Parties & Pumpkins

Here is Will and I on our way to another party. This one was for adults. Darby babysat Billy.
They watched movies and ate pizza.
Our friend Linda went also. Some of the kids that were in the area got a little scared.

So, Sunday came and Will left. The kids and I decided to carve the pumpkins. It was nice outside so we sat in the driveway. Will usually does this, but since he left - I did. The electric knife worked!

Billy was quite amused by the insides of the pumpkin. He wanted a picture. I don't know if all pumpkins are like this, but the insides were stringy. Very wierd.

Darby and Billy finished carving the faces. They did really well. They took their time and was careful.

The finished pumpkins. Billy and Darbys. They are cute.

Halloween

Well, it's that time of year to dress up. I gave in and let the kids do something 'spooky'. We went to a costume party this morning with our Tae Kwon Do school. Everyone had fun. Darby dressed up as... I'm not quite sure. Billy dressed as the grim reaper - minus the teeth. He rubbed them off before he ate. Will and I were Romans. It was fun.

Billy is in the middle with the scythe. He looked so... spooky!

I made these for a few friends. They are filled with candy corn, mmmm.

Oct Test

Another testing cycle is now complete. Yeah!!! It was a very long cycle. Will, Billy and I tested. Darby is in a different category now. She should test for her 1st degree in Dec. Darby was in charge of pictures. The camera gave her a bit of trouble, so there aren't a bunch of pics. Anyhow, these are a few. Will and I got to go first. We were hoping that all three of us went at once, but it didn't happen. Darby got some great shots anyway.

Billy did really well. He took his time and he looked really sharp.

The family

picture after. Darby didn't want to be in the picture. So I couldn't just leave her out. Here she is a week earlier playing a game, like a pretzel.

Wedding Bells

I've already been hounded for not updating my blog. It's been a busy couple of weeks. School started a few weeks ago and we are trying to continue our 'routine'. I am usually exhausted by 10pm. So as for late night stamping or blogging, doesn't exist at the moment. Will got back on Friday from his latest TDY trip. It made for a long week. Billy is not used to getting up until 7:30, so it was a very early week for him. I made this card before I went to babysit. It is for a couple that just got married. We know him from Alaska. Now that Will is back, we can send it off in the mail. So, Carol, here is my wedding card that I told you about. The ribbon (stamped image) is layered with an iridescent blue glitter. The 'real' ribbon is an iridescent white. It's hard to see those details in the photo.

Darby's Day

8 September 2007, Black Belt Extravaganza

Darby did her test for her Black Belt recommended. She did really well. We are really proud of her. The testing was held at a local high school gym. It was pretty hot and stuffy. Lighting wasn't very good, so these are the pics that I was able to get clear. Anyway, it seemed like everyone that was testing did well. The students had to perform a few forms. It was a large group, 3 schools combined for the testing - all Petitto's schools. Students were testing from Black Belt (rec) all the way to 3rd degree. It was nice. There was a candlelight and tea ceremony for the students that earned a degree.


Here she is getting her new belt. The instructors tie the old belt that is known as the 'belt of accomplishment'. Miss Connelly is the head instructor from the Glouster school. She tied on Darby's new belt.







YEAH!!!



Testing is all done. She is sooo proud and happy. We went to dinner to celebrate. She decided on Chinese food. Hey, it was her choice! Some of her friends came to watch and support her. Her friend Casey came to dinner with us. He is a sweet kid. He picks at his food just like Darby. It was very funny and cute. No wonder they get along so well, they are just like each other! It was a nice ending for the day.

A Quick Trip

Labor Day Weekend

I've been hounded the last week about updating my blog, so... here it is. The family took a quick trip to SC for our final days of summer. The weather turned out to be great in Myrtle Beach. The kids got to take a ride in the convertible with Papa. Once they hit the highway, Billy decided his head was on 'fire' so Papa had to pull over and put the top up. Before we got on the road to come home, we ate lunch at the Atlanta Bread Company (kinda like Panera Bread).


Darby and Billy with Papa (above) and with Mama (left).











We stopped in Smithfield, NC to have some dinner with my sister and her family. We like to eat at Andys. Cheesesteaks and such, it's good and quick. My little nephew Zachary was so happy to see us. He just loves his Elmo.



I just don't believe that he is a little monster. He is always so sweet and never a shortage of hugs and kisses! .


The kids had a blast while waiting on their food. It wasn't too crowded at the time, so they weren't 'threatened' too much....
We also got to meet the newest addition to their family. 'Libby' is so cute and tiny. The kids just loved on her. Yeah, I guess I did a little also.












But, it was time to get back on the road to get home. Kids started school the day after Labor Day. We gave our hugs and kisses (and last minute pics) and were on our way. My sister Carol and I with Libby.

Vacation

Wow we had a full vacation. We started in New Jersey and drove to the ferry for Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty. After a few days, we headed to Maine. We ate lunch in Kennebunkport, Maine. Lunch tasted good, but I guess Will had some 'tainted' clams. He was really sick a few hours later. Here is Darby and Billy waiting for
their lunch.
Billy ordered
'chicken'.
In Maine eating chicken. Only Billy...
Once we knew Will was feeling better, we headed west to Niagara Falls. It is sooo beautiful and amazing. We took the boat tour and did the typical tourist stuff... and got soaked. I think everyone had a blast at the 'Cave of the Winds'.



We are at the base of the 'Cave of the Winds' on the hurricane deck. The water/wind is extremely powerful. You get soaked, even with the rainponcho. Luckily it was hot enough out that we dried rather quickly. We were sooo hungry after visiting Niagara Falls that we decided to take a quick trip to Buffalo and get some wings. We went to the Anchor Bar, where wings were 'invented'. Billy and I were wimpy and got mild. Darby and Will were much braver. Darby and Billy waiting for their wings (left) and at the Liberty Bell w/Independence Hall in the back(below).

We packed up the next day and headed south to Pa. Spent a day with my dad & mom, and finished our drive to Philly. Showed the kids Independence Hall, Liberty Bell and Betsy Ross House. The city has changed. The kids enjoyed hoagies. We got to eat hot dogs from a vendor, which the kids thought was way cool. Had cheesesteaks that night. My son is not my son, he didn't care for them. I think somewhere that is considered a sin. I was happy he tried it though. After all the driving, I was very happy to be home in my own bed. I think everyone missed home and their beds.

TKD Testing

Hello to all. We are currently in Virginia. Kids are about to start school!! YEAH!!! We are trying to not sit at home much. Whether we go to the movies, see family, or spend time with friends at pools/parks...etc. Everyone is doing well. We just had our current test last weekend. Billy is now a brown belt, Will & I are now purple belts. Darby did not test with us since she has her own test to do. She will be testing for her black belt (rec) on Sept 8. We are so proud of her. She does an awesome running jump kick. She can kick me in the head. Yes, it's that high. We are trying to convince her to tryout for the demo team. Billy is doing really well. His flips are coming along nicely. He should be testing for his black belt (rec) within the year. Here is a picture from testing day. It is great that we can do this as a family.