Leaving on a Jet Plane...

Tomorrow, I'm taking off on my first trip by myself in 21 years.  It's a solemn occasion, but I'm looking forward to seeing family that I haven't seen in decades.  And, lucky for me, I'm meeting some new ones.

I'm stopping in Philadelphia first.   The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are on my agenda. My fingers are crossed that I can get there before I leave.

Then, I'm off to New York with my Father and Ollie.  It's a full day of family togetherness, and I'll probably plop into bed at the end of the day - blissfully exhausted.

I'll be home before the kids are out of school on Monday.  It's going to be a great weekend with lots of pictures.  New York is so beautiful in the Fall.

Happy first day of Autumn!

I'm Back into the Groove

Many things have happened since my last post.  Some good - some bad.  Some that has pushed me in a different direction, and some that can't be undone or repaired.  Big changes are coming my way...

Meanwhile, a few things that's happened...

1. Michelle exited 7th grade, and is now the big "man" on campus with all the other 8th graders
2. Isabelle has learned to talk in full sentences, "I didn't do that mommy."
3. Arielle is almost a junior in college with a 3.7 gpa
4. I have faithfully speed walked three miles 5 times a week for four months. And gone to the gym about three times a week. Thinking about joining the local tri-athalon club. I would love to finish one.
5. We took a much anticipated trip to Yellowstone with Linda, Bob and Miranda.  (But without Robbin and Arielle - felt a little strange.)
6. We took a trip up Highway 1 to Big Sur, and took a John Steinbeck tour through Monterey
7. My Jeep had a complete overhaul, so now the brakes actually work and it has air conditioning.
8. My Grandmother passed away at 91-years-old

Here are a few photos I've taken over the past months (I'll add some slide shows later of my Yellowstone and Big Sur trips):

Isabelle's Birthday present

Michelle petting a bat ray at Sea World

Miranda, Michelle and Isabelle in Yellowstone

Isabelle at Pebble Beach

Isabelle's 2nd Birthday Present

It's Official - They are the same height

Michelle talked Arielle into going on this ride with her.
They are in the back

Isabelle, Michelle and Arielle at Ragged Point

Michelle dressed up for Comic Con

Michelle keeping Temp warm in San Simeon