Aquarium trip

So, these pictures are pretty much all backwards because I didn't feel like thinking out the order and blogger sucks with moving pictures. Anyways, on Wednesday we went to the aquarium in Newport and had a lot of fun. Alexa did great and actually really enjoyed it! Here she is touching anemones (don't mind how weird her hand looks, apparently this was a very hard shot to catch because she'd only reach in for half a second) Looking at fish...

They had a bunch of art exhibits made out of plastics that they got off of beaches.

And tubes that you could walk through where the fish/sharks swam all around you.

We had a lot of fun, and were impressed with Alexa for lasting the whole time and actually looking at the fish. Now we'll have to try the zoo sometime!

When the Heart Cries

When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall is the first of a series that leaves you wanting to finish all of it! Hannah Lapp knows who she loves, but she also knows that her father will be hard to convince that the match is good because the man does not belong to the Old Order Amish. Then something happens to Hannah that makes her question everything- her belief, her family, and whether or not she deserves to be loved. Her family is almost torn apart from jealousies, blame, grudges and shame, and everything is falling down around Hannah. Whether or not she will be able to fix things is not even concluded in this book, which is why you will want to read the rest of the series. This book is very interesting as you learn things about the Amish and Mennonite communities and what happens when unthinkable things happen in them. You come to really know and like (or dislike) the characters in the books, and while some of them are rather one dimensional, the main characters are definitely round. Really, try reading these books. Even if you think they sound lame and boring because they are about Amish, because that is what I thought at first. It is one of those things though, people are people, no matter the religion.

*I received this book for free from the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

This is the little devil getting into areas we've blocked off specifically so that she can't get into them. Clearly she's quite proud of herself.
Alexa hasn't really been introduced to TV. I mean, she's seen us watch it sometimes, but we've never turned it on for her before. Then I decided to see if she'd like Sesame Street. Look for yourselves.

This attention certainly doesn't last the whole show, in fact it only lasts a few minutes at a time, but it's kind of nice. And I don't feel too bad since this is really the first time I've introduced TV to her and it's at least semi educational.

And sorry for the delay, but we haven't picked a winner for the book yet. We've been pretty busy this week. Hopefully we'll do it this weekend!

A Giveaway?

The Blogging for Books people sent me an extra copy of Judgement Day, and when I emailed them about it, they told me that I could keep it and use it for a giveaway or something. So, since I don't really need 2 copies of the same book, I was wondering if anyone wanted it? It really is pretty good, and really, you can't beat the price! So, leave a comment if you'd like it, and on Saturday we'll pick a winner out of a hat and mail it to you!

(Wow, this makes me feel like I'm trying to be some sort of official blog!)

Babies are gross...

She looks so sweet and innocent doesn't she?
Yesterday morning when I went in to get her out of bed, I noticed that her hands and face were dirty. Upon closer inspection, I realized that she had reached into her diaper and pulled out poop to play with. It was on the sheets, her pillow pet, all over herself, and consequently all over me when I picked her up. Needless to say, it was bath time. Never again will she wear a nightgown to bed.

On a less disgusting note, here's a 4 generation picture! As Mike mentioned, Alexa and I went to Illinois for a few days because my grandfather died. Although it was for a very sad reason, it was nice to see all the family and introduce Alexa to all her great-aunts and uncles and second cousins, not to mention her great-grandmother.

And I've mentioned before how hard it is to get a good picture of the terror, so pretend she's smiling!

Ode to my wifey

Alicia has been gone to Illinois for months now. Actually I just looked at the calendar and its only been two days. But I could've sworn it has been months...
Since she has been gone, my days have been extra long and meaningless. Earlier today, my first real day without her, I have vivid memories of sitting on the couch bored, thinking of things to do, and coming up with nothing. So I would continue to go through idea after idea until I came to one I decided I would try. Then I would notice the clock. A MINUTE had gone by. That was it. A MINUTE. And I would have bet the farm that I had been trying to figure out what to do for at least ten.
So what happened next? I went to do what I decided to do. Five minutes later I was back on the couch going through more possible options.
Here is what this experience has taught me: there was no life before Alicia. At least not one that I have any recollection of. Seriously though, I had to have entertained myself somehow before her, but for the life of me I just can't figure out how. Now, I love video games. But even they don't have savor, unless she is playing with me or doing something else in the room watching, anymore. Watching movies is the same. I believe it is safe to say that she is my addiction of sorts.
Well, I decided to write this post out of boredom (surprise, its the flavor of the years she has been gone) and desperation for something to do.
Also, I guess I want to let her know how much a part of me she is. Life just isn't life without you hun. You make EVERYTHING much more fun, and without you experiences just feel drab. Silly things become memorable experiences when you are here, and I miss you terribly. If anyone has seen my wife, please send her home. (I miss you too Alexa...but this isn't ode to alexa. But please come home too)

P.S. Craig...don't be jealous. We can do yours next. :) and Kim....are you really surprised? :)