Adopting in Ashburn

We took a recent family trip to New Jersey for my uncle's wedding. Afterwards, we hung out with the other side of the family at my paternal Grandmother's house. I just want to say that the Jersey shore is one of the best places ever. And now, since it was such a hit and because it is much easier than trying to write about four action packed days, I give you another round of photo blogging. At the "second reception" in my Uncle's backyard. The family, with newly added aunt and cousins take first group shot. There is something about making ridiculous faces that appeals to all the siblings in my family... Dunes on the beach - before summer storms and inconsiderate tourists... Cousins with Grandfather on his bench near the shore. He's always with us - especially at the beach. Also, on a comedic note - we are all wearing long sleeves or hoodies and flip flops. Cool fun in the early northern summertime. Travis and Katie (his girlfriend) walking down towards t...

I can hardly believe it has been almost a month since I last posted. Since there weren't any complaints (i.e. nobody seemed to notice), I guess it wasn't that serious a mishap. But, in case your concern was masked, dear readers, I truly was insanely busy. At the time of my last post I was a week away from finishing my Masters program at AU. I had scrambled through two papers and then proceeded to write another 5 pager, a 15 pager, and a 20 page crisis plan before the week was out. That, and the weekend before I was in New Jersey to celebrate the 100th birthday of my great-grandmother, Nanny. Nanny used to do synchronized swimming. She sewed for a living, and a very long time ago she read me the entire Velveteen Rabbit in one sitting. It was my favorite children's book for years. Now, she has trouble speaking and remembering. But she isn't on any medication, and when most of the family sang "Rose" inspired songs from the 20's and 30's, she smil...