Hello NEW FRIEND

Since 2005 Derek has been driving a 1994 Ford Ranger.  It was on the way out.  We really needed 2 vehicles that could fit the children.  Derek needed a vehicle that you didn't have to encourage with body rocking to get up to freeway speeds.  I felt like he even deserved AC :)  Anyway, he got rear ended in the Ranger and that was the impetus for the purchase.  This is a F-150 Super Crew Platinum.  I just got to drive it for a few days while he was at wrestling camp.  It is big!  I felt like a super stud woman.  I also LOVE the SYNC system.  I didn't even have to plug my phone in and it would start playing whatever I had been listening too.  I had hands free bluetooth for phone talking.  Now I am a teeny bit jealous of his truck.  We got a great deal on a great truck, so I am pretty happy with the purchase.

Goodbye Old Friend

Somehow on the fourth of July we lost Sarah's little blankie.  I have looked everywhere.  We told her to leave it in the car when we walked to the parade.  I think it must have fallen out.  The crazy reality is--that while it has been her constant companion for almost 4 years, she seems to be fine without it.  She has gone to bed with not even a whimper for 2 nights without her little square blankie, (or little pink blankie as it used to be called.)  I am, on the other hand, devastated. I feel like the signals that she is growing up, that she is becoming a big girl who doesn't need her blankie.  I also feel like I failed her by letting it get lost.  I am still holding out hope that it will turn up.

Libbyisms

Libby and Sarah both had strep this week.  I don't understand where this is coming from.  Bleh.  But anyway, I had to take them with me to teach my circuit class.  Libby said, "Are we going to your circus class?"  They watched a movie in the trainer office for most of the class.  Then a trainer had a meeting in there so I had to let them out.  Then it did become quite a circus.  Yikes.  It's been a long week.

Ben's First STEPS!

Well, he took some.  And now he won't again.  But he does spend a bit of time balancing in a standing position every day.  So, I am sure he will be walking pretty soon.  I was thinking how happy I'll be when the tops of his feet and his knees will be cleaner.  But then the bottom of his feet will be dirty...and he will be all bruised.  So no rush Benny boo.

New York!

When Derek's friend Adam (who was a best man at our wedding) decided to get married in NY (well Jersey City actually) the week of our 9th anniversary we decided we had to go.  My parents agreed to come and watch the kids, so we went!  6 days with no children!  We did miss them, but we were glad that we didn't try to do the trip with them.  NY is a tough place to drag kids around.  We watched others doing it and were thankful that we weren't attempting it.  I have been to NY before, and my first impression was about right.  It is still HOT and SMELLY and BUGGY.  But, it was fun to see it with Derek who LOVES NY.  

My goals for the trip were to rest a lot, eat when I was hungry, sit down when I was tired, and see a bit of NY.  Well, I got pretty tired walking around the city, but other than that, I think I accomplished my goals! The wedding was in Liberty Park just across the water from NY.  The skyline was amazing.  We had a picture of us taken there, we will hopefully get it and I can post it.  I also don't have the pics from Derek's phone, so I might have to do another NY post.  

Here are our seat at the Yankee's game. Pretty sweet, huh?  AND...

They have padded seats!  I love this innovation!  Too bad no home runs came our way.  

NJ 911 Monument--It looks across to NY to where the Twin Towers once stood and has the names of all those from NJ who lost their lives that day.  Pretty powerful.   But Derek and I were amazed at how many people smile and pose by these monuments.  Seems a bit disrespectful.   

911 Memorial in NY.  It was incredible.  There are two of these waterfall monuments.  One in each of the foundation bases of the towers that fell.  The number of people who lost their lives is so crazy.  I shed a tear or several here, especially when I read the names of the police officers.  

The view from our hotel in Jersey City--the WESTIN.  We stayed there the first 2 nights.

From the Island where the Statue of Liberty stands looking back at NY.  (Notice how sunburned we are getting.  Ouch).

The Majestic Lady

Right by our second hotel, in Chelsea was a "Cafe Prague".  We got svichova and smazeny syr!  The svichova was good.  The fried cheese was okay.  I got to listen to the mom and son speaking Czech.  That was super fun.  

We spent several hours in the Met one day.  They have an awesome French display.  This was Louis XIV's desk!

We had to eat some soul food--Miss Maude's.  Yum. And the server was hilarious!

This was Derek's Reuben sandwich at Katz's deli (the one in When Harry Met Sally).  It was the yummiest food we ate the whole time I think.  

My mug shot at the Police Museum.  Their tribute to the officers who lost their lives in 911 had me almost sobbing.  It was really powerful.  

Derek giving the side view.

We saw "Nice Work if you can get it" with Matthew Broderick.  It was fantastic!  

Dance Recital

I LOVE dance recitals.  LOVE LOVE LOVE.  In fact, when my kids get older, I think I am going to join the adult class where they dance.  I love the energy, the nervousness, the excitement, it is just amazing.  (This is just like test day when you are a teacher, it was my favorite day.  The students are buzzing with stress and anticipation...anyway, I digress).  The girls were so happy and excited.  They did a great job.  Libby was walking out on stage and was so mesmerized by the audience and the lights that she ran into the girl in front of her.  Looked like she might cry for a minute, but she pulled it together.  I can't wait to get the DVD, I will post the dances!

Ben's Stats

Had Ben's 1-year check up today (I am so prompt, right?).
Weight 19 lbs. 1 oz.  10th %
Height  28 3/4 inches  20th%
Head 18 1/2 inches 60%

Tiny, big head Norton :)
I overheard Libby telling someone yesterday that she is really smart because she has a big brain.