Back to Normal.

I haven't posted in a bit.  We had a rough week last week--sneezy kids and mommy and daddy had strep.  I've never seen Big Man so sick as he was last week.  Lucky for us, the kids didn't get it.  So, now that we are back to normal, here's a little update.  Tommy has been cutting a mouthful of teeth.  He's been a little fussy from time to time, but I would be too if 8 teeth were trying to pop out of my gums all at once.

We've turned into a creative little bunch.  Dani and Tori love to sit for hours and draw and color.  Dani drew this last week--she said it was our family.  I expressed concern that there were only four people in it.  She pointed them all out, "This is Dani, Tori, Daddy, and Mommy, with Tommy in her belly".  So, she didn't forget anyone after all.

I thought the one below was a teddy bear, but Dani said it is her and daddy.  Every day, the kid does and says things that absolutely amaze me.  I should do a better job of writing it all down.  Tonight at dinner, we were having spaghetti, which was cut up for her and Tori.  When she had finished her bowl, she asked for more, but not cut, "like mommy and daddy have it".  We gave her some, with a fork, and watched as she twirled the spaghetti around the fork, and put it in her mouth.  Then she'd grab a napkin and wipe her face, after each bite.  When she finished, she proudly showed off her belly and remarked to us that she had been careful and there was no sauce on her shirt.  She was so proud of herself!  I'm ashamed to admit that when I was putting the girls to bed, Dani said something so brilliant that I scooped her up, and told her I was so proud of what a smart little girl she is...however, I cannot remember what the heck she said.  Bad mommy.

And some things are just silly, because they are, the frank observations of an almost four year old.  Watching Sportscenter last week, Dani notices Herman Edwards doing some commentary.  She gets very serious and leans over to me, "Mommy, do you know who that is?"  I tell her I can't remember (because his name was escaping me), and she leans over and says earnestly, "Its the president."

And, Tori, she's the comic relief as always.  She wanted to show me how much she was enjoying her broccoli.

We took the family to the opening of a veteran's park this weekend.  The girls had fun--there were planes flying overhead, and lots to see.

Tori loved the planes!  And there were flocks and flocks of geese overhead as well that just captivated the kids.

Tommy was a little harder to manage.  He's not a fan of the stroller, so Big Man had to miss most of the ceremony, and instead corralled Tommy in the ballfield, where he could just run and run.

Tales from the DNC: Day 4, and the long trip home.

The main night of the convention was supposed to be in the outdoor stadium where the Carolina Panthers play; I had managed to get my folks tickets to hear the President's speech.  But, we kept having rainstorms in the afternoon--heavy ones.  I started to dread the though of sitting in a stadium for 5 hours in the rain.  Since the forecast was severe, the powers that be decided to keep the current location, and not move to the larger venue for the night the President was speaking.  As you might have guessed, with security like it was, we didn't exactly get curbside dropoff.  There were charter buses for delegates, but they could never get closer than 5 blocks or so from where we needed to be.  On Thursday, the big night, we got in the bus and it started to downpour.

 

Honestly, the rain made me feel a little better because all the folks who no longer had tickets probably understood.  And then, a miracle!  In the 20 minutes it took my shuttle to get me to the arena, the clouds parted and the sun came out--so I didn't get wet!

There were TONS of cool things...great speakers, music.  James Taylor, Mary J. Blige, and the Foo Fighters played live.  Big Man loves the Foo Fighters!

Great speeches--John Kerry found a sense of humor--he has apparently finished licking his wounds from 2004, and gave a kick ass speech.  The NY Delegation had a famous guest--Sandra Lee from Food TV (she dates Governor Cuomo).

Michelle Obama introduced the President, and we all just listened, and got inspired!  Because of the last minute move of venue, we didn't have the typical balloon drop--instead we had confetti launchers!  It was the most amazing, energetic crowd, full of hope and excitement!

And I was there, a part of it!

And another late night, and it was time to come home.  Thank GOD I booked an afternoon flight.  Due to volume it was recommended we get to the airport at least 3 hours early.  I took the noon shuttle for a 4:30pm flight...wasn't too bad, and had time to surf the web and relax at the airport--if you've ever been to the Charlotte Airport--it's really pretty lovely; lots to do, eat, and see.  My local news station met me at the airport for a story...I was quick, because after 6 days, all I wanted to do was get home to my family.  I missed them!

Tommy enjoying the slinkys I bought for Dani and Tori.  I swear, they all grew inches while I was gone.  It was a long time to have been away--sure we Skyped, and talked, but I didn't kiss my kids or my husband for six days!  I made up for it today!  Happy to be home, but thrilled with my experience.

Obama!

President Obama was in the region today, and I scored a last minute ticket. I've been at events with former presidents, and with the sitting vice president, but never the president. Jill Biden and President Obama came together, and my former employer, Congressman Tonko got to ride with them on Air Force One. I took some video, but am way too tired to post it. More tomorrow.
I totally had camera envy today--I want a better camera! Need more zoom! Here's a grainy photo, but still, a photo, I took, of the President, with only 3x zoom...I was only about 50 feet away!

And, then I get to come home to cuteness!

I'm proud of America today.

Last night I stayed up to hear Obama's speech, as I have on most primary nights during the election.

I'm inspired. I'm proud.

I am happy that in December I will give birth to a mixed-race baby who will be born into a country which believes he can be anything, even president. Because he will believe it, and he will be capable of it.

My lawn sign goes up tomorrow morning.

My "McCain, Bush's Third Term" stickers (100) are on the way, and will be distributed. Obama '08!