Ducklings

Robbie's class at school is the Ducklings. 

When he see ducks he makes the baby sign for duck and says "quack"

So we found some in Greenville.

He loved it.

On Siblings...

When people see us out and about with the kids, typically the first question asked is, "they are HOW far apart??"

Those that don't know us figure we are loyal family builders, or terrible birth control takers.

As you know, we may be the former, and have no need for the latter.

You see? 

No matter what, we knew we wanted at least two kids.

Siblings?  They are important.

They have been a critical part of both of our developments as people, and we only hope that our kids will be so lucky.

The New York Times editorial pages ran a piece this weekend on "The Gift of Siblings".  You need to read it: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/opinion/sunday/bruni-the-gift-of-siblings.html?pagewanted=all

While I can certainly speak to what a gift my siblings-in-law are, I am more adept at what a gift my own siblings are.

My family is awesome.  Our stories and lives are interwoven and hilarious.

We live states and states away from each other.

We no longer cheat off each other's Spanish tests (I'm looking at you Matt).

We no longer make up songs about how amazing ice cream is (Emilie).

We still mock Emilie until she cries at all major family holidays.

We know Matt's going to be grumpy within the first 36 hours, and then return home with a $150 sushi meal that no kid is going to touch.

We announce with delight each other's children's births and accomplishments.

We worry when one is facing scary health challenges.

I didn't walk until I was over 18 months old.  Matt fetched things for me.

He definitely didn't mean to hit me in the back of my head with that baseball bat at nine.

We lied to our parents together then. 

 "Siblings not only pick up the slack but also act as decoys, providing crucial distraction. "

We may or may not lie together to our parents now.

We celebrate birthdays and holidays and baptisms.  Trying to do so together.  Not accomplishing that nearly as much as we should.

We play poker.

We pour cocktails.

We still bug the hell out of each other.

"They’re the only people in the world you can be your worst self with and they’ll still accept you."

He delights in her. 

He calls her "Aya", pats her tummy and tries to kiss her.

He fetches her toys.

He steals her toys.

Robbie and Annie would be so lucky.

Home

This weekend we went home.

That can mean lots of things. 

Where your parents live.

Where you pay your taxes.

Where you feel most relaxed and at peace.

Where everything feels right.

We were home.

Two Parter tonight

First I would be remiss if I did not say THANK YOU to all those who have and are now serving this great nation in the military.

From President Reagan's first inaugural address:

Under [a] marker lies a young man, Martin Treptow, who left his job in a small town barbershop in 1917 to go France with the famed Rainbow Division. There, on the western front, he was killed trying to carry a message between battalions under heavy artillery fire. We're told that on his body was found a diary. On the flyleaf under the heading "My Pledge," he had written these words: "America must win this war. Therefore I will work, I will save, I will sacrifice, I will endure, I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone." The crisis we are facing today...[requires] our best effort, and our willingness to believe in ourselves and to believe in our capacity to perform great deeds; to believe that together, with God's help, we can and will resolve the problems which now confront us. And, after all, why shouldn't we believe that? We are Americans.

Great words then and words that are even more suited to the world in which we now live.

On a somewhat lighter note we have had a amazing weekend in Greenville and are looking forward to seeing Grand Ma and Grand Pa Edwards tomorrow before the trek back to DC. 

The highlights of the weekend:

We got to eat at Wild Wings Cafe on Saturday the eat the traditional lunch.  The meal was highlighted by the conversation in the next booth over that could only happen in the South.  Two gentlemen were having lunch and from the bits and pieces of the conversation that I could overhear it sounded like they were bankers then came the somewhat jarring climax of the conversation, "Yeah he may be strong but you know what I am redneck strong."  Not sure what that means but that is still some good stuff.

Sunday morning we took the kids to the Grenville Zoo and had a wonderful time.  Robbie loved everything except the alligator - for some reason he is not crazy about the water exhibits - and particularly loved the giraffes.  The then met Grandma Bookie for some sandwich's and went to the park to play.

We hosted friends and family for dinner tonight - great food and  amazing company.  Robbie was in full show off mode and I mean that in all the best ways.

Tomorrow we are off to Marion to see the Edwards side the family.  Looking forward to it.

It has been a wonderful weekend and we have so much to be thankful for.