Jay Promotes to Red Belt!

Cole's Possible Careers

Written on the back of a Brixx menu when we went out to eat:

1. Judge

2. Author

3. Planetary geologist

4. Police department

5. Detective

6. Lawyer

7. Jury

8. Scientist

9. Artist

10. Explorer

11. Inventor

12. Astronomer

Disney!

We had a great time at Disney World this year. We spent a day at Magic Kingdom, then another at Hollywood Studios. Our hotel was in the All Star Movies Resort and the boys were relieved to stay at the Toy Story complex and not a princess one.

We can't stop for a picture now!

Trapped by the evil emperor Zurg!

Log Ride. Love that Jay is smiling!

The new Star Wars ride was a favorite at Hollywood Studios.

Finally, a family photo at Hollywood Studios!

Jay was selected to be the torch holder at the Pirates of the Caribbean show. He took the role very seriously. 

Jay's Loose Tooth

Sooooooo loose, but not falling out!

Finally!

Thanksgiving 2012

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Yingy and Grandpa Pat. They were able to stay the entire week that the boys had off from school. We had a delicious feast with lots of wine in delicate new Riedel glasses since the set Dad bought his last visit had all been broken. We had a few close calls with the new glasses when ninja warriors, jedi masters, and karate fighters fought fierce battles in the family room. One night we got a babysitter and went into Charleston for a wonderful dinner at Husk, my new favorite restaurant. The best part of the meal was the gluten-free corn bread! We also went to the Hunley Museum. The Hunley is a Civil War submarine that was the first sub to successfully sink a battleship. None of the men on board survived and the sub had been lost at sea until it was discovered in 1995. The history and conservation methods are fascinating. Overall, there was much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!

The Master Chef

Jay (and multiple glasses of wine)

I may never get a decent picture of Cole again!

Climbing into the full-scale model of the Hunley

Inside the Hunley

Our Little Neighborhood Hero

The other night, Rob and the boys were playing soccer in the back yard. Jay heard a strange noise that he said "sounded like fire." They went to investigate and the neighbor's AC unit was on fire (the house two doors down, next to Ronnie's). Rob said the flames were about as tall as he is, and there was thick black smoke filling the air. Jay ran back to our house and told me there was a fire outside. After my initial heart attack, he assured me it wasn't our house.

Rob called 911 and soon two firetrucks with lights flashing and two fire station SUVs pulled up. Thankfully, they were able to put out the fire before it spread. I imagine if it had burned longer, the house would have caught fire too.

The man who lives there was home, but in the garage so he didn't hear Rob knocking. It was only when a fireman burst into the house and yelled that he realized there was a problem.

Later that evening, he came over to say thanks and shake Jay's hand. The next day Jay was excited to tell his class all about it (actually he wanted me to tell), so I went into the classroom with him and told the story. Unfortunately, everyone was busy with morning work, so there wasn't much of a reaction.

All in all, a very exciting evening for us!

Jay Sparring

Robyn sent me a sweet, adorable video of Sophia at ballet class. To prepare her for when Noah gets a little older, here's The Joys of My Boys equivalent...