Happy Birthday Izzy

My little girl turns three today. Seems like just yesterday I was handed that tiny little bundle wrapped in a pink blanket. Never thought I would find so much fun in having a little girl.

Have a great day today little peanut. Daddy loves you!!

The American Pride

What an amazing day yesterday was to be a part of. Not just due to the historic nature of our country electing it's first African American President, but in being a part of the return of genuine American Pride. Yesterday our country was alive like I have not seen it in almost a decade. Everywhere, there was an energy. People were out, talking, participating, taking in everything that is great about being in a free American society.

Yesterday was filled with joy. Everyone I had the opportunity to talk to, or witness, seemed filled with pride, and wore the smile of anticipation that comes with taking action towards making a difference. People waiting in line were smiling. People working, were smiling. People driving their cars were smiling. Yesterday was a tremendously gratifying day to be an American.

Yesterday was a historic day. The discussions on which part of history would be written were discussed in every media outlet, school, office building, and corner store. Gavin's class learned the importance of the day, and even got the chance to vote for who they wanted as President. Gavin brought this home today, and all I could do was smile with pride. He says it is Barack Obama, and his Vice President. We'll be keeping this one to show him in the future.
I am still riding the high that yesterday's demonstration of true American pride gave me. I am a realist, so I know that very soon, it will disappear, and we will all be back to what was. However, what is important to remember, is that even for just a few days, as a country we were able to unify, talk, participate, and most of all smile with pride. Just knowing the possibility of that still exists is enough for me.

Historically Important Day

Tomorrow could be one of the most important days of our lives, and certainly that of our children. Way too important to miss.

Lots of Halloween fun

Whew! We packed some serious activities into this Halloween week. I guess we better start getting used to this lifestyle. The older the kids get, the busier we are going to get. We'll just keep looking at Barb and Dan, Dan and Julie, and Bob and Mol to see how nice life will be once we are back on the relaxing side again.

We started out last weekend with Mema and Papa coming by for dinner and pumpkin painting and carving. Gavin and Isabelle both liked the painting, and Mema did her best to show them the way, but not so sure it worked out. Once we moved onto carving, there seemed to quite a bit of interest in the designs, but not so much in the cleaning out, or carving of the pumpkins. For a kids activity, Papa and I seemed to be spending quite a bit of time with the knives in our hands. Of course, this didn't stop Isabelle and Gavin from critiquing our work once we were through.

Thursday was the big Halloween party and parade at Isabelle's pre-school. Her class has been working the last couple weeks on putting together their clown costumes, and they all looked great during their parade.

Friday was Gavin's turn. The entire school took part in a half day of special activities including special gym and music classes, as well as a costume parade around the school. It was great to see the entire school so into it. Isabelle even got to try out Kindergarten for a couple of hours. She loved learning.Halloween night started out with the traditional visit to Mema and Papa's neighborhood to kick off the trick or treating, and to get some special Mema gifts. Kind of the Halloween version of throwing out the first pitch at a baseball game. Gets the evening started each year, and the kids always look forward to it.Our neighborhood came alive around 6pm this year, and both Gavin and Izzy were bouncing off the walls excited to hit the streets. They had been practicing their "trick or treat" all through dinner. We paired up with our next door neighbors, and headed out. The weather was perfect, with a breezy 55 degrees. This year was a first, with both Gavin and Isabelle making it all the way around the neighborhood, and hanging in until both of their pumpkin buckets were full with goodies. It was a great sight to see little "Elmo" heading up to each house with her pumpkin, laden down with her night's rewards, slung over her shoulder, too heavy to carry in one hand.

The week was a blur, but looking back on the pictures, the smiles tell all. Stories to share around the dinner table until next year.