Fun Times

We've had a few quiet days this week. It's been kind of nice to just hang out at home. Emma and Owen went to a friends' house yesterday, so Logan and I spent some along time together. We picked up a few things for the beach and hung out at home. Today, our friends Elizabeth and Jack came over to play. It's great because Elizabeth and Emma and close in age and have a lot in common. Owen and Jack are the same age and also have a lot in common. They had fun playing with water balloons and splashing in the little pool. The boys played some Wii and Logan was happy just being with Mommy.
I took Owen to the pediatric cardiologist this morning. They came in and did another EKG and then took us to another room with an ultrasound machine. I was scared to death that there was something really wrong with Owen's heart. The doctor came in and told us that he did not have the previous EKG, but this one looked fine. He did the echocardiogram just to make sure. He must have looked at pictures of his heart for 45 minutes - once again, I was sure there was going to be something wrong...but everything looks great! He wants to have him wear a harness for 24 hours just to monitor his heart, but he wasn't sure why the first EKG showed an arrhythmia. We were so relieved....so now to figure out the medication issue.


Fun with Friends and Family

Look out Owen! Note...they are playing with
cheeseballs, not basketballs!

Water Balloon Fight!!!

Logan in the sprinkler. Emma and Elizabeth...where did you
put those balloons?!?! Soon enough girls!


Emma and Owen playing spies.


Max is Daddy's Helper. Logan and Max taking a rest.

OMG...It's the Jonas Brothers!!!

For those of you who don't know who the Jonas Brothers are....they are the boy band of the tween generation. In my time, they were the New Kids on the Block..and going back furtther, the Monkees or the Beatles. If you want to hear some screaming, just mention the Jonas Brothers to any girl between the age of 7 and 15. So, Emma and I had tickets to see them at Hersheypark yesterday. It was just a girls day. We dropped the boys off at the grandparents house and headed straight for Hersheypark Friday morning. We spent a few hours in the park (with a million other people) before we headed to the concert. It was nice - just the two of us. We don't get to spend a lot of time alone together - so we made the most of it.

We headed over the the stadium around 5:00 and hung out watching thousands of girls (and their moms) waiting for the concert. We stopped by the souvenir tent and Emma transformed herself into an even bigger fan - from JB shorts to a hat and a t-shirt. So, with my pocket quite a bit emptier, we headed into the stadium. We found our seats and were pretty pleased. We were in the first section next to the stage. I was afraid if we had gotten the floor seats she wouldn't have been able to see - and I was right. We had a great view of the stage and it was neat to see Hersheypark lit up in the background. It was a beautiful evening - not too hot.

While we were sitting there waiting for the show to begin, the Jonas Brothers went by on their segways to the meet and greet tent - which happened to be in perfect view from our seats. So we ran like everyone else to get a glimpse of the dreamy brothers. We were able to see them when they came out of the tent and made their get away. It was pretty funny - a bunch of screaming kids and their mothers - I don't know who was more into it!

Anyways, the concert was great. We got to see Demi Lavato open up for them, as well as Avril Lavigne. Emma enjoyed them both and I enjoyed spending time with her (and reliving my New Kids on the Block days!) It took us two hours to get out of the parking lot, so we didn't get home until 2:00 in the morning. Now we get to do it again in August with a bunch of her friends! Can't wait!

It's the Jonas Brothers...making

their get away!

A Few Concert Pictures

The World Traveler

Jonathan returned from Japan today. He had a great time and saw a lot of interesting things. We are all so excited that he is home. The kids were thrilled to have him home and couldn't wait to see their souvenirs. As usual, Daddy delivered. Here are a few pictures from his trip.

This was his hotel...he was on the 36th floor.


What a kid...riding a Dewback!


Jonathan and his friend Tony, playing
chess in the Millenium Falcon.


My favorite...he looks like such a little kid,
thrilled to death to be riding in a snow speeder.

Two Fun Nights

We've been busy these past two days. Last night we went to a minor league baseball with friends of ours. We watched the Potomac Nationals play. The kids had fun watching the game and eating hot dogs. Emma and Owen loved watching the game - Logan not so much. We didn't get home until late, then we got up this morning and headed North. We dropped Logan off at his cousin Connor's house. Katie and Brett were kind enough to watch him for me tonight, while I took Emma and Owen to see the Lion King. We had a blast!!! We went with my friend Kim and her mom. The kids were well behaved (except for the car ride up there!) and we only got lost on the way to and from the Kennedy Center in D.C. We took a few detours, but I amazingly found my way around the city! Jonathan would have been so proud! The show was incredible. If you haven't seen The Lion King broadway show, I highly recommend it. The music and the costumes are incredible. The kids enjoyed it and we had a wonderful night. Thanks to Brett and Katie, Connor, and Maisie for hosting Logan tonight. (I could have never done it with him!) Thanks to Kim and her mom for their patience while we made our way around D.C. and for a wonderful time.
Jonathan is on his way home - he's in New York, but his flight has been delayed. He was supposed to leave JFK at 10:30 tonight and his flight was delayed until at least 12:40 am. So, we're anxiously awaiting his arrival. Maybe since it's so late, he'll take the day off tomorrow.
Well, I'm off to bed. Can't wait to go get my baby in the morning. They drive me crazy when they're with me, but I miss them terribly when they're not here.

A Nice Weekend

We had a great visit from Uncle Brett, Aunt Katie, Connor, and Maisie yesterday. It was so nice just spending a few hours hanging out with them. Connor and the boys had fun pulling out all the toys and playing cars and trains. They may cause some trouble when we spend a week at the beach with them!! Maisie is getting so big! She is a year old now and walking everywhere. This was the first time we really got to see her cruising - and cruise she does. She always has a smile on her face and is just a happy baby. It was so nice to have their visit - it made the day go faster!

Maisie tries on Emma's headband.

Connor loves his big cousin Owen!

Cheese!

Today was a nice relaxing day. We went to the grocery store this morning - a chore I usually do alone - but the kids were amazingly great! We had a chat last night about how to treat others and breaking that cycle of being mean to one another. Everyone was well behaved and got along well today. Hopefully it will continue. We filled up our little pool and the kids hung out there all day. They had fun splashing and playing together. It was a nice peaceful day.

Sleepless Night

I was getting ready to go to bed last night and was checking my email...when up popped breaking news: 7.0 magnitude earthquake hits Japan: Tsunami warnings issued!!! So, before I started to panic, I tried to find more information and of course I couldn't. Didn't Fox, and CNN know my husband was there?! Geez! Finally around 1:30 I had found enough information to think that Tokyo was fairly safe and headed to bed. I had emailed Jonathan and told him to email me ASAP, but I knew it was in the middle of the day there and he wouldn't have access until late at night. I woke up this morning after waking several times and checking the computer and still nothing. I called the hotel to find that it was still standing and figured he was alright. He called us this morning - without even checking email - just to check in. He said he knew there was an earthquake, but he didn't feel it. He had no idea that it would have made the news here and just laughed about it! Boy...talk about a sick feeling. Anyways...for those of you who may have heard about the earthquake, Jonathan is fine and safe and having a good time in Tokyo.

A Better Day

Well, we had a much better day today. Emma had a friend over - which can sometimes be difficult with the boys. But they all played well together and the boys left them alone - for the most part. The one time he did play with them, he came out dressed like a girl- pink dress, make up, head band, and all!!! I have to say, he'd make a pretty cute girl! Ha!

I got a lot done around the house today...so that always seems to make me feel better. I cleaned the carpets in the living room with the help of my assistant, Logan. That child helped me clean every inch of that carpet. I could have done it myself in half the time, but I'm going to make him a good husband some day! He loves to help clean and cook. He sits on the counter every time I make something - he has to be involved in everything. He can tell you exactly how to make macaroni and cheese. (we eat a lot of it!). He is a sweet boy, but he has his moments - just ask the grandparents!! Yesterday, while I was at a doctor's appointment, I got a call from my babysitter (who is awesome by the way!!!), saying that Logan was being mean. Apparently he didn't get his way and threw a temper tantrum. It was a side of him Rachel had never seen and she didn't know what to do. I had to laugh - he is like Jekyll and Hyde. He got over it real quick and was back to his sweet self by the time I got home.

I had my follow up appointment for my ankle yesterday. The doctor told me I basically have to live with the pain until I can't stand it anymore. The arthritis is so bad that he can not go in and scope it. My only option is to have it fused - which is a last resort (when I am old and gray - okay, old and gray-but colored!). He said there is new technology on the horizon for ankle transplants, so maybe someday in the future that will be an option. There is also one more procedure where they take cartilage from the knee and put it in the ankle, but it is a very invasive procedure. I have good days and bad days, but I'm not to that point yet! He is ordering me an ankle brace which I can wear to help the pain as well. Boy - when did I get this old?! It seems like just yesterday that Leanne and I were dressing Nathan up as a girl (remember that Nathan? I have pictures to prove it!) - Now my kids are torturing each other - geez, time flies.

Max (or Maxipus as my friend from school taught the boys - thanks Heidi!) is doing great. He is really warming up to the family. He loves to play and he cuddled up and slept with the kids today. They adore him...and I have to say, I'm pretty fond of the little guy myself. Jonathan can't wait to meet him - okay, well maybe he can - but he has been polite and asked about him through email. He's probaby saving the lecture to give to me in person. He's having fun in Tokyo. Don't be fooled - he's not working - well, not business work. He is volunteering for the Star Wars Celebration conference (like we did in London last year). He is actually giving a presentation on Monday on food collectibles. He's becoming a Star Wars celebrity...ooh la la! I guess his classmates knew what they were doing when they voted him most likely to succeed. Hopefully he doesn't have to present in Japanese.

Well, that's about it for today. We're looking forward to tomorrow. Uncle Brett, Aunt Katie, Connor, and Maisie are coming by for a visit. Yay - adult interaction!

Alone Again!

Well, we are on our own again. Jonathan left for Tokyo yesterday morning and will be gone till late Tuesday night. It seems to get harder and harder each time he leaves. Sometimes I think I'm speaking a different language because my children do not listen to me at all!!! I sometimes wonder where we went wrong. I have little patience left - especially for Owen's behavior. I pray that we are able to medicate him and that it helps him. He scares me sometimes - his favorite sayings are "I hate you" and "You're stupid". I am at a loss as to what to do. I have tried ignoring, time outs, spankings, a sticker chart,etc; Of course, Logan is starting to repeat the things that Owen says - I just don't know what to do!!! Hopefully when he goes back to school, the structure and routine will help get him back on track. Any suggestions...I am open to them!

Meet our newsest addition!

Yes, I am insane, but he purred when I held him!!! He is so sweet. We adopted him through Pet Smart. He's 11 weeks old and has been neutered and has all of his beginning shots. The kids decided to name him Max - that was the best choice out of some interesting names they came up with!

Mom is Stylin!

My cell phone broke while we were on vacation, so I took it to the At&t store. They told me it was done for, so it was time for a new phone. Jonathan talked me into getting a blackberry. The teenager that sold me the phone at Best Buy told me that it was a "sweet" phone and then he told Emma that her mom was stylin'! Imagine that! Anyways, he got me all hooked up and I love the phone. I just hope that I don't become addicted to it like Jonathan. The kids are enjoying playing with my old phone. Emma carried it with her to the store...to let people think she's cool with a cell phone! In her dreams!

More Magical Memories

A group shot in front of the Tree of Life.










Another group shot in front of Mickey's Hat at Hollywood Studios.








Which one is Goofy?

Another Glitch

We took Owen for his EKG last week before our trip. The pediatrician had this test run to make sure his ticker was healthy before starting ADHD meds. I should have known that something was wrong when they called me three times while we were on vacation. Owen's EKG showed signs of sinus arrhythmia. The doctor's office said that it's probably nothing and that we just need to see a pediatric cardiologist to have it checked out. So, we're off to the cardiologist next Tuesday. I'll keep you posted!

Magical Night at Cinderella's Castle

One of the best nights we had was our first night at Cinderella's castle. It was Nana's birthday and we surprised her with a flower arrangement and a special chocolate slipper dessert. Everyone sang happy birthday to her and even the Fairy Godmother came by to see her. Logan fell asleep halfway through the meal. The food was delicious, our waiter was incredible, and everything about it seemed magical. To end it all, we watched the fireworks through the castle windows.