Whew... what a whirlwind! We are back in VA after a quick trip all around the southeast. I have a TON of pictures and have been trying to decide how to post them all. I think I'm going to try to stick with simple chronological order, even though that puts Christmas off for a few posts (sorry!). Just think... Christmas pictures in January! :)
A few days before meeting up in Atlanta, Nicole and Brayden went to The Florida Aquarium with Aunt Jen and Ethan! They saw fish, sharks, and stingrays (among other things). Brayden has taken to calling Ethan "Eee!" He had such a great time with his cousin (and I think a little of the "Eee" rubbed off on Ethan -- Ethan's started saying it when he sees pictures of himself). Too funny! Here are some pictures of the boys around the aquarium:
After all the watching, it was time to play!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Ready for Christmas
Thank you all for your prayers on Friday. We had a safe and wonderful trip to Atlanta and wanted to show you that everything came out well!
I haven't had a chance to edit together a nice Atlanta spread, but it will come. I'll likely have Christmas out first, but I'm sure we can get more from this past week (with Brayden and Nicole in Florida, too!).
We wish you all a very blessed Christmas! We love you!
I haven't had a chance to edit together a nice Atlanta spread, but it will come. I'll likely have Christmas out first, but I'm sure we can get more from this past week (with Brayden and Nicole in Florida, too!).
We wish you all a very blessed Christmas! We love you!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Party in Atlanta!
I'm sorry to report that I haven't been sent any pictures of Brayden from Florida to post. BUT, I'm thrilled because I get to see my family tomorrow!! We'll be reunited after a VERY long week and a half. Why, you ask? For my ordination! I'm getting extremely excited now. We had a day-long retreat today in preparation for the ceremony tomorrow. I'm sure there will be pictures, along with many of Brayden from this past week. Until then, here's my ordination announcement for your pleasure. Be thinking of all of us over the next two days of traveling!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Down in Lakeland
Nicole and Brayden have been down in Florida for almost a week, with many fun things to do! While Nic was in a wedding over the weekend, Brayden hung out in Lakeland with the grands and great-grands. Even though Gigi (my mom) setup quite the play room - a bunch of things from her kindergarten classroom of old - they still took Brayden to the local Children's Museum, Explorations V. He had such a great time!
As if the Children's Museum wasn't enough, B got another ride with Gido on the lawnmower. This reminds me of being a kid (I used to do this with him, too). Maybe I can get a picture of it...
I miss you, family!! See you on Friday!
As if the Children's Museum wasn't enough, B got another ride with Gido on the lawnmower. This reminds me of being a kid (I used to do this with him, too). Maybe I can get a picture of it...
I miss you, family!! See you on Friday!
It's still Advent
I preached last Sunday, the 3rd Sunday of Advent, and wanted to share it with you. If you have a chance to read the sermon, please let me know what you think! As always, it's better heard than read (so perhaps you can read aloud to yourself!). ;)
Monday, December 10, 2007
Dinner with the Fischers
A couple nights ago, we got together with our friends, the Fischers. They're also from Atlanta and just had their first son, Charles IV, 3 months ago. We saw Charles right after he was born, but haven't since. It was about time! We went to one of their favorite restaurants, Faccia Luna, with fantastic Italian food. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-burning, stone oven that made the crusts perfectly crispy. Yum!
Here is a picture of Charles IV with his dad, Charles III. Charles the Elder is a 2nd-year seminarian at VTS.
As the caption above indicates, we've been working on teaching Brayden about "new babies." He has a great book about a big brother welcoming home a little sister (perfect!) and it's all about "what you can do with a new baby." I think he'll enjoy looking at Charles IV on the blog and yelling, "Baby!" ;)
Here is a picture of Charles IV with his dad, Charles III. Charles the Elder is a 2nd-year seminarian at VTS.
As the caption above indicates, we've been working on teaching Brayden about "new babies." He has a great book about a big brother welcoming home a little sister (perfect!) and it's all about "what you can do with a new baby." I think he'll enjoy looking at Charles IV on the blog and yelling, "Baby!" ;)
Friday, December 07, 2007
It's Cold!!
It snowed! ...a bunch! We were supposed to have "up to an inch" of snow on Wednesday, but it snowed more than 3. Beth, one of our friends from upstate NY, said that she thought about sending out an email to all of the shocked and awed southerners on campus saying something like, "Since it'll be cold soon..." Haha -- yes, I'm from the south, but 3+ inches in a few hours is still a decent amount of snow.
But... I don't have any pictures of it. Sorry about that. Instead, here are two final pictures from the Thanksgiving trip. I'll have some great ones soon of tonight's dinner with our friends, the Fischers (especially of their 3-month-old, Charles).
But... I don't have any pictures of it. Sorry about that. Instead, here are two final pictures from the Thanksgiving trip. I'll have some great ones soon of tonight's dinner with our friends, the Fischers (especially of their 3-month-old, Charles).
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Other holiday happenings
Plenty more happened in Pittsburgh than what's been shown, so here we go with a long photo-show:
We had lots of fun with Gido and Gigi, including fountains at the mall
Before the weather turned, here is what was happening in the backyard.
Then this happened... and we weren't playing in quite the same way.
Inside, it was still nice and toasty. Even though this was Brayden's second Thanksgiving, this was his first Thanksgiving MEAL! He ate up, oh yeah...
...and when you don't have everyone together all the time, there comes a point when one must take the obligatory family photo. There was actually one that was taken of EVERYone, but this was the first -- just the cousins.
The end of the holiday trip closed with Nancy and Matthew's Engagement Party, thrown by Sito and Aunt Annette (et al!) for an estimated 100+. It was a great time, and included, of course, gifts. I thought this pic was great -- catching Brayden in the act!
We had lots of fun with Gido and Gigi, including fountains at the mall
Before the weather turned, here is what was happening in the backyard.
Then this happened... and we weren't playing in quite the same way.
Inside, it was still nice and toasty. Even though this was Brayden's second Thanksgiving, this was his first Thanksgiving MEAL! He ate up, oh yeah...
...and when you don't have everyone together all the time, there comes a point when one must take the obligatory family photo. There was actually one that was taken of EVERYone, but this was the first -- just the cousins.
The end of the holiday trip closed with Nancy and Matthew's Engagement Party, thrown by Sito and Aunt Annette (et al!) for an estimated 100+. It was a great time, and included, of course, gifts. I thought this pic was great -- catching Brayden in the act!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Holiday Reading
Over the Thanksgiving trip to PA, Brayden took along his favorite things -- including books! He loves to read (by himself!) and have the books read to him. The family was happy to oblige. Here are some of the reading moments over the holiday:
One of his favorite books (at the very bottom) is Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?
...and with Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (plus Mr. Brown, again!)
I'm not sure of the exact title of this book, but it's about bringing home a New Baby. Brayden is beginning to learn about new babies. Now when we read books with babies, we always ask things like "where is the new baby?" He enthusiastically responds with a big "There!"
I told you he loves that book!
One of his favorite books (at the very bottom) is Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?
...and with Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (plus Mr. Brown, again!)
I'm not sure of the exact title of this book, but it's about bringing home a New Baby. Brayden is beginning to learn about new babies. Now when we read books with babies, we always ask things like "where is the new baby?" He enthusiastically responds with a big "There!"
I told you he loves that book!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
18 Months, and all's well
Brayden had his 18-month checkup today, and everything looks good! He's almost completely clear of all that has been aching him over the last month. (In fact, we're all much better!) Brayden measured in at 25 lbs. 4 oz. (25%) and over 36 in. long (WAY over 95%). I think that measurement's a little high. I measured him between 35 and 35.5 in., but no matter -- even as low as 34.5 in. is still in the 95%. Tall boy.
To celebrate his health, I thought I should toss up a few more pictures from the holiday weekend.
In the back yard:
On the jungle gym in the back yard:
And perhaps... looking for the backyard?
I love that picture -- definitely going in some embarrassing slide show in his later years!
To celebrate his health, I thought I should toss up a few more pictures from the holiday weekend.
In the back yard:
On the jungle gym in the back yard:
And perhaps... looking for the backyard?
I love that picture -- definitely going in some embarrassing slide show in his later years!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Our trip to PA
We're back from a great Thanksgiving trip to Pittsburgh. We spent the holiday with the Giratas at my Sito's* house. The whole gang was there, including over 100 people for Nancy's engagement party on Friday. But, until I get more pictures together, I thought we'd start with these. The weather swung from the balmy to the downright cold (with snow!) while we were there. Before the temp dropped too much, Brayden had great fun in the backyard:
What a love -- I think he was grinning at his Gido** (my dad).
Even on vacation, Brayden wants to talk on the phone... like father, like son, I suppose. And one more for good measure:
More pictures of the weekend to follow!
*Sito is the Lebanese word for "grandmother," not a cute little random name some child blurted out that stuck.
**Gido is the Lebanese word for "grandfather."
-- Knowledge is power -- more Arabic lessons to follow.
What a love -- I think he was grinning at his Gido** (my dad).
Even on vacation, Brayden wants to talk on the phone... like father, like son, I suppose. And one more for good measure:
More pictures of the weekend to follow!
*Sito is the Lebanese word for "grandmother," not a cute little random name some child blurted out that stuck.
**Gido is the Lebanese word for "grandfather."
-- Knowledge is power -- more Arabic lessons to follow.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi all -- Happy Thanksgiving! We're in Pittsburgh with family for the holiday, so no picture updates until the weekend. BUT, we're thinking of you, our extended family, and wishing you a wonderful day!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Shear Genius
We're approaching "the holidays" -- and that means you have to get yourself together! We began that process with Brayden yesterday, by getting a spankin' new haircut. I'll admit, Nicole thought it was a little short, but I think it's great. He just looks so old! These pictures aren't great (too much shadow) but they'll do. I'm sure we'll have more from this weekend. I promised not to forget the camera when we hit the 'ole Gymboree.
In other news, I don't think I announced this here, but I have been officially approved for Ordination to the Diaconate (the first ordination on the way to the Priesthood -- considered a "transitional deacon") on December 21st in Atlanta!! All are welcome if you're in town!
In other news, I don't think I announced this here, but I have been officially approved for Ordination to the Diaconate (the first ordination on the way to the Priesthood -- considered a "transitional deacon") on December 21st in Atlanta!! All are welcome if you're in town!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
In one week
Can you believe that Thanksgiving is less than a week away? It seems like just last month I posted pictures of Brayden's first solid food at last year's Thanksgiving celebration. He's certainly come far since then. This Thanksgiving he'll be eating EVERYTHING!
I've been trying to catch video of Brayden doing some of the cute things that he does, but the camera gets in the way. He's certainly begun to understand that electronics are the coolest things ever (my son) and when he sees the camera, he wants it. Whatever he was doing melts away and he lunges for the camera. Hopefully I can sneak a video soon.
Until then, how about a little story-telling... Yesterday, while Nicole and Brayden were in the produce section of the grocery store, Brayden saw that an apple had fallen on the floor. He leaned over the cart, pointed at the apple, and said, "Apple!" What?! We haven't taught him that word! I'm sure he's heard us say it, and Nicole eats them often, but it wasn't anything we had tried to intentionally teach him. The moral of this story: we're teaching him all the time, even when we're not trying to teach him anything... scary.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving and in preparation for that great feast, here is my thought for the day: Aren't the "good things that come to those who wait" just the leftovers from the people who got there first? Yum.
I've been trying to catch video of Brayden doing some of the cute things that he does, but the camera gets in the way. He's certainly begun to understand that electronics are the coolest things ever (my son) and when he sees the camera, he wants it. Whatever he was doing melts away and he lunges for the camera. Hopefully I can sneak a video soon.
Until then, how about a little story-telling... Yesterday, while Nicole and Brayden were in the produce section of the grocery store, Brayden saw that an apple had fallen on the floor. He leaned over the cart, pointed at the apple, and said, "Apple!" What?! We haven't taught him that word! I'm sure he's heard us say it, and Nicole eats them often, but it wasn't anything we had tried to intentionally teach him. The moral of this story: we're teaching him all the time, even when we're not trying to teach him anything... scary.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving and in preparation for that great feast, here is my thought for the day: Aren't the "good things that come to those who wait" just the leftovers from the people who got there first? Yum.
Friday, November 09, 2007
A post for post's sake
It's been a long week... sorry for the gap in posting. I honestly don't have anything new to share, although tomorrow may bring something exciting! You never know what a Saturday may hold.
I do, however, have a 2-week old video. Brayden's taking to pushing his stroller instead of wanting to ride in it. I've seen kids do this and always thought it was quite nonsensical. Why push when you can ride? Why even have the ride of you don't ride? Perhaps he's developing some control issues. More likely: he's hyper and doesn't want to sit down for too long. So here's the video (although it's so short you might think of it as a videoette, or perhaps a glorified picture):
In addition to the video, I thought you'd find this latest quiz pretty funny. Now don't go getting yourself in a tizzy because I'm outing myself as a liberal. You conservatives can take your own test on its sister site (and the sites are pretty funny -- thanks to my friend, Ben, for the tip):
"Non-Jesus-based thought" ...really? Irony?
And just for "fair and balanced" fake-quiz testing, here is how I scored on the conservative site:
I think that they're both in line with my politics... 1) government should leave me alone, and 2) we are equal, not free.
(NOTE: feel free to ignore that and pop back up to watch my cute son)
I do, however, have a 2-week old video. Brayden's taking to pushing his stroller instead of wanting to ride in it. I've seen kids do this and always thought it was quite nonsensical. Why push when you can ride? Why even have the ride of you don't ride? Perhaps he's developing some control issues. More likely: he's hyper and doesn't want to sit down for too long. So here's the video (although it's so short you might think of it as a videoette, or perhaps a glorified picture):
In addition to the video, I thought you'd find this latest quiz pretty funny. Now don't go getting yourself in a tizzy because I'm outing myself as a liberal. You conservatives can take your own test on its sister site (and the sites are pretty funny -- thanks to my friend, Ben, for the tip):
My Liberal Identity:
You are a Reality-Based Intellectualist, also known as the liberal elite. You are a proud member of what’s known as the reality-based community, where science, reason, and non-Jesus-based thought reign supreme.
Take the quiz at www.FightConservatives.com
"Non-Jesus-based thought" ...really? Irony?
And just for "fair and balanced" fake-quiz testing, here is how I scored on the conservative site:
My Conservative Identity:
You are a Free Marketeer, also known as a fiscal conservative. You believe in free-market capitalism, tax cuts, and protecting your hard-earned cash from pick-pocketing liberal socialists.
Take the quiz at www.FightLiberals.com
I think that they're both in line with my politics... 1) government should leave me alone, and 2) we are equal, not free.
(NOTE: feel free to ignore that and pop back up to watch my cute son)
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Remember Halloween??
With all the excitement of the DaGirata Code, I never got around to publishing our Halloween photos. Yes, we did do Halloween right, with pumpkins and all... AND the cutest little kid ever.
Before we get to the costumes, there must be a pumpkin (or 3!). We had a family pumpkin with little kid pumpkins, too -- one for Brayden and one for Layna.
Brayden loved playing with his pumpkin more than anything. He kept saying "Ball! Ball!" and throwing it on the ground. Luckily, it stood up to the pressure.
(btw, Brayden was getting over a cold, which is why he looks a little "rough" in that picture)
This year, B was a bee! We looked at bee costumes last year, but they all had tutus. Now I'm not saying there's anything wrong with tutus, just not on my infant son... right. But this year, they were ripe for the wearing.
...and our "first" baby...
...played outside with our little bee.
Finally, the little family on the way to the Seminary Halloween Party!
After we got ready at the apartment, we were off to the Seminary Halloween Party. The family group at the seminary puts on parties throughout the year for the kids of the community, and Brayden was set to have a great time. Here he is walking into the gym.
We hung out with our good friends the Humms. Tristan came dressed as a frog (LOVE it!) -- they were quite the animal pair! Would a frog typically eat a bee? No matter, here's one of the only pictures to turn out decently. (For others, click on the link to the right called "Fun with Tristan" -- Charity's pictures are better.)
Here you can see that Brayden is certainly my son... he apparently wasn't happy with the music at the party and sought to "improve" it. His new club name: DJB. Catchy.
Before we get to the costumes, there must be a pumpkin (or 3!). We had a family pumpkin with little kid pumpkins, too -- one for Brayden and one for Layna.
Brayden loved playing with his pumpkin more than anything. He kept saying "Ball! Ball!" and throwing it on the ground. Luckily, it stood up to the pressure.
(btw, Brayden was getting over a cold, which is why he looks a little "rough" in that picture)
This year, B was a bee! We looked at bee costumes last year, but they all had tutus. Now I'm not saying there's anything wrong with tutus, just not on my infant son... right. But this year, they were ripe for the wearing.
...and our "first" baby...
...played outside with our little bee.
Finally, the little family on the way to the Seminary Halloween Party!
After we got ready at the apartment, we were off to the Seminary Halloween Party. The family group at the seminary puts on parties throughout the year for the kids of the community, and Brayden was set to have a great time. Here he is walking into the gym.
We hung out with our good friends the Humms. Tristan came dressed as a frog (LOVE it!) -- they were quite the animal pair! Would a frog typically eat a bee? No matter, here's one of the only pictures to turn out decently. (For others, click on the link to the right called "Fun with Tristan" -- Charity's pictures are better.)
Here you can see that Brayden is certainly my son... he apparently wasn't happy with the music at the party and sought to "improve" it. His new club name: DJB. Catchy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)