Friday, July 31, 2009

Memorial

Matt flew back east yesterday to attend the memorial service of his grandmother and grandfather. His grandmother Mildred passed away on October 19, 2003 but it was her desire to be buried and memorialized with her husband, Edward. Edward passed away on July 5th and the service for both will be held tomorrow at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Dickson City, PA.
Although I never met them, I have learned that Mildred was a published poet, accomplished quilter, and devoted member of her church. Edward was a World War II veteran and an avid fan of all sports at Abington Heights High School for the past 20 years.

Mildred and Edward Archabald

Geri and Matt at the church

The Archabald Home in Pennsylvania

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Closet Raid

While I was at the hospital, the girls played at Lauren and Reanna's. When I returned, Leslie invited us to stay for dinner and the kids raided the coat closet while they waited for it to be ready. They sure are crazy, but they had a ball!



Welcome to the World




Lisa and Daniel welcomed Olivia Emmalynne into the world last night at 9:34pm. She weighed 6 lbs 9 oz. and was 20 inches long. Lisa called me throughout the day giving updates as they awaited her arrival. It was a very long day for her, but after talking with her this morning, she sounds great and is so in love with her little one. She ended up needing a trip to the OR after delivery and had a morning full of tests to determine that all was OK. Luckily, the tests determined that she didn't need any further surgery and she is on the road to recovery! I couldn't wait to visit her today and finally got the OK at 2:00. I dropped my girls off at a friends and rushed over to get a little "baby fix". Little Olivia is precious. She has such petite features- nose, lips, ears and eyelashes. Her coloring was perfect and her skin was so soft. The nurse made the cute little bow in her otherwise standard hospital cap. Too cute!Lisa can't nurse yet due to some tests she had today, but it was sweet watching Olivia drink formula from an eye dropper. Amazing she could fill up on just 2 droppers of formula. Grandma enjoyed the bonding time too!

When I arrived, Daniel was home taking a well-deserved nap and getting a quick shower before returning to the hospital for the evening. He was so sweet with Olivia when he arrived back in the room and was so emotional just talking about her. He is one proud Daddy! Hopefully Lisa will get to come home on Saturday. My girls can't wait to get their hands on that sweet little girl!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Sun, Surf & Sand


It has been a week of sand and sun. It seems silly to take pictures of every beach trip, but it has truly been our home away from home this summer. In the last week, the kids have been there 4 days and plan to go again tomorrow. Our favorite beach is Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, but we have found Oceanside a little more convenient during the week. The girls know the routine when it comes to packing for our beach day. The list is the same every time:

  • sunscreen
  • baby powder (to get the salt water stickiness off our hands)
  • rash guard
  • change of clothes
  • hat
  • boogie boards
  • inner tubes
  • towels
  • beach chair
  • beach umbrella
  • garbage bags
  • cash for parking
  • camera
  • cooler with snacks, lunch and drinks

Once we arrive, they sunscreen and head right for the waves. Most of their time is spent diving under the waves, boogie boarding on top of the waves or lounging in the sand as the waves crash into them. They take a break to dig for sand crabs or bury each other, but they can't get enough of the water. I even ventured in a few times and caught a few waves on the boogie board! When Matt joins us, he loves the water too and loves helping the kids create sculptures in the sand. It is the ultimate family day and I hate to see summer come to an end. The beach has been our great escape from the heat and a great spot to hang out with family and friends. We will do our best to fit in a few more days before August 17th.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Cooling Off


~What better way to beat the heat than eating ice cream and swimming at the same time~

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Visit with the Curtis Crew

Dave, Jenny and the boys drove down for a few days which we always enjoy. It is hot, hot, hot so we spent most of Sunday in the pool and BBQed for dinner. I think the outdoor thermometer said 107 degrees. Ouch!
Dave on vacation!

Tanner and Allison chill out in the waterfall

Yesterday, we packed up the car for a day in San Diego. Our 1st stop was a tour of SDSU where Matt, Dave and I all went to school. Dave hadn't seen the campus for a while and he was amazed by all of the changes. Not only did we miss out on the new Love Library and Student Activity Center, they have also added an incredible Aquatic Center and Tennis Pavilion. All of my old nutrition buildings have been torn down and replaced by beautiful architecture and our old cafeteria is now filled with many of the chain restaurants that we eat at today. Sure isn't the same meal plan I was used to! Then it was off to the USS Midway docked in San Diego Harbor. Our family has done this tour before, but enjoyed it for a 2nd time.
I couldn't get over the tight sleeping quarters. 9 men slept in a room no bigger than my walk in closet. The ceilings were so low and walkways were so narrow, but the enormity of the ship was quite amazing. We struggled through the interior part of the ship because the ventilation is horrible and it was a very hot day. We were glowing, sticky messes by the time we made it to the flight deck.


Taylor gave us a thumbs up from the cockpit.


Here is a view from the flight deck. The girls loved looking at the Coronado Bridge and Seaport Village.



Our neighbors, Chip and Teresa, boarded the Carnival Elation yesterday so we called them from the flight deck to see where they were. They were able to spot us and we waved to them before they set sail. The kids got quite a kick out of that.



As if we hadn't packed enough in, we continued our day with dinner at Old Spaghetti Factory in the Gaslamp and walked over to Petco Park for a night game. The kids had fun playing tag in the grass before going to our seats.


Dave got us these great seats in outfield. We were hoping a left handed batter would shoot a home run right to us. There were 3 homeruns, but none of them made it to our section.



Our social butterfly (on the far right) joined the Pad Squad for the 7th inning stretch. She led the section in "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and chants of "Let's Go Padres". I love her enthusiasm. We left in the 9th with the Pads down 3-2 to the Marlins, but these kids were wiped. We had them in bed by 11:15 and hope they sleep in late this morning.



Monday, July 13, 2009

Swamp Fun at VBS

Mitchell, Marley, Taylor, Cooper, Zoe & Allison
Vacation Bible School has become a summer tradition for the girls and this year was no exception. The theme-Crocodile Dock-brought creatures from the swamp, bayou-themed crafts and games and great music and snacks. I think there are about 600-700 kids at this event and the church manages to keep it all very organized with the help of lots of parent volunteers and middle/high school students. Taylor was thrilled to be with Zoe in #33 and Allison loved seeing Marley and Abby in group #31. She even has Kate as her leader.

When the kids walked out of camp, they had a less-than-enthusiastic look on their faces,
which is so unlike their usual "Mom, guess what we did" attitude that I normally see at pickup. The 102 degree heat maybe had something to do with it! But as the day progressed I heard about the funny stories, festive songs and Bible lesson of the day. I love hearing their different interpretations. Allison learned that God is always with us (that is what she says after Sunday school most weeks too) and Taylor went through the entire story of God talking to Moses within the burning bush and how he proved to be faithful and keep his promises. Just a little more specific, don't you think?
Allison's group

They are anxious to see what is planned for tomorrow and the rest of the week and I will look forward to a car ride home full of stories.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Just Another Day at the Office

Matt seems to think our summer "office" is the beach which works for me. I wish we could be there every day. Today we met Wendy, Teri, Cheryl, Kate, Lisa, and Julie for our weekly beach date, although unfortunately, it hasn't been weekly. This was only our 2nd trip. The day started out a little overcast but quickly turned into a picture-perfect beach day. Allison boogie-boarded most of the day and Taylor spent most of her time watching over Carson. She will be a great babysitter in the next few years.
Taylor with Carson and Dominic

Marley, Zoe and Allison test the chilly water

Abby, Allison and Cooper



As soon as we arrived, I noticed two holes in the butt of Taylor's very old suit. I chose not to say anything knowing it would put her into a panic. We made it through the 1st few hours without anyone saying anything, but then sweet Abby said, "Do you know you have holes in your bathing suit?" That was the end of that. Taylor spent the rest of the day sidelined with her coverup on but she continued to play with Carson in the sand and was surprisingly calm. We will be bathing suit shopping tomorrow!

I did get a few eye roles from her when I wouldn't let her walk on the pier with some of her friends. There were way too many people and it was too far away, but she was feeling very left out and frustrated with me. It is a tough thing explaining that I trust her, but don't trust the motives of others on the beach and that it is my job to protect her even if it means upsetting her. Matt helped me get the point across over dinner and I think she somewhat understands. It wasn't the 1st time and certainly won't be the last.

Kelly, Felicia, Emily, Taylor, Allison & Dominic

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy Forcha July!

I know it is 4th of July, but around here, we love Allison's version. We giggle everytime she says "Forcha July" like it is one long word.
Grandpa Al is here for the holiday weekend and he certainly came prepared. Check out this outfit!

We had Michael and Lisa, Hank and Leslie and Chip and Teresa here for a pool party with all of the kids and grandkids. They swam most of the afternoon and feasted on yummy snacks and a make-your-own taco salad bar.

The girls loved getting flipped in the inner tube

Mason contently watched all of the big kids swim

Demi so sweetly slept on Teresa's lap while we soaked in the pool

Kids vs. Dads water fight

Lisa and Leslie

After dinner, we packed up our cars and headed to Paul and Laura's for our traditional viewing of the fireworks. They have a great view from their driveway and we can also avoid the crazy traffic situation. The kids all swam some more and munched on festive desserts while we waited for 9:00 to arrive. At 8:58 the girls loaded in the back of Matt's truck for the best view . Most of the kids thought the show was boring, but we were impressed by some of the new fireworks and the finale.