Triple Trouble

Back to School

2012-08-29T08:29:00.001-05:00

That is right, school has started here in Panama City.

Todd Jr. is of to 5th grade and managing changing classes pretty well.

Grady is in 1st grade and loves his class.

Grant is back to the Pre K grind and providing his teachers with much entertainment.

The first day of school was a little stressful.

This was the view out of the front window of the van while waiting to get out in the flooded parking lot at school.

It has been a very wet summer.

I am over it.

Anyway, we finally made it inside.

Soggy socks and all.

The weather prevented lots of great photos and I had to take this one quickly.

Todd Jr. is too cool and had to get away from us as fast as was humanly possible.

Hope everyone has a great school year!

The End

2012-08-19T19:40:00.001-05:00

... of the Summer has arrived.

That is right, tomorrow morning the boys will rise early and head off to school.

This past week we have concluded our back to school preparations, including a trip to the dentist and hair cut for each boy.

And while school has not quite started, we are in full swing with football

Brothers all suited up and ready to hit!

Go Chargers!

For those of you wondering, Grady is loving it... as a matter of fact, he may be happier playing football than soccer... Who knew?

And here is baby brother chillin' on the sidelines, with his feet propped up on Miss Deadrea's cooler.

Actually the feet propping is a necessity... the ants out at the field are NASTY.

And there is Dat Dat...

Doing the coaching thing.

Isn't he cute!

Well, tomorrow is a big day... Todd Jr. is off to 5th grade and Grady to 1st.

Grant will be in Pre K 4 and Mommy will be at the school almost as often as the boys, volunteering and substitute teaching.

Here's hoping for a great year!

Pearls of Wisdom

2012-08-12T16:07:00.002-05:00

So, this morning after watching the drama unfold during the Olympic Marathon, the little boys and I decided to switch channels.

The choice this morning was the Food Network.

Grady loves to watch the different chefs cook.

This morning the Food Network Star we were watching was...

Rachel Ray.

It was her program Week in Day where she preps meals for a week.

Well, after we had watched for a while, Grady commenting every few minutes, "Mommy, we should make that," and Grant building random Potato Heads...

Grant, out of the blue says,

"Mommy, I know why there is a screen on the TV."

Then I, curious where this was going said, "Oh really, why?"

Grant, serious as ever replies, "So she can't throw food at us."

Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, gets past this boy.

Yes, that is broccoli, he and Grady fight over it.

No, Rachel Ray did not throw it at him.

Oh Grant...

2012-08-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

Grant (while staring at his reflection in the mirror:

"Mommy, I was wrong."

Rare statement from a child, I know.

Mommy: "About what?"

Grant: "Freckles."

You see, Grant had been picking on Todd Jr and Mommy about all their freckles and we tried to tell him he had them too.

He was in pigmentation denial.

I understand.

I tried to get rid of mine when I was little with lemon juice.

Don't ask.

Obviously it did not work.

Best Friends

2012-08-08T12:16:00.001-05:00

Todd and Miles.

Teammates, Classmates and Best Friends.

Are You Ready?

2012-08-07T14:54:00.001-05:00

Yes, it is that time again, Football Season!!!!

And this year, we have added a new player to the field.

That is right, this season, Grady Joe will be joining Todd Jr. in his favorite game.

Check out these handsome Lynn Haven Chargers.

We were really worried about how Grady would take to all the activity.

He has been a real champ. He even made it through the first night in a helmet with no tears.

We are so very proud of both our boys.

It is hard to believe how quickly the Summer has gone, we have all been so busy.

Todd Jr. went to the Jimbo Fisher Football Camp at Florida State.

Here is Todd with his roommate Ryan.

Coincidentally, Ryan is also a Lynn Haven Charger.

Here is Coach Fisher pumping up all the campers.

The coaches wasted no time getting the boys in motion.

Poor Todd, we knew he had a cough and had him on antibiotics, but little did we know he actually had pneumonia, glad camp was only a couple of days... oops.

The boys got to play both on the Seminoles practice field as well as Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium.

The little boys were troopers and enjoyed watching all that was going on.

Todd Jr. had a great time.

And no matter what, even after spending all that time at FSU...

And pictures with Renegade.

They are still little Gators at heart!

There was lots more activity... Visits to Meme and Foe Foe, Grammie and Dada, Beeka Beeka and Uncle David, Soccer Camps, VBS, Pop Warner Football Camp and 4 Weeks of substitute teaching this summer... only 2 more weeks til school starts....

My, how time flies..

Boxes

2012-02-23T08:11:00.000-06:00

Boxes

We use them to pack our treasures...

...and our junk.

To ship a special gift.

Businesses use them to ship their wares.

In our home there is a very special box.

Yes, this very nondescript box.

Hidden on a shelf in our closet...

behind a soccerballl and a backpack.

Why then, if it is so special, is it high on a shelf, hidden away?

No, not hidden, sheltered.

In it, the physical life of a child.

Our child.

Our daughter.

In this box are treasures too few, representing a life so short.

A pretty dress.

Cards... sympathy... so many beautiful words shared by so many... thank you all for each and everyone...

there were even a few cards from a shower just weeks before.

Books... about grief, loss and recovery.

And inside, another box.

This box, I have to tell you was a surprise.

Todd and I had received a call from Shands saying they had a box of Esme's things.

My reaction was mixed.

Hopeful, for some representation of her life.

But skeptical.

Esme had nothing, what could there possibly be?

The counselor met us in the Chapel at Shands and handed us the satin box.

She expressed her sympathies, and left us to explore it on our own.

Inside, the booties you see below.

When they brought us into the NICU to say goodbye, they had dressed her.

A delicate pink onesie with little flowers covering it... with matching booties.

There were hand prints, foot prints, and even a lock of dark hair.

While these items are few, Todd and I will treasure them always.

Below is Esme's Beanie Baby.

It was in her crib in the hospital in Tallahassee.

Today, there will be no boxes, wrapped and sealed with ribbons.

It is the same thing on this day each year.

But always, we will treasure the gift of our children, all of them.

Below is a song from the band Selah.

"I will Carry You"

The man singing, whose name happens to be Todd, and his wife,

lost their daughter just after she was born as well.

If you have the time, would you pause the media player on the blog and press play.

Just listen.

Happy Birthday Esme.

We love and miss you.

Thanks.

All our love,

The Harris Family

A Real Pain in the... Foot.

2012-01-20T12:20:00.001-06:00

So, I thought I would try to show you why the WDW Marathon was such a challenge this year.

(As if 26.2 miles is not challenge enough.)

I have a foot condition called Plantar Faciitis.

No, not warts.... people always ask me that.

Here is a diagram.

The top arrow is pointing to the Heel Bone.

The bottom arrow is a strained Plantar Fascia.

It hurts... like a... well, you know.

Along with this strain, I have a heel spur.

See that little hook coming off the bottom of the heel in the top illustration?

That is it.

It feels like a stake being driven through my foot.

Truth be told, this was probably not caused by running.

But standing, for long periods of time.

Think retail.

Personally, call me crazy, but I think the running helps... stretches my foot and all.

Running through the pain!

Remember, my sport is your sport's punishment.

LOL

Dat Dat, when I was on the stairs...

2012-01-19T06:30:00.000-06:00

...my bellybutton was hungry.

Tookie's say the funniest things.

Hair Loss

2012-01-18T06:30:00.000-06:00

So, the time has finally come.

Grady has waited a long time.

We convinced him to wait until Halloween.

And you have to admit, he was an AWESOME Thor!

But recently, the hair situation, has been a bit of a problem.

Kids have been making fun of him.

I say it is envy.

But who am?

Oh just his MOTHER!

Todd and I had even caught him pulling out strands recently.

So, that did it.

As beautiful as it was.

It was time to let the locks go.

So, off to Mr. Eddie's Barber Shop we went.

By the way, in the several times I have taken the boys to Mr. Eddie's, there has never been a Mr. Eddie there. In fact, on female barbers.

Curious.

Why all the pony tails?

A donations to Locks of Love, of course.

Such a handsome face.

A little off the back.

And the final product.

On a rather funny note, when we came home and called Grammie and Dada to let them know, Grady tucked his non existent hair behind his ear before putting the phone to it.

Too funny.

Miss the hair.

But Grady is Happy.

That is all that matters.

Don't Forget the .2

2012-01-17T21:25:00.000-06:00

I finally hijacked some photos from Dada's Facebook page!

First though, a few fun facts about the marathon from http://www.athensmarathon.com/

■The modern Athens Marathon commemorates the run of the soldier Pheidippides from a battlefield at the site of the town of Marathon, Greece, to Athens in 490 B.C.

■Legend has it that Pheidippides delivered the momentous message "Niki!" ("victory"), then collapsed and died.

■The Athens Marathon is recognized as the original marathon course and it's the same course used in the 2004 Olympics held in Athens.

■The first modern Olympic games were held in 1896 in Greece.

■The legend of Pheidippides was honored by a 24.85 mile (40,000 meters) run from Marathon Bridge to Olympic stadium in Athens.

■Athens Stadium, the finish line for the Athens Marathon stands on the site of a stadium used in classical times.

■Spiridon Louis, a Greek postal worker, won the first modern Marathon with a time of 2 hours, 58 minutes, 50 seconds, an average pace of 7:11 minutes per mile.

■At the 1908 Olympic Games in London, the marathon distance was changed to 26.2 miles to cover the ground from Windsor Castle to White City Stadium, with the 2.2 miles added on so the race could finish in front of royal family's viewing box. This added two miles to the course, and is the origin of the Marathon tradition of shouting "God save the Queen!" (or other words relating to the Queen) as mile post 24 is passed.

I imagine I may have also wanted to hurl a few insults to the Queen.

Check out my handsome husband with a very proud Grammie...

All our boys... so proud of Dat Dat!

Putting on Compression Socks... 26.2 takes a toll!

Me, in serious pain, but overwhelmed and relieved.

SERIOUS BLING!

My Rock, My Hero, My Husband... holding me up and being there for me even when he was just as tired. Gotta love him!

Swim felt so good.

But the sangria was better:)

Up bright and early again to take on the Magic Kingdom.

Had an AMAZING time and cannot wait to do it again.

We Did It!

2012-01-13T10:59:00.001-06:00

Well, the Holidays have come and gone.

And the boys have returned to school.

But there was so much that happened!

Todd Jr required an application of superglue to his head... Don't ask!

Santa brought a PS3 for the boys, and life will never be the same again.

Meme and Foe Foe have left the Big Easy and returned to the Alabama Coast... they even came over for Christmas day!

And finally after another year of training... and a few bouts of pain, we returned to the Walt Disney World Resort to take on the Goofy Race and a Half Challenge.

First, we visited with Grammie and Dada in Tampa...

We even got to spend some special time with Great Grandad and Gigi...

Also, while in Tampa the boys had a great time with their cousins, Kati, Timmy, Sarah and Jessica!

When we arrived at WDW we made our way to the ESPN Wide World of Sports to pick up our race packets and check out the EXPO.

Then, first thing Friday morning, was Todd Jr's race.

He and his Uncle Cory ran the Family Fiesta 5K.

Unfortunately, the photo with Uncle Cory was seriously blurry, you wil have to check out facebook to see the others from that race!

We were so proud of them both!

And yes, Todd "won"!

Grant waiting for Todd and Cory to Star their run.

Next, bright and early on Saturday morning was the 1/2 Marathon (13.1 miles)!

And Woody and Jessie were on the scene...

Tutu's and all....

Todd was a HUGE HIT!!!

Here we are around the 1/2 way point of the race getting our photo in front of the Castle!

The Gang's all here!

There was only .1 left to go!

Until the next day when there was another 26.2 more.

Sadly, I had no pics on our camera of this day.

I have to say though, I am so proud of Todd... he did an amazing job... 4hrs 37min for the Full Marathon!

Mine was not nearly as impressive and I will be honest at mile 10 I considered throwing in the towel.

But, despite the stake that was being driven through my right foot, I made it in plenty of time and with lots of tears! (Heel spurs and Plantar Faciitis SUCKS!!)

I will get some photos from Dada to upload on the next post.

Speaking of Dada and Grammie....

Thank you so much again for taking such good care of our boys while we were running.

You are AMAZING and take such good care of us.

BTW, Grant is still talking!

We love you!!!!!!!!

As always, the experience was fantastic, funny and full of memories!

Thanks Walt.

Withdrawals

2011-12-08T06:08:00.000-06:00

Pop Warner Football Season is over.

And our oldest is experiencing SERIOUS withdrawals!

On October 29 the Lynn Haven Chargers had their Bowl Game in Tallahassee.

They did not win...

But it was an AMAZING game!

Best part...

Near the end of the game, Todd Jr was lined up as a Running Back.

Todd Jr is NEVER at Running Back.

Dada asked me why Todd was there and did I think they were going to give Todd the ball...

I said No.

As much as I wanted Todd to get the ball, I just didn't think it was in the cards.

And then,

Holy Cow, they handed the ball off to Todd.

Go number 15!!!!!

I screamed like an out of control and out of her mind mother.

And totally missed filming or taking a photo.

But I am working on acquiring it.

And I kept screaming and being out of control 2 more times.

He did awesome.

Offensive Coach said he should have given Todd the ball a long time ago.

It was an amazing season... we are so proud of all the boys!

Good Friends... Mattias, Todd and Miles.

Todd insisted that his Birthday Cake be Chargers.

He carries around a football everywhere he goes.

I am pretty sure he has one in his desk at school.

He sleeps with one.

He watches games with his Dat Dat all the time and is beginning to sound exactly like him.

"You Gotta Catch That Ball, SON!"

This is often screamed at the TV... by both Todd's.

Anybody know of a good spring or summer football camp?

How many more days til next years season?

Happy Halloween?

2011-12-07T11:07:00.000-06:00

Yes, I know it is a little late...
But here are all my handsome Heroes!!!

Todd Jr. decided to be Green Lantern since we could not find a Turtle Costume in his size.

We went to our friend Deadrea's house to Trick or Treat and at one point we encountered another Green Lantern.... Deadrea almost lost an arm when she tried to corral the wrong one... Thanks for watching out for our boys Deadrea!!!!

Dat Dat got in on the action as well... My Pirate Hero!

Could there be a cuter Captain America... our friend Sha'vona found another Captain America and tried to claim that one.... so glad we have good friends trying to make sure we have all our little ones with us... Don't worry, everybody ended up in the right place.

Thor...with red hair.

He is ready to cut it.

I may be too.

Waiting til 10 inches for Locks of Love.

Such fun!

Thanks to Grammie and Dada for visiting and taking photos.

Just wish we had gotten one of you!

Happy Halloween

The Big 10!

2011-10-27T09:13:00.000-05:00

Ten years ago today, at 5:15am EST...

A very special boy came into our lives.

Now, I was in love with two men... luckily they had the same name...

I know you have see the last few years on this blog with lots of photos of the boys, but today I was able to dig up some oldies but goodies of our first born.

Enjoy... and please join us in wishing Todd Jr a Very Happy 10th Birthday!

Todd's first meal... I think it was green bean... Yummy!

What a cutie.

A Gator fan from the start!

I bet your feet aren't this cool...

All the boys have loved these "shoes" and I still have them.

Todd's first Popsicle, Courtesy of cousin Sonny!

Happy First Birthday... what a mess!

Pool time!

A visit to City Park in New Orleans with Meme and Foe Foe... Pre-Katrina!

Dancing at Aunt Grace's wedding... He had the best time!

Such a good big brother.

He was so excited! Just don't ask him about it now.

Mommy and Dat Dat love you Todd.

Happy Birthday!

Finally....

2011-10-19T10:12:00.000-05:00

... a new post.

To say that I have hardly had a moment, is an understatement.

Lots and Lots going on here.

Let's see...

Soccer season has ended...

Grady finally scored his first and second goals...

No, I did not capture a photo or video, I was screaming like a chicken with my head cut off.

So excited I, well I.. um, okay, I have had 4 children and 3 C sections... I imagine what that does to one's bladder... you get the picture.

This is a photo from his last game... These are friends from his last two seasons... we were excited to play their team... it was fun cheering for all the kids!

Gotta love him!

Football season is coming to an end and for those of you who happened to miss it, Todd Jr made the news..

Todd Harris Makes a Big Hit!

He has been doing an amazing job!

There are not many tackles he cannot make... it is pretty amazing to watch!

Wish you could all catch a game.

Our youngest trouble maker, not wanting to be left out has been up to lots as well.

Like ensuring Todd and Grady's school has a good evacuation plan.

And how do you do that?

Well, you pull the fire alarm, of course!

Ah... Boys!

Also, almost exactly one year after my Grandfather passed away, we lost my Grandmother, Nana.

She was a wonderful Grandmother, who lived her life with grace and beauty.

I will miss her always.

Alzheimers is a cruel monster.

Love you, Nana

Where were you on that September day?

2011-09-11T20:57:00.000-05:00

Do you remember?

How can you forget.

10 years.

Like so many things, it seems like a lifetime ago and as if it were yesterday, all at the same time.

I did not nor do not personally know any of the victims, survivors, loved ones or heroes of that day but like many of you, I met with my own personal struggle on that day and the days, weeks and months to follow.

On September 11, 2001 I was scheduled to work a very early shift at the Disney Store in the Governor's Square Mall in Tallahasse, where we were living at the time.

I had to be there at 7am, if you know anything about Disney, you know they are all about the "SHOW" and processing shipment boxes while we were open was a big NO NO!

I always liked these shifts because we got to see all the new merchandise first.

I remember that morning, I felt particularly large... like many mornings during that time.

(This photo was taken a few weeks before Sept. 11)

Todd Jr on the inside!

I cannot believe I am posting this photo.

Anyway, all the boxes were unpacked, product was place and the store was cleaned.

As we were preparing for store opening, counting registers, etc., the phone began to ring.

It was Todd, he was telling me a plane had hit one of the twin towers in New York.

I remember not being able to wrap my brain around what he was saying.

With of course so little information at that early time, I left the conversation sure that it must have been a small plane, off its course, with an inexperienced or ill pilot.

I shared what I had been told with our store manger, Tanya, and to be honest we got back to work.

Soon, the phone began ringing again.

Of course, you know what they were telling us.

Tanya and I felt like we were in a bubble.

We finally remembered we had an emergency hurricane kit with a radio in it.

At this point, the "show" was certainly broken when we opened our doors as we were glued to the radio...

Soon, the mall was told to close and all personnel had to leave.

We were less than a mile away from the state Capitol and the Governor's residence.

Remember at that time our Governor was the President's brother.

And again, like most of you, I spent the rest of the day glued to the television, hoping that maybe if I changed the channel just one more time, the story might change.

It did not.

The helpless feeling was overwhelming and I imagined all those watching and waiting to hear from loved ones who may have been affected by what happened.

Feeling for those peope who had lost ones they loved and cared for so deeply.

It was something I could hardly imagine.. losing a parent, grandparent, sibling...... their child.

I was fearful for the life growing inside me.
What kind of world were we bringing this child into?
To be honest this is something I still struggle with.

However, each day I continue to be thankful for my family... and our freedom.

CHARGE!!!!

2011-09-07T11:41:00.000-05:00

Wow! What an amazing start to Football Season!

The Lynn Haven Chargers had an fantastic Jamboree.

They were all so excited and each of the boys had lots of opportunities on the field!

Here they are getting ready to rush the field.!

Team Captains running off the field... yep, that is #15 leading the pack!

Todd's Best Friend, Miles.... waiting on the kickoff return team.

(Okay, just let me say... NO MAKING FUN OF ME!

Yes, I have been a football Mom for almost 4 years, but I still cannot get it all straight... so just go with it, or call Dat Dat and he can translate my inept ramblings!)

Lining up for a kick off!

Todd and his team getting set up for another kick off!

There they go!

Todd took flight after he kicked the ball.

Yes I know the film is shaky.. hope you took some dramamine.

Get 'em Todd!

Check out #15!

... and the kid with the ball...

.... you better believe Todd took him OUT!!!!!

Really, the whole team was amazing, but as his parents, we were really excited for Todd Jr.

As you can tell, he is the team's kicker and he did really well.

I know he is only 9 but it was really neat to watch him on the kicking line, getting set up, communicating and leading the team... he is really in his element.

He had 2 HUGE Tackles!

And he SACKED the QUARTERBACK!!!!!!

Their first official game is this Saturday in Tallahassee.

ROAD TRIP!

Miles' mom and I are already painting our nails navy with lightning bolts and packing the cooler with lots of goodies!!!!

So proud of the Mitey Mite Lynn Haven Chargers... what a great group of young men!!!!

And not to forget the JR PeeWees!!! Go Chargers!

Football Baby!!!!!

2011-09-03T10:10:00.000-05:00

Time to slip on your favorite jersey...

That's right, it is FOOTBALL SEASON!!!

The boy's school kicked it off yesterday by having a Jersey day...

And, of course, our boys participated

Grady was representing the Gators.

And, Todd Jr went as Tim Tebow.

Dat Dat even got in on the action.

Today is Todd Jr's Jamboree and there was lots of excitement getting ready.

How Handsome!!

Check out the number!

I love this one.

Smile Baby!!!

Todd Jr and his favorite coach... mine too!

So, the boys and I are off to the game...

We will post an update later...

Have a Great Day!!!

Go Chargers!!!

And also...

to all my friend in Tallahassee,

Working in Garnet & Gold, or sitting in Doak....

GO GATORS!!!!!!!

This Chomp is for you!

Love you!

Tookie Time!!!!!!

2011-08-25T14:00:00.000-05:00

Now, it is Grant's turn...

Tookie's Cookie

There is a young boy whose parents call him Tookie

His very favorite treat is a chocolate chip cookie

Yes, he is a sweet dimple-cheeked boy

Who does smile when receiving a book or a toy

Every once in while a sugar cookie with a sprinkle

Can make his big blue eyes twinkle

But it is a chocolate chip cookie

That makes for a very happy Tookie

Shot on location at our local, very friendly, Lynn Haven Publix..

As I have mentioned before... If you don't have a Publix... well, let's just put it this way... it is hard to live with out... Right, Aunt Grace?

First Day of Kindergarten!

2011-08-24T12:44:00.000-05:00

Today was the day.

Grady Joe started Kindergarten.

Sigh.

He was so excited.

He woke up without issue... took a shower... got dressed... ate breakfast... posed for photos... and smiled... Lots and lots of smiles!

His teacher, Mrs. Boles is wonderful, she is a little nervous about the shots, but she will get the hang of it.

And in honor of Grady Joe on his first day of school....

A Poem...

And you thought I only wrote one for Todd...

Grady Joe

We have a boy named Grady Joe

Who loves to put on a show

He dreams one day of being a football player

Or possibly the Mayor

His flowing hair is red

It's messy when he gets up from bed

His right eye is sparkling blue

Coincidentally, the left one happens to be that color too

He has dimples in his cheeks

They get deeper when he speaks

He really is a lot of fun

Smiling and Loving Everyone.

Don't Believe Everything You Read!

2011-08-23T10:02:00.000-05:00

You hear it all the time.

Celebrities say it about tabloid rumors.

Doctors tell you the Internet is not the appropriate place to "self diagnose."

However, dietitians and nutritionists tell us all the time to read the nutritional information on prepackaged foods.

Well, I am here to say... don't believe every box label you read.

Dat Dat and I are always on the hunt for different items to try and we have to be creative with what we feed/pack for lunch for Grady.

Last night we went to Walmart and found these...

We wanted to be able to pack some small treat for the boys.

The following picture is the nutritional information printed on the side of the box,

Next, a photo of the individual package.

And now a photo of the back of the individual package with the nutritional information...

Okay, sorry the photo is sideways.

But, do you see what I see?

Now I will be honest, it is not the end of the world.

But we do add up the carbs in order to know how much insulin to give our son.

(Remember Grady is a Type 1 Diabetic, this is not controlled by diet. His body currently has limited amounts of insulin and he will likely be without it at all someday... and the only way to treat it is to replace it with more insulin and monitor his blood sugars... Type 2 is a whole different ballgame and is often treated with diet, oral medications and sometimes insulin as well... and yes, you can even be both... Type 1 and Type 2... God forbid.)

So, every carb and unit of insulin counts.

So yes, read your labels, but take it with a grain of salt.

Just remember you might need to up the sodium on label if you do.

BTW, I am pregnant.

Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Don't believe everything you read!

First Day of School!

2011-08-22T11:02:00.000-05:00

Yep, today was the day...

Summer is OVER!

Todd Jr. started back to school today.

I think he was a little nervous, but glad to be headed back.

Luckily, there are several students from his 3rd grade class, so he seemed to feel right at home when I dropped him off at his classroom.

Hope everyone else is having a good Back to School Season.

Grady starts on Wednesday, so we will update you then!

Todd Jr.

2011-08-18T11:43:00.001-05:00

Before you read the following post...

Please note that fits of boredom at work may bring strange results.

Todd Jr.

Todd Jr is our first born son

And all he wants to do is run

He is quite a little athlete

We must own every kind of cleat

What sport? He plays them all

However, his favorite must be football

But soccer is the game

That seems to bring him fame

And while he is always on the go

We just want him to know

We love him with all our heart

We have, you know, right from the very start

(Ha... I am a poet and didn't know it... yes, I know I am terrible!)

Nostalgia...

2011-08-17T08:59:00.000-05:00

So, in my blatant lack of posting,

I never got a chance to wrap up our Tampa Trip.

Well, as I am sure you can imagine, we did have a great time.

We played with the cousins at Grammie and Dada's Playground.

We raced across the "field"

We danced.

Uncle Todd hijacked Kati's cell phone!

We splashed at the pool!

We monkeyed around with Grammie and Dada.

By the way... Grammie and Dada, YOU ROCK!

Todd had the most amazing time!

Thank you so much for everything.

Grammie tried to whip Grady's hair into shape!

We chased the cats.

Only kidding, Grammie!

And after an emotional goodbye...

We headed to Orlando.

Todd Sr. had to go to work at an office there for a few hours.

And after we picked him up, we headed to a most MAGICAL place.

Downtown Disney.

Look, you take what you can get when you only have a couple of hours.

As always, every time we cross that "line" onto Disney property, my heart soars.

Visiting is always emotional for me.

I spent a huge chunk of my life living and breathing Walt Disney World.

Heck, I even still say "we" when speaking about the place.

It is something that is hard to escape.

Not that I would want to.

Just sad we did not have a little more time to visit the parks.

In January... and then we will be racing through all four parks.

No really, racing.

Only @ 140 days left.

Goofy Challenge here we come!!!!!!!