C. via the train. That was fun in and of itself of course. We saw and did so much..
-Admired Union Station
-U.S. Capitol
-Smithsonian Air and Space Museum where we focused on the and the "How Things Fly" hands on room, "Exploring the Planets" room, and the "Wright Brothers"room. Laura reminded me to get the kids dehydrated astronaut ice cream!
-National Gallery of Art where we, um... saw art, had lunch in the cafe, and I took a picture of the kids in front of a fountain Mom took a picture of me and my siblings in front of when I was around their age.
-Washington Monument
-WW II Memorial where we found all the states we have lived and will live.
-Lincoln Memorial where we watched a school from Newark, NJ recite Martin Luther King Jr.'s Civil Rights March speech. It was so moving! I love when little, unexpected things happen like that.
-Korean War Veterans Memorial
-The White House (in the distance)
-and the Spy Museum.
We were soooooo tired since I was too cheap to pay for a trolley! A quick grocery shop after getting back on the train and we enjoyed a late dinner with Veronica before hittin' the hay.
Such a fun-filled day!!! The weather was PERFECT. warm and slightly overcast. Could not have ordered better weather.

NJ, Delaware, and Maryland again!

After a relaxing morning with Chip, Sue & kids we packed up my car and were off again. As nice as it was to be with family I was really looking forward to continuing our adventure.
We decided to drive back down to stay with Veronica in Maryland. Aunt Veronica is spoiling the kids ROTTEN!!!
I did not get to take the kids on the Cape May-Lewes ferry or to see D.C., or to the Baltimore Aquarium for that matter! So we had no choice but to turn around.
Cape May was beautiful. adorable. The kids tried Salt Water Taffy for the first time and liked it! The ferry was perfect. I saw a dolphin but the kids missed it.
We got to Veronica's kinda late but had a little visit before bedtime.

Mom is officially retired!

Mom's retirement went very well! Mass was very nice. And the reception after was perfect. I got to see my Karen!!
K. so. just hanging out with the fam-damily. I ate bagels this am... REAL bagels. YYYYYUUUMMMM!

A Great Adventure in NJ

Thursday: Went to Six Flags Great Adventure with the family! Barbara and Andrea Walch (Liechtensteiner friends!) also took a train down from NYC to join us. It was Sssssoooo nice to see a couple of Ernst and Margret's offspring. Always such a treat.
Marmie spoiled us all in the park. The rain did not seem to slow down our kids... the lines were a lot shorter because of the rain actually so they kinda were more active because of it! We parents were a bit frazzled by the end of the day but it was awesome seeing all the cousins run around together.
Friday: Relaxing (much needed) morning at Chip and Sue's. Ran some errands and hung out at Laura and Tom's in the afternoon. Chip and Sue had a bunch of us over for an awesome dinner. It was great to just hang out with family. We also got to skype Eric so he could be part of the craziness. It gave Eric and Tom a chance to solidify their bet on the Stanley cup game.... Go Pens!
The adventure continues tonight with Mom's Retirement Mass and Party. It's time to start thinking about how to look presentable.!

VA to NJ

Started out Monday with the kids feeding Tom's tarantula before we got on the road again. What fun! Drove down toward VA beach and stopped off at a battlefield just outside of Williamsburg to picnic and learn. The peaches we bought at a roadside stand in GA were perfectly ripe!
We saw a very cool battleship off the Chesapeake Bay bridge tunnel at which Tori exclaimed "HHHOOOLLLY Ship!" My heart stopped! and then I had to chuckle to myself hoping she truly did not know how close she just came to getting a major lecture.
We got to Cape Henry/Fort Story VA and hiked up to the top of the lighthouse. Beautiful view.
Checked in to the Cape Henry Inn and rushed out to the shore. The kids were a riot! Nicholas decided the beach is a graveyard and Tori ranted against the waves for pushing her around. She then evolved into singing and dancing for the waves when she got used to the feel of the ocean. They both found much joy in finding treasures: both dead and alive. Three days on the beach did us all a lot of good.
We had a nice, relaxing time on the beach and at the pool. I am very happy I had this time to simply be.
On our way out of VA Tori starts holding her ear and writhing in pain. Hello! Ear infection! FINALLY got meds at the Norfolk Clinic... that's another story. She is back to singing and smiling so all is good.
I am now at my little brother's home! It was so nice to see that "welcome to NJ" sign! Add Maryland and Delaware to our list of states! Susan had a very yummy quiche waiting for me. & now I am very sleepy. Knowing I have to keep up with the family tomorrow at Great Adventure makes me realize I gotta get my bootie in bed! Night!

Fairfax, VA and fitness training!

Good Morning! Yesterday was a fun-filled, exhausting day at the "Celebrate Fairfax" event Jennifer chaired. Tom and I enjoyed flashing the VIP tag Jennifer gave us to get in free with awesome parking. It's good to know "people"! There was SSSSOOO much to do/see/eat there was no way to hit it all! It was a beautiful day and fun was had by all. I was so ready to get back to Tom's and hang out on his back porch where he taught the kids how to play Uno. We proceeded to play the longest game known to man while eating our kettle corn. :-)
It amazes me to watch our kids play together. Who would have thought it when we were in college this would be where we would end up. Tom's son is a beautiful, happy boy whom my children obviously adore. Nicholas loves teaching him stuff and playing while Tori LOVED helping with bathtime and bedtime routines. Wait until you see a picture of Tori holding Thomas on her lap with a bottle while Jen holds a book for Tori to read to him. Priceless.
After Tom made us an awesome dinner and Jen a very yummy dessert I heard my bed calling me. I was planning on joining Tom O-dark-early to attend one of his Custom Fitness Concepts classes (www.customfitnessconcepts.com) of which he is CEO (little brother is all grown up!!). My goal: to not embarrass him or myself.
O-dark-early comes REAL early! Go figure. But I was up and ready. Tom kicked my butt and the butts of those who pay him to yell at them. enough said.
O.K. I think I have finally stopped sweating so I will get in the shower while Jen takes all the kids on a walk! It's kinda nice to have three parents!
I head out for Cape Henry, VA this am to stay at a military resort for a couple of days. I will need to sit on the beach for a few to recover from this a.m. I am sure.
Hugs!

Richmond, VA to Sterling, VA!

We did not leave the state today! Yeah us!  :-) Courtney and I had a wonderful surprise this am.  Slightly serendipitous one might say.. Dan went for a run and passed a lady that looked familiar at the farmer's market down the street from their home.  Turns out it was Barb... Kriszta's Mom. Kriszta is a dear friend of both Courtney and mine who died from cancer after we three graduated from the VCU MSW program together.  Barb does not live in the area all year. For Dan to come across her while I am in town... and for Dan to actually REMEMBER Barb and encourage her to come over to say hey is truly amazing to me.  It was beautiful for us all to get to talk about Kriszta.  It was a gift.

After leaving Courtney WAY TOO SOON! the kids and I went to one of my favorite places to hang out and think while I was living in Richmond... Maymont Park. Beautiful grounds and a petting zoo & exhibits for the kids.  The black bear and the Japanese Gardens were our favorites. Pictures have been taken but can not be shared yet. I am not traveling with my own computer so I do not want to hook my camera up to just anything! 

We all worked up an awesome appetite on those hills so we headed for the fan... a great neighborhood in downtown Richmond that got it's name from the fact that the streets follow that shape and fan out from a central location. We had a great meal and walked around while this Mommy said... Daddy and I used to eat here and my friends and I used to hang out there!  

Tori was in desperate need of a haircut and was treated to a big girl experience at a salon.  She ate it up.

We headed up North to Tom and Jennifer (and Thomas III!!!) Kalka after driving through VCU grounds.  Tom, Eric and I went to school together, were in ROTC together, and Tom is Eric's little brother in their fraternity.  Tom was also in our wedding! So needless to say a good friend who just moved in to a beautiful new home and was ready, willing, and kind enough to have us stay for a couple of days!!!  

I have to say Jennifer is amazing. Not only does she keep the Kalka boys in line, works full time in a high-powered job with Mommy flexibility!.. she is also the Chairman of their community fair.  More to come on that tomorrow 'cuz that is what we get to experience as her guest!! If she was not so lovely she would be intimidating.  :-)

OK I just helped myself to a little bit more wine Jennifer poured me and I know this friendship was meant to be... a very nice Viognier from Argentina. My fav!!!  aHHHH life is good and I am surrounded by amazing people. 'Night!

The Biltmore: Asheville, NC to Richmond, VA

Woke up and blogged you before up and out to the Bitlmore Estates. Breathtaking. So worth it. Eileen, thank you for suggesting it!!!  I have always wanted to go but never had the time... and this trip is all about that!

The Biltmore is a little piece of Europe created by Mr. Vanderbilt in NC. The Blue Ridge Mountains (I think that is right!) surround this generous estate. The kids enjoyed counting the fireplaces while I took in the beauty of the rooms and spectacular gardens... oh the gardens!!!  I was in heaven.  Will I EVER live ANYWHERE long enough to plant a garden and see it grow.

?

We picnic'ed on the terrace of the arboretum while Tori announced to everyone we are pretty much homeless. She will do anything for attention that girl. 

Drove on to Richmond, VA to Courtney and Dan Bickett's home.  Courtney and I had a long overdue catchup. Thank you my dear friend.

It was so much fun to see our kids literally performing together. Courtney is an amazing Mom. A nurse practitioner during the day at our al ma mater ... Mother extraordinary whenever possible.  Pulling together a very girly 7 year old makeover b-day party even though it is WAY out of her element... she is that kind of wonderful Mom. I am in awe.

Alabama, Georgia, South & North Carolina

Good Morning! We started our trip out in Birmingham, Alabama this am. Visited downtown Alabama where we walked the freedom trail.. a circular park with art you walk through. Attacking dogs, waterhoses, children marching, police with a dog attacking a young black man. The kids go it and so did I. We entered the Civil Rights Institiute when the doors opened. I preped the kids with a story about a teacher who told her classroom kids with brown eyes were stupid and not as nice, while children with blue eyes were sweet and smart. The teachers way of teaching them racism via a class experiment. They understood quickly how much that taught the children (Tori thought it was mean of the teacher!) and how the kid's interactions played out.
A short movie sets the tone. The exibit was very powerful. I did a lot of explaining the best I could, Nicholas was quiet and contimplative, Tori quickly came to sobs. I tried to tell myself it is important for them to hear this but it was hard to see their faces. I hope it pays off in the long run. We were going to go to a plantation in NC after but I could not bring myself to have Tori and Nicholas slammed with more facts. So instead we are going to the Biltmore to see something pretty :-)
We had another picnic lunch at a reserve in Georgia. It was a perfect location right off the highway with a homestead from the 1920's and a wonderful new play park.
Dinner at a Thai restaurant in South Carolina. Yum!
Hotel by 8:30 where we all jumped in the pool and then the shower. Slept in a comfy bed
Eileen took time to find us a great deal on an awesome hotel in Asheville!
Tori wants me to tell you we are having a great time here and she wishes we can see you soon!
Nicholas says "happy to be here! That's all".
We will stay with Courtney B. and her family tonight in Richmond, VA. Courtney and I are friends from Grad School. I can not wait to see them!!!!!

Mississippi & Alabama

Drove across LA and MS. Tried to tour a gin plantation but it was closed. Saw some beautiful scenery. Doubled back to take a picture of a unique tree. Stopped at a grocery store to pick up PB&J, yogurt and apples. Ate lunch a little further down the road at a cemetery along the road. Read the historical plaque nearby regarding General Covey and his union troops who built a bridge to traverse this land during the war. That was our education for the day :-). Stayed outside Birmingham, AL. I feel very pale compared to my surroundings. Tori makes every body she comes across smile. Nicholas is taking it all and has taken it upon himself to educate Tori on all seen. Learned about mirages whilst driving through LA :-). I could not have described the phenomenon better than he.
The kids are journaling and sketching like mad. I hope they keep it up. We did not stop much because I figure this will all be in driving distance of our next assignment so it can wait.

Oklahoma, Texas, & Louisiana

Left OK just fine. Drove through Texas without much concern or worry. Arrived in Louisiana late. Slept at Eric's apt. Woke up when we woke up. Kids now in Eric's Apt Complex pool with their Daddy watching while this Mommy made hotel reservations at Fort Story, VA Cape Henry Inn for later on in the trip! and took a brisk walk. Sights and sounds:
Deep breaths of hot sticky air, dogs barking, birds chirping and twittering, roasters crowing, hens clucking, victory gardens in full swing!, beautiful groves of trees, lawns being mowed, trees being felled, kids calling out marco polo in the pool, Eric encouraging me to have fun and enjoy, friends & family voices in my head telling me "of course you are welcome.. any time!, just let me know"... Positive messages like: "Louisiana has an awesome 10 month growing season", "I love the way your family lives", "you are so brave for travelling like that". I am trying to be a positive force!!!! All this from a 15 minute walk!!! :-) Off to south of Birmingham, Alabama. Next stop Charlotte, North Carolina I think.. then Richmond, VA! See ya I gotta stretch!!!!!!!!!

On The Road Again.

Hi everyone! Few things: 1) we are in the middle of a move. All our stuff is packed up and now we are trying to get the house ready for someone to rent or buy. Anyone wanna buy a house in Lawton, OK?! You let me know kay?!
2) I don't have a picture to go along with this but I am proud to say I am now a green belt in Ju Jutsu. My teachers pushed me to my limits and did not break me :-) I will miss my dojo mates, soke, and Sensei greatly!!
3) I will be trying to update this blog with news as the kids and I travel across part of the states. No pictures will join the stories. I am sure to overwhelm you with images come mid-August when the kids and I are due to Fort Polk, Louisiana. If it seems I am prolonging the move to LA for as long as possible you have guessed right. If you are in the South, the North east, or the Midwest consider contacting me please to see if we can hook up! No I have not planned out my summer. The kids and I are going to hit the road and see where the Garmin takes us. I will probably never have this opportunity again so I am taking it while I have it! Call me crazy... you are right. Bye for now!

A star is born!

 Sanjiv treated the kids to a ride in his very cool convertible. Nicholas loved the fact that it looked like a transformer when the top converted... and pushed every button while Sanjiv kindly held his breath (LOL!). Tori? Well Tori enjoyed her Hollywood Star training!

At Work

I was very fortunate to work with some awesome people.  Pat (not pictured here) taught me so much.  Right up to my last day.  

OK so I didn't really work THIS hard but it was a fun picture to take/add!  I am going to miss this view from my work space on 4W!

Goodbye too soon

Coworkers kindly joined me for dinner to say goodbye. Pictured: Crystal, Tamara, Pat, Susan, Anita, Susan, and Dr. Kaul.  

Nicholas' Yo Ho Ho '09

Nicholas performed this piece at his Spring Concert as well as at Oklahoma State Achievement Audition Solo Division where he earned a gold medal and an "outstanding" rating!

Arts For All Festival

This is just a quick clip of Tori Performing at the Arts For All Festival in Lawton OK with Saint Mary's Choir.  It was hard to pick out just one section of her performance!  As you can imagine there were many adorable moments.  Did you catch the kiss she blew to the camera? One of many.  

Tori: Arts For All Festival

 I could not help but add a couple of sections from Tori's performance. 

crawfish boil

We attended a clinic at Eric's Dojo in Louisiana.  Eric has taken up Ju Jujutsu so we can take it together! Sensei Hughes (who occasionally comes to work out with Soke at my Dojo) happened to come down from TX and threw me around for his demo.  This clinic brought dojo's together from a number of states to learn from each other.  We had a great time sweating and learning as a family :-) 

For lunch we got to hang out at the May Fest right outside of the dojo doors.  We enjoyed great food, awesome music, and wonderful artists.  That night Shihan Joe had everyone over for a crawfish boil at his place.

I am still a vegetarian people.  But Eric and the kids seemed to enjoy learning how to eat these poor little creatures.  I had a liquid diet that night. Regardless, it was nice to be welcomed by good people whom we will be getting to know very well over the next couple of years!

Assumption of Command

Aunt Eileen recommended we put Tori in the twirly-girl dress and it was a hit. Very cute. Buff was a huge help... watched the kids while we worked the receiving line.  Turned out to be a long line actually. Which is a good thing. 

The reception went well and we are off to a great start! We got to enjoy Buff's company for dinner and after a tearful goodbye (as only Tori can do so well), we had to say goodbye to Buff way too soon. 

Assumption of Command

Eric assumed command of 5th Battalion- 353rd Regiment, 162d Infantry Brigade (FST-TT) Fort Polk, LA. The Activation Ceremony went very well.  All the more special because Buff made the trip down for this event!

OFMC State Competition

Southern Nazarene University Cantrell Hall Bethany, OK

OFMC State Competition

 Tori sang with Saint Mary's School Choir in the OFMC Competition.  They won (but they were all winners :-) 

Change of Command Ceremony

Eric commanding his troops on the parade field.  It was a chilly morning by Oklahoma standards but by the end of the ceremony the sun was peeking through the clouds.  The soldiers looked great out there, the Army band did a wonderful job, and Eric filled his role beautifully. We wish you all could have been there to help us recognize Eric's accomplishments but we know you were there in spirit! 

A Change of Command is filled with very nice traditions.  Most of which I don't even pretend to understand.  There are two that involve the wife :-)

The outgoing Commander's wife is given red roses and the wife in turn presents the  half section with a bucket full of treats for the horses and riders.   I am happy to say I did not mess that up.

The Pater Family

Eric's Change of Command was such a wonderful event.  I could not be more proud of the way he made his speech about his soldiers of all ranks, naming those whom he was grateful to and impressed with for specific reasons.  And he delivered it SO well!    

Our Helpers

 The kids were yet again so well-behaved and even helpful! Nicholas was my helper while Tori decided to help the soldiers clearing the chairs.  Such great kids!

Disney Pro Photos and Pater visit

If you would like to check out our Disney PhotoPass 

1...  go to www.disneyPhotoPass.com 

2... Put in my e-mail address melissa.pater@us.army.mil

3... put in my password ... melissa

4... Select VIEW ALL tab and DisneyPhotoPass pulldown

These are the pictures that the professional disney photographers in different parks took.  We will be buying some of these for sure.  FYI... Tori and Daddy waited in line for FOREVER to see the characters they saw, Nicholas was NOT interested so Mommy and Nicholas enjoyed the park.  The little girl in the shots is a friend Tori made in line.  Tori is rather friendly so these two hit it off.  Ended up posing together like sisters.  Tori has never met a stranger.  

I don't have any pictures of this event yet.. but I would be remiss if I did not mention that Mike and Sue, Jackie and Michael, were the PERFECT hosts for us to and from Disney.  Eric's brother Mike (Mike loves me the most of all the family I am sure !!!) let us visit them on our way to and on our way back from Disney in their new home.  FL agrees with you Dubois Paters!  We had SUCH a wonderful time reconnecting with family.  These are good people. AND I got to grill Josh... Jackie's "friend" (Aunts are allowed to put "friend" like that) and that was entertaining in and of itself. :-)  Josh passes ALL my very nose-y and protective questions.. simple fact is he is a good guy and Jackie has good taste.  So when are you guys getting back to classes?  I expect a report ASAP!

Pater Family

 Mom and the sneaky Pater/Squires family surprised Eric down in FL.  Sue lured Eric to Uncle Vincent's home by asking him to pick up a computer on the way back to their place from Disney.  Siting in his sun room was Mom.  Surprise!  We also got to see Aunt Sandy and Uncle Tom who were visiting from Cali.  We are wearing the T-Shirts Mom sent us to help us celebrate the Steelers winning the Superbowl.  Her only request was we take a picture of us all in the shirts for her viewing pleasure.  Little did we all know she would be in that picture with us!  Life is funny.

So I lost my camera the first day in the "world".  My pictures do not catch the fun we had AT ALL.  These are from a disposable camera.  Eric and the kids at the Polynesian and me and the kids in Epcot.  The weather was PERFECT, lines were not bad, and fun was had by all.  We had some "magical moments" Tori got to be the capt. of the boat on the river cruise... she thought for sure she was steering us through the jungle and took her job VERY seriously.  Especially when we passed the crocs.  SO CUTE! We had awesome seats at Tony's Restaurant on the patio and had perfect seats for the parade.  Tori ate that up.  And we sat in the front of the monorail, Nicholas 2x's!  And it goes on and on.  For Nicholas the most exciting thing were the lizards he found on a wall in the Magic Kingdom.  He spent the rest of the time looking for lizards.  Go figure.  Eric and I had so much fun seeing their faces light up at every turn.  Disney World IS the happiest place on Earth, hands down.

Kennedy Space Center, FL

Kennedy Space Center was def. worth the time and effort.  Glad we did it.  Here is a pic of the kids and Eric with the "Floating Sphere".  The kids were AMAZED they were able to stop the sphere from turning.  Such a funny proud moment for them.  What teamwork. LOL!!  And look at the drama in Tori... Broadway watch out! Fav. moments... Play Plaza, Water Play Fountain, Mad Mission to Mars 2025, and Shuttle Launch Experience. Another Beauti-FULL day!!!

Cocoa Beach

After leaving Kennedy Space Center we saw on the map that we were not that far away from Cocoa Beach. Why not be able to say we went to Cocoa Beach, FL for Spring Break LOL!  So we diverted our route and stopped at the ocean to get our toes wet, collect sea shells, and have a bit to eat.  Very good plan.  Wish I had the forethought to put our bathing suits in the car but regardless... it was worth it!  I know I know, I am paste-y white.. but so is my clan and that ain't gonna change. It was a beautiful day!!!

Blue Belt!!

I passed my blue belt test!  Yeah Me!  I'm just so dang impressed with myself.  :-)  And these are some of the people I have to thank.  Cathy, Deanna, and Sensei Jeff.  We went to Starbucks after the test.  These are good people I am lucky to have in my life.  And they ain't gonna git rid of me just cuz I move.  LOL!  

Eric is 40!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sorry but I can not be married to a man who is freakin' 40!!!!!  LOL!  Here is my old man opening presents and blowing out candles.  You WERE able to blow out those candles still right honey?  !!!  40!! Holy cow when did THAT happen!  

Studying nage waza (throwing techniques) for Gokyu (blue belt)

The kids and I are really enjoying the dojo we get to be a part of while here in Lawton, OK.  Soke (Mike Love, MD) is a wonderful soul, Sensei Jeff is an excellent teacher, and Sensei Andy is absolutely wonderful with the kids.  The rest of the dojo is made up of fabulous people that I miss already just thinking about leaving in June.  This is video of Deanna Smiley (who happens to be the BEST babysitter a Mom could hope for!) and me practicing hip throws (O Goshi, Ippon Seoi Nage, and Koshi Guruma).  Oh and Tori has to add her little flare of course!!  No video would be complete without it!  Nicholas is there too but he is practicing Judo with Sensei Andy off screen to the left.  

Learning how to fall right ;-)

Sensei Jeff is so patient with me !  Both Sensei Andy and Jeff stayed a bit after class to help me learn my falls a little better.  This is but a quick clip of the torture. 

OKC OK!

OKC Zoo, OK

Here we go Steel-ers, HERE WE GO!

The Greenawalts visited us !  Well at least half of them.  Eileen, Conor and Campbell flew down to spend the long weekend with us.  We had a wonderful time discovering more of OKC and the mountains with family.  Thank you for making the trip Ei!!!  

Nicholas and Victoria competed at the Sooner State Judo competition this past weekend.  This first picture is my fav. cuz it shows Nicholas being supported by his "teammates" Deanna, Stanzy, Zach, and Sensei Andy met Nicholas when he come off the matt from his first match.  Encouraged him and coached him.  Sensei sets such a positive environment for us all!

This was Tori's first competition and she did so well!  I was so proud of them both.