Girls return - I took the day off yesterday because we had two major projects. The first was to help get the boys' older dressers loaded onto my friend Dave's Explorer. He came by around quarter to eleven and we worked quickly to get them on board. My rush was in order to hurry out to Manchester airport to pick up the girls at noon. I just made it! As I approached the gate, the plane was just pulling up. I generally don't like to call it that close.
On the way home Michelle informed me that the boys were resting so I stalled for some time by taking the girls to lunch at Elisha's restaurant in Milford. We also stopped by K.D. Crumbles on the Milford Oval and picked up half of dozen cookies to celebrate with the family when we got home.
I had heard reports that Abby had turned into a bit of a wallflower during the trip. I think a bit of insecurity and homesickness might have contributed. Even when I picked her up and had lunch with her, she was still very reserved. Within five minutes of getting home and seeing her brothers and mom, she shed all shyness. She resumed being loud, outgoing, and assertive. I just hope that when she starts school next month, she doesn't sink back into that withdrawn, shy shell.
The '90s - Michelle and I have been following VH1's "I love the 90s" episodes. The TiVo taped them all and we've been slowly working through them. The earlier VH1 '80s series reminded me of my school days -- high school and college, Since we got married in the summer of 1989, this '90s series reminds me all about our first decade of marriage -- the things that happened while we lived at WPAFB/Dayton and our first five years in NH. It really is fun to look back at all the news, trends, hype, fashions and laugh at our culture.
Atlantis - On another whim (at the suggestion of Jimmy Akin) I also had TiVo tape the premiere of the new Stargate Atlantis series. The show has some potential as a sci-fi series. After watching it with Claire and Michelle tonight, I put it on TiVo's "Season Pass" list to automatically record future new episodes. Hopefully it can keep the good momentum going.
True Claire Story - On the way home from the airport, we listened to a CD that I had recently burned from the iTunes Music Store. I was explaining Michael Jackson's song, "Thriller", and how it was such a phenomenon when it came out: the video, the choreography, the spooky theme, etc. Claire asked how old Michael was at the time. I estimated that he was in his early twenties. Then she innocently asked, "Was that when he was black?" I burst out laughing. We later joked about how he is now even whiter than a ghost. Claire commented that it's neat how sometimes the funniest statements are often not planned. They just come out that way.
I've been watching the 'I Love the 90's' shows also. After the '80's' shows I was a bit nostalgic for my younger days, but after watching this new series I'm reminded that the 90's were even a better time for me, marrying Alyssa and having the kids (even if I got fat and lost my hair), and I can't wait for 'I Love the 00's'.
It was great having the girls here, I don't get nearly enough time to corrupt them like a good Uncle should. As to Claires comment, a comedian said once, "where else but in America can Michael Jackson go from being a poor black man from Indiana to a rich white woman in California".
Tom
Hi Tom,
Thanks so much for involving the girls as much as you and Alyssa did. I was concerned that mom would have to play the role of "Julie the cruise director" in trying to keep them busy with activities. While Abby was a bit homesick, Claire could have easily stayed all summer. It's a bit like how I could stay with my grandparents all summer long when I was growing up.
I forgot one thing when writing last night: Timothy, aka Timzilla. He had his periodic checkup a few days ago. He's a year and five months but weighed between 30 and 31 pounds. I think he's trying to compete with William (and cousins Jeff and Ben) for the "my! he's a big boy!" category. The irony is that because he only has one functioning ear, it's recommended he stay _away_ from sports like football, hockey, wrestling, etc. for fear he hurts the one remaining good one and render himself deaf.
Posted by: Scott at July 22, 2004 06:06 AMHey! Michelle, you are growing your hair out like me! Like the photo on your webpage where it is a circle shape and the edges are blurred. Very nice addition!! Timothy looks superb checking out the dishwasher. Our lives are up in the air. Very sorry I realized I never called back to do something together. Would like to have Abby and Claire over for a sleepover - how about it? Just about any date would work for us. Which date would suit you?
Looking forward to spending time with all of you! I bet it was interesting to see Abby so reserved. I also hope first grade doesn't make her return to that very shy state. Like the river pics.
31 pounds? Yikes. Matthew, who got a four month head start on him, is at 29 pounds. I remember when they were at 8 mos and 4 mos and they weighed the same!
love, m2
Posted by: mary martinez at July 22, 2004 09:50 PM