Our Family Picture of the Year
This is our favorite picture from 2007. Yes, the photo was manipulated a bit but a little photoshop never hurt anyone.
Happy New Year
The new year is a time for reflection. Most of us think of what we want to accomplish in the new year, me included. But it is also important, whether goals were met or not, to reflect on the accomplishments and changes of last year. In no particular order, (oh heck, they are pretty much chronological) these events include:
- RJ had his first optometrist appointment. His vision was good, which was source of concern with his genes.
- RJ had his first recital. He was in what the studio called “karate,” but it was more tumbling.
- Tony visited the dentist for the first time. He finally had all of his (baby) teeth.
- Beth returned to her position as domestic engineer. Having Beth stay home with the boys was definately the biggest change of the year.
- My Dad retired. We were all taking bets on how long it would take him to get another job, at least part time. None of us were right, but we are all glad that he is enjoying his retirement.
- Tony got his first haircut from RJ and RJ gave his first haircut. This is not really a major change or milestone, but was definitely the most humorous event of the year.
- Beth, RJ and Tony had their first camping experience. I was a bit worried about Beth, but she liked it enough that we went again.
- RJ started kindergarten.
On this note I hope that everyone’s 2007 was filled with many happy memories, and 2008 brings more of the same.
Happy New Year!
Some Camping Firsts
Neither my wife nor my boys have ever been camping before. So I took them camping. Beth grew up in a somewhat sheltered environment, so I was a bit worried about her using the outhouse. She and the boys got used to it an actually enjoyed themselves.
I threw some pictures of the more memorable moments up here so Beth could actually prove that she went and survived.
Falling Apart
Part I - RJ
RJ was playing outside as the lawn was being mowed. As the lawn mower approached, RJ ran. Quickly.
He ended up atop the wood retaining wall bordering our parking lot. This time he had no place to run. As the lawn mower approached, he looked around and decided to brave the two and a half foot jump from the retaining wall. There was about twelve inches between the wall and the car parked there.
RJ jumped, grazed the car on the way down and planted his face on the retaining wall. There was lots of crying, but very little blood. RJ regained his composure rather quickly and continued to play.
Part II - Beth
Beth was cleaning the spare room in the basement. This has been an ongoing project since we moved here. Until lately, this room just contained boxes, but we are trying to make it our office/guest room. (We do not have enough guests to make it a full time guest room.)
I assume that one of the boxes has been spilled, but for whatever reason there were toothpicks all over the floor. Once of them managed to find their way through the bottom of Beth’s foot. Despite the pain, Bath managed not to use expletives in front of RJ. However, RJ was quite upset at the sight of his mother’s pain.
Part III - The Funny Part
Being the big boy that he his, RJ promptly helped his Mommy up the stairs.
“Hey Mommy, just hop on one foot. Like this.”
As my wounded wife and my wounded son made it to the top of the stairs, RJ turned and said, “Mommy, I hurt my face and you hurt your foot. We are just falling apart here.”
Happy Valentines Day!
This is the second, out of five, Valentines Days where Beth and I have been together. The last one had a bit more hustle thought. We were preparing to move her and the boys back to Ohio while I finished my tour of duty. I miss the Marine Corps, but it is on days like today that I really relish the my decision to become a civilian again and spend more time with my family.
Although I believe Valentine’s Day to be a “Hallmark Holiday,” I do believe in the sentiment. I am lucky to have such a wonderful woman in my life, and I am glad to have a day to reflect on that fact. I love you Beth.