Hey, "Rio Dude!"

Hey Mitch and bloggers! We just talked to Mitch & he said blogging was a good way to keep in touch, so you all may be hearing too much from the "mama" in me on the blog. Mitch sounded great - all keyed up - assured me he was ok from the wreck. He was apparently in a small car with some Brazilian kids and got hit from behind by a truck. Sounds like it could have been worse than it was - God is good and gets all the credit for taking care of him. That was totally a side note to everything else that he told us - he is LOVING Brazil. Wants all of us to go on a family trip there.

Cary had a great weekend at the lake with the girls for their father/daughter weekend. They had synchronized jumping and swimming contests - lots of laughs, lots of great memories.

My mom's 60th celebration was incredible. Great all-inclusive spa right on Lake Austin, beautiful setting, fancy "girl-food" (we did manage to smuggle in a signifigant amount of chocolate), lots of laugh-until-your-stomach-hurts moments, and special memories of my mom were told & made. We set her up with a mini hot-pink ipod, loaded with all of her favorite music, books & biographies. We loaded more music on after she opened it and had big music jams late at night.

We all got home Sunday night and had 4 precious kiddos waiting for us. McKenna, Josiah, Luke, and Moriah are darling, sweet, and funny cousins. Seven kids is a FAST pace - I'm a little rusty on the baby thing, but it's coming back fast. There's nothing like baby-hugs around my neck. It always feels like such an honor when Moriah reaches for me - I love it. The three amigos (Josh, Josiah, & Luke) have really been playing great together. I was kind of expecting an "odd-man-out" syndrome, but that hasn't been the case. Luke can run with the best of them.
McKenna & Ashley spend most of the time in Ashley's room with the door locked playing with their American girl dolls (I think? :0 ). Emily has been my eyes, ears and arms with Miss Moriah - this would be much tougher without her!

Trisha, I hear of lots of older houses having termites - not a deal buster in the cases that they can get rid of them and repair the damage. Sounds scary, and it can be, but seems common, treatable & fixable. I didn't get to see your house the other day, but I am really thrilled for you! I hope your "wave" party will be upbeat & sweet.

Love you guys - love & miss you, Mitch - thank you Grandma & Grandpa!
Jill