Thoughts today

For one thing, my Dad had prostate surgery on Ramsey's birthday over a week ago, and I still haven't heard from him.  Mandy says he is doing fine and checks on him, but still.  I am worried and hurt and a lot of things.

Another thing, we didn't get a tree this year.  We're overwhelmed, and as lame as it will surely look later, it feels totally justified.  I hope the kids don't notice.  Sorry guys.  Last year was our first year having a tree.  One year out of seven years of marriage--a very dismal track record.  It's all bah-humbug here--no lights, no decorations.  Again, sorry kids.  We really are excited about Christmas and most of our shopping is done, and we've been reading about the true meaning of Christmas.  We can't wait to enjoy the Millers' tree when we get to Florida next week.

Growing up, we ALWAYS decorated the tree right after Thanksgiving Day, and my Mom had us all participate, even when I was a surly teenager and impossible.  I think she told me (many times) that someday I would appreciate it, and I'm not sure I really do, in the sense that I am not into decorating and have no interest in it.  However, I do at least see how dedicated she was and appreciate the traditions she worked so hard to keep every year.  I cannot believe she kept that up for so many years.  Go Mom!

Tonight is Matt's last class.  For his Masters Degree in Economics.  He gets home around 11 on nights like this, and then wakes up the next morning for his "big boy" job where he solves everyone's problems and endures some intense pressure.  This guy has been working his butt off for years.  YEARS!  I am so proud of him, and of me and the kids.  We miss him, but are grateful to participate in this sacrifice for education.  It has been a serious sacrifice for all, but especially him.

Tonight the kids and I took dinner to the missionaries in our new ward, and on the way home the Beastie Boys' "Whatcha Want" came on the radio.  Ramsey told me she wanted the song up really loud.  I turned it up, and she said she wanted it louder.  She is definitely her parents' child!  I sang along and the kids were giggling at the different sounds from the turntables and synthesizer and asked a lot of interesting questions (like, what made that sound, tell me about it).  I might have mentioned it before, but Ramsey and Beck also request Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody often (they call it Mamma Mia).  They love this song and Beck sings it a lot.  He is pretty good with lyrics.  He sings Beck's (the recording artist) "E-Pro" often and other songs I listen to when it's time for grown-up music on Pandora.  Beck was not named after Beck the recording artist, but man Beck the recording artist is pretty awesome.  Beck also likes Thom Yorke's "Lotus Flower" music video.  It really is pretty hilarious, but who knows if it is meant to be.

As an aside, last year I played Rock Band at Rob's house with many in the Warner family and had a blast.  I showed off and hogged all of the attention, and even the kids were so nice about it.  I try not to feel embarrassed when I think about it and just embrace how sweet these Warners are, and last year was very rough with my family and they were so there for me without necessarily realizing it.  One of the songs I sang was "Whatcha Want" and it was SO FUN.  I really thought I was meant to be a rockstar when I was a teenager.  The problem was I am a terrible singer and have no musical talent, other than the ability to memorize and recite lyrics fairly easily.  We also played some dancing game and it was really such a good time and I have such a strong memory of that time together with my extended family, while not perfect, that treats me so good.

I am now halfway there--20 weeks pregnant.  We have a sonogram scheduled for next week, but we are not finding out the gender of the baby this time around.  We found out with Ramsey and Beck, but this time we thought we'd save the surprise for the delivery room.  Hopefully there won't be any slip ups and we can stay strong!  But, this means we need to come up with at least two names.  This will be challenging.  To say I am excited about this baby is the understatement of the year.  I AM SO THRILLED!  

Florida in November

Matt had a business trip at Amelia Island the week before November, and we couldn't resist joining him.  We stayed with Joel and Zina and had a blast, while Matt stayed at the Ritz about half the time.  

Grandpa, cousin Iris, Ramsey, and Beck.

These three definitely look related!

Beck fell asleep shortly after.  Too bad the whole structured nap thing isn't working anymore.

Matt driving us to Amelia Island.  He and I had a nice time just the two of us right before his conference started.  A sleepover without kids :)

It was a breezy day on the beach--absolutely gorgeous.  

The Ritz had these in the bedside table!

When Matt's conference started, I went down to the restaurant and treated myself to this amazing southern breakfast.  The top right is the best gravy I have ever had.  I walked on the beach and had a deep, wonderful wave of peace wash over me.  It was really amazing.

Same couch, different Grandpa--the kids love playing with Pop-Pop's cane.

Beck on the Brennan couch.

Livin' it up in the playroom on Algonquin Avenue.

Ramsey and Mimi coloring together.

I'm hungry Mimi!

Mommy and Beck.

My mom watched the kids while I had lunch with an old friend (Jennifer Taylor) downtown.

Mother-daughter.

We just had to join Aunt Sherry for Girls on the Run.

Beck had no desire to participate, but enjoyed watching.

Ramsey was for real on the warm-ups.

Cousins-Leila (age 9), Camie (age 11), and Ramsey (age 4) Warner.

How serious are they?!

Cousins shot including Beck (age 3) this time.

Rocking at Aunt Sarah's house.

We made a quick visit to the beach at Amelia Island after we picked Matt up from his conference.

These kids were WILD and SO HAPPY.  It was chilly and windy, but they couldn't stop smiling and didn't seem to notice.  Last year they were both pretty scared of the water, but this year they both put their toes in, shoes and all :).

Beck was pretty tired after our beach adventure.  

This kid kept acting like he is a napper while we were in Florida.  He rarely naps in Virginia!  

Getting a balloon animal at Chili's with Pop-Pop.

Great dinner with Pop-Pop.

Game time.

I met Aunt Patty at PF Chang's at the Town Center and we had such a great afternoon eating, shopping, and talking non-stop (mostly me).

Dinner at Wendy's on the drive home to Virginia.  I don't know why I love this picture so much, other than the fact that it features my boys.

Where's Ramsey?  I love these glasses.

Road trips with these two are pretty fun these days.

The W&OD Trail, a formidable opponent, and Riverbend Park

The W&OD Trail is right behind our house, and I am loving it.  Now that I'm out of the yucky first few months of pregnancy, I'm hoping to enjoy it more :)  I took the kids out a few days after we moved in--it was the first time they rode their own bikes on the trail and they were so excited.  It was a cold day, so they are both wearing two jackets along with hats and gloves (not to mention helmets).  I made sure they followed the trail rules (like keeping to the right) and we went out during non-rushhour, so there were very few riders besides us.  It was so nice.  The kids got pretty tired on the way back, especially Beck, so he opted to walk the last part.  Fall in Virginia is really spectacular.

I was walking (still feeling yucky) with Bella while supervising the riders.

I took Ramsey and Beck on a ride in the bike trailer on Ramsey's birthday.  I'm feeling better (at 19 weeks), but am totally out of shape (not to mention some extra weight!) so the ride was pretty exhausting.

These two!  Beck was pretty restless on this ride, but generally they just snack and sing and play in the trailer.  I don't know how all of this will work out once the new baby is here, but a lot of things will change I suppose :)

The birthday girl!

Sweet boy :)

Matt loves to find a new place to explore, while I am content visiting "tried and true" destinations.  He took us to Riverbend Park on the Potomac River.  It was so quiet and truly breathtaking.  

We hiked with Bella and loved the peaceful setting.

The kids are really into taking pictures these days--here's Ramsey's picture of Matt and me.

 

 Dance, dance, dance.

Climb, climb, climb.

 

My beauties in a beautiful setting.

Oh yeah, and Matt's pics....