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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Weekend in Indianapolis




We just returned from Indianapolis. We had a great weekend full of shopping, the zoo, and lunch at the Governor's house. It all sounds so fun and and glamorous but since I never want you to think our life is perfect, I will start by telling you all the REAL LIFE stuff that happened this weekend....
We walked in and our hotel room smelled like 50 smokers walked out 5 minutes before. They were booked, as well as every other hotel.
We went to the zoo where it was 9 million degrees. Anyone who know me knows I do not like zoos- add excessive heat and I really hate them. My exact words while walking though the African safari- "Oh- look at those elephants, they are the only ones dumb enough to enjoy this heat." Sorry children, I don't have any facts for you- too hot- need water!
Kevin dropped me off at Keystone mall which was very sweet- for 1 1/2 hours. You all would realize how desperate I was for Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel... if you could have seen how disgusting I was at that mall.
Kevin should receive a medal for stopping at EVERY goodwill we passed just because I screamed It's a Goodwill, STOP!"
Kevin realized after walking all day in his sandals at the zoo that they no longer fit. So we went to Kohls to look for some. I hate Kohls about as much as I hate the zoo. It is like a game of finding sizes and trying to figure out how much something is. No luck at the first Kohls, traveled to the next- Score, Kevin got the sandals- Meanwhile while I wait with the kids in the car, Gabe gets a huge nosebleed. You would think, after we had eaten at every fast food chain, we would have 1 napkin- Nope we resorted to stopping Gabe's bleed with Ben's Kleenexes from not sure when.
Then we finally get to lunch at the Governor's house and besides Gabe trying to cram his whole fist in his mouth for all to see or drinking his Diet Coke (NO I did not let him have it) like a dog lapping his drink, we had a wonderful lunch and we all enjoyed seeing where he lives. Oh and Ben told one of his staff that the couch we were sitting on was EXACTLY like the couch we had in our hotel. Do you think that is a compliment? Ben really liked the couch at our hotel.
I won't even go into details about the ride home. BUT do not ever try to take the memory card from the camera and view them over the GPS. You wife will freak out when she puts it back in the camera and it says it can't be read- That is all I will say about that!!!!
Ben and Gabe's highlights:
Lunch with Governor Daniels.
Shopping at the Lego Store
Eating junk food
Playing basketball at the hotel.
Being junior dolphin trainers at the zoo (requires separate post}

Mary's Highlights:
Lunch at Governor Daniel's house.
Goodwill 1
Goodwill 2
Goodwill3, 4 & 5

Kevin's highlights
Lunch at Governor Daniel's house
Getting new sandals after 10 years
Surviving

Monday, July 25, 2011

Gabe's Turn




It was Gabe's turn to jump in the pool with his pajamas on. He ended up swimming in them for a long time. The joys of summer!!!

Just so You Know...

Yes I do have a pool. BUT- please stop asking if I am happy "I finally got my way." or tell me I am spoiled. Need I remind everyone- I have a DOG. A BIG, DIGGING, PLANT EATING, NAUGHTY DOG. Of course I am very happy I have a pool. Our entire family plus plenty of friends and neighbors, have enjoyed our pool daily. We all made sacrifices to achieve this,

Have I told you, I may have a pool, but-
I HAVE A DOG!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Saying Good Bye, Parts 2,3 ,4.......




I have been thinking about this post for a long time. What are you suppose to say when you do not feel like talking. What do you do when you walk outside when what was your normal, your everyday has now changed so dramatically. It is funny, when you live in a neighborhood you become so use to the little things- seeing people's cars, watching people come and go that when those things change it is weird and lonely
First we said good-bye to Klaus, Simone, Frederick and Nicholas. There were parties, there was fun, but there was also saying good-bye- and no amount of preparation makes that moment when they drive off any easier.
2 Weeks later, and the day I have been in complete denial about, we said good-bye to Fabi, Joe, Livia, and Camila. Our hearts were broken. I sobbed, Ben cried himself to sleep, Gabe asked when we were flying to Germany, Kevin was sick to his stomach- I hate good-byes. Everything changes, and it is sad. A wise woman I know (who just happens to be Fabi's Mom) said to me, "A vida e' assim! which means life is like that. Life changes, people change, careers change, locations change- It's never easy- but it is life! Life has to go on!
Did I mention- I am still really sad?

Monday, July 4, 2011

4th of July 2011


















Happy 4th of July everyone. We have been busy as usual. Yesterday, everyone came swimming and to grill out. Since our new sod is still squishy our neighbors Sarah and Tom agreed to let the whole gang camp in their backyard this year. We enjoyed an impressive fireworks display from our neighbor John, made smores and of course shot off the parachutes for the kids to run after. I finally had had enough around 10PM and went home to my VERY quite house while Kevin, the boys, Bruiser, and most of the neighbors made it until midnight chatting by the fire. This morning we ate waffles, and had the annual parade, which this year included saluting the troops(see picture) and singing the national anthem. Now the boys are upstairs playing an intense game of Monopoly with Livia and Camila and Kevin is floating in a raft in the pool ASLEEP- he deserves THAT! By the way, Gabe INSISTED on wearing the ski goggles during the parade!!!

Good Byes

Our neighbors have arrived HOME today to Germany. We are so glad they have arrived safely. As we said our last good byes to them on Friday night, we were all pretty upset, especially Ben. It is always hard to say good bye. Fabi, Joe and the girls will be leaving soon as well. I might need to start my IV drip now- I am not sure how we will make it through another good bye-especially to a family who has become part of ours. I have only a limited number of days to pretend it is not happening. After that, well I am not sure what I will do....

Sometimes...


You just have to wake up and jump in the pool with your pajamas on!