Spartacus and Marino



Welcome the two newest members of the Queen family. The kids ahve been wanting pets for the longest time. I've always said no for numerous reasons. But today, that all changed.

A friend of mine has Beta's and they're so pretty. She told me a bunch about them and I figured the kids would love some. So early Christmas present, we went to Petsmart and Sean and Asia both picked their Beta, Chinese Fighting Fish.

We found some pretty glass vases at Marshalls, and brought the fish home.

The entire way home, the kids went back and forth on what to name them. Jack, Nosean, Jackson, Flash, Superman, to name a few.




Anyway, Spartacus, the blue one, Sean's fish, and Marino, the red figher, Asia's fish are all settled and happy I think.




What's interesting is that while watching, I noticed that the fish "see" each other and want to fight. So Marino, will bump the glass trying to get to Spartacus. Spartacus is a bit more laid back while Marino is definitely a hot head.



The fish go at it for a bit through the glass and then take a break. I may have to move the vases to different locations if they're working themselves up to much.

Cheer Party

The season came to end for Asia. I think she had a good time. She got bored with the whole thing mostly because "You can't do anything and nobody wins" she said. But she did have a great time with her new friends on the squad.

Today, they all got together for the end of season party. "Glitterbugs", a salon in the area, came and did makeovers on the girls. Asia was so excited. She loves playing with makeup and all things girly when she's not wrestling and playing ball with the boys outside.

She got her hair done.



She had glittery makeup put on and her nails painted.



Played with her friends.



And recieved her trophy from her coach which she loves.







She had a good time. But is now looking forward to playing upward basketball.

Future Dentist Visit

All the candy from tonight minus the eaten goodies before bed.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!



The kids and got ready around 4 today and took off. It was a litte drizzly out but not raining yet which was good.




We went first to Publix grocery store and "treated" there. The store had all kinds of fun stations for the kids to go to with activities and tons of candy. After that, we met up with Misti, Sandi's oldest daughter. And we went to a couple neighborhoods near their house. It was so dreary out that not a lot of kids were out. Several of the homes we visited said that Sean and Asia were their only trick or treaters. Needless to say, they ended up with a lot of candy, 25 pounds worth. Yes, I weighed it. And the candy pictured isn't all of it. Some is still in the bowls.



Sean will eat a few pieces of candy and call it a day. He ate himself sick when he was 3 after his first time trick or treating. Asia, on the other hand, will eat 98 percent of the candy and be completely happy with herself. Her sweet tooth is like none other.

Homecoming!



Homecoming was Friday! Sean and Asia were on the court this year. The participants are drawn out of a hat for the elementary grades. And once you get to middle and high, then the student body votes on the homecoming court representatives. But we got lucky that the kids got drawn this year together.


I picked up the kids a bit earlier than I normally do after school so they could get ready. They had to get back to school by 5 for pictures.

Asia looked so cute but was not at all enthoused about having to hold her partners hand. Actually she was a bit terrified because Daddy might see her holding a boys hand. Every time Scott would come around, she would turn her body away from him so he wouldn't be able to see her arm. So funny.

And Sean looked really handsome in his suit. He posed with some of his friends for pictures. And he said "I'm never doing this again." But I know that deep down, he loved dressing up and getting all G'd up.

Fall Break

We went camping for a couple of days last week for Fall Break. We had a really good time just the four of us.

The trip did start off with some drama though. When we arrived at the site to register, I walked up to the host site to check in only to get assaulted by hornets! I got stung twice on my ankle. My foot ballooned to about twice it's normal size and itched really bad. But thankfully it healed pretty fast and is almost better now.

We (the kids and Scott) went fishing. I took pictures. And they caught so many that after we left, and then came back, people who had been watching them fish earlier had taken the fishing spot. But I think the fish just liked Sean and Asia. No matter where they cast their line, the fish bit.


It was a short trip. We only stayed for two nights and three days. But it was a good time. I can hardly wait for Winter Break. We're planning on going to the mountains and camp then.

Game One
Sean and Asia had games today. And actually Sean had his first game last weekend. But I wasn't there to see it. So, this is his "first" game as far as I'm concerned. He did make a 70 yard touchdown last week which was pretty incredible from what I heard.

Asia cheered first thing this morning. She looked really cute in her uniform and her hair all "done". She got up early, ate some pancakes and was ready to go about 7:30 this morning. We didn't need to get to the field until 8:45.

But she cheered her little heart out. She jumped the highest out of all the girls that's for sure. And she showed a lot of "spirit". She really enjoyed herself.




Sean's game wasn't until later on. So we headed back home to get some stuff done before we had to get back to the field at 5.

His team played the Woodland Wolfpack. It's pretty intense for a youth league. And crazy as it may sound, but two mom's almost got into a fist fight right before Sean's game! Another team was on the field and the "fans" got a little heated over a touchdown that was made. Crazy and sad if you ask me. But I'm telling you, the parents are the scariest part of the rec league if you ask me.



But Sean had a really good game. Sean had about 80 yards today for 5 carries. The other team was on him like gum on shoes. He hit hard, got low and wrapped around, blocked for his man. He had a great game. We ended up winning 6-0.

It's football season! I love this time of year because that means it's going to get colder! I love being outside with all of my gear on and mug in hand. There's nothing like sipping hot coffee or hot chocolate and seeing your breath wisp in the air. Love it!


But it's still pretty hot. The days are slowing getting cooler but I'm still wearing my tanks for now.



Sean and Asia had their team photos this year a bit ago. But I'm just now getting to posting some of them. It's been a bit busy around here the past few weeks. The days are flying by.

Wedding!

Matt and Robyn got married last weekend. It was such a beautiful ceremony. They looked great, the food was amazing, the music was fun! Thanks Uncle David for the great accomadations and the wonderful meals! And it was so nice seeing the whole family.

Boy was Mom and Dad surprised to see Kim, J, and me. Kim called up to their room. What fun seeing the looks on their faces when we walked in the door!

We arrived abot 2 on Friday and hadn't eaten much. So since we were starving, we all took off for a bit to hunt down an eatery and walk around Boston for a bit until the rehearsal. We ended up at this great restaurant and had experienced some Boston culture and fares.






When we got down walking around we headed back to the Fairmont Copley to get ready. The trolly picked us up at 6 and we went on a scenic tour of Boston before the rehearsal dinner. We saw a ton of sites, our tour guide was great. We arrived at the Boston Harbor Hotel and had an amazing 5 course meal up in the tower which overlooked all of Boston. It was beautiful once the sun set and you could see all the city lights lit up.




While we waited for dinner, we got to spend some time with our family and meet new family members which was great. And it was nice being able to see Matt and Jori! It had been so long since we had seen them. I so wish Josh could've been with us. We would've had such a great time all of us together. He was sorely missed.





The wedding too was gorgeous! Robyn looked great. Whe was ever the blushing bride. And Matt was the epitome of joy and happiness. He looked handsome too. (Looks so much like Josh!) Matts the brother from another mother. :)
And Dad did a wonderful job as always in the ceremony. Uncle David had a hard time during it all. Dad would say something sentimental and Uncle David would cry. He'd compose himself just as Dad would say something else and it was waterworks all over again. Dad did a great job. Everyone said so too.


We had a super fun time at the reception. Took tons of pictures, ate a lot of food, got really hot from dancing, and laughed a lot. It was so much fun. I wish we all didn't live so far away. But we all vowed not to let so much time get away before we get together again.

Mom looked radiant and Dad looked good too. Everyone looked so nice all dressed up.








Sunday morning brunch came really fast. We stayed up a bit late. We were having so much fun that we didn't want to leave the party. So after a few hours of sleep, we got up, packed our things and headed down to brunch.

Uncle David had arranged a great buffet of fruits, eggs, bacon and hashbrowns, cinnamon rasin french toast, an assortment of breads, yogurts, you name it, it was there. Everything was so good. But the funny part was when Mom wanted to see the contents of one of the food bins and took the lid right off. (Didn't know the extent of her own strength.) Dad came over and "fixed" it.

We headed off to the airport after brunch and saying our goodbyes. It was a short trip but a fun one. And I was glad I was able make the trip up with Kim and J too. Next time it won't be as long before we all get toghether, so I hope.




Mr. and Mrs. Jarman, I hope you guys have a great time on your honeymoon! Enjoy Italy!