Sunday, January 9, 2011

No photos please

When we flew to Atlanta, we flew out of a very small airport. I'm pretty sure it only has one gate. Just putting things into perspective here, folks.
So 5 of us go through security. I'm taking off the boys' jackets and shoes and pulling out their quart sized Ziploc baggies. We put up all our bags including the boys' new Cars rolling backpacks. As we're waiting on the other side, one of the Cars backpacks gets pulled and I give permission to have it checked. Out comes 2 1/2 pint bottled waters. I had no idea they were in there and figured out they were leftover from a trip to the park with Gran.
So the next thing I know, an agent asks who the backpack belongs to and I explain that it's either Matt's or Will's. He checks the tag, asks for Will and explains that he will have to undergo a pat-down. Really?
Now my biggest fear on the planet is a pat-down. Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm big into personal space. Even watching the new procedure on TV makes my palms sweat and my heart rate soar. But I'm a good mom. And I tried to explain that Mr. "I'm only 4 years-old" Will most certainly did not pack his own bag and I was responsible for it. The agent didn't buy it but proceeded to explain to me that they do a "modified" pat-down for minors. It's not as intrusive. Great.
So Will has his first pat-down and I can only standby and watch while trying very hard not to cry. The agent was wonderful and made it like a game for Will, so he didn't mind in the least. But the next thing I know, Matt is in tears. He's sobbing. Thinking he's scared for his brother, I scoop him up and ask him what's wrong. "But I want a pat-down tooooooooo!"
Wow. Totally did not expect that one.

90 Years Young

We traveled to Alabama this weekend to celebrate Nana's 90th birthday- a surprise party no less. Nana is Chris's grandmother and much, much more. She's a mom to 3, grandmother to 7, and great-grandmother to 18! It was quite a moment to see her shock when nearly all of the grandkids and great-grandkids greeted her for lunch at the country club (the parents were already there- surprises 1, 2 and 3). Definitely a moment to remember and so glad I forgot a camera (typical).
What is really fun to watch are Chris's 3 cousins, their spouses and 11 kids ranging from 2-16. Lots of fun, laughter and all around craziness, but what's incredible is that hardly anyone whines, complains or cries. All the kids had a ball.
Now, if I could only look 1/2 as good and be 1/2 as active as Nana when I'm 70, I'll be doing great!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Back in Business... for now

I'm resurrecting the blog in the hopes that I'll double my number of blog entries in 2011 from 2010. Setting the bar low, as usual.
Since I hardly even take photos anymore, don't keep a journal, and rarely blog, I decided to try the 1 sentence journal for the boys. I'll basically write one sentence (x 2) at the end of each day. Weeks ago I picked up two 2011 cheapo calendars to do just this. When I cracked them open tonight, I discovered I bought one weekly calendar (perfect!) and one monthly calendar (oops!). January 1 and I've already failed. Typical.

With the late fall/early winter we've had, I'm not wishing for a happy AND healthy New Year. At this rate I'd settle for healthy!
(Photo- Will enjoyed his chocolate pudding)