Mother Nature

It is turning out to be an eventful week with Mother Nature.

Tuesday afternoon the girls and I had just arrived home from a morning at the park. Kate had gone down for a nap and Abby was helping me load some laundry. Ironically, I was talking on the phone with Brett and the floor started to shake. At first I thought maybe the neighbors were doing some kind of construction, but then the shaking got significantly worse. Being on the third floor of an older complex, our apartment was rattling and swaying a bit. A few of the pictures on our shelf were collapsing and books shifting. Weird. It was a pretty bazar feeling. I must say a panicked for a second there. Who would think a 5.9 earthquake would hit the East Coast?

Apparently, when the earthquake hit, it really scared some people. I must admit it got my heart pumping for a second and felt surreal. The Pentagon and several buildings were evacuated. It was a scare for Washington DC because, to be honest, the initial thought people had was: terrorist attack. I think that is why many were panicked. I don't blame them. I wasn't here for 9/11 but I can't even imagine the horror of that day. I have had many people tell me the stories of September 11th and it makes my heart sick for all those involved.

After the shaking was over, the girls and I headed downstairs to see if we could get back in touch with Brett and find out what was going on. I was greeted at the stairs with my neighbors who were outside in nothing but towels and boxers. ( To be honest with you, that is actually not too abnormal of a sight.) I still couldn't get through to Brett. Since everyone was using their phones at the same time, the lines were down. I was hoping to get a hold of my sister to make sure that she wasn't scared. Once I got through to her, I found out she was in a movie theatre with the kids. She said at first the people in the theatre thought it was 'special effects' in the movie, but then started to panic and thought it was a bomb. Everyone fled the theatre demanding a refund. Really, a refund is the first thing you think of? Oh dear. Pretty funny story though.

Brett stayed at work until the evening, but quickly learned it was not going to be a fast ride home. The metro was backed up because they were checking the tracks for damage. They were estimating it was a 2-3 hour commute home. Gratefully, we have a running trail near our apartment that goes all the way into DC. He ended up throwing on his work-out clothes and jogging 7 miles, where I met up with him in the car.

There is obviously just minor damage. The National Cathedral had some cracking and stones fall. The Washington Monument is being assessed for some cracking and the spires of the Temple in Maryland have some damage. Other than that, no problems. I must say though, the people out here really need to learn how to handle earthquakes. We were talking with some friends and they have stories of people running TOWARD huge windows instead of running to doorways or tables. Oh dear. I know California is laughing at us and they have a point. Many could use some classes on Earthquake and Snowstorm Survival 101. We are learning that in big cities when people are thrown out of their normal routine, they go nuts.

We now await the arrival of Hurricane Irene. We will see what she brings. So far we just have some rain and a little wind. Church has been canceled. All the toilet paper, bread, twinkies and milk have been cleaned out of the stores. I am enjoying a quiet day with my family. But in all sincerity, I hope that everyone is safe and well if there are problems.

The National Cathedral

Irene

I saw this picture with a comment and couldn't help but laugh:

"Thanks to all of you for your kind words of support, as we look to recover from the devastation of today's quake!"

So Close

This baby is almost crawling. It's fun to watch her try out her legs.

But, there is no rush in this crawling thing for me. I know what

happens when they start moving.

Good Jazz

In celebration of 5 great years together, we went on a date to a fun Jazz Concert. We love good Jazz. Brett brought us a picnic dinner and we cuddled on the lawn as we listened to the music. As night set in, we were able to even see some stars. It brought back floods of memories from when we were first dating. Brett is a romantic one. On the way home from one of our first dates, as dusk was setting in, Brett pulled the car to the side of the road next to a park. It had a simple wood bridge that crossed a creek. I was wondering what on earth he was doing. He flipped on some Jazz Music in the car, turned the volume up and guided me to the bridge. We danced as the sunset. I loved it.

Five Years

Five years ago at this time I was getting my hair curled and done up for the biggest day of my life. I remember not being able to sleep much the previous night, wondering what the following day would be like. A girl always dreams about her wedding day. It promised to be a day I would always remember because I got to marry my best friend. I arrived at the temple with butterflies in my stomach. (Part of those butterflies could of been from several stop signs my mom and I ran in the car while getting there. I guess we were both a little nervous.) I remember meeting Brett and taking his hand. As soon as I clutched his hand all the stress of a crazy morning left. My nervousness slipped away and I just savored the time we had together there. The next few hours in the temple would be ones I will never forget. I loved looking in his eyes knowing that he was mine forever. I know that sounds sappy, but it's true. Brett is honestly the best thing that ever happened to me. It has been a wonderful 5 years. Right now I can't help looking down at little Baby Kate playing happily on the floor beside me as I write this. Little did we know that five years later we would be living 2,000 miles from home, with two beautiful little girls.

Happy 5 years Babe. I love you more than anything!

This picture is from the night Brett proposed.

Annapolis Love

My sister has been living with us for the summer while she works. It has been fun having her here. Abby has been in absolute heaven having her aunt close. We had to take advantage of a free day last week and explore the beautiful city of Annapolis. It is a quaint city next to the pier and only 45 min. away from home. We spent an afternoon walking the pier and watching sailboats pass.

A highlight of the trip was watching some fisherman catching crabs on the dock. They were nice enough to show us how to do it. We watched as they would throw out a piece of chicken tied to a string. The string of chicken would sit in the water until crabs came crawling to it. The men would then throw in their net and pull out crabs galore. Who knew crabs liked chicken?! We were even able to hold a few crabs without getting pinched. We ended the night watching the water change color as the sunset and then headed home. It was a nice afternoon break from the regular routine.

Views from the pier.

Crabbing

While were were by the Chesapeake, we made a quick visit to Fort McHenry where part of the Battle of 1812 was fought. This place is famous for when the American Flag was viewed waving from the Bay representing a victory after a long battle. The famous, Francis Scott Key wrote the Star-Spangeld Banner here. We loved visiting the Fort and learning more about history.

The girls were able to help fold a flag that was a replica of the 'Star-Spangled Banner.

Abby folding up the last part of the flag.

7 Months

Baby Kate is now 7 months and growing fast. She loves to test out her voice and make all kinds of sounds. I have even heard what sounded like 'dada' slip from her tongue. This baby loves to give raspberry kisses and snuggle her face into your shoulder. She is a cuddly little one and I'm just savoring it.

Crawling is getting closer to being a reality. Kate can now able to push herself up, but then her 'thunder thighs' take over and gravity takes control. Her poor face will bump straight into the floor as she tries to balance. She keeps trying despite the crashes. Until she can crawl, she'll continue to scoot and roll to get around. I have caught her trying to climb the leg of the kitchen table a couple times, but the 'thunder thighs' won that battle again. We just love our sweet Kate.

Common expressions I get from Kate

I can't get enough of these cute chubby cheeks. This baby gets smothered in kisses.

I'm THREE!

Happy Birthday Abby!

July 19th

"I'm Three!"

Dear Abby,

We can't believe another year has gone by so quickly. You are becoming such a beautiful little lady. It has been fun to watch you change. Our lives have become much more exciting and fun with you in the family.

You are starting to reach a very independent phase of life. Many times when we try to help you with something, you proudly exclaim, "I do it myself Mommy!" You want to show that you are big and can do it yourself. That has caused some victorious moments for you and also some dramatic ones. You like to learn things and do it yourself, which is great.

A common sound we hear often is the 'ABC Song.' You love to sing your ABC's with gusto everywhere you go. Every morning you will come and ask if we can do your letters together. We're glad you like to learn so much.

We will often walk in your room to find that you have thrown all of your clothes out of your drawer in search for the perfect outfit. Daddy's wallet is in trouble for when you are a teenager. You LOVE clothes. Even at an early age, you're very particular about what you wear. Sometimes it will match, other times it will clash. A favorite outfit is your tutu and leotard. You love to dance around the house singing and twirling like Angelina Ballerina. You enjoy serving any guests in your tutu with your plastic food from your kitchen.

You're favorite thing is your yellow blankie. You can't go to bed without it and whenever there is a tear, it is the first thing you go to for comfort. When we were at Laura's Seminary Graduation, you were walking the halls with Nani and stopped at a picture of Jesus. You said "Nani, this is Jesus. He gave me my yellow blankie." We had never told you that, but you knew He would give you what you love most. Obviously, the yellow blankie is important to you.

Most of all, we love your hugs, kisses and giggles. We love and adore our little girl.

Happy Birthday Abber-dab-do!

Love,

Dad and Mom