Lacey's baby shower

The girls have been DYING for this day to come, and today was finally the day. Despite the cold, rainy weather, it was sunny inside as we celebrated Auntie Lacey, and the impending arrival of Keira (a.k.a. "my baby cousin" to anyone who will listen to Aubrey.) :)

We enjoyed lots of good food, the most amazing cupcakes (courtesy of Auntie Beth), silly games, and tons of giggles. Aubrey was a complete ham, entertaining us all with her commentary, and her ability to "help" with the gifts.

Lacey received many wonderful gifts, but the most entertaining of the day were the two (yes, two!) "diaper changing kits" that Daniel received as gag (pun intended) gifts. So great is his fear of baby poo, that it occurred to multiple family members to purchase him rubber gloves, tongs, goggles, noseplugs, and aprons, among other things. It was absolutely hysterical!

We just can't wait for Keira to get here, so that we can see both Dan and Lacey put all of those gifts to good use!

He's comin' home!

After two long years, thousands of miles of travel, and countless hours away from home, Brian received the BEST news Thursday morning! All of his hard work has paid off, and he was offered a job as assistant principal of Sherwood High School!

His time at South has not been all for naught. He has met some wonderful people, made important connections, learned a LOT, and earned the admiration and respect of many people. He is sad to walk away from these relationships, and disappoint those who have come to trust him. But working an hour away from home has become a significant strain on all of us. And when this opportunity knocked, he had to answer.

So though it means another transition, and a steep learning curve, Brian is up for the challenge. All at a beautiful school, in a close knit community, only 10 minutes from home. We are so proud of him, and can hardly wait to start this new adventure with him!!!

Crocodile tears

They finally hit.

Big, huge, crocodile tears, accompanied by uncontrollable heaving sobs. LOTS of them.

And they were all coming from Camryn, as she realized exactly what Colin moving really means to her.

In preparation for their big day, the girls and I have been working on a special, "hush-hush" project to give to Colin and Chloe as a good-bye gift. Last night, as Camryn was helping me sort through photos, it suddenly struck her. Her friend is leaving. And she might never see him again. And she started to cry.

I don't mean silent-tears-down-the-cheeks, or even misty eyes. I mean she CRIED. Big, huge, body throttling sobs accompanied by a soaking wet face, and even some runny nose action. And she couldn't stop. And we couldn't stop her. And we just had to hold her and let her go, until she wore herself out.

Oh sure, we promised her we'd call, write, email and Skype. We even tossed around the idea of a trip to Georgia in the near future, just to ease her fears. But none of it worked. Because nothing we could say could really make it better. She loves her friend. And he is leaving. And that just sucks.

Sleeping Beauty

Yes, that is exactly what you think it is. Hilarious.

Happy Birthday, Buddy

What, exactly, is she going to do without him?