Allison's Awards

Allie was recognized for her academic achievements and humanitarianism today. She has excelled in all academic areas and continues to read at a 4th grade level. Her behavior has improved and has shown signs of maturity. Allie and another student were honored by their principal for donating awards won at the walk-a-thon assembly. Allie gave a graduating 5th grader her yearbook and the other student gave away a bike. Granted, the other student was way more generous because Allie would never give a bike away. I am just so proud of Allie for making a thoughtful decision and helping another student. When her principal was telling the audience about how proud she was of the kids, she had to take a moment to compose herself. It was really wonderful to see Allie up there and her schoolmates cheer for her.

Has It Been That Long?

Allie was looking through the blog entries and told me that no one has posted since March-YIKES! So I will try to sum up the last 8 months in a few short words-exciting, busy, and fun! Here I go~

We spent Easter in Pismo Beach, a great little beach community about 3 hours north of LA and where I spent Easter as a child. The girls loved it! In May, Brett and his homebrew club went to Beer Fest at Lake Casitas in Ojai. It was a weekend filled with beer, new recipes, and interesting people. He's definitely planning to go again in 2010. In June, Brett officially became a college graduate! His dad, step-mom, aunt, and sister came from Maryland to celebrate and see Southern California, all of which had not been here in several years. Brett and I also celebrated 10 years of wedded bliss in June. We had a rare evening alone to have dinner at an amazing restaurant that served 7 courses; to say we were stuffed would be an understatement. Then in July, we celebrated my grandma's 75th birthday with the entire family in our family shirts (check out the pictures!). In August, Brett's sister and husband came to visit from Maryland and celebrate Allie's 6th birthday. We went to The Getty Museum, the beach, and enjoyed their company. Allie then started first grade. She has an amazing teacher, so patient and kind. Even Melanie loves her! Allie also played soccer on "The Little Mermaids". She had a great time and scored 5 goals her first game! September brought one of three weddings and Melanie's 2nd birthday. As many of you already knew, Brett trained for a year to run the USMC Marathon with his cousin. October 25th finally arrived! We headed to Washington D.C. with the other spectators. 5 hours and 50 minutes later, Brett and Evan crossed the finish line exhausted and proud to be Marines. While in the D.C. area, we visited Brett's family and the girls played with their cousins. Fun was had by all! Here we are in November on the eve of Thanksgiving. We are so thankful for our family, friends, and each other. We are thankful for our health and the health of our children. Happy Thanksgiving!

The Question of All Questions

Allie just asked Brett how a baby gets inside a mommy's tummy. Brett gasped and I screamed, "NOOOOOO!" I knew this day would come but now? I gently explained to Allie that women have egss and men have seeds. When a man and a woman love each other, the egg and seeds come together to make a baby. Her response, "Like Melanie and me?" Me: "Yes, just like that." Wow! Is 10:45am to early for a strong drink?

Latest News

Melanie got her ears pierced a couple weeks ago. She did a great job and only cried a little. Allie stood around the corner and constantly asked, "Is it over yet?" Afterwards, we took the girls to get new shoes. And if you know Melanie, that was pure heaven. But the most exciting news: Brett got a new job! He will be a manager of administration in the engineering department, which is the other side of the company. He will drive a little further to work but he's very excited (and a little nervous too) about this new adventure that begins March 23. All of his hard work is starting to pay off. Kristi has been staying busy with the MOMS Club and Allie's school. Allie will be in the Annual Kindergarten Circus on March 27 as a tightrope walker. The circus raises money to purchase computers and other classroom-related items. Pictures will be posted.

It's Official!

Brett received his Cal Poly diploma in the mail today. He is officially a college graduate! You can send him a note at walter.larrimore@gmail.com

Another One Bites The Dust

Allie lost another tooth last night and she pulled it out herself! The Tooth Fairy brought 1 gold coin and 1 dollar bill. Also congratulations to cousin Ellie who lost her first tooth yesterday. Ya for Ellie!

And It's Outta Here

Allie lost her very first tooth tonight. There was a little blood when it came out. We all know how Allie hates blood, so that was fun. Ms. Tooth Fairy will be visiting tonight. I wonder how much teeth are worth these days?

Michael News

Michael, who serves in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Antietam, leaves for deployment on Saturday Jan. 17 and due to return mid-July. My cousin-to-be, Drew, also serving in the Navy aboard USS Stennis, will be leading the group of ships. We will miss them but are grateful for their sacrifice in protecting our rights and freedoms. Last week, my brother and his fiance announced they eloped in October, 2 weeks after they got engaged. They are having a symbolic ceremony in October that will take place in Japan, where Rumi's family resides. Upon their return, there will be a reception here in So Cal for the rest of us.

Another Tooth?

Allie has another loose tooth. She's been wiggling and wiggling her other loose tooth since New Year's Eve. It's going to be another week or two until that one falls out.

Then there's Melanie, who has been drooling like crazy. So there's probably another tooth that's getting ready to pop out.

More Tooth News

I discovered another tooth in Melanie's mouth. This will make 11 chompers. One girl's loss is another girl's gain.