88th Anniversary of 19th Ammendment

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony

This week marks the 88th anniversary of the 19th amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote. (It was ratified on August 18, 1920 and certified on August 26th, 1920, the anniversary).

We have come a long way. What do you think of John McCain's choice for VP? Surprising move by the Republican presidential candidate?

First Day of Kindergarten

Monday we joined the ranks of many of parents who are sending their kindergartners to school this year. Theo of course was very excited about the big day and pleased with how his new backpack fit. He just walked right in and waved and I felt like a proud parent that he was so happy about his first day. As we walked away, I burst into tears, which I did not expect considering how excited I was for him to go to kindergarten. And Theo has been in daycare and preschool so it is not as if he and I haven't spent time apart. But suddenly he is growing up and I don't know how it happened so quickly!

I couldn't wait to hear how his first day went. He said that is was "good". And that he couldn't remember most of the rules except to not ask to go to the bathroom unless you really need to and to raise your hand if you have a question. Yesterday when I told him it was time to get ready for school he said, "I have to go again!?" He said he thinks he does not want to go everyday because it is like baby school.

I am so curious to see how Theo does this year. I always loved school, especially the first day.

Very excited
Where do I put my backpack?

Good Luck, Karlie!

Karlie starts her sophomore year in high school today. Good luck and we wish her all the very best this year!! She was here for a couple weeks until Sunday and we had such a great time with her. I love when Karlie is here because I know we will be watching lots of movies (that I like), eating good food, and talking, talking, talking. One of the highlights for me was getting a babysitter and shopping with her. She is a pro! I always know Karlie is here because our food consumption and the amount of dishes increase significantly, which is a very good thing of course. Everyday the boys will be asking me when she is coming back.

The cool people: Stelios, Karlie, and Ellen. I think Karlie and Ellen might actually be attached at the hip.

Dad and daughters
The girls

Official Fitness Declaration

I am officially disturbed by my fitness level. I have been wanting to get into shape for a long time, but being pregnant 5 times or nursing during the past 5.5 years has slowed that down. Yes, I know, excuses, excuses!! But tonight I make an official statement of my intention to improve my fitness level. I played my second softball game this evening on the very formidable Frutzzo co-ed softball team. As I hit the ball and started running to first base, I felt like all my muscles on the right side of my body from the quad to my side snapped in half. I have never felt that much pain from a muscle pull. By some stroke of good luck, I did fine last week and even scored twice. But tonight I demonstrated how truly out of shape I am. Not only that, but the scale always surprises me in a bad way. So it is time for big changes.

I decided to post this in order motivate me to track my progress and report back. I admire my good friend Jason for his marathon training efforts and for dedicating a blog to this experience. Of course I do not plan on training for a marathon, nor will I be reporting back all that often. But in order to not make official declarations without follow-up, I will report back in 30 days on my exercise success or lack thereof, on my improved eating habits, and on any measurable weight/inches lost. You might be saying that this does not interest you much, but this is my blog, so I get to write whatever I want.

Lost Arch

We explored Arches National Park for the first time last year. It was breathtaking and gorgeous and now that I live in Utah a place I hope to return to often. I was sad to hear that the large arch along Devils Garden Trail collapsed last week due to gravity and erosion. It is the first arch to collapse since 1991.

Before

After

More Birthday Festivities

Yesterday, our immediate families came over to celebrate Adrian's birthday. I love how excited kids get about cake. Adrian actually thanked me for his. I made a train cake and he chose to eat part of the engine. My parents were in town from MN and Adrian was very excited they could join us.

It seems Adrian is better at getting his food in his mouth than his uncle Stelios.
Adrian and Papou.
Theo and Grandma eating cake.

Adrian attacking Grandpa with his Hulk fists.

The Zoo

Here are a few photos taken at the zoo (see previous post).