Independence Day

Happy Independence Day!!! Unfortunately, in Virginia there are laws and limitations as to the fireworks that can be used. Furthermore, it's really hard to find fireworks in this state and I had to drive about 40 minutes to the NC border to get ourselves some sparklers and small fireworks to celebrate. Here is Madison starting off the light show.
Here is the family (check out Tia's growing belly) happily celebrating our day of Independence.

Behind Madison's head is Layla just brewin' and a stewin'. She's been kicking up a storm lately, and Tia even claims that she actually saw belly movement a la Aliens.

In order to accomodate the new member of our family, we bought a brand new car to bring her home. A 2010 Honda Accord which we absolutely love. I got a new car too! A 2002 Kia Spectra with working radio and door handles. Just 2 of the additional features that were not included in the Toyota Tercel. I would like to take this time to say good-bye to my car, which was donated to charity. She's in a better place now, and hopefully the charity will be able to benefit from her. She gave me 10 great years. Good Bye, WhiteHawk, you will be missed.

We made it to Virginia Beach

We have arrived here in Virginia after 3 long driving days. We are so thankful that our cars made it here without any problems and that we arrived safely. Thank you, God! The Horn family welcomed us into their home as this will now be our home too for the next month. Robert and I are a bit overwhelmed with so much going on: unpacking, looking for a home, finding and starting new jobs, finding new doctors, and very possibly buying a new car as Robert's really on its last legs.

On a fun note, it's great to be with family! Our nieces have changed so much in the 4 months we were in Texas. We're looking so forward to summer fun at the beach and pool and evenings of grilling and s'mores.

More fun news: This week, Layla Jane is the size of a mango.

Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas is very eclectic.

This man had to be over 60 and was playing a bunch of instruments in the heat and smiling and having a blast performing next to the strip of restaurants. Everyone was taking pictures with him so we thought we'd join and get into the spirit of Austin.
Flowers are in bloom and gorgeous!

The state capitol is behind us. We toured the large building and wish we had, once again, paid a little more attention in high school history when they taught the differences between the different legislative branches.... Hmmmm... maybe we just need to get internet on our cell phones and all questions will answered with a click of button ;-)

Take our poll and let us know if you think Baby Friedman is a boy or girl.

Answer will be posted on Wednesday after the doctor's appoinment.

Remember the Alamo!

We went to San Antonio for the weekend! This here is the Alamo. Unfortunately, we don't know our history too well, and for some ridiculous reason the audio tours were unavailable on a very busy Saturday, and there wasn't too much information posted on walls explaining what things were (like in a museum). All this to say that we walked around the Alamo for a good 45 minutes wondering what the heck the Alamo was. I finally got the skinny and then enjoyed myself a little more... Tia... well, let's just say the baby could care less what the Alamo was after 45 minutes. Quick History: Davy Crocket and other Americans and Texans were defending the Alamo against overwhelming numbers for 18 days before finally being taken over. They were defending Texas and its independence against Mexico. Although, most died, their courage and passion continue to be a integral part of the great American spirit. So, we struck back at Mexico and Santa Anna years later yelling "Remember the Alamo" as we defeated Mexico and took our soon-to-be-state.

Here is Tia hanging out where Davy Crocket used to hang. By the way, Davy Crocket was the one who said the famous words "You may all go to hell, I'm going to Texas".

We then took the boat tour around the San Antonio river named after St. Anthony the saint of lost items. The area is awesome. A bunch of restaurants decided to plant themselves on both sides of the river and then put tables on the river side. So, we got to sit (and I got to drink a little) and eat and enjoy the river and people watch. Very nice.

The Buckhorn Saloon was like the oldest saloon in TX (Buckhorn saloon may not have been the oldest saloon in TX). We really don't know too much about the history because we refused to shell out the ridiculous 18 bucks a head to check out this pretty cool albeit very cheesy museum. Either way, here I am next to ... um .... supermoosebuckelk? I don't know what that is.

For a museum which we didn't get into we sure got a lot of pictures for it. Here's the outside of the Buckhorn saloon. Here's Tia auditioning for the part of Buck"horn"...

Here's Tia looking like a million bucks and Robert looking like $47. Well, next to her, I'm happy to get up to 47 bucks. Anyway, we thought we'd enjoy going out and having a nice fancy dinner before the baby turns our world wonderfully upside down.

See what I mean? Right there by the river, people watching, eating, drinking(me: beer, Tia: sprite in a wine glass) and feeling great! We then walked around and enjoyed the nice San Antonio Riverwalk. We had a wonderful time.

We're EXPECTING!!!!!!

Baby Friedman is due November 4!!!

We are so excited to share with the world that we have a little one on the way! I am 12 weeks pregnant and feeling good. Compared to what I have read, I think I've been really lucky with minimal morning sickness, food aversions, food cravings, exhaustion and mood swings. Robert may have a different opinion ;) He's been an absolute sweetheart and 100% supportive as I change my mind a million times, tell him that yes I AM hungry but don't want anything thing he's offering thank you, cry at comedy shows, and keep stashes of Cheetos Twists in the house...we never buy chips... until now ;) It's been a whirl-wind of emotions and conversation and decision making have been in full-swing. After much chatting, praying, and area searching, we have decided to move back to Virginia Beach in June to "settle down" near my oldest brother and his family. There are still many things were trying to figure out but we're taking it step by step and trust me when I say that it IS and will be a memorable climb :)

P.S. We are hoping to find out if Baby Friedman will be a boy or a girl in June before we leave Texas. We'll let you know as soon as we find out! We can't wait!

Texas Tourism

Each weekend we try to see a little more of Houston. It's such a large city!

Here we went hiking and enjoyed the day at the park.
We went to a professional basketball game. Go Rockets! It was exciting.

We were impressed with the Houston zoo. It was a very large and clean.

Houston Rodeo

Love the new look?! Yeehaw!

The Houston Rodeo is one of the largest in the country.
It lasts for 2 weeks and is filled with Texan food, live concerts, a large carnival, livestock shows, and of course the rodeo shows. A whole another world for the us... but we looked the part so no one knew we were tourists. ;)

As we walked around there were cows everywhere!

It made me giggle that there were all these "prized" cows in a line with their derrières aimed at the pedestrian path... I quickly found the exit after this picture and decided I like the "cowgirl look" better than the actual cows.

Tia says, "Hunny, go stand next to that cow so I can get your picture and give me a cool cowboy look." Just as I clicked the picture the cow moved towards Robert and sneezed on him. Yuck!

I asked him to pose again since he was looking sideways. He's such a good sport! Even though I did get a good second picture, I thought this one portrayed our animal interactions and reactions a little better. Try as we may, as you can see, we so not real Texans!