5/11/11 = 18 years!

Today is our anniversary! We have been married for 18 years. In many ways the time has flown by so quickly. However, when I look at these photos, I hardy recognize these two young children. Wow, we were young. We had no idea what love was really about but I'm glad we were willing to give it a try. I'm grateful for the last 18 years and my wonderful husband.

Volleyball, Volleyball and More Volleyball

Both big boys are doing Volleyball this Spring. This is Hal's third season and Ty's first. They are both doing really good. As a Mom I noticed something the other day. Seventh grade Volleyball makes me a nervous wreck(it did when Hal played too). The seventh grade team is still learning to play as a team and it's hard for them. It is almost painful to watch them struggle to learn this skill. But it amazes me how much they improve by Freshman year. The Freshman games are a lot more enjoyable for me to watch because they are not so abrupt. They really have figured out how to work together at that point. It's hard to believe they are the same boys as the year before sometimes. Tyler is an excellent server and Hal does a great job blocking on the front row.

Allie makes a quilt for her 4th grade teacher's new baby!

Allie has been busy for the last few weeks making a quilt for her 4th grade teacher, Mrs Robins. Mrs. Robins is having her first baby at the end of the school year. Allie made the quilt all by herself. The only thing I did was cut the fabric for her. We love Mrs. Robins. She is an amazing teacher! The Japanese always speak of owing "on" to those that have done a great deed for them that can never be repaid. That is how we feel about Mrs. Robins. We owe her great "on". She is one of those teachers that really makes a difference in your child's life and we feel blessed to have her be a part of our daily life.

And Another Funny Dan Story

Tonight Courtney and I had to dress like each other for a young women activity. She wore some of my things and I wore some of hers. Dan thought it was hilarious. While I was driving to the activity someone pulled out in front of me and I had to stop quickly. Dan pipes up from the back seat, "She even drives like Courtney." He is such a little stinker sometimes:)

Run to Remember

Hal and I raced in the Run to Remember http://www.cpdmemorial.org/run this morning, which was a fun 5K along Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. There were 2928 runners this year, and we did OK. Hal was #137 overall, and I was about a hundred people behind him, at #236. Hal also came in fourth place for his age group.

Sub sandwiches taste test

We just completed a taste test of submarine sandwiches from different restaurants. We ordered two types of subs from each restaurant = 1) turkey on white bread with cheese and lettuce, 2) turkey and ham on wheat bread with all available toppings.

Quizno's was the champion, as first choice for three in the family, second choice for two, and nobody picked it last.

1st = Quizno's
2nd = Potbelly
3rd = Subway (very close in the voting to Potbelly)
4th = Jimmy John's

Those who liked Quizno's liked it for the bread and texture. Subway comments were generally around the toppings, which they offered more than any of the others. Some liked this, and some didn't. Dan preferred Subway because it was not toasted.

Home again

Just got back from a marketing research study done in Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Philippines, and Malaysia. Definitely good to be home! Just in time for Easter, and am looking forward to seeing some of the family this weekend. Tyler and Hal are already at Grandpa Harry's. Courtney went to the church-sponsored modest prom in Milwaukee tonight. Here are some pictures of Courtney before heading to the dance.