Me, me, me, me, me!

I realized that while I intended this blog to be about our family, I've only really posted about me - how selfish!!! Things are going really well for the children right now, besides allergies. The pollen count is unusually high right now, and we're all suffering from it. As much as I love Mike, I don't like the allergies that he passed on. We should own stock in Zyrtec, Sudafed, Benadryl, etc... Hopefully things will settle down soon.
Aubree is thoroughly enjoying school, and has made friends quickly. She is involved in band, and quickly caught up in the classes she was placed in. She joined a team with a bunch of her friends to participate in Relay for Life to support the American Cancer Society. She is walking in memory of my mom, who lost her fight with cancer last June. Aubree was very close to her Grammie, and we are very excited that she will be able to honor her memory this way. (If you would like to sponsor Aubree, leave a comment, and I'll send the link.)
Chris is loving Cub Scouts, and is well on his way to earning his Wolf. He has lots of friends at school, and also in the building. He still loves to read, and just finished the first Percy Jackson book. He is now in the second one, and loving the story. Chris and Aubs did a golf clinic over Spring Break, and Chris is really enjoying the game.
Nick is still in preschool 3 days a week, and loves it! He has also made friends at school and church, and is excited to go on a hike this weekend with a friend! We like to go to the library once a week, but don't get outside as much as we did when we lived in a house. Nick is getting too good at the Wii. It's gotten to the point where Chris and Aubree don't like playing certain games with him.
All of the kids are quite computer savvy. We just signed Chris up with his own e-mail account, and Aubree is upset that she can't get a Facebook account until she's 13. We are all excited about our move in August, but I'm starting to wonder what I will do with all 3 kids in school all day long. The kids (along with the parents) are also SUPER excited to get to see cousins this summer!!! We get to show off this wonderful area and all the amazing sites that we have access to. It's going to be family non-stop for 3 weeks! That seems a little crazy, but those of you that know us, KNOW we're more than a little crazy!

THE LAW!!!

Did you know that it is illegal to talk on your cell phone while driving in DC? Well, apparently it is. The official law is "driving without a hands-free device" and the fine is $100. How did I gain this amazing knowledge? Why, first-hand! I was driving in DC for the very first time over Spring Break to meet some friends at Rock Creek Park. As I was SLOWLY and finally passing the zoo (and talking on the phone, because I wanted to get an idea how much longer it would take for me to get there), an officer jumped in front of my car, then banged on it. I had no idea why, because I had a green light. As I drove slowly on, I could see him gesturing to someone, and sure enough, a car pulls out with lights on, so I pull over. Imagine my surprise to learn that it was against the law! The officer that pulled me over was very nice, but the guy that jumped in front of me was SO offended by what I did, he walked the entire block to where I was pulled over to tell me. We did some research, and I bought a hands-free device and sent in my receipt with an explanation. Hopefully they will dismiss it since it's a first offense. Let this be a lesson to all of you!

Our Apartment in Pictures

The floor plan.

At the front door looking into the kitchen.

At the front door, looking at the dining room.

At the front door looking into the family room.

Aubree's room (the den), off the dining room.

The family room, viewing from the master bedroom door.

The master bedroom, from the doorway.

Half of the master bathroom that we use.

The other half of the master bathroom that we don't use.

The boys' room, viewed from the door to the family room.

The second bathroom, right off the front door. The second door open inside leads to the boys' room.

The "laundry room" in the second bath.

Happy Birthday, Alissa!

Today my baby sister is 24! I am so blessed to have her in my life. There is an 8 year difference, so we didn't really "grow up" together, so it was extra special to get to know her better while I lived in Arizona. Allie - you are a wonderful sister, fantastic wife and mother, and one of my very best friends. Thank you for teaching me by your example, and being a fun car trip buddy. I love you!!!

Confessions

I have to admit that in the 12 1/2 years that we have been married, I have never been a bed-maker. I would occasionally get in the habit, but for the most part, we climbed into a bed at night that looked similar to the one we had left that morning. It's been the same story with my children. I realized the other day that it has been like this because we would leave the room in the morning, and not see or go into them until bedtime. Well, times have changed. We now live in an apartment where all the bedrooms are visible from the main living area. So, everyday we make our beds. The kids don't always remember in the morning, or have time as they run out the door, so they are reminded when they get home. All the children are good at making their own beds, and it is wonderful to climb into a bed at night that is not all wrinkly from just sitting all day. The things one learns as one grows older (and apparently wiser).