Rock the Vote

Just checked another thing of the to-do list. Sent off my paperwork to register as a voter in the State of Florida. I definitely needed to do this - seeing as how this state can go either way. In WA and Maine, I felt like my vote never really mattered (as far as the Presidential election is concerned) because they're so blue - but I always voted anyway. Voting in Florida feels a little more empowering. . . .let's hope this state can count correctly this year!!!

So much to do - so little time!!

We are in the one week countdown for our trip to WA. We leave next Wednesday - in the afternoon. I'm starting to feel a little stressed.

Last week and this week, Sydney's been going to a place called "The Little Gym" for summer camp. She has really really been loving it and it's been great for her mobility, flexibility and just for her to wear off a little energy! Last week was Western Week and this week is Pirate Week. Lydia's there with her for Pirate week so that makes it even better!!

One thing that's been keeping me busy is I've started to apply for some jobs in Washington. Currently, our plan is for Lyndon to drive the kids and I out for Thanksgiving - then he would fly back alone. He would visit again for Christmas and then move home permanently in February when he separates from the Navy. However, things could change at any moment. We really want to get me and the kids out there ahead of time so I can establish employment, find somewhere for us to live and get the benefits kicked in so by the time he's out of the military, we're covered. We have some very good friends who work for the State of Washington and most of the jobs I've been looking at are down in Olympia. We've visited there a lot in the last few years and we really enjoy the area - so we're leaning towards moving in that direction. The hiring process can take some time so I'm feeling out the waters now. If something works out earlier than planned, our move could be bumped up. So that's a big topic of discussion in the Linville household!

Trying to figure out what to pack has been taking some thinking as well. Our airline allows one free bag per person but the rest we have to pay for. It's not too expensive - but still - we're trying to be smart about what to bring. With four of us and having to haul a car seat, it's a bit of stuff we have to bring!

I've been making extra time for double workouts as well these days. I've gotten into a great rhythm at the gym and I go daily at 9:15 and then Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 in the evening. I'm just still trying to work this baby weight off....plus some. Since February I've lost 25 pounds - but still have a chunk to lose!

So that's our life in a nutshell lately. We're so excited for our trip and to see as many friends and family as possible. Weekends always seem to go so quickly but weekdays look really wide open so hopefully we'll be able to fit some visits in there as well....

I'll try to post some pics. soon!!!

Sydney's First Self-haircut

I hear it's happened to most mom's of little girls and I always thought it was hilarious and that I would think it was hilarious if my daughter was to perform a cut on herself. However this afternoon when Sydney said "mommy, look at how pretty my hair" - I was not pleased. Of course it's the week before we leave on our trip.....

I had just cut her bangs myself this morning. I put the scissors back into Lyndons cutting kit, then back in the linen closet. Obviously she was paying attention.

Thong

OK - just saw this morning the MOST ridiculous story ever. A woman is suing Victoria's Secret for the clasp coming undone on her thong underwear and popping her in the eye - causing damage and trauma. Seriously????

What has this world come to?

Long Time No Blog

I just haven't been hanging out on the computer very much. Since Sydney's been on "vacation" from preschool, we've been busy with activities that have kept us on the go. We've been lucky to see our friends The Brook's a couple of times in the last week - we always have so much fun with them. Other than that, we haven't really been doing much out of the ordinary - mornings usually go by quickly getting everyone ready and we make it to the gym almost every day around 9am. We all love going to the gym - Sydney has made good buddies, Isaac loves crawling around playing with the variety of toys and I just love my group exercise classes. I don't think I've mentioned much about my knee injuries but since January, I've been plagued by horrible knee pain that keeps reoccurring. In May, I learned I had a slightly torn meniscus and have been having to take it easy. Just when my left knee was feeling better, I injured my right one. For the past few weeks, my knee pain has been virtually non-existent and life has been good. I'm happy being able to release my stresses in a kickboxing, weight lifting or zumba class!!!

The past few days I've been feeling so sad due to the passing of Tim Russert. I was an occasional Meet The Press viewer and more often caught him on The Today Show. It was always obvious to me what a kind man he was and how in a world of such negative politics - he never came across as malicious to anyone he interviewed. He truly just wanted to make our country better and get to the root of any issues on the table. It has kind of taken me by surprised how emotional his death has made me. I've never really had someone taken from MY life so unexpectedly and watching the people who were close to Tim go through both celebrating his life and mourning his passing has been both humbling and inspiring. In particular, the interview with his son Luke was just so moving - what an incredible young man and what an incredible father Tim Russert was. One thing I've taken from this is that we just don't know what is going to happen to our loved ones so telling people how we feel about them is just so important! So those thoughts have been on the forefront of my mind lately. . . .

Speaking of. . . .a belated Happy Father's Day to my wonderful Dad. I feel so lucky to have had him as MY dad - he has always been there for me - to guide me, advise me and love me - no matter what. I love you daddy!

Also, we're very much looking forward to our trip home - two weeks from tomorrow! This will be our last trip home before the big move!!

More regular updates to come. . . .

Never a Dull Moment

I feel like for the last couple of weeks we've just been going and going and going! Last Sunday we travelled to Orlando to use our Disney season passes before they blacked out for the summer. We stayed near the parks and did Magic Kingdom Sunday & Tuesday and Hollywood Studios Monday. This trip, Sydney met princesses for the first time! She met Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Belle! They really do it right at Disney and make it all about the kids - and they don't just rush everyone through - they gave Sydney so much attention, asked her questions and really just made her feel like a princess herself. It was awesome! At Hollywood Studios, she met Leo (Little Einsteins)

and Handy Manny - then the rest of the day was pretty much filled with Lyndon and I taking turns on the Rock n' Roller Coaster. It is our *favorite* ride and lasts all of approx. 1 min. 30 sec. while you are rockin out to Aerosmith. I think we each rode it four times that day...occasionally mommy and daddy need a little fun too!







Wednesday was Sydney's last day of preschool for the summer - she's going to miss her friends but I think we'll be getting together with a few of them over the summer.

Other recent events included a beach trip with The Ferguson's on Friday and a boat trip with The Ferguson's yesterday. We were out on the water fairly early yesterday as it was the Poker Run. The Poker Run is a race of high speed boats that starts at Jacksonville Landing and has 7 stops around the area where each boat picks up a card. The boat with the best hand at the end of the race, wins. We caught up with the boats while they were docked for lunch and then they all passed us as we made our way back up the St. John's.

Once we got back to Doctor's Lake, we all jumped in the water to cool off and we swam for a couple of hours - it was perfect! Obviously I am becoming OK with swimming in alligator infested waters! Nothing like a long day on the boat - it makes bedtime a piece of cake!