Giving Thanks

I was very thankful this year, as I guess most people were.

It's been a big year for us. We got married. We had family and friends fly down to Florida to celebrate with us. We got to share our special day with all of those people. From Washington, California, South Carolina, Orlando, to England. They all came to see us and for that we were thankful.

We have done fun exciting things this year - how great was it to be able to have weekends busy with friends and football games. With trips around the country, and a boat ride to the Bahamas.

We get to see our families all of the time. The Orlando ones, the Washington ones, and the South Carolina ones. I know most people don't travel 3000 miles to see their parents, but I saw mine five times this year already (that's once every two months people).

We were blessed in finding our church community. They will always be another reason to return/visit here. It's a joy to see people excited to see you!

And we were grateful.

So we joined with family and friends to eat turkey. And then eat some more.

The no-named 14 lb-er

She's a sneaky one - Lady

And so was he. Don't let the smile fool you.

We got together with my In-laws, Diana and Goestov, and some family friends to chow down. Here was the spread:

And we ate a lot. Not too much, but a lot. (And I'm speaking for myself here. I think Darin couldn't move after dinner. But he can't eat as much as I can.)

Post meal.

After dinner/lunch (2 pm), we watched the movie Up. It's moved into one of my most favorite movies - I just love everything about it. We about die when Carl and Russell meet Dug for the first time.

And then my friend Suzanne joined us for dessert (after the movie) though she didn't eat anything because she herself was stuffed from eating too much earlier...

And we watched football and Mythbusters like every good American should do. And then we went home and slept.

It was great. And we gave thanks.

The Newest Addition

In the early morning (and I mean early) of Thursday November 19, 2009 - someone super special was born: Miss S. She was over eight pounds. And she was so sweet. Small, yet big. Fragile, yet we didn't break her. Phew!

Our very good friends had their baby girl a week and a half ago. Mike and Carrie have been with us though many wonderful memories, and I was so happy to be able to congratulate them on their new baby girl.

We went over when she was four days old to check her out.

Here's what awaited us:

Actually, kind of scary in a cute way.

And then Mike gave S. to Darin to hold - he had never held a baby so little before. It was sweet. Pure and simple.

The baby girl and gentle Darin.

And I swear I held her. There just weren't any pictures.

And then it was feeding time, Darin was scared, and hid in the hallway while Carrie was breast-feeding. Hee hee.

Chillin'.

The proud Mama.

It was truly wonderful to be able to experience this moment with our friends - I know I will always have these fond times in my heart, cherishing them forever.

Congrats Carrie and Mike.

Our Famous Pet

Took Jake for his bi-yearly checkup today and found out that Jake's famous.

He's on their website!

Check it out:

http://www.yourfamilyveterinarian.com/yfv_site_006.htm

Oh yeah, we have a famous dog.

(Note, he's the one in the shark costume - last year's Halloween costume.)

PJ and the O

Have you heard of these books?

Percy Jackson. Greek Gods. Medusa.

Fantastic.

So yes, I know they were probably written for thirteen year old boys, but I still like them. I'm on the second book (and soon will read the third). They're cute. Not quite up to par with Harry Potter, but great ideas and fun concepts.

(Speaking of HP - just read the whole series again and got Darin to read them for the first time. They're wonderful. I was semi-obsessed. Wonder if I'll ever not just read them until I have to sleep...)

Back to Percy... and they're making a movie.

That's all I know. Read 'em.

Surfin' in Melbourne

We (my parents, Darin, and I) headed off for Melbourne Beach on Sunday the 7th. Two Sundays ago. Instead of going to church, ahem, we went to the beach. And ate fish. And almost got blown away.

We were at Sebastian Inlet.

Got there after meeting some friends for a great fish lunch to celebrate our friend Brad's birthday (didn't get any good pictures, oops). We were supposed to meet them all the way down in the inlet (they were on a boat), but it was way too choppy for them to get that far down river! Crazy weather.

Anyway, here's the group headed to the beach. We were still optimistic about swimming.

It looked okay.

And though there was some sunshine and it was warm, the waves were crazy big.

CRaZy Big.

Waves. Like 6 feet!

When we got to the beach we noticed there was surfing competition going on - pretty amazing actually. We watched for quite a bit - they were pretty good and the waves were (as I've previously mentioned) crazy.

Quicksi!ver Tent

There were a whole bunch of people watching.

Cute surfer boys. Great picture, aye?

From there we walked to the pier area (just south of where we were watching the surfers) to see whether the boys would be able to fish.

Mom, Dad, and Darin looking for dolphins.

If you notice from the state of our hair, it was a little too windy to do much of anything other than enjoy the ocean ahh breeze. My parents went for a walk up the pier and saw a person catch a tarpan fish. And helped some pelicans who got caught in a net.

Darin and I walked under the overpass and watched for more dolphins (we saw some earlier).

Almost blown away.

Pretty rocks.

And then we went home. No tan lines, but an adventure never-the-less.

Extra Days in Sunshine 2009

Two different days - same blog post. Saturday and Monday.

Saturday after Epcot we split up. The Men went golfing. The Women went to a Lake Eola Craft Fair.

I hadn't gone before - it was crazy. Lots of booths with fun stuff. Food. Root beer floats. Dogs to pet. Stuff to buy and look at. And sunshine. Another great FL day.

The main road. It was packed.

Margie and Mom by the big giant (fake) swans.

Monday night (the W's had already gone home) we went out to our favorite reliable fish restaurant on the Cape - Rustys.

So good.

Beer! Toast!



Just a little red/pink.



Outside bar. It was very windy.

All I have to say was that my Mother got exactly the same thing she had gotten the last time she was there, and it was still amazing. (Mind you, I did as well. But it doesn't sound as cute.) Until next time shrimp scampi. Until next time.

(Who wants to visit so we can go again - any takers?)

Can I get you some cheese with your wine? Epcot 2009

One of the funnest things to do around Orlando in October and November was going to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. And thought it was expensive, it helped to think in advance and get free tickets.

* Note, our thinking in advance was to volunteer for the Disney Marathon in January of this year. And we'll be doing it again in two months time to get some more free tickets!

When I told Margie and Bob that we were going to go, they got jealous and decided to drive down and join us. (It might also have had something to do with my parents being in this time-zone...)

What a great day!

Started off getting there a little after lunch so we could pace ourselves and not get too tired - was a gorgeous day. Sunshine galore!

Windy Tram ride!
Margie and Mom



We're here!

Ended up getting Fast Passes to Soarin' because it was already packed - not a big deal - and went on all the smaller/not-so-exciting rides. My parents hadn't been to Epcot for a long time - I think I was six or so.

Beautiful day.

Waiting in line.
Mom, Margie, Bob, Darin, and Dad.

Finding Nemo ride.

After exploring the ride-side of Epcot, we decided to open our wallets and start eating! I mean, why else go to a Food and Wine Festival?

Here was the menu. I feel like I should write down all we ate, but won't. It was slightly embarrassing - though I will/would do it again. I have no shame.

Here we stopped in Mexico to get margaritas - more substantial drinks (compared to wine).

They're lushes.
(Mind you I've probably had three glasses of wine by now).

Then off to Norway where we didn't go on my favorite ride (so sad) because we had drinks. It was a kind of easy decision.

Next was Germany. Man do I love Germany.

Darin, Bob, and Dad with a pretzel.

Mom and her cupcake. It was quite delicious.

Every year (including last year) I have gone to this, my good friend Carrie makes me get the wine flight in Germany. And though she wasn't there this year with us (and couldn't be drinking anyway because she's 100% pregnant), I had to stop and persuade my Mom and Dad to try some wine.

Being drunk.

How cute was this?

And from there we wondered around eating merrily and drinking. The boys got some beer, I stuck with wine, and Margie had her iced tea. We were all happy. We watched the show at each of the counties and tried to not lose anybody! Success.

Here was what the little countries looked like (compared to the actual countries that were always at Epcot, that was.)

South Africa - getting wine.

And we went to Italy (I had cannelloni).

Dad was excited about Snow White. We could have waited in line to get their picture together but decided it was probably not a good idea.

And then it was time to go on Soarin'. A great ride all together. We got on a boat and headed back to where we started!

Waiting for the boat.

Hurray for sitting - boat ride!

Sunset from boat. Once again, beautiful.

Did that and then came around the other side of the park - started in Canada (and had cheese soup - one of the best things served.)

Dad, Darin, and Del.

Bob, Mom, and Margie.

We were getting kind of tired (though not less hungry, I might add). Just walked around more to explore the other countries we had missed.

On the way to England.

Dad, Del, Margie, and Mother.

Listening to the Beatles.

Crazy dancer.

Ireland - the hot ticket item. Their Lobster & Scallop Fisherman's Pie was voted the best dish this year. Had to try it!

Using a trash can as a table. We're creative.

And that was that! We found a spot to watch the fireworks, lost Bob for a bit, found him again, and enjoyed the last part of our day. We were well fed and full, tired but not too tired, and happy all around.

Can't wait for next year!

P.S. My favorite was from Australia: Grilled Lamp Chop with Red Wine Sauce and Murray River Sea Salt.