Latest Addition

Just over 13 years ago, as a young couple expecting our first child, Mom and I set out on a quest.

At that time, living in our Maryland townhouse, we had a small regular cab Toyota pickup and a Honda Prelude. Neither vehicle was well suited for our impending family. So we put word out on the street that we wanted a family car. The call was answered (on Alex's original due date, coincidentally) with our 1995 Accord.

Purchased by us in 1997, the Accord served us well for 13 years, delivering us safely to Myrtle Beach (1997), Florida (2000), Northern New Jersey and all points in between, as well as making the daily commute to work for 11'ish years. She ran like a top and only ever left me stranded 1 time among the 94k miles (out of 124k) we put on her.

But time marches on. Her age was starting show and our needs have been starting to change. Obviously the need to carry 4 children hasn't subsided, but yard work and house renovations would be made a bit easier with something a bit more...truck'ish.

So this past February, we started a new quest.

Now, after 4 months of research, test drives, selling off my hoarded collection of disjointed car parts and the über-quick sale of our trusty, rusty Accord, we present to you, the latest addition to our family...

Don't We All

Aidan just declared to me;

"I wish 'no' could be 'yes' and 'yes' could be 'no'."

Philly Field Trip for Amanda

This really is the silly season around here. May brings with it a wealth of school programs, concerts, projects, awards ceremonies, and, of course, field trips.

Following in the wake of Abigail's trip to DC, Amanda and Mom took a wee jaunt to historic Philadelphia, PA.

Pictures follow...

Ms Abigail Goes to Washington DC

On Thursday, May 6th, Abigail and Mom went to Washington DC with Abigail's 5th grade class. DC is always a great trip and this year was no exception.

Aside from the usual visits to the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial and several Smithsonian museums, Abigail and the class had a bonus: Public Service Recognition Week.

Over 100 federal, civilian, and military agencies converged on the National Mall and gave the kids a chance to climb aboard military vehicles and meet the men and women who help keep our great country safe.

GPS: God's Plan of Salvation

On Friday, May 4th, RLCA presented their Spring Program for 2010 titled, GPS: God's Plan of Salvation. Prior to the show, the After School Choir, which includes Abigail and Amanda, performed a few choice selections.

The first video is of a sing titled I Will Worship You. It features a solo by Abigail with Amanda in the choir.

I have to confess: This brought a tear to my eye. I was so proud of her. She sounded so good...

The second video is of a song titled Declare Your Name. Both Abigail and Amanda took part in the choir here.

After School Choir and the Blue Rocks

On Saturday, May 1st, the RLCA Marching Band and After School Choir, which includes Abigail and Amanda, sang the national anthem at Frawley Stadium as the opening to the evening Blue Rocks game.

This year, in inclusion to Grammy and Granddad tagging along, we were able to coax Nana to come out; baseball lover that she is.

Good thing too, as the good company made up for a very poor showing by the Blue Rocks. Facing off against the Winston-Salem Dash, the Rocks lost 5-10.

Johnny, What Can You Make Of This?

So Mom and Aidan are in the kitchen. Aidan points outside and says;

"Mom, I see a plane going down."

Frantically, Mom looks outside.

But looking around, she quickly realizes she doesn't hear anything. Then it hits her, "Are you talking about the helicopters (from the Maples) outside?"

Nonchalantly Aidan answers, "Yeah..."