Well, I'm finally writing a blog. This sounds like a great way to keep people informed with what our family is doing. Hmm, I hope it works out. I'm already almost two weeks late on my first entry, a tribute to my 31st Birthday (July 9). I might as well back up to the 4th of July...I spent the 4th in the usual "day off" fashion, by laying a slab of concrete. It was my first attempt and it was exhausting. After pushing paper every day its tough to move around 30, 80-lb bags of concrete. It almost went down smoothly; unfortunately, the forecasted "light" evening shower turned into a heavy downpour that swamped our gutters and did some damage to the surface of the concrete. Fortunately for me, the bottom of our trashcan doesn't care if the concrete is perfectly smooth. Anyway, we still had time to get in a little swimming and a trip to the canceled (due to light showers) fireworks show.
Right after the Holiday Weekend I set off to Portland, Maine on business. Holly pulled out my Brithday present early so that I wouldn't get lost while away from home. She scored big by getting me a Garmin Nuvi, a GPS for the car. It's great for giving directions in unfamiliar areas; we've already used it twice in Maine and North Carolina. Now, whenever I feel like a Frosty, Nuvi tells me where to find the closest Wendy's.
I had to get up at 3:30 a.m. on my Birthday to get home by lunch; but it was worth it to spend the rest of the day with the family. We celebrated with Pizza, a movie, and a trip to the Children's museum. Hannah's favorite area, of course, was the toddler area that looks just like any other toddler play area you'll find at any mall. We also enjoyed doing some fishing, checking out a bunch of model trains, and playing with big bubbles.
We finished the week off with another get together with the Clark, Miller, and Acker Families to celebrate my Birthday. I had a great time swimming with the kids in our little pool and setting up a make shift slide. It was also a great excuse to have some cake, ice cream, and some games. Can't wait till next year, my birthday has become a great reason to go out and have some fun with the kids.
