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Happy Birthday, Elizabeth

Today in history

Have a day ...

Five years ago today, I was concerned about my Florida friends who had endured several hurricanes the year before. Charley, Frances, and Ivan wreaked havoc all over that state in the summer of 2004. On this day five years ago, another one was headed her way: Hurricane Katrina. It's Friday. The Saints are hosting the Ravens in a preseason game in the SuperDome. That's what I'm thinking about. I'm also looking forward to our annual fantasy football draft that I'm hosting on Sunday at CrabAppleLane. Katrina is not a concern. She's headed to Florida, not Louisiana. Didn't think her weekend plans would interfere with mine at all.

Recently (7/25-8/8) Dan, Ashley, Nicole and I went on an amazing boat trip. We started out in the Apostle Islands (where we keep our boat), stopped at Grand Portage, MN; on to Thompson Island (near Thunder Bay); Thunder Bay, Ontario; Silver Islet, Ontario; Isle Royale (Michigan territory/state); Grand Marais, MN and then back to the Apostle Islands. We were sooooo lucky with the weather. We had rain a couple times in the evening after we were set for the night and stayed an extra day in Grand Marais, MN ‘cause the winds/waves would’ve been too uncomfortable (4-7 foot waves; 30knot winds)and some occasional fog; thank goodness for radar! We stayed on the boat the entire time; sometimes at a dock and sometimes at anchor. Here are some of the highlights. Grand Portage- Trading Post replica; Thompson Island-gorgeous waters, trails and a sauna!; Thunder Bay-Fort William (original fur trading post early 1800’s); Silver Islet, Ontario-one of the richest silver veins/mines in the late 1800’s; Isle Royale- remote island only accessible by ferry, personal boat or sea plane, many inlets, anchorages and trails. (http://www.nps.gov/isro/index.htm ); Grand Marais, MN-last stop before going “home” to the Apostle Islands, we lucked out and were able to spend time at the Fisherman’s Festival which is their annual summer celebration (mini-donuts, log rolling exhibition and street vendors). It would take me a long time to fill you in on all the details of the trip, but overall it was great being together (yes, we still talk to each other) and taking in all the beautiful sights. We are so fortunate to have been able to take such an amazing trip. Here are a few (of the hundreds) photos from the trip.

2.Thompson Island Lookout

We had another great FL vacation last week at the Waterscape Condos. in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. We went with Joey's family. Sue, Elizabeth, Christina, and I were all supposed to go earlier in July but I panicked back in June because of the oil, and we all cancelled that trip. Well, I'm sorry I did! Joey's family hadn't planned anything yet and decided at the last minute to go here so I gave in and said we could go. It was absolutely gorgeous the whole week! We did have a few tarballs on the bottom of the Gulf on one day, but otherwise it was perfect. All 3 kids loved the sand and the water. We had green or yellow flags every day and clear water on the first 3 days. After that it was a little seaweedy but it didn't bother anybody. I hope that BP continues to do everything they can to preserve our Gulf because I would be so sad to see this way of life changed!

The last picture is a picture of Joey's brother, Andy's arm. He was snorkeling in the Bahamas when he was attacked. He did not see the fish that did it, but said he felt something that was like someone punched him very hard in the arm and looked down to see that his arm was mangled and bleeding. He swam back to the beach (and no, he was not far off the beach at all!) and called for help. The doctor who stitched him up said that it was most likely a shark or barracuda that got him. He got 37 stitches inside and out. He has decided to tell everyone that it was a shark because "that sounds cooler." They were on a cruise when it happened and he said that he became a bit of a celebrity on the ship afterward. Everybody on the ship had heard about it and people would come up to him and start humming the "Jaws" music. They got off their ship on Sat. morning, saw a doctor, and then headed straight to FL to join us for our vacation. Joey and his other brothers rigged up a blow-up shark in our condo and when they arrived we all stood by the door and hummed the Jaws music under the blow-up shark. We just had to have a little fun with it!! He gets his stitches removed today and is expected to be just fine.

Fort Walton Beach, Florida - 2010

On this day – July 24

1948 Saw “Romance on the High Seas” again.
1949 Bought dress pattern and brown corduroy.
1950 Johnny and Bill came over.
1952 Went to Pop Concert with Jim Bridges.
1957 Robbie says da-da.
1958 Gave Robbie a haircut.
1959 Saw “Cat on Hot Tin Roof” and “Buccaneer.”
1960 Patrick James, Jr. born. 8 lbs 6 oz. Had a perm at
Josie's. Real fuzzy – Daddy called me “Orphan Annie.”
1961 Katie's naval cord dropped off – 13 days old.
1985 Bought girls Swatch watches, school shoes, and sox.
1987 Blood pressure 110/70; pulse 68.
1988 Braces for Angela and Christina.
1989 Picnic at Katie's for birthday boys Lars and Stephen.
1990 Had sigmoidoscopy. Everything is good.

Happy Independence Day

Got plans?

Happy Birthday, Laura

Have a day!

June 10 Fun Facts

This past weekend, Ashley and Nicole (and Dan) surprised me w/ a Segway tour in Minneapolis as an early birthday present. It was so much fun. At first, I thought for sure I was gonna fall and break my neck. However, after a bit of instruction and some practice time, we all got the hang of it and it was easy. We went to the Stone Arch Bridge, to the Mill City museum (just on the outside), the river walk area then over the Hennepin Avenue bridge to Boom Island, Nicollet Island and back to the Segway store. It was about a 2½ hour event. We got rained on a bit, but all in all it was a fabulous way to spend an afternoon. Next time anyone is looking for a fun tourist thing to do, I recommend the Magical History Tour. Just go to www.humanonastick.com. We celebrated my birthday with brunch before the tour w/ our friends Andy, Erin and Andy’s dad Sid. It was a great morning to sit outside and enjoy brunch (at Lord Fletcher’s on Lake Minnetonka). Dan also surprised me with a new bicycle. I have been lookin’ at buying one for a while as my old one was over 20 years old. Now to get the June rains to subside so I can get out and try it. All in all a fabulous 40 something birthday.

Fashion on a Segway

We had a crawfish boil on Sunday to celebrate Savannah's birthday. She didn't get any crawfish but she loved her cake. When we took the family picture, she reached out and grabbed her cake. I just wasn't quick enough to keep her out of it! So we quickly sang and then let her dive into the little cake I had for her. She's walking and talking! She says "baby" and "hi" along with "mama and dada." She has hit all of her milestones before her brothers did. However, they were much better sleepers and I'll take that any day over advanced talking and walking!

The boys took swimming lessons all last week and are doing great in the water. Savannah and I got to get in with them every day and she loved it! She's a little fish. She kicks when you tell her to and looks like an adorable little frog!

Savannah Marie is 1year old

I can't believe my baby is 2! He was born the day after Mother's Day two years ago. I was on bed rest so didn't get to go to Katie's house to celebrate. Instead, Phil baked a ham and macaroni and invited his mom and sister over to celebrate with us. My water broke early the next morning, 8 weeks premature. He had some developmental delays, all attributed to his prematurity and we were told not to worry because he should catch up by the time he turns 2 and for the most part he has. I can't wait to take him for his 2 year old check up to see how much he weighs. He didn't make the "normal" growth chart until he was 18 months old and even then he was only 5th percentile. I have no idea how much he weighs, it's been a really long time since he's seen a doctor. I guess I will forever share Mother's Day with him and eventually his birthday will probably be on Mother's Day. This year it's not until Wednesday (the 12th) but I'm not sure how we'll mark it since he's already blown out his candle and opened his presents! I would like to get a picture of him with a 2 year old sign but he's not very cooperative for the camera so we'll see.

We had everyone over here to celebrate. Phil grilled burgers and we had a seven layer dip, corn salsa, cream cheese with pepper jelly on it, and a fruit salad. The cake was from our favorite ice cream shop, Coldstone Creamery. Katie brought some of her delicious potato salad and Amy made cucumber salad. It was a delicious spread of food and a lot of fun to have everyone here. Jackson gave us a concert with his electric guitar. He's really starting to be a good player. Angela was here with just Samuel and Savannah, Joey stayed home with a sick Luke. David Clayton joined us after work. We had great weather and it was a really nice day

Jude's 2nd Birthday and Mother's Day 2010

Jude's 2nd Birthday and Mother's Day 2010

We celebrated Wyatt's birthday on May 1st at our house. I was amazed that a year had passed so quickly. The events of April 30, 2009 are so vividly etched in my mind that it seemed impossible for little Wyatt to already be celebrating his first birthday. A year ago, we were at Patrick's 16th birthday party when I was pretty certain that I was in labor. I thought I did a good job of keeping my feelings secret but Grandma Ferrara (in town for Patrick's confirmation and birthday) read my body language and knew something was up. When we got home from the party that night I let Stephen know what was going on and Wyatt was born during the early hours of the 30th...just in time for Grandma to see him before she caught her flight back to New Orleans.

Wyatt wore a little birthday outfit that was passed down to me from Christina (I believe) and he looked adorable. We had some dips for appetizers and Texas BBQ with fries for dinner. My sister's girls were here for the party and all of the toddlers ate at the "kiddie table." Nonnie volunteered to make Wyatt's birthday cake and it turned out perfect! She recently took a cake decorating class with her friend Delphine and as you can see, it paid off. I was so grateful and the cake looked fantastic.

Wyatt did very well opening and sharing his gifts with his 2 year old brother. Barrett inherently proclaimed, "MINE!" after each gift was opened. He thought for sure that all of those things must be for him.

Wyatt devoured his cake like a champ. He knew exactly what to do and all but inhaled the piece he was given. I am planning to investigate what he has been eating at Miss Beverly's.

Wyatt is excited about all of his new toys and books...we just have to keep Barrett at bay so Wyatt can enjoy them. Ugh!

Wyatt's First Birthday

Wyatt's First Birthday