Quinn's First Movie

Those who know me well know I love movies. I love watching them, going to them, reading about them, pretty much any aspect you can think of. So you bet I was very excited to take Quinn to his first movie at the theater. I've actually been planning it since last summer, when I first heard the release date for Cars 2. I'm not a fan of parents taking their kids to movies before they are ready, and I figured by almost 3.5, Quinn should be pretty ok. Plus its a kids movie, so the little kid idiosyncrasies would hopefully be forgiven.

We decided to go Sunday, which was Ross' birthday. We wanted to go when it would hopefully be less croweded (and cheaper). Quinn was very excited about it and told many people about going to the "movie grater". We got there, got our seats, I took him to the potty, and then Ross decided to take him to the snack bar for some popcorn and Icees. I waited at the seats when a woman sitting in our row came up to me and said "Your son threw up in the lobby. Your husband said they'll be back in soon." Uh...what? He puked? Awesome. Part of me was really not surprised, he has to take after me somehow and I guess puking in public places is part of that.

A few minutes later Ross and Quinn came back in. Quinn was visibly upset, but said he wanted to stay, so we did. He didn't eat or drink, but he sat for the movie and even got excited at a few parts, though fewer then I think he would of had he been feeling 100%. He did mention a few times that he was "done" and Ross took him for a short walk at one point, but overall he did great and I think he'll enjoy going to the "movie grater" again someday!

Oh, and I really think he just ate his breakfast too fast or something. After a short nap at home, he was fine and raring to go at Ross' birthday dinner! Please excuse the horrible picture of Quinn below, he wasn't in much of a mood to have his picture taken.

Meet Sally!!

Yup, that's a brand new 2011 Ford Escape you see in that picture. And its all mine!! It came as a bit of a shock and surpise, plus it happened super fast, so I'm still kind of amazed I even have it.. I've never had a new car before and this is only the 3rd car I've owned in my 16 years of driving. Its definitely the nicest one yet.

I've been having car issues, for well, a long time. I bought my car on eBay in 2004 and while it was fairly new then, its was still used and had some issues. In the past few years those issues seemed to multiply exponentially. Remember last summer, when I didn't have use of it for around 6 weeks? That was no fun. But now hopefully that problem is solved and we will be riding in style!! Oh, and her name is Sally (after Cars of course), courtesy of Quinn.

Happy Father's Day!

Just wanted to say Happy Father's Day to my wonderful Dad, my awesome husband, and all you great dad's out there. The above picture was taken tonight at our Father's Day treat trip to Campbell's Dairyland (although we go there a lot more frequently than Father's Day!). Ross even made most of dinner tonight, so my Father's Day was pretty darn good too.

10 Years

Today marks 10 years of living in Florida. That seems totally ridiculous, both as far too long and far too short. I think back to where I was 10 years ago...22, just graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University , with a brand new job, in a brand new state, having never lived anywhere but Illinois. I was scared, excited, nervous, pretty much every emotion you can imagine. Now I think of where my life is now...32, wife, mom, working in a new job, and living a completely different life than I was 10 years ago. To be honest, I didn't really think I'd stay in FL all that long. At the time it was a job and that's what I needed. But I know now God led me here for a very specific reason and I'm happy to be living within that reason. My life may not be what I imagined, but things rarely are, and I'm okay with that.

I have no idea what the next 10 years will hold, but I'm excited to see. If its anything like these last 10 years, it will definitely be surprising, tough, and wonderful all at once.

School Days

Quinn's last day of "school" was last week and I have to say, I'm so pleased with how his first year went. He really enjoyed himself, made friends, and learned so much. Within the first few weeks there was such a positive change, especially in his verbal skills. I'm so glad we made this decision, especially now that I'm working. So many members of Ross' family have gone to school there and their recommendation is well deserved. Quinn is still going to "school" this summer, and I'm so glad that I didn't have to transition him to a new location.

How much has he grown in the last year!! Here he is on the first day of school, August 25.

And here he is on the last day, June 8. Such a big boy!!
One of my favorite things about Quinn's school was his wonderful teachers. I couldn't have asked for two kinder, caring teachers than the 2 Quinn had this year. It will be hard to top them next year!

So thank you Mrs. Ledford...
And Mrs. Trlak! We appreciate all the wonderful work you do for our kids!
(Sorry for the crappy pictures, this is due to my wacked out camera.)

Now more problems...

I got on tonight to do a post and when I clicked the add pictures icon...nothing happened! The add video icon works fine. Why does all technology seem to conspire to not work at the same time? Ugh. Anyone know what this might be? Keep your fingers crossed it fixes itself soon.

EDIT: Ok, here's some craziness...I published the above paragraph and thought I would go in and see what happened when I hit edit and the icon now works. Good stuff. Ah technology.

Camera Problems

I've had a lack of pictures lately, but at least I have an actual reason. I'm not a camera pro by any means, I'm about the farthest thing from it. I only have a point and shoot, although I'd love a nice DSLR someday. But lately, even the old trusty point and shoot has been giving me major issues. I can't get the flash to turn on. There's a little flash icon on my screen with a big slash through it and nothing is working. I took it with me to a playdate with Kate and Lily because Kate is much more knowledgeable (and talented) than I am in the ways of cameras. She couldn't figure it out either.

Now I'll readily admit I haven't checked out the instruction book yet, although I did try to find one online when I was at work the other day. Maybe that should be my next step ;)?